Sightseeing in Tilburg - what to see. Complete travel guide
The city is located in the south, near the North Brabant province. The first mention of Tilburg refers to 709. At that time this was a small agricultural settlement, the development of which started after the building of defensive towers in the 15th century. The city was protected by a strong stone wall, so here started appearing first large-scale buildings and structures. In 1809 Tilburg got the status of a town. A hundred years later the first factory, which produced high-end yarn, was opened on its territory. In the end of the 19th century more than a hundred of such plants were operating in the city. Steadily Tilburg became famous as "wool province".
Today this city is a major scientific and educational area. The International University of Tilburg is widely known outside the country. Here study not only locals, but also students from various countries. Due to large number of young people numerous nightclubs, restaurants and pubs have quickly appeared in Tilburg. Here are opened several large sports complexes, tennis courts and fields for playing golf. The majority of the territory of the city is allowed for pedestrians and cyclists only. The cozy streets and spacious parks of this place are ideal for walks.
A wonderful amusement park Efteling operates in the city. Since its opening in 1952, it is considered a real historical landmark. Today, the amusement park is one of the most popular and visited in Europe. It gets more than four million visitors each year. The vast area of 650000 sq. m. is divided into several thematic zones. You'll find unique rides with the famous characters of old European fairy tales. There are extreme rides, as well. During the warm season, they hold recreational activities for visitors.
Tilburg can boast a beautiful zoo whose main visitors are tourists and locals with children. The zoo was founded in 1932. The history of its appearance is linked to the name of the famous Dutch scientist Johan Burgers. He presented his daughter and her spouse with a wedding gift. However, the new owners did not enjoy it for long. In 1946, they sold the zoo the Van Dyke family, that significantly expanded its territory and brought new animals. Nowadays, visitors can see dozens of species of animals from different parts of the world.
Among the historical buildings preserved in the city, the ancient Hasselt Chapel particularly stands out. It is quite small, made of red brick, and has beautiful design inside. Its main value is an elegant statue of the Virgin Mary. The chapel borders with a picturesque park. Every year in May, a traditional market opens nearby.
Heikese Kerk is an architectural monument of more impressive size. It managed to preserve its original appearance. The high tower of the church provides excellent guidance for tourists. Exquisite rosettes windows, sculptures depicting saints, and antique furniture are of great historical value. Not so long ago, the church was completely refurbished. Workers managed to restore many of its original design elements.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Tilburg and surroundings
Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Tilburg
♥ Castle 'Nemerlaer Castle' , 9.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Breda Castle' , 24 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Heeswijk Castle' , 25.3 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Slot Loevestein' , 30.3 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Croy Castle' , 35.6 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all parks
National and city parks around Tilburg
♥ National Park 'De Loonse en Drunense Duinen' , 11.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'De Biesbosch' , 33.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Grenspark de Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide' , 51.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'De Groote Peel' , 53.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Utrechtse Heuvelrug' , 57.6 km from the center. On the map
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Sights around Tilburg from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Antwerp Cathedral
From the series “Gothic Architecture – Magnificent Monuments”
Check on the map: Distance from Tilburg center - 62.3 km.
The people of Antwerp have considered the Virgin Mary their patroness for hundreds of years. Her ancient statue was kept in a small old chapel earlier. It is one of the main relics of the cathedral today. The cathedral was looted and destroyed during numerous wars. But this statue always managed to survive completely. Locals believe that nothing threatens their city as long as the statue remains in its place. Antwerp Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. It can accommodate up to 25,000 people at a time. …
Read further Distance from Tilburg center - 62.3 km.
Antwerp City Hall
From the series “Famous Buildings of Renaissance Architecture”
Check on the map: Distance from Tilburg center - 61.8 km.
One of the main building decoration is the central sculpture of the Holy Mother. Near has placed other interesting compositions based on Bible history. The last huge reconstruction of the city hall was at the end of the 19th century. Practically all original elements were saved. The inner decoration of the hall was also saved. Today the main decoration of halls is the frescos. The walls and ceilings are covered with illustrations of the main historical events. Some halls have portraits of outstanding Belgium kings. The best Belgium artists of the Renaissance worked on them. …
Read further Distance from Tilburg center - 61.8 km.
Central Station Antwerp
From the series “Top 14 Most Astonishing Railway Stations in the World”
Check on the map: Distance from Tilburg center - 60.8 km.
Unfortunately, in the middle of the 20th century, the building was too close to be ruined. The reconstruction, that was made at the right time, saved the valuable architecture monument. The old station attracts a lot of people. Some visit it for moving to another place, another come here like in a museum. The huge shopping mall has also placed in the station. More than that, you can find over 30 jewellery saloons, several restaurants, and cafes. Waiting won't be boring at this railway station. It is a good place to visit for every tourist. This station is included in every tour around the city. …
Read further Distance from Tilburg center - 60.8 km.
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Preferred to Open 9 New Hotels in 2022
In September 2022, the Sommerro hotel in Oslo will start operating in a carefully restored 1930s Art Deco building. This building is a true landmark of Frogner, a historic neighborhood of the Norwegian capital. A multi-million-dollar renovation carefully turned the largest preservation project in Norway into a modern hotel with 231 rooms, including 56 residences. Preferred will open five more hotels in 2022, namely, The Wall Street Hotel in New York, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences on Singer Island (Florida, the US), TOA Hotel & Spa in Zanzibar, Pendry hotel in Washington, and Pendry Park City hotel in Utah.
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In September 2022, the Sommerro hotel in Oslo will start operating in a carefully restored 1930s Art Deco building. This building is a true landmark of Frogner, a historic neighborhood of the Norwegian capital. A multi-million-dollar renovation carefully turned the largest preservation project in Norway into a modern hotel with 231 rooms, including 56 residences. Preferred will open five more hotels in 2022, namely, The Wall Street Hotel in New York, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences on Singer Island (Florida, the US), TOA Hotel & Spa in Zanzibar, Pendry hotel in Washington, and Pendry Park City hotel in Utah.
Read this
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Search touristic sites on the map of Tilburg
All about Tilburg, Netherlands - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Tilburg, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Tilburg in few days.
