Fancy getting out and about this summer without breaking the bank? Good news: there’s plenty to see and do in Hilversum for very little money, and often completely free. Head into nature when the heathlands turn a stunning shade of purple, discover cultural gems with your Museumkaart, or enjoy one of the many free events taking place across the city. There are plenty of adventures for children too. Read on and discover the best free and budget-friendly days out in Hilversum.
Head into nature
Walking and cycling through nature
Hilversum is surrounded by vast heathlands, forests and the beautiful country estates of ’s-Graveland. When the heath is in bloom, the scenery is at its most spectacular. Follow one of the walking routes across the Hoorneboeg Heath or Zuiderheide, or hop on your bike and explore the 36-kilometre cycling route around Hilversum.
Wander through the Costerustuin Garden
Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Costerustuin is a hidden botanical garden filled with unusual flowers and plants. It’s the perfect place to slow down and unwind. Entry is free, and each month volunteers showcase 20 seasonal plants in a special display, giving you something new to discover with every visit.
More lush inspiration
Explore the water
Grab your SUP board
Got a SUP board? Summer is the perfect time to get back on the water and explore the region from a different perspective. From De Strook in Breukeleveen, you can follow a scenic 6-kilometre paddle route, while the Kortenhoef Lakes offer a beautiful 9-kilometre circuit starting at the jetty on Moleneind 2.
Cool off by the water
Whether you fancy paddling, swimming or simply relaxing by the shore, there are plenty of spots around Hilversum to enjoy on a warm day. Bring a towel and settle down at De Zuwe on the Vreelandseweg, or discover the waters and small beaches of the Vuntusplas in Loosdrecht and Nederhorst den Berg.
Ready for a refreshing dip?
Get out and about with kids
Cuddle animals at the petting farms
Cuddle friendly goats, admire the ponies and meet a variety of farm animals. A visit to the petting farm is a favourite for children and adults alike. There’s also a playground and a kiosk for an ice cream or a refreshing drink.
Let loose at ’t Laer forest playground
Climbing, scrambling, building dens and getting muddy are all part of the fun here. This natural play forest is the perfect place for children to let their imaginations run wild. Open from sunrise to sunset, there's plenty of time for adventure. Bring a picnic basket along, all that exploring is sure to work up an appetite!
Go on a nature adventure
Set off on an expedition through the nature around Media Park or around the Zonnestraal Estate. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and unusual plants along the way: you never know what you might discover.
Discover Hilversum with kids
Culture with your Museumkaart
If you've settled in the Netherlands, chances are you've come across the Museumkaart. This annual pass grants access to a wide range of museums across the country, making it easy to explore everything from world-famous collections to local hidden gems. Hilversum has several participating museums worth adding to your list.
Fotomuseum Hilversum
Be inspired by striking photography and thought-provoking exhibitions from artists and photographers from the Netherlands and beyond. This summer, discover the exhibitions Layered Reality and Mother Song II.
Huis Sloëtjes
Step straight into Dutch family life from the 1950s to the 1980s. The house and its original interior have been carefully preserved, offering a nostalgic journey through the decades and plenty of moments of recognition.
Discover our museums
Free events
Take a look at our online events calendar and discover the many free events, exhibitions and live performances taking place this summer. Here are two highlights you won't want to miss:
Open-air cinema in Dudokpark
On Saturday 15 August, enjoy the movie I Swear under the stars in the heart of Hilversum. Bring a blanket, find a spot on the grass and settle in for a magical summer evening.
OPEN035
On Saturday 29 August, Hilversum's cultural institutions open their doors for a day packed with workshops, performances and creative activities. The festivities conclude with a spectacular free concert by the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra on Market Square.
More events in Hilversum
More to discover
Browse the market
You don't have to buy anything to enjoy a visit to the market. And if you do decide to take something home, you'll often find better deals than in the shops. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the Hilversum Market takes over the Market Square from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. Wander between the stalls, soak up the atmosphere and you might even get to sample some local treats along the way.
Step inside the library
Looking for a quiet place to unwind? At the Hilversum Library on 's-Gravelandseweg, you're welcome to browse books and magazines free of charge. It's the perfect spot to escape the bustle of the city for a while and enjoy a moment of peace.
Step inside Hilversum’s churches
Saint Vitus Church
This impressive neo-Gothic church is open to visitors throughout the summer on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, as well as on Saturdays. You can also enjoy the traditional Summer Concert Series, featuring free Friday evening performances in this remarkable setting.
Melkpad Vitus Church
The doors of this church on Melkpad are open every Saturday afternoon. Admire the beautiful interior, light a candle, or simply take a moment to pause and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Whether you're into nature, culture, events or simply spending quality time with family, you don't need a big budget to enjoy summer in Hilversum. Which of these budget-friendly adventures will you try first?
More about Hilversum?
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Out and about with kids
Hilversum and the surrounding area are packed with outdoor adventures for families. Climb through the treetops, hunt for hidden treasures or get up close to friendly animals. For children, it's one big adventure; for parents and grandparents, a wonderful day spent outdoors.
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Shop till you drop
In Hilversum, you can shop to your heart’s content. From international brands and local heroes in the city centre to unique boutiques and artisanal delicatessens along the charming Gijsbrecht. Hilversum has it all. Come and shop, and let our finest stores surprise you.
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Settle in!
Here you can enjoy coffee on a sunny terrace, have lunch in a great food hall, sip oysters in a trendy cocktail bar, and dine in a stunning industrial setting. From early morning until late at night, Hilversum is the place for great food and drinks.