subject: Ten Reasons To Break Away In Breda [print this page] Fun shopping Fun shopping
Shopping is heaven in Breda. Right in the heart of the city you can go crazy in the many shops that streets like Ginnekenstraat (where there's also a huge covered shopping mall), Lange Brugstraat and Torenstraat have to offer. Just outside the car free city centre there are several more famous shopping streets. On Thursdays the shops are open til late. Nice combo with some dinner!
Market place(s)
There are several cool market places in Breda. The biggest one for sure is on the Grote Markt in the centre, on Tuesdays and Fridays. Every day offers another market somewhere in town. Fresh vegetables, fruit, bread and cheeses: it's all there. But also books, antiques and other cool stuff you'll want to browse through.
Hanging out in the park
Near the great castle of Breda there's still the old castle garden. Nowadays it's a park called Het Valkenburg. Lots of people come here to relax and especially in the summer there are lots of cool events. For example: every first Tuesday of the summer months there are concerts. Nice.
Lots of sports
If you like to work out or keep your condition going, Breda has a lot of various sports facilities. Do your thing at one of the many gyms, take a run through the park or visit one of the golf courses. Want to go for a swim? Then do so! Of course you can join sports teams if you wish. In the winter you can take on the Dutch on the ice rink.
Local pride for history
The locals love their town and its history immensely. For example there's the castle Bouvigne or the castle Breda and its gardens (now a park) and the church (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk), city hall and more modern landmarks: the stadium of local football pride NAC is a must see. Hollywood in Holland: the prison of Breda was in the news recently because a woman escaped through a tunnel. Don't worry, she's been caught since. Cool story though, huh?
Nightlife
Breda is known for its nightlife capabilities. Eat your heart out in one of th many diners, restaurants and pubs or, okay fine, snack bars. Around the Grote Markt in the centre is where people come together for drinks and fun. But also for a bite of food, and lots of fun is had on the terraces in the summers. Another area not to be missed is the Havermarkt, also good for fun, drinks, food and things.
Carnaval central
Lots of events take place in Breda, most in the centre and at other locations. But the thing you just cannot miss is Carnaval. Early in the year people dress up and part all day and all night. Like in many other countries this is the event of the year and definitely worth your time! Make sure you'll reserve the rest of the week to catch up on your sleep.
Other entertainment
Besides the many bars and restaurants, you can also enjoy yourself in the cinemans, theatres and galleries. Take a shot at the Casino, for what it's worth, and make sure to check out Chasse Theater. This modern building is an architectural highlight in the city.
Surrounded by nature
The area surrounding Breda is best described as pure nature. Lots of woods, water a lot of places to escape the city for some fresh air and some green.
Easily reached
Breda is easily accessible by train (two stations) and there's talk of making it a stop on the way to Paris. With excellent infrastructure many roads also lead to the city and lots of foreigners find their way from Belgium (the border is near by).
