24 hours of Creative Hilversum
Welcome to Hilversum: city of creative makers! Get ready for a day filled with specialty coffee, vintage vinyl, unique shopping, music and great food with character, often set in industrial spaces. Along the way, you’ll meet the people shaping the city and uncover something new at every turn. From your first coffee to a great place to stay: set out and experience Creative Hilversum for yourself.
Matthijs Boon
Noorderweg 2-4
Start your 24 hours of Creative Hilversum with a cappuccino or black coffee from Matthijs Boon. Just a short walk from Hilversum Station, tucked behind De Kwekerij city park, this bakery is known for its croissants: something of a local legend. Each week, around 12,000 are made by hand, and you can watch the process right from the shop. Grab one to go and head back to De Kwekerij to enjoy it on a sunny bench.
Velvet Music
Leeuwenstraat 44
On the other side of the station, at the start of the city centre, browse through new and second-hand vinyl at Velvet Music. You’ll find everything from hip-hop to reggae, world music to jazz, americana to singer-songwriters, pop to obscure sixties, hard rock to metal, and pretty much everything in between.
Fotomuseum Hilversum
Kerkbrink 6
After browsing through the vinyl, make your way to the next spot. On the Kerkbrink, the beautiful Fotomuseum Hilversum takes centre stage. Once the town hall, the historic building alone is reason enough to visit. Inside, you’ll discover striking photography and multimedia exhibitions. Recurring highlights include World Press Photo and The Silver Camera.
Ninh Binh
Groest 49
After an inspiring museum visit, take a seat for lunch at Ninh Binh on the Groest. Here, you’ll enjoy the fresh, authentic flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. Alongside all the classics, they also offer a full vegan menu.
Self Love Club
Schoutenstraat 13
A little further along Schoutenstraat, step into the pink, glitter-filled world of the girls from the Self Love Club. Get your nails done with eye-catching nail art or go for a spontaneous fine-line tattoo on the spot.
Gooische Brink
Kerkstraat 63
In the Gooische Brink shopping arcade, you’ll find plenty to spark your interest as you wander past concept stores that stand out from the crowd. Pick up a trendy outfit at MAT.store, browse preloved kids’ pieces at Sweet/Repeat, find your next go-to jeans at De Bunker, and discover sustainable finds at Lot’s. It’s all right here.
TIP: While you’re browsing, pop into KunstBijGerrit, a new spot where art and people come together. Expect a fresh take on contemporary art.
Chef aan de Werf
Werf35, Mussenstraat 11
For great food in an inspiring setting, head just outside Hilversum’s city centre. Set in a former industrial warehouse, Chef aan de Werf serves a menu of refined small plates. Perfect for sharing when you can’t choose from all the tempting options.
Nori & Rice
Herenstraat 20
Prefer to stay in the city centre, or in the mood for sushi with a twist? At Nori & Rice, it’s all about creativity. Expect sushi with international influences, carefully prepared and served in a modern bistro setting.
De Vorstin
Koninginneweg 44
With a full stomach, continue your evening at music venue De Vorstin for a fun night out. Think live shows by soul singer Steffen Morrison, the Moluccan Latin rock band Massada, or rock band Navarone.
Villa Trompenberg
Christiaan de Wetlaan 1
Ready to call it a night? Luckily, a great place to stay is just around the corner. After an energetic show at De Vorstin, unwind at the intimate and characterful boutique hotel Villa Trompenberg, run by the Theunissen family for three generations.
TIP: Want to stay in that creative vibe a little longer? Go for the garden suite, complete with a Vispring bed, wood-burning stove and views of the garden, where birds and squirrels are always on the move. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready for a generous self-service breakfast.
More about Hilversum?
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What's on?
Curious what else there is to do in Hilversum? Check out the online events calendar for the latest exhibitions, concerts, festivals and fun activities for kids.
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Staying the night?
Make the most of your evening and stay over. From an architectural gem to a stylish boutique hotel or a cosy bed & breakfast in the city centre. Where will you rest your head?
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Museums & venues
See it from a different perspective. Spend a day in Hilversum and discover a city shaped by media culture. Get inspired by unique photography and media art, dive into the world of media, and enjoy live music. Whether it’s a concert or a performance that gives you goosebumps.