Growing up in 90’s England, the only board games you’d see in a cafe, pub or bar, would be chess, draughts or dominoes. And it was only the local elderly patrons that you’d ever see getting down and dirty with them. Well, them and the gambling addicts. This was a pre-betting app age, so they needed to get their kicks wherever possible. “Sorry Doris, but that’s another 50p you owe me.” Things have changed. This is why I now find myself writing about the best board game cafes in Arnhem, The Netherlands.

Whatever the reason, there are now board games available in cafes and bars all over the world. If you’re looking for the best place in Arnhem to play while sipping coffee or downing shots, the simple answer is to head to Cafe Vrijdag.

Why Cafe Vrijdag is best for board games and beers

I won’t lie, I am biased when it comes to ‘Virdaj’, as I, for some reason (ignorance/lack of linguistic skills) found myself calling it. We were living two minutes down the road, which, luckily for us, made it our local. 

It was clearly the favourite of many other Arnhem residents too. All of whom were much much trendier than I could ever dream to be. But another strike of luck was the desire of the fashionable folk to spend their time outside. Leaving a perfectly warm and cosy bar empty for us to take our pick of a table. As everyone knows playing board games outside is pure lunacy, so we also had our choice of board game. Something that was needed as 87% of them were far too Dutch for us to bother trying. 

We were left with Scrabble, which is a whole new challenge in the world of Dutch vocabulary, chess, and one of those card games that test your morals and your sexual fantasies. 

Along with having plenty of games to choose from, the drinks are great (when aren’t they in The Netherlands) and the food is perfect for playing. Bitterballen and croquette platters are all I need to say about that. 

So, if you want to mix some board game action with the coolest bar in town, head on over to Cafe Vrijdag.

Want to smoke and play?

If while in The Netherlands you need to smoke a joint while doing anything, then fear not, there is a place for you too, and that place is Coffeeshop Joint Venture. 

It’s not your average coffeeshop. There are plenty of rules to follow to be allowed upstairs to join the hazy frivolities. But if you’re determined, it’s very possible.

Join a board game club in Arnhem

If you’re not just a tourist and would like nothing more than to join a board game club in Arnhem, check out these guys. I’m sure they´re a friendly bunch, I mean, it’s not often you read about a board games club smashing up a bar because they ran out of Jack Daniels is it? That said, there’s always a first time for everything, so stay vigilant.

---

Arnhem’s best board game shop

If you came here looking to buy board games in Arnhem and you still managed to find your way all the way down to the bottom of my post, firstly, hello, and secondly Spelkwartier is the best place to buy board games in the city. They even have regular events where you can play in their basement. I’m sure that’s not as sinister as it sounds.

That’s all I’ve got to tell you about board games in Arnhem, but even if I do say so myself, it´s a pretty comprehensive guide. 

If you’re also interested in knowing about the best sports bars in the city, I wrote a guide all about it, which you can find right here.