Friso Emons has had a fantastic season with the Dutch Lions, securing qualification for his debut Olympic Winter Games, at Milano Cortina 2026. He was born and raised in Tilburg, and is looking forward to welcoming the rest of Europe to his home this weekend as it hosts the ISU Short Track European Championships 2026. 

“Tilburg is a nice city, my parents still live here and, even though I’ve moved away, this is my home,” says Friso (pictured top). “The rink we are at this weekend (IJssportcentrum Tilburg) is where I started skating. In the south of Holland, people are very inviting, there is a very nice community.”

Here are his top tips for visitors to the area… 

Where to get a coffee 

“There is an area called the Heuvelplein. It’s in the very center of the city, next to the big shopping street, the Heuvelstraat. When I was a kid, I’d always go shopping with my mum. We’d buy some clothes then go to the Heuvelplein for a coffee and a drink. It’s very nice and near to the square. It’s a good place to hang out.”

Where to have a good meal 

“I really like the restaurant Anvers, it’s very Dutch. It’s a place near the old market, and we have been going there as a family for many years, it was always the place for a celebration. It has an almost hidden bar vibe. They do great lunches or it’s a good place for a meal before the theatre, because the theatre is really close, too.” 

A local delicacy to try

“You’ve got to go to a local bakery and try a worstenbroodje, which is basically a sausage rolled in a piece of dough and put in the oven. It’s the local thing to have if you want a quick snack. People love it over here, and lots of bakeries in Tilburg make them.” 

Where to have a day out 

“A little bit away from the center there is the Rail Park, which is just by the old railway zone. There are a lot of old train repair factories there, where all the workers would be. Now the trains have gone, but instead of tearing it down, the city have repurposed it as a cultural hub. 

“There’s lots of restaurants and bars, there are still some old rail cars there. It’s become very fashionable. There is a watchtower you can go up and watch the city. It even has a small camp site there. There are also lots of events there through the year. It’s old meets modern.” 

Where to get some culture… 

“The city is famous for having a textile industry, and people here still resonate with that. We have lots of sayings about it. Now there is a Textile Museum, which is worth going for a visit if you want to understand local history.”

Where to see some other sport 

“There is the local football team, Willem II, who are alright – they have good and bad seasons. I went to the Willem II College growing up, so I spent a lot of time around there, and a lot of athletes live round there. I knew a lot of the young football players where I was there. It’s a nice place to watch a game.”

Have a trip away from the city

“There is a really good theme park called the Efteling, which is one of the biggest theme parks in Holland. It’s not a long drive from Tilburg. It has always been my favorite theme park in the world. 

“They use old tales, old Dutch tales, so all the attractions are based off stories that have been told for hundreds of years. I loved it as a kid. There are lots of great rides and it’s a place of magic and beauty. We would go all the time when I was young, and it’s still fun now!”

Where to watch