Lotte welcomes you to Breda

Not every student ends up in Breda through a course in the city. Sometimes it's an internship that opens the door to a new adventure. Such is the case for Lotte (21). As a student of Crossmedia Design at SintLucas College in Eindhoven, she interned in Breda and instantly fell in love with the city. “It felt as if I had been living here for years. Everyone was so open, so friendly. That made my internship unforgettable.”

From Eindhoven to a warm welcome in Breda

Lotte didn't really know what to expect from her internship experience beforehand. She hardly knew Breda, but from day one it felt familiar. “I was truly welcomed with open arms. The atmosphere, the people, how everyone interacts with each other… it felt right immediately. It’s a very social city, without being too busy or overwhelming.”

Although her studies took place in Eindhoven, Breda felt like the place where she genuinely grew. “My internship here has taught me a lot, not just professionally, but also personally. I just felt at home here.”

A city full of lovely places

During her time in Breda, Lotte quickly discovered her favourite spots. At the top of her list? Sip First. “That is really a top spot. It’s just off a lovely side street, right in the city centre. Nice atmosphere, quite peaceful but still lively. I really enjoyed going there.”

For lunch with friends, she often went to the square by Bardot, or to Chatwick. “That square is so cosy, especially when the sun is shining. You could hang around there for hours.”

She found her peace outside the city: “The Mastbos was my favourite spot to relax. A little walk, fresh air, nature all around… that was really my moment. And it’s only a five-minute bike ride from the centre. Many students don’t even know about it, but it’s so worth it.”

Mastbos Veldje where two young people with bicycles are seen

Evenings to never forget

Although her internship mainly took place during the day, Lotte also remembers the beautiful moments in the evening well. “During carnival I was just out on the street with everyone, dancing and being silly, that’s really Breda. But my most cherished memory is of my last day of internship. We were in the park, had made Aperol Spritz on the spot, went boating… It felt like a perfect ending to a really lovely period.”

Also, Tiny Kitchen, a small creative event by GoedZooi, where she did her internship, made an impression. “Those kinds of small, creative events suit Breda so well. There’s really more happening here than you might think.”

Lotte's tips for new students and interns

Must-visits according to Lotte:

Mastbos “Not so well known among students, but really beautiful. There's also a little coffee shop nearby.”

Valkenberg park “Maybe not really underrated, but always nice.”

Bardot, Chatwick & Sip First. For coffee, lunch and casual drinks.

Insider tip?
“Become friends with bike mechanics! Seriously, this is a real golden tip. Cycling and especially getting your bike fixed can be costly, but if you have a bit of a connection with the right people, they really want to help you. So for everything with two wheels: make those contacts!”

“What I will miss most about Breda? The people. Just the gezelligheid, how everyone is there. You’re never alone, but it doesn’t feel crowded either. For me, it was really a warm bath.”