On this page I’m telling you all about Oudenbosch, a true hidden gem in Brabant, the Netherlands. Many people in the Netherlands have never visited Oudenbosch, or didn’t even know about its existence. But it’s an absolutely wonderful town, and definitely worth a visit on a day trip. On this page I’m sharing the best sights in Oudenbosch, starting with the main reason that I visited Oudenbosch; the remake of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
The Oudenbosch Basilica
When you walk into the center of Oudenbosch, you suddenly see a huge basilica that looks like it’s been teleported from Rome. The ‘Basiliek van van de Heilige Agatha en Barbara’ in Oudenbosch is inspired by the famous St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Can you believe that such a majestic building is just standing in this little Dutch town? It’s really impressive from the outside, but please make sure to go inside too. The interior is just as beautiful, with lots of details and light. It’s such a special place, a true hidden gem in Brabant. The basilica is free to enter, but you can also book a guided tour to hear all about the history.
Botanical Garden Arboretum Oudenbosch
Not far from the basilica, you’ll find the Botanical Garden Arboretum Oudenbosch. This lovely garden is the perfect place for a peaceful walk. They have so many different kinds of trees and plants from all over the world. If you love nature and flowers, you’ll really enjoy this spot. I went there in spring, and it was full of color and life. There are also benches where you can sit and relax, and I even spotted some butterflies and cute birds. It’s a calm little paradise in the town.
Chapel Saint Louis
Another beautiful building you shouldn’t miss is the Chapel Saint Louis. It’s part of an old boarding school complex and has a quiet, serene atmosphere. The chapel isn’t always open, but if you get the chance to peek inside, you’ll see a beautiful altar and pretty stained glass windows. Even from the outside, it’s worth a visit. The architecture is lovely, and it really tells the story of Oudenbosch’s rich history.
Jesuit College
Speaking of history: did you know Oudenbosch was once an important place for Catholic education? The Jesuit College is a big part of that story. It’s a beautiful building that shows how important the town used to be for religious studies. You can really feel the past when you walk around here. It’s not a school anymore, but the building is still very well maintained. It now houses several restaurants, so you can go there and have a nice drink inside or on their terraces.
The Harbour of Oudenbosch
Oudenbosch has its own harbour. It’s a small one, but very cute. I really liked walking along the water and seeing the boats. There are some benches where you can sit and enjoy the view, and a few nice cafés nearby where you can have a drink. It’s a great place to take a break and watch the world go by. In summer, I can imagine it’s even more lively with boats coming in and out.
Oudenbosch Train Station
If you’re coming to Oudenbosch by train, you’ll arrive at the Oudenbosch train station. It’s a small station, but the building itself is quite cute and has a nostalgic vibe. It’s the second oldest train station in the Netherlands, it opened up in 1854. Oudenbosch had a strategic position between Rotterdam and Antwerp.
From the station, it’s just a short walk to all the main sights. Everything in Oudenbosch is pretty walkable, which makes it perfect for a relaxing day trip.
De Rooy Brood & Banket
Now of course, this ‘travel foodie’ has to include a food tip for Oudenbosch too. Near the harbour you can find De Rooy Brood & Banket, a lovely local bakery that makes the most delicious bread and sweets. They have all the classic Dutch treats, savory and sweet. Perfect for a coffee break or to take something tasty home with you.
