Hey there! You’re reading the first post on our shiny new blog, and we couldn’t be happier that you’ve decided to give our blog a chance. Let’s kick things off by putting the spotlight on our hometown, Tilburg! This is where Teun and I (Lazo) met, grew up, and stumbled into adulthood (or something like that).
For the people that have never heard of Tilburg (not that surprising), it is a city in the province of Noord-Brabant, home to around 222,000 folks. It’s the seventh largest city in the Netherlands, and it’s often given the honor of being labeled one of the country’s “ugliest” cities. But hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Despite its rough edges, Tilburg has quite some hidden gems if you know where to look. In recent years, the city has been on a mission to spruce things up, think greener parks, more pedestrian-friendly streets, and a bit more charm.
The History of Tilburg
To truly understand Tilburg’s, let’s say, eclectic look, we need to look into its roots as a city specialized in textiles. There’s even an Instagram page called @keeptilburgugly, dedicated to showcasing some of the city’s more, um, “unique” architectural choices. But here’s the backstory: Tilburg once had a reputation for its charming Dutch buildings until a certain old mayor, affectionately known as “Cees the Destroyer,” came into the picture.
Cees had the bright idea of tearing down these picturesque buildings and replacing them with modern industrial structures. Why? Because Tilburg was in the midst of an industrial boom, specializing in textiles. The city transformed into a hub of factories. Today, you can see remnants of this industrial era at the TextielMuseum, where the old machines are on display, echoing the city’s past.
So, while Tilburg might not win any beauty contests, it’s a city with character and history, a place where industrial grit meets modern revival. Stick around as we share our own experiences and favorite places in Tilburg.
Events around Tilburg
There are always some types of events going on in Tilburg, and while some events might be more your speed than others, there will be always something you can look forward to. My personal favorite is the Tilburgse kermis. It’s the biggest fair in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe. For a whole week, Tilburg transforms into an enormous fair packed with thrill rides, food stands, and games that will almost certainly scam you out of your euros but hey, it’s all part of the fun!
I feel like the city tries its best to bring everyone together in an event where everyone can have their share of fun. There are specific days dedicated to different groups: people with mobility issues, kids, those on a tight budget, and the LGBTQ+ community all get their time in the spotlight. It’s a fantastic way to bring everyone together, and there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re there for the adrenaline-pumping rides or just the beer, the Tilburgse Kermis is the highlight of the year and a testament to our city’s vibrant spirit.
Other large events happening around the city:
- Tilburg Ten Miles: A large running event where everyone can participate and have a run around town.
- Carnival: The whole city turns into one large party, where everyone is dressed up and is there to just have a fun time. A tip: Do not wear your nicest clothes out in the city, cause they are likely to be ruined and smell like beer at the end of the night.
- Hap Stap: A food festival where multiple restaurants in the city participate to showcase their dishes.
Tilburg University
Tilburg isn’t just about fairs and festivals; it’s also home to Tilburg University, a key player in the city’s student vibe. It’s a pretty diverse place with nearly 20,000 students, including 25% internationals. The university is known for its quality teaching and solid research, especially in economics and business. It also offers programs in other fields such as psychology, communication and information sciences, and law. The campus is green and feels like a small village due to it having: 2 supermarkets, a gym, a library, a cafeteria, a restaurant and many more amenities for the students walking around.
I did my bachelor’s and master’s here and had a pretty good time, especially with the events they host for networking with companies and fellow students. For any prospective students looking to study here, I would recommend Tilburg University.
My favorite spots around Tilburg
Sirtaki Tilburg:
If you ever get a craving for something warm, hearty, and full of flavor, Sirtaki is a go-to spot in Tilburg. It’s been around since 1982, run by the Poursanidis family, and in that time it’s become one of the city’s beloved institutions.
It’s super well located right opposite Tilburg Central Station on the Spoorlaan, making it a perfect stop either when you arrive in town or before heading off to a concert at 013.
What I especially like about Sirtaki is the atmosphere: warm, unpretentious, and a bit rustic in a good way, like stepping into a place where people really love food and love welcoming you. The menu delivers the classics such as gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, and stifado, plus fish and vegetarian options, and it doesn’t feel like you’re compromising if you’re not a meat-eater.
Spoorpark
Spoorpark is the city’s newly renovated park, hosting events and giving everyone a spot to hang out. I drop by occasionally since it’s smack in the city center and a quick walk from the train station. It’s a great spot for a game of Spikeball, a picnic with friends, or even a card game at the park’s tables. Whether you’re looking to chill or get active, Spoorpark is a great option.
Beekse Bergen
The Beekse Bergen is a unique zoo where you can walk around like any regular zoo. However, it also offers you the opportunity to go on a “safari”. You can either do this by driving your own car through the enclosures where the animals live (do not worry the lions are not running around there). Or by attending the scheduled bus and boat tours that go through their large enclosures. The animals have a bit more room to move here and you will get the chance to interact with the animals while you are inside the bus.
LOCHAL
The LOCHAL is also a recently renovated building, which used to be a factory. However, this has changed and now is one of Tilburg’s most impressive cultural spaces. Located right next to the train station, it’s hard to miss with its huge glass façade and industrial charm. Inside, the LOCHAL combines its historical factory feel with a modern, open design, high ceilings, warm wooden accents, and steel beams that remind you of its industrial roots.
It now serves as a multifunctional hub for learning, working, and relaxing. The building hosts the public library, several cozy cafés, co-working areas, and creative spaces for events and exhibitions. Students, freelancers, and families all use it differently, which makes it a lively and inspiring place to be throughout the day.
What makes the LOCHAL special is how it reflects Tilburg’s transformation, from a gritty factory town to a creative, forward-thinking city. It’s the perfect example of how the city embraces its history while creating something new. Whether you’re stopping by to read, study, meet friends, or simply admire the architecture, the LOCHAL is a must-see spot for anyone visiting Tilburg.