Self guided audio tour in Arnhem

Besides our audio guides, there are many other ways to discover Arnhem. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:

• Burgers' Zoo - One of the Netherlands' largest and most innovative zoos, featuring eco-displays and immersive habitats. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
• The Netherlands Open Air Museum - Step back in time at this fascinating outdoor museum showcasing Dutch life through the centuries with authentic buildings, crafts, and demonstrations.
• Kröller-Müller Museum - Located in nearby De Hoge Veluwe National Park, this museum houses the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world, plus an impressive sculpture garden.
• Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein' - Learn about Operation Market Garden and Arnhem's significant WWII history through interactive exhibits and personal stories.
• Park Sonsbeek - Escape the urban environment in this beautiful park featuring waterfalls, historic water mills, and art installations. Great for picnics or a refreshing walk between sightseeing.
• Shopping in the Fashion District - Explore Arnhem's reputation as a fashion hub by visiting the boutiques and designer shops in the 7straatjes (seven streets) area.
• Rhine River Cruise - See Arnhem from a different perspective with a relaxing boat trip along the Rhine River, offering views of the famous John Frost Bridge and city skyline.
• Modekwartier (Fashion Quarter) - Browse through unique boutiques and studios in this creative district where many of Arnhem's designers showcase their work.
• Arnhem Wine Festival - If visiting in September, don't miss this annual celebration featuring local and international wines, food pairings, and entertainment.

Best Time to Visit
Spring and summer (April through September) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Arnhem's outdoor attractions and parks. The city is particularly beautiful in late April when flowers bloom in Park Sonsbeek. Winter visitors can enjoy the cozy atmosphere of Arnhem's cafés and the Christmas markets in December.

Getting There
Arnhem is well-connected by train, with direct connections from Amsterdam (1 hour), Utrecht (30 minutes), and Nijmegen (15 minutes). The city center is compact and walkable, but you can also use local buses or rent a bicycle from the central station. If driving, park at one of the P+R facilities on the outskirts and take public transport into the center.

Opening Hours and Holidays
Most shops in Arnhem open around 9:30 AM and close at 6 PM on weekdays, with late shopping on Thursdays until 9 PM. Museums typically operate from 10 AM to 5 PM. Note that many attractions have reduced hours on Mondays, and some smaller shops close on Sundays. National holidays like King's Day (April 27) and Liberation Day (May 5) feature special events throughout the city.

Comfort on the Go
Wear comfortable walking shoes as Arnhem has some hilly areas, especially around the Rhine bridges and Park Sonsbeek. The weather can change quickly, so bring a light raincoat even on sunny days. Public drinking fountains are available in the main squares, and most cafés will refill water bottles for free.

Local Customs and Etiquette
The Dutch appreciate directness, so don't be surprised by straightforward service. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% for good service is sufficient. When visiting cafés, it's common to order a drink before occupying a table for an extended period. Cycling is a way of life here, so be mindful of bike lanes when walking around the city.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Arnhem?
You should plan at least one full day to properly experience Arnhem. While our self-guided tours can be completed in 2-3 hours if walked continuously, the real joy comes from taking your time. Stop for coffee at one of the charming cafés in the Modekwartier, explore the boutiques, or enjoy lunch overlooking the Rhine—the audio guide waits for you.

What makes Arnhem different from other Dutch cities?
Arnhem stands out for its dramatic landscape and wartime history. Unlike the flat terrain of most Dutch cities, Arnhem features hills and valleys, earning it the nickname "Arnhem Heuvelstad" (Arnhem Hill City). The city also has a unique creative energy, hosting the prestigious ArtEZ University of the Arts and becoming a national center for fashion design and sustainable innovation.

Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Arnhem?
An audio guide gives you complete freedom to explore Arnhem at your own pace. You can pause whenever you want—perhaps to watch street performers in Korenmarkt or enjoy the panoramic views from the John Frost Bridge. Additionally, our audio guides are available in English, ensuring you don't miss any fascinating stories about Arnhem's transformation from a war-torn city to a creative hub.

Do I need internet while walking?
No, once you've downloaded the Arnhem walking tours, everything works offline. The app uses GPS to track your location on the map without requiring data. This is particularly useful in Arnhem's park areas like Sonsbeek, where network coverage might be spotty.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but the tour is primarily written for adults. Children from about 12 years old will appreciate the stories about Arnhem's wartime history, architectural highlights, and cultural significance. Younger children might enjoy the sections about the Rhine bridges and the city's parks, though parents may need to provide additional context.

Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Absolutely! Our Arnhem sightseeing tours are perfect for small groups. While each person can use their own smartphone, we offer attractive group discounts when purchasing multiple licenses. Check the product page for current offers and family packages.

What else is there to do in Arnhem?
Beyond our audio guide, Arnhem offers excellent museums like the Airborne Museum and the Museum Arnhem with its stunning views over the Rhine. The city is also a gateway to De Hoge Veluwe National Park, where you can enjoy free white bicycles to explore the natural landscape and visit the Kröller-Müller Museum.

Is there a free tour in Arnhem?
There are no free tours of comparable quality in Arnhem. While some operators advertise "free" walking tours, these typically expect substantial tips (€10-15 per person). Our self-guided tours offer better value with professional narration, carefully researched content, and the freedom to explore the best areas in Arnhem at your convenience—all for a transparent, one-time fee.

Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Arnhem audio guides are created by historians and locals who understand both the city's wartime significance and its modern creative spirit. We believe that understanding a place means hearing its stories while experiencing its atmosphere firsthand.

How accessible is the Arnhem walking tour for people with mobility issues?
Arnhem presents some challenges for visitors with mobility issues due to its hilly terrain and cobblestone streets in the historic center. However, our self-guided tours Arnhem offers allow you to customize your route, skip sections with stairs, and take public transport between certain points. The main shopping areas and the newer parts of the city center are generally more accessible.

When is the best time to see Arnhem in one day?
To see Arnhem in one day most efficiently, start early (around 9 AM) in the city center, then move to the Bridge of John Frost area before the midday crowds. Afternoons are perfect for exploring Park Sonsbeek or the Fashion Quarter. If visiting on a Wednesday or Friday, you'll catch the local market in the main square, adding authentic Dutch atmosphere to your experience.

What should I know about Arnhem's WWII history before visiting?
Before exploring Arnhem, it's helpful to understand the basics of Operation Market Garden (September 1944), when Allied forces attempted to secure key bridges, including Arnhem's Rhine bridge. The operation's failure led to significant destruction of the city. This context enhances your appreciation of the John Frost Bridge, the Airborne Museum, and the remarkable rebuilding efforts visible throughout the city today.

"De stadswandeling door Arnhem onthulde een kant van de stad die ik anders volledig gemist zou hebben. De verhalen over de Brug der Bovensteeg gaven me kippenvel, terwijl de navigatie het vinden van verborgen parels in Arnhem moeiteloos maakte." — Richard, Nederland

"J'ai fait des visites guidées auparavant, mais explorer Arnhem sans guide m'a donné la liberté de passer plus de temps dans le quartier de la mode et d'apprendre toute l'histoire. La qualité de l'audio et des récits étaient exceptionnelles !" — Camilla, Frankrijk

"Als jemand, der Architektur liebt, war die selbstgeführte Tour durch Arnhem perfekt. Ich konnte Gebäude in meinem eigenen Tempo fotografieren, während ich mehr über ihre Bedeutung lernte. Die App funktionierte einwandfrei offline, was ein großer Vorteil war." — Julian, Duitsland