Hengelo on a shoestring budget

If you have been living in Enschede for a while, you may feel that you know the city like your front pocket. But what about nearby Hengelo? This former industrial town also has several matchless and affordable attractions, making it a popular destination in Twente, both at day-and late into the nighttime hours. Below follow six highlights to bring its charming value into your back pocket.

Marloes van Amerom

Music gigs
Concert Hall Metropool
Metropool is located just behind Hengelo’s train station in a remarkable building, which changes its colors according to visiting acts. These come in many genres – from the Blind Boys of Alabama and former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Steve Adler to British pop icon Kim Wilde – and ticket prices usually start at about €10. But Metropool also hosts upcoming regional talent, during their ‘Kickstart’ nights, which can be attended free of charge every Thursday. 
 
Culture & clubbing
Rabo Theater
Most theaters just stick to, well, theatre performances, but this is not the case with the Rabo Theater, which faces Hengelo’s train station. Their fun ‘Eighties’ swing nights attract people of all ages and costs just €5. For further information email info@swingnight.nl. The Rabo Theater also hosts the Filmliga, Hengelo’s stylish film house. It plays recently released movies from all over the globe from Wednesdays to Saturdays. During the school holidays, family movies become a special focus.
 
Nature meets architecture
Garden village ‘t Lansink
To most national urban planners, Hengelo has the best kept ‘tuindorp’ (garden village) of the Netherlands. Picturesque garden village ‘t Lansink was built at the start of the 20th century by industrialist C.T. Stork in an attempt to create a better society, by having different classes living together in one residential area. This social experiment made for some interesting house building and architecture, the remnants of which are still visible today, including the well-preserved Hotel ‘t Lansink and Tuindorp’s ‘natural swimming pool’ located in its beautiful pond in park-like surroundings.
 
Machinery ‘speaks’
Techniekmuseum HEIM
This technology and engineering museum is a must-see for any machinery lover. Located in an old steel factory, Stork’s former training site, it follows the development of the company and others into the multinationals they are today, with a focus on changes in their supporting technologies. Sundays are especially a good time to visit. On that day all the machinery is on display, can be touched, (re)assembled and photographed by visitors. The texts accompanying and explaining the objects are not yet in English, but staff are more than happy to give you a tour in English to tell you all about the museum exhibits. Just email them at info@techniekmuseumheim.nl to tell them when you plan to visit. Tickets cost €7.50.
Beer tasting
Cafe ‘Het Pleintje’ and Hengelo’s Brewery
Beer café ‘Het Pleintje’, a member of the Dutch Alliance of Beer Tap Rooms, offers over sixty beers with at least twelve on tap. It is located at the sizzling Jansenplein 25, within walking distance from the train station. If you want to refine your beer-tasting skills further, you can also visit Hengelo’s Brewery, which brews different kinds of beer in a natural and traditional manner. It resides in the ‘Creatieve Fabriek’ (Creative Factory), an old factory hall at Tuindorpstraat 61, hosting Hengelo’s artist community.

 
Dining out
Emma’s, China Tuin or Yam Yam 
Hengelo’s oldest bistro, Emma’s Eetcafé, remains a popular spot for Dutch and French cuisine. Also currently in high demand is Chinese Restaurant China Tuin. Point out the type of ingredients you would like from the buffet and its cooks will deep-fry it for you on the spot. You can have several servings. Finally, for just a quick bite after a pub visit or another evening activity, Mediterranean take-away restaurant Yam Yam is the place to be. Among Hengelo’s clubbers, its creamy Dürüm Döner, a sandwich with roasted cuts of lamb, is widely believed to be Twente’s best. 

Carpe diem! Experience the relaxed side of neighboring Hengelo. 

Nighttime at Hengelo’s market square.