Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, offers a surprising variety of tours that showcase its history, lively streets, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re interested in relaxing cruises on the Waal River or exploring hidden corners on a self-guided scavenger hunt, Nijmegen has something memorable for every type of traveler. We love the river cruise with all-you-can-eat Dutch pancakes, which combines a gentle boat ride with a tasty Dutch breakfast — a perfect way to enjoy the city from the water while indulging in local flavors.
If you prefer a more active experience, the private e-chopper tour offers a fun, eco-friendly way to see both the city and nearby nature. For those who enjoy interactive adventures, the e-scavenger hunt and the escape game provide engaging ways to uncover local stories and landmarks. Finally, walking tours like the private guided experience give a personalized look at Nijmegen’s historical sites, perfect for history buffs.
1. Nijmegen: River Cruise with All-You-Can-Eat Dutch Pancakes
Sailing along the Waal River, this river cruise with all-you-can-eat Dutch pancakes offers a delightful blend of scenery and comfort. For about $30 per person, the 75-minute cruise provides stunning views of Nijmegen’s skyline and the surrounding riverbanks. The highlight is the unlimited pancake buffet, featuring a variety of sweet and salty Dutch pancakes topped with fresh ingredients. Kids are kept entertained with an onboard playroom, making this activity ideal for families.
What makes this tour special is its relaxed atmosphere and the chance to see Nijmegen from a different perspective. The cruise is praised for helpful staff and delicious pancakes, with one reviewer calling the pancakes “mind blowing.” It’s excellent for a laid-back morning or afternoon, especially if you want to combine sightseeing with a hearty snack. The only downside is that availability varies, so check the schedule in advance to secure a spot.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, family-friendly cruise offering scenic views and a tasty Dutch breakfast—worth booking early for a fun, low-stress outing.
2. 2 hour Private E-Chopper Tour in Nijmegen
For those who want to cover more ground than a walking tour but still enjoy an intimate experience, the private e-chopper tour is a top choice. At just under $47 per person, this two-hour adventure is perfect for exploring both Nijmegen’s city center and the lush outskirts, such as the Ooijpolder nature reserve. The e-choppers are easy to operate, quiet, and suitable even for beginners.
The tour begins near the city center, with a quick ride to the Ooijpolder, where you’ll see animals like horses, buffalos, and various birds. The route then swings through Nijmegen’s historic core, giving you a chance to see the town from a different vantage point. Reviewers highlight the flexibility of this self-guided trip and the fact that it’s suitable for first-timers. Whether you’re into nature, history, or just want a fun, fast way to get around, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: A flexible, eco-friendly way to see Nijmegen’s highlights and countryside, ideal for independent travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure.
3. e-Scavenger hunt Nijmegen: Explore the city at your own pace
If you’re after a fun, interactive way to discover Nijmegen, the self-guided e-scavenger hunt is perfect. For around $37 per group, you and your friends or family can spend about three hours solving riddles, completing challenges, and exploring at your own pace. The app is compatible with Android and iPhone and offers routes in multiple languages.
What sets this tour apart is its ability to make sightseeing feel like a game. You’ll visit top sights like the Valkhof Museum and historic buildings while solving puzzles that reveal stories most travelers miss. The flexible timing means you can pause to take photos or enjoy a coffee break whenever you wish. It’s particularly suited for groups who like a bit of friendly competition and want to avoid overly structured tours.
Bottom Line: An engaging, customizable experience that turns sightseeing into a game for families, couples, or friend groups.
4. Discover Nijmegen with an Outside Escape city game tour!
This Outside Escape blends storytelling and puzzle-solving for a unique way to see Nijmegen. For around $30 per group, you’ll explore the city as part of an immersive story—imagine warning the city about a giant floodwave while uncovering hidden spots most locals don’t mention. The tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours and is designed as a walk-and-play experience.
The game takes you to key sites like the Snelbinder bicycle bridge and the Rijksmonument Besiendershuis, with each stop offering insight into Nijmegen’s past. Reviewers praise its originality and the fun of solving challenges while learning about the city’s history. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy problem-solving and storytelling, especially if you want a break from traditional walking tours.
Bottom Line: A playful way to explore and learn about Nijmegen’s history, especially suited for families and puzzle enthusiasts.
5. 2 hours self-driving Echopper tour in Nijmegen
For tech-savvy explorers, the self-driving e-chopper tour offers a unique way to see Nijmegen at your own pace. At just over $37 per person, the tour provides a motorized e-chopper with a handy app and a phone holder for easy navigation. The route is flexible, allowing you to explore the city or venture into nearby areas while enjoying a comfortable, eco-friendly ride.
The e-chopper is well maintained and designed for simplicity, making it a good choice for those who want independence without the hassle of a scooter license or complicated instructions. It’s an excellent pick for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want to see the sights with a bit of speed and flexibility.
Bottom Line: A versatile, self-guided transport option perfect for eager explorers wanting to see more in less time.
$37.82 per person
6. 2-Hours Private E-Step Tour in Nijmegen
If you want an easy, fun way to cover Nijmegen’s highlights, the private e-step tour is a fantastic choice. For around $40, you’ll ride a large-tired e-step scooter that’s simple to operate and designed for comfort. You can choose between routes like the Ooijpolder for nature lovers or along the Lentse Bridge past Fort Beneden Lent.
This tour emphasizes flexibility—stop whenever you want, take photos, or just enjoy the ride. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see a lot without the exertion of walking or biking. Reviewers mention how easy it is to ride and how fun the experience is, especially riding along Nijmegen’s scenic parks and markets.
Bottom Line: A convenient, relaxed way to see the city and its outskirts, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
7. Best of Nijmegen: Private Walking Tour with a Local
For a personalized, in-depth experience, the private walking tour allows you to explore the city’s neighborhoods with a local guide. Lasting from 2 to 6 hours, this tour is adaptable to your interests, whether that’s history, local culture, or hidden spots away from tourist crowds.
Your guide shares stories and tips, helping you experience Nijmegen like a resident. This is perfect for travelers who want a flexible, tailored experience, especially those interested in exploring both the medieval city center and surrounding areas. The tour’s personalized nature means no two tours are alike, making it a good fit for curious travelers eager to go beyond the usual sights.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those seeking a detailed, customized exploration with personal insights.
8. Nijmegen: Historic Highlights Tour
The Historic Highlights Tour offers a focused, two-hour walk through Nijmegen’s most significant sights. The tour’s emphasis is on the city’s past, highlighting landmarks like St. Stephen’s Church, the town hall, and the Valkhof park, which sits atop a former Roman fortress. Participants learn about the bombing of 1944 and its impact, adding depth to the sightseeing.
This guided walk is well-suited for history enthusiasts or visitors who want a concise, structured overview of Nijmegen’s story. The tour balances visits to key landmarks with storytelling, making it engaging without being overly long. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see both the Upper and Lower Towns.
Bottom Line: An ideal quick dive into Nijmegen’s history, perfect for travelers with limited time or those interested in the city’s storied past.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Nijmegen, think about your interests and how you like to explore. If you enjoy relaxing scenery and tasty food, the river cruise with Dutch pancakes is hard to beat. For active adventurers, the e-chopper or e-step tours offer fun ways to cover ground quickly. Those who prefer a personal touch may enjoy the private guided walk, while puzzle lovers will find the city escape game a clever, interactive option.
Consider your budget, fitness level, and time constraints. Book early for popular activities, especially the private tours and the river cruise, which may fill up fast. No matter your style, Nijmegen’s varied tour options promise a memorable experience.
Nijmegen’s tours run the gamut from serene water cruises to energetic e-chopper rides and storytelling walks. For a relaxed day with delicious pancakes, the river cruise tops the list. If you crave independence and adventure, the self-guided scavenger hunt or e-chopper tours fit the bill. History buffs and curious explorers will appreciate the private walking experiences and guided highlights tours. No matter what you choose, early booking is advisable to secure a spot—and ensure you don’t miss out on these engaging ways to see this historic Dutch city.