Nijmegen stands out as a city full of character, history, and lively local life. Its diverse landscapes, from the winding Waal River to medieval streets, make it an ideal place for exploring via a variety of tours. One of our favorite experiences is the Nijmegen: River Cruise with All-You-Can-Eat Dutch Pancakes, which combines relaxing sightseeing with a delicious taste of Dutch tradition—plus entertainment for kids. Whether you prefer floating around the river or zooming through the city on an electric chopper, Nijmegen offers options that suit many travel styles.
This list features different kinds of tours: scenic boat rides, private e-chopper journeys, interactive scavenger hunts, and guided history walks. Each one offers a unique way to experience Nijmegen’s sights, flavors, and stories. Whatever your pace or interests, you’ll find something here that makes your visit memorable.
1. Nijmegen: River Cruise with All-You-Can-Eat Dutch Pancakes
At number 1, this 75-minute river cruise along the Waal River offers a fantastic combination of sightseeing and culinary delight. You’ll cruise past Nijmegen’s skyline, catching views of landmarks and the natural beauty surrounding the city. The highlight, though, is the all-you-can-eat pancake buffet featuring traditional Dutch pancakes topped with a variety of sweet and savory options.
This tour is especially family-friendly, with an onboard playroom to keep children entertained. The friendly staff is praised for their helpfulness—some reviews mention rebooking after late arrivals without fuss. The pancakes alone make this activity worth considering, giving a taste of Dutch cuisine in a relaxed setting. Priced at $30 per person, it offers good value for a fun, leisurely experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or anyone wanting a laid-back cruise with a tasty twist. Be sure to check availability and start times before booking.
2. 2 hour Private E-Chopper Tour in Nijmegen
The 2-hour private e-chopper tour puts you in control of exploring Nijmegen with minimal effort. For about $47, you get a quiet, electric vehicle that makes covering more ground easier than walking but more personal than a bus tour. The e-choppers are beginner-friendly and come with a digital guide on your phone, making navigation simple.
The tour includes a stop at the Natuur-reservaat Ooijpolder-De Vlietberg, where you can enjoy views of dikes, horses, and buffalos—perfect for nature lovers. The route then takes you through Nijmegen’s city center, offering a balanced mix of natural scenery and historic streets. The activity is flexible and customizable, with a start point in the city center, making it easy to incorporate into your day.
Based on reviews, this activity is highly rated for its fun and independence, especially for those wanting a personalized experience. The scenery, combined with the ease of riding, makes this a standout choice.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a relaxed, self-guided adventure that includes both city sights and nature. Suitable for beginners and fun for all ages.
3. e-Scavenger hunt Nijmegen: Explore the city at your own pace
For a more interactive and flexible experience, try the e-Scavenger hunt Nijmegen. This self-guided, GPS-based game costs around $37 for a group of up to six people and lasts about three hours. It’s designed to turn sightseeing into a fun challenge, with riddles, puzzles, and photo tasks that bring you to top landmarks and hidden corners of Nijmegen.
What makes this tour unique is its adaptability—you can start anytime, pause when needed, and revisit the game later. It works well for families, friends, or small groups who want to combine exploration with lighthearted competition. Players enjoy discovering the city’s secrets in a playful way, with some reviews praising the interesting facts and fair puzzles.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who like a hands-on, interactive experience that highlights local stories and surprises. Great for groups that want flexibility and fun in a compact adventure.
4. 2 hours self-driving Echopper tour in Nijmegen
The self-driving e-chopper tour offers a balance of independence and sightseeing for about $38 per person. You start at a central location and then set off on a route that takes you through Nijmegen’s highlights and scenic surroundings, thanks to a handy app. The e-choppers are equipped with large tires for comfort, making even longer rides pleasant.
You can choose from routes that explore the Ooijpolder nature reserve or the Lentse Bridge area with Fort Beden Lent. This flexibility lets you tailor your trip to your interests—whether that’s nature, history, or city views. Reviews indicate well-maintained equipment and easy handling, making it accessible even for beginners.
This activity suits travelers who want control over their itinerary, combining sightseeing with the fun of riding a scooter. It’s an easy way to cover a good distance without fatigue.
Bottom Line: Great for independent explorers who enjoy a combination of city and nature, with the convenience of a self-guided route.
5. Self Guided Secrets of Nijmegen Exploration Game
For those who love puzzles and discovering hidden stories, the Secrets of Nijmegen Exploration Game offers a GPS-based treasure hunt for about $24 per group. It’s perfect for 2-4 players, lasting roughly two hours. You’ll solve riddles, complete photo challenges, and learn interesting facts about Nijmegen’s lesser-known spots.
This tour stands out for its engagement and educational content. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a fun, competitive activity that’s easy to start and stop. A reviewer noted, “It was very fun. Puzzles were fair and enjoyable,” highlighting its appeal to puzzle lovers. It’s also a good choice for families or small teams looking for a relaxed yet interactive way to explore.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly way to uncover Nijmegen’s secrets and enjoy a playful exploration suited for all ages.
6. 2-Hours Private E-Step Tour in Nijmegen
The E-Step tour offers a quick, fun way to see Nijmegen on your own terms. For around $40, you’ll ride a comfortable e-step scooter with big tires, allowing you to navigate the city and its parks effortlessly. Two route options are available: the scenic Ooijpolder or the historic Lentse Bridge area, giving flexibility to suit nature lovers or history buffs alike.
This tour is ideal if you want a quick, personalized sightseeing experience without the hassle of public transport or walking. The e-steps are easy to operate, making it accessible even for beginners. The route takes you past Nijmegen’s oldest parts and along city parks, offering a good mix of urban and natural scenery.
Reviews highlight the smooth ride and the fun of sightseeing at your own pace. It’s a perfect choice for spontaneous explorers or those short on time.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a private, relaxed tour that covers a lot without physical strain.
7. Nijmegen: Historic Highlights Tour
Finally, the Historic Highlights Tour is a guided walking experience lasting about two hours. It takes you through Nijmegen’s medieval streets, pointing out key sights like St. Stephen’s Church, the town hall, and Valkhof park. The guide shares stories of the WWII bombing of 1944, giving context to the city’s resilience.
This tour appeals most to history enthusiasts and those wanting a structured exploration. The walk offers insights into Nijmegen’s rich past, contrasting the Upper Town with the Lower Town areas. Reviews note the engaging narration and the chance to see both Roman and modern elements in the city.
Priced by time slot, this walking tour is an excellent choice if you prefer a more comprehensive, narrative approach to Nijmegen’s story.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors interested in learning about Nijmegen’s past through an engaging, guided walk.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after a relaxing experience with great food, the river cruise is a top pick. For those who want to explore more actively, the private e-chopper or self-driving e-chopper offer flexibility and fun.
History buffs or curious travelers may prefer the guided historic walk, while adventure seekers and puzzle lovers can enjoy the scavenger hunt or the secrets exploration game. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the affordability of the scavenger and secrets tours, while families and groups enjoy the interactive and private options.
Think about how much physical activity you want, what sights interest you most, and whether a guided or self-guided experience suits your style best. Booking early is always wise, especially during peak seasons in spring and summer.
Final thoughts
From leisurely river cruises to energetic e-chopper rides and engaging scavenger hunts, Nijmegen offers plenty of ways to see and experience its unique charm. For relaxed days, the pancake cruise or historic walk will suit. For active explorers, the private e-chopper or self-driving options shine. And for a fun challenge, the scavenger hunts are perfect.
No matter which tour you choose, booking ahead helps ensure you get your preferred time. So, pick what excites you most, and enjoy the lively, historic atmosphere of Nijmegen.
