A Weekend in Roermond

So, I have a backlog of things to blog about, but I have been thinking a lot about my American friends, and if they were to visit me, what would I want them to do and see here? What’s the best weekend in Roermond?

Lodging:

There are a number of cute B&Bs here, but I think the most interesting lodging is at Hotel Het Arresthuis. It’s a 19th century prison that has been converted into a designer hotel. It’s in a great location just off the old center of town, has beautiful rooms at a reasonable price, and is a unique experience.

Itinerary:

Saturday morning: Wander around the old town center, visiting all the markets in all the squares, casual shopping in the little boutiques. Make sure to visit Munsterkerk.

Saturday brunch/lunch: Koffiehuis de Kiosk. It’s in the heart of old town, has a beautiful quiet little garden, and the food is delicious. It would be lovely to have high tea there.

Saturday afternoon: Visit the Cuypershuis to learn more about Roermond’s famous son, Pierre Cuypers. They also generally have interesting exhibitions on art and design. It’s not a huge museum, and will only take an hour or two.

Walk out beautiful Kapellarlaan, admiring the stately homes, until you get to the Kapel in ‘t Zand, and explore Het Oude Kerkhof. It’s a beautiful, peaceful old cemetery, and boasts perhaps the most famous headstone in the Netherlands.

Saturday evening: Dinner at Bubbles and Bites for sparkling wine and small portions of delicious foods.

Followed by: Drinks at Theaterhotel de Oranjerie, on the lovely terrace overlooking Kloosterwandplein. If you want to stay out late, visit the local gay bar or goth-ish bar.

Sunday morning: Visit St. Christopher’s Cathedral and climb the tower if you can. Then cross over to the Designer Outlet Roermond for more wandering and window shopping. It’s a little shopping village, a bit sterile and touristy, but cute, and Roermond’s biggest attraction. Unfortunately, too many people visit the designer outlet and never make it into the city.

Sunday afternoon: Hit the water. In summer months, there are a number of daytime river tours, and many of them include lunch, and they depart from the havens near the Designer Outlet. Also near the designer outlet are paddleboat rentals and the like. Or take a stroll over to the Sunset Lounge on the beach, or the public beach beyond it. The water is irresistible in the summer.

Sunday evening: Dinner at l’Union on Marktplein to relax and watch the city go by under the sound of the carillon.

Sunday night: Drinks at Cafe De Verleiding, a warm and popular spot just at the foot of the famous Maria Theresia Bridge.

In Roermond rijden fietsers over de Maria Theresiabrug over de Roer. De brug wordt ook wel de Stenen brug genoemd en is gebouwd in 1771. Cyclists riding at the Maria Theresia Bridge in Roermond. The bridge is also known as the Stenen Brug and is built in 1771.

This would be a really lovely, relaxing weekend, and a great way to see, explore, and appreciate Roermond.