2026 Venlo Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

The Dutch Carnival Festival is here!!! This is Venlo, where I lived for 6 months! It is a small town in southern Netherlands, next to the German border. However, when the carnival starts, it is one of the big cities where Dutch people gather and enjoy the festival! I also showed off my otaku power this time. I had a great time with my friends with clothes I bought cheaply from a nearby second-hand store. In the Netherlands, this carnival is a huge festival. They say that families prepare these costumes before the carnival starts. They wear matching concepts with their families or friends! In 2019, when I was there, it was from March 1st to March 5th. Please search and visit!! #Netherlands travel #Venlo travel #venlo #overseas travel destination recommendation #Netherlands

#springtravel Venlo is the kind of city you escape to for atmosphere, great coffee, and beautiful shop windows. A bit of history: Venlo is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, located in the southeast of the country. It developed as a торговый hub along the river Meuse and already in the Middle Ages played an important role thanks to its strategic position near the German border. Even today, you can feel this unique “border” character — a blend of cultures, languages, and habits. It’s no surprise that many people from Germany come here on Sundays — unlike in Germany, the shops in Venlo are open. The city truly comes alive: cozy streets fill with people, shop windows draw you in, and the atmosphere feels almost festive. Another highlight is the local cafés. We always come here for breakfast at our favorite spot, where you can choose from breakfast options inspired by different countries — from classic European to more exotic choices. It’s the kind of place where breakfast turns into a little journey. Walking around Venlo is a pleasure in itself. The streets are full of lovely shops, and the shopping experience is genuinely enjoyable. The stores with home décor and tableware are especially impressive — a personal weakness of mine. The displays are styled so beautifully that you’ll want to step into every single one. You’ll also often hear street musicians, which adds even more charm to the city. You just stroll, listen to music, sip your coffee, and take your time. Venlo is a perfect destination for a relaxed weekend — no rush, just pure atmosphere ✨#Venlo #Nitheelands

#winterescape Venlo is known for its charming historic façades that reflect its rich trading past. Around the Market Square, elegant stepped gables and Renaissance-style buildings create a classic Dutch streetscape. The ornate Town Hall façade, with its arches, statues, and decorative details, is a highlight. Along smaller streets, colorful brick houses with tall windows and decorative cornices add character. Some buildings blend traditional elements with modern design, showing Venlo’s contemporary spirit. Whether restored medieval fronts or stylish new architecture, the city’s façades give every stroll a picturesque and welcoming atmosphere.

#winterescape Venlo features several notable statues that reflect its history and character. One of the most recognized is the statue of Jan van Cleef, recalling the city’s medieval past. Near the Maas River, modern sculptures add artistic flair to the riverside promenade. In the historic center, you’ll also find religious statues and memorials that honor local traditions and wartime history. Public artworks are scattered through squares and shopping streets, blending contemporary creativity with heritage. These statues and monuments give visitors insight into Venlo’s cultural identity while adding charm and interest to a walk through the city.

#winterescape At night, Venlo feels cozy and lively without being overwhelming. The historic Market Square glows under soft lights, with the illuminated Town Hall creating a romantic backdrop. Cafés and bars fill with locals and visitors enjoying drinks, Limburg beer, and late dinners. You can stroll along the Maas River promenade, where reflections shimmer on the water, or explore small streets with relaxed terraces. For entertainment, there are cinemas, occasional live music, and seasonal festivals. Venlo’s nightlife is friendly and intimate, making it perfect for a relaxed evening out rather than a big, bustling party scene.

I like to try visit other parts of Holland whenever the opportunity arises.

This time in the Netherlands, I went to Venlo, which is on the border of the Netherlands and Germany, next to Dusseldorf. It is an old port city of the Netherlands. There are churches and houses that are cute in the Dutch style and good beer. When I went, it was raining so the weather was a bit cool. This city is very easy to walk around. The weather is nice and you don't feel any PM dust. It is a big city because there are a lot of industries around the outside. There are supermarkets and department stores where you can buy things. The prices are cheaper than in Amsterdam. #Netherland

Where do Germans like to go shopping? Phantasialand is just a stone's throw away from the German-Dutch border and is a popular shopping destination for Germans living in the border area. Many products can't be found in other countries or even in other regions of the Netherlands. Shops in Germany are closed on Sundays, but shops in Phantasialand are open on Sundays, and the Dutch are more inclined to do business. Shops worth visiting: ✅Dutch and international fashion chain stores like The Sting are sure to have the clothes you want. ✅The most popular supermarket is 2 Brüder (literally translated as "two brothers"). Here you can find everything foodies want: bread, cookies, drinks, tea, fish, cheese, candy, and beverages. ✅City Pharmacy, this pharmacy is much larger than the one in Germany. The Netherlands has strong trade and production capabilities, and the cosmetics and skincare products here are relatively complete. ✅Matjes stall. Matjes (pickled herring) is a special snack in the Netherlands, with tender and delicious fish meat.