Top Tips for a Day Trip to Roosendaal

Roosendaal is a gateway city (and province) into the Netherlands and is one of the last stops on the train to Belgium. Combined with its almost coastal location, this location means that Roosendaal historically played a central role in regional trade. Nowadays, Roosendaal is a great place to explore. It is surrounded by the greenery of the North Brabantse nature, and the city itself is pretty and very friendly. Roosendaal is the perfect place to visit for the day for history lovers, shoppers, and foodies alike.

Roosendaal has a rich and fascinating history. The first time the name Roosendaal appeared in a historical document was 1268. It started, as in all places, as a small village. The town rapidly grew into a thriving market town due to its involvement in the peat industry. 

Roosendaal is well placed, with strong connections to Belgium and the rest of the Netherlands, but also a port and access to sea trade. This location means that the town was able to prosper as a trading hub for a long time. However, at the beginning of the 80-year war in 1568 everything changed. During the war, the city was looted regularly by nearby soldiers. The war caused the trade and agricultural industries to be abandoned.

After the war, Roosendaal was able to recover. It slowly built its way back up into a buzzing center. But in the first part of the 19th century, it was once more occupied, this time by the Napoleonic army. Surprisingly enough, this occupation benefitted the town and Roosendaal was given city status. 

By the mid-19th century, Roosendaal was entering the modern era. New railways connecting the city to Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Vlissingen, and new steam-powered factories turned the city into a modern trading and distribution hub. These developments allowed it to prosper and develop throughout the 20th century. 

Getting to Roosendaal using public transport is quick and easy. Public transport in the Netherlands is very reliable and easy to use. Train and bus stations alike have clear maps and signposts. There is always a friendly face willing to help you get on the right train or bus. 

Due to its location on the border with belgium, it is very easy to get to Roosendaal from anywhere in the Benelux. There are direct trains from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague in the Netherlands and from Belgian cities such as Antwerp and Mechelen. All you need is a train ticket or an OV chipcard, and you can take a short train ride directly to the heart of Roosendaal. 

If you are flying into the area, you can also get a direct train to and from Brussels Airport and Schiphol, Amsterdam Airport. Once in Roosendaal, the bus system helps you travel around the city and wider province with ease. 

There is plenty to do on a day trip to Roosendaal. You can enjoy the Brabantse way of life, wander the picturesque streets, or indulge in some shopping at De Passage. Here are some of my favorite things to do in and around Roosendaal. 

Roosendaal is the place to go for shopping and eating. It is filled with boutique shops and delicious Brabantse food. 

The Passage shopping center was completely transformed in 2005, so nowadays it is not only a great place to go shopping, but it is also an interesting attraction to visit in and of itself. This shopping center connects the historical Raadhuisstraat to the Nieuwe Markt and provides an experience for every one of your senses. 

The shopping center has been designed in a Venetian style combined with Jugendstil and Art Deco elements. This means that it is busy, ornate, and grandiose. The combination of natural stone, mosaic floors, wrought iron railings, large stained glass windows, and paintings everywhere, make the Passage much more interesting than your average shopping center. The Passage is filled with different eye-catching elements, including the “live orchestra” and a beautiful clock complete with Carillon. 

Besides the decorative elements, the Passage is filled with a consciously selected choice of shops. You can find shops of all kinds, for instance, fashion, home furnishing, sports, jewellery and even travel shops. These shops are mostly independent shops from exclusive entrepreneurs, which means that you get a unique choice of artisanal goods – not your everyday selection. When you are tired of shopping you can always have a rest with a drink, a snack and a wonderful view at the cafe in the centre of the Passage. 

For a long time, De Nieuwe Markt was used for parking. Nowadays, following a massive transformation of the square, it is a hub for shopping and socializing. With a weekly fruit, vegetable, and flower market on a Saturday and a cozy Monday market, alongside a large range of shops, the Nieuwe Markt is a great place to go shopping. Notable shops that you can find here include the Wereld Winkel (World Shop), De Visgilde, a specialist fishmonger, and Lunchroom Mon Ami. 

The Raadhuisstraat is part of the historical center of Roosendaal and is a great place to find unique boutique shops and delicious eateries. Shops to check out on the Raadhuisstraat include Rubia and Incluso which are both independent clothing shops. 

If you are a foodie, the Raadhuisstraat is the place to be. You will find a wide selection of delicious restaurants and can enjoy your food in beautiful historic buildings. You can find anything from simple bar snacks in a brown cafe to sit-down meals in a restaurant. 

The Tongerlohuys Museum brings the story of Roosendaal to life. Five historical icons take you through the history of the city and show you different aspects of life in Roosendaal over time.

These characters include:

– The LIGA-meisje, a factory girl who worked in the LIGA factory that opened in Roosendaal in 1854.  

– Meneer Pastor (Mr Pastor). From the first mention of Roosendaal in 1268, all the way through to now, religion has played a large role in the culture of Roosendaal. The Tongerlohuys is situated in a former rectory, and Mr. Pastor tells the story of this rectory and religion in Roosendaal. 

– De Conducteur (the conductor) tells the story of Roosendaal as a transport hub, from the perspective of a conductor on the public transport network. 

– Burgemeester Schoonheijt (Mayor Schoonheijt), who was mayor during a period of lots of change in the city. 

– One surprise character!

This interactive museum is brilliant fun for people of all ages and is a really great way to learn more about the history of Roosendaal. 

Roosendaal is the home of the Korps Commandotroepen, the elite unit of the Royal Netherlands Army. The Korps Command Museum is housed in the heart of the Engelbrecht van Nassau Barracks. If booked in advance it can be visited for a small fee. You will be taken on a guided tour of the Command’s historical collection. This tour showcases their long and rich history of international missions and is the perfect pastime for anyone who loves learning about the army and war. 

Situated outside of the center of Roosendaal is the Kapelberg. This is a beautiful chapel that was built in 1897 by the Van Gilse family. The Van Gilse family played an important role in the history of Roosendaal for many reasons. One reason is that they opened a large candy factory in the city. The family named this chapel, “The Chapel of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows”. It has a distinctly neo-Romanesque character with neo-Gothic elements. It is definitely worth a visit if you have time.

Roosendaal is a great place to take a day trip. Whether you want to explore a smaller Dutch city or a nearby place that is easy to get to for a day away, Roosendaal has a lot to offer. With its friendly culture, delicious food, and excellent shopping, Roosendaal is a great place for a laid-back city visit.