5 tips for when you are in Nijmegen

In this piece, I claim that Nijmegen is the new Maastricht. That makes my life suddenly more difficult, because Simone never wants to talk to me again from now on (read here but just for a moment why). I also mean: as a way of speaking. Yes, the big covering up has begun, but take advantage of it, I would say. Just in case you've seen Maastricht that weekend and want something different for a change, because that could just be possible.

Why Nijmegen? The buildings are at least as stately. The Waal winds through the city. The prices are very reasonable. It's bursting with pubs, restaurants, and lunchrooms. And you can shop there nicely. Gather your friends and go.

1. You have lunch at Fika in Nijmegen. There you eat the tastiest smørrebrød. You choose from one, two, or three slices of bread with your desired toppings. You can also spread your chances, because you can choose a different topping for each slice. This was heaven on earth for me, the indecisive one, you understand.

2. Stroll around at Make My Day, the concept store where you can also get your hair done. In one corner, you shop for a matching beret, in the other, another vintage find, and if you do go with your loved one, they have something nice for him on the rack too. By the way, you can find many more nice shops around the Stikke Hezelstraat.

3. Take a walk along the Waal and step inside the former Honig factory for beer and bitterballen. Or wine and crudités, whatever you want. Combine that with art, and you can also stick around for dinner at De Meesterproef.

4. I went out to dinner at Bistro Flores. Really the most fun restaurant in Nijmegen. At least, I think so, because there are surely more. The service was charmingly friendly, the bavette was just right, and the wine was delightful.

5. You enjoy a hearty anti-hangover breakfast at De Blonde Pater. Go on time, because it gets busy here for brunch. The coffee is excellent (and I don't say that lightly) and the croque madame is a recommendation.

And secretly, here's a point 6, because also step inside this most delightful interior shop. It made me a bit breathless.