Hilversum: sights and travel tips

Things to see and do in Hilversum

Hilversum is a hidden gem that offers the best of both worlds: cultural attractions and breathtaking nature. Whether you’re exploring the rich media history, shopping in stylish boutiques, or hiking through the stunning heathlands, Hilversum provides a refreshing alternative to the typical Dutch tourist destinations.

Top 10 things to do and see in Hilversum

1. Media Park & Beeld en Geluid Museum – The beating heart of Dutch broadcasting, where you can explore interactive exhibitions about television, radio, and digital media. My girlfriend is actually one of the architects that worked on this building! Very proud! Read more about it on Beeldengeluid.nl.
2. Raadhuis Hilversum (City Hall) – A masterpiece by world-famous architect Willem Dudok, this iconic building is a must-visit for architecture lovers.
3. Goois Natuurreservaat – Enjoy the vast forests, heathlands, and sand dunes surrounding Hilversum, perfect for hiking, cycling, and relaxing.
4. Theater Gooiland – A stunning example of modernist architecture that hosts concerts, theater performances, and cultural events.
5. Museum Hilversum – Located in a historic building, this museum showcases contemporary photography and visual art.
6. Loosdrechtse Plassen – Just outside the city, these lakes offer fantastic opportunities for sailing, canoeing, and watersports.
7. Shopping in the City Center – Hilversum has a stylish shopping district with high-end boutiques, international brands, and cozy cafés.
8. Pinetum Blijdenstein – A unique botanical garden specializing in conifers, exotic plants, and rare tree species.
9. Laren & Singer Museum – The nearby village of Laren is home to the Singer Museum, featuring works by Dutch impressionists.
10. Buitenplaats De Hoorneboeg – A hidden gem offering retreats, workshops, and a fantastic organic café in the middle of nature.

Where to stay for the night in Hilversum

Hilversum is city filled with media and entertainment companies in The Netherlands. Depending on your visit we can recommend the following places. If you want to visit the mediapark on a business trip we can recommend Amrâth Hotel Media Park Hilversum or Gooiland Hotel as both are located close to the buzzing center but also most of the media companies. If you are looking for a bit more of tranquility and maybe enjoy the outdoors a bit you could also consider staying at Boutique hotel Villa Trompenberg or Amrâth Hotel Lapershoek Arenapark. A hidden gem just outside Hilversum is Boetiekhotel De Kastanjehof as it’s located in the Lage Vuurse nature reserve.

Food and local specialties

Hilversum’s culinary scene is diverse, with trendy restaurants, local bakeries, and international cuisine. Some must-try foods include:

• Gooische Koek – A local sweet treat that originates from the Gooi region, perfect with a cup of Dutch coffee.
• Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoekenhuis De Vuursche Boer) – A short drive from Hilversum, this pancake house is legendary for its massive sweet and savory pancakes.
• Artisanal cheese – Visit local delis for premium Dutch cheeses, including aged Gouda and Leerdammer.
• Michelin-star dining – For a luxurious experience, try restaurants like ‘T Amsterdammertje, located just outside Hilversum.

Events and festivals in Hilversum

• Hilversum Alive (June) – A lively music and cultural festival with performances throughout the city.
• Dutch Media Week (October) – Celebrating the latest innovations in media, broadcasting, and technology.
• Food Festival Trek (Summer) – A traveling food truck festival with great bites, drinks, and live music.
• Goois Jazz Festival (Spring) – A must-visit for jazz lovers, featuring local and international artists.
• Sinterklaas Arrival (November) – A family-friendly tradition with parades and festivities in the city center.

Living in Hilversum: A top choice for expats

Hilversum is a great place to live for expats due to its international schools, excellent public transport, and high quality of life. The best areas to buy or rent a home include:

• Trompenberg – A leafy and upscale area with beautiful villas.
• Boomberg – Close to the center, full of character with historical houses.
• Kerkelanden – A family-friendly neighborhood with modern homes and green spaces. This is the most budget neighbourhood in Hilversum.
• Mediapark Area – Ideal for those working in the broadcasting industry.

Thanks to its strategic location, many expats working in Amsterdam or Utrecht choose Hilversum for its relaxed lifestyle and proximity to nature.

A nip of history

Hilversum’s history dates back to the 14th century, but it truly flourished in the 20th century as the center of Dutch broadcasting. The city became home to major radio and television studios, which shaped its identity as the “Media Capital” of the Netherlands. Architect Willem Dudok also left a significant mark on the city, designing many of its modernist buildings.

How to get to Hilversum from other cities

• From Amsterdam – Take an intercity train (20 minutes).
• From Utrecht – Trains run frequently and take just 15 minutes.
• From Rotterdam – The intercity train takes about an hour.
• From The Hague – Travel by train in around 50 minutes.
• By car – Hilversum is easily accessible via the A1 and A27 highways.

Things to do in the area

• Naarden Vesting – A beautifully preserved star-shaped fortress town just 10 minutes from Hilversum. If you are visiting in January be sure to visit Naarden The Art Fair, amazing art in the old church.
• Utrecht – One of the Netherlands’ most charming cities, full of canals, cafés, and history.
• Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen – A nature reserve perfect for spotting wildlife and hiking.
• Muiderslot Castle – A stunning medieval castle located near Muiden, only 15 minutes away.
• Baarn and Paleis Soestdijk – Visit this former royal palace and its grand gardens.

Travellers and expats asked us this about Hilversum