EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need only ID. Others may require a Schengen visa; check with the Dutch embassy.

What is the currency?

Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but some small shops prefer cash.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, almost everyone speaks fluent English, especially in tourism and hospitality.

Can I drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe and of high quality.

What is the local dish?

Try the Bossche Bol, a giant cream-filled chocolate pastry from a local bakery.

Are there guided tours?

Yes, walking tours, boat tours on the Binnendieze, and bike tours are available.

Is the city accessible for wheelchairs?

Partially. Cobblestones and narrow streets can be challenging, but many attractions have ramps.

's-Hertogenbosch

CityNetherlands, Europe

's-Hertogenbosch is a CITY in Netherlands, Europe.

Welcome to 's-Hertogenbosch, or Den Bosch, a gem in North Brabant where medieval charm meets vibrant modern life. Wander through the historic city center, a maze of cobblestone streets and canals, and marvel at the stunning St. John's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Don't miss the chance to explore the city by boat on the Binnendieze, a unique underground canal system. Foodies will adore the local specialty, Bossche Bol, a giant cream-filled chocolate pastry. The city buzzes with cozy cafes, art galleries, and the lively market square. With its rich history, friendly locals, and a relaxed vibe, Den Bosch offers an unforgettable Dutch experience that's both authentic and enchanting.

Best time to visit 's-Hertogenbosch

May to September offers the best weather, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. Spring (April-May) brings blooming flowers and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is peak season with festivals and outdoor cafes. Autumn (September-October) is mild and less crowded. Winter is chilly but magical with Christmas markets.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 9-15°C, rainy

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Autumn colors, cozy cafes

Know before you go

Getting there

EIN

Eindhoven Airport

International

30 km away

AMS

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

International

80 km away

RTM

Rotterdam The Hague Airport

International

85 km away

Getting around

"The city center is compact and walkable. Bicycles are the local favorite; rent one from shops like OV-fiets at the station. Buses (Arriva) connect suburbs and nearby towns. Trains from 's-Hertogenbosch station link to major Dutch cities. Taxis and ride-sharing are available but pricier. Parking is limited in the center."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in city centre, cafes, and hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM available at train station or shops from $10

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe; occasional pickpocketing in tourist spots.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe; occasional pickpocketing in tourist spots.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"'s-Hertogenbosch is very safe, with low crime rates. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep valuables secure. The city is well-lit at night, and public transport is safe. Use common sense, especially around the train station and nightlife spots. Emergency services are efficient."

Police

112

Ambulance

112

Fire

112

Entry and health

Health information

"The Netherlands has excellent healthcare. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU visitors need comprehensive travel insurance. Pharmacies (apotheek) are widely available for minor ailments. Tap water is safe to drink. No specific vaccinations are required, but routine vaccines are recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Dutch people are direct but polite. Greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. Dress casually but smartly; no strict dress codes. Bicycles rule the road—watch for bike lanes. Punctuality is valued. Always say 'dank u wel' (thank you)."

EnglishFrenchGermanItalianSpanishPortugueseDutchGreekPolishSwedish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range meal costs $15-25

Hotels

$80-150 | mid-range hotels range $80-150/night

Local transport

$3 | local bus ride ~$3

Cost notes

Budget options available for hostels and street food.

Timezone

Europe/Amsterdam
Local time 20:31

More facts

Population

160,783

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: 's Bosch, 's-Hertogenbosch, Bois-le-Duc, Bolduque, Boscoducale, De Bosk, Den Bosch, Hertogenbosch, Herzogenbusch, Khertogenbos, NL416, NL_GM0796, Oeteldonk, Sertogenbos, Silva Ducis, haratojanabosa, haritojeniboshi, hartojenabosa, herutohenbosu, hrtwjn bwsh, hrtwkhnbwsh, hrtwkhn‌bwsh, Сертогенбос, Хертогенбос, هرتوجن بوش, هرتوخنبوش, هرتوخن‌بوش, ہrٹwjn bwsh, ہرٹوجن بوش, हरटोजनबोश, হার্টোজেনবোশ, ਹਰਟੋਜਨਬੋਸ, ሃርቶጀንቦሽ, ’s-Hertogenbosch, ヘルトーヘンボス, Boso, سيرتوخيمبوس, スヘルトーヘンボス, 헨보스, De Bósj, Hertogenbosas, സെർട്ടോഗെംബൊസ്, Гертогенбос, 斯海尔托亨博斯, Boé-el-Duc, デン・ボス

Capital CityMajor HubHistoricFamily-FriendlyCulturalFoodieBiking

's-Hertogenbosch

Best time to visit 's-Hertogenbosch

October

Know before you go

Getting there

Getting around

Stay connected

Stay safe

Overall

Night safety

Transport

Scam risk

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Entry and health

Health information

Culture

Local customs

Costs and practicals

More facts

Neighborhoods in 's-Hertogenbosch

Aalst

Akert

Baardwijk

Batadorp

Bavel

Belcrum

Besoijen

Besterd

Biesdonk

Blaarthem

Broekhoven

Coevering

De Blaak

De Doornakkers

De Kruiskamp

De Reit

De Rompert

Deuteren

Eckart

Geenhoven

Ginneken

Grasrijk

Groenewoud

Groeseind

Heesterakker

Heusdenhout

Hoge Vucht

Hulsdonk

Jagershoef

Kalsdonk

Korvel

Lakerlopen

Lievendaal

Loven

Maaspoort

Meerhoven

Meerveldhoven

Muschberg en Geestenberg

Naastenbest

Ooievaarsnest

Orthen

Princenhage

Quirijnstok

Salderes

Speelheide

't Hofke

Tivoli

Tongelre

Villapark

Walsberg

Waterdonken

Wilhelminadorp

Wisselaar

Woenselse Heide

Zandberg

Zeelst

Zeilberg

Zonderwijk