It was my third day in Enschede, on August 25, 2024, at around 1 p.m. The sun was shining brightly, and the streets felt hot under the summer sun. It was so hot that I felt like I was melting into the pavement. On that day, my IISMA friends and I decided to walk to the city center to buy some campus supplies. None of us knew the way perfectly, but one of my friends had checked the map and said it wasn’t far. I wore a light t-shirt because of the heat, and we stepped out of our dorm, following the roads ahead.
We passed rows of tall brick houses and wide bike lanes. The sound of our shoes against the pavement echoed between the buildings. The streets weren’t crowded, but then a bike would glide by, or someone would pass us with a shopping bag in hand. We talked about how strange everything still felt. Even crossing the street made us nervous sometimes. But we kept walking, and a few minutes later, we arrived in the city center.
The city center opened up in front of us like a wide square surrounded by movement. There were shops lined up on both sides, people walking in all directions, and a mix of sounds from chatter and footsteps. I could smell something sweet, maybe from a nearby bakery, and I remember hearing music from a street performer not too far away. We stood there for a moment, just taking it all in.
At first, I thought we were only there for errands, but that short visit slowly became something more. Over the next few months, the city center turned into one of my favorite places in Enschede, where I could go shopping, look for skincare, or treat myself to a sweet drink at a cozy café after class.
Inside the City Center: What and Where
The city center of Enschede was at H.J. van Heekplein. It was a large, open square in the heart of the city, and I could reach it just by walking from my dorm. The walk wasn’t long. There were no cars in the square, just wide pedestrian paths that stretched in every direction. The space felt open and easy to explore. On all sides, there were shops like Primark, Zara, Mango, MediaMarkt, and one of my favorites, Flying Tiger. That was where I bought some supplies for class, like a notebook, pens, highlighters, and a calculator. It was my first time shopping in Enschede, and that store had everything I needed as an accounting student.
What surprised me the most during my first visit was that there was a pop-up amusement park in the middle of the square. There were inflatable rides that kids could bounce on and a carousel with horses spinning in circles. I didn’t expect that at all. I even took a video while walking past it, just to capture the moment. Music was played in the background, kids were laughing, and the smell of snacks floated in the air. The atmosphere was cheerful and full of life.
I learned later that events like this happened often. The decorations around the city center changed depending on the season, such as Halloween themes in October and Christmas lights and trees in December. It always felt like something was going on.
On every Saturday and Tuesday, the square became even busier because of the Wochenmarkt, a traditional outdoor market held in Enschede. The market stalls covered the area, and they offered fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, bread, flowers, and hot food. The smell of grilled fish always stood out, and the sound of people chatting in Dutch filled the space.
Primark First Impressions and Other Stores
A few months later, I returned to the city center with a friend. We planned to do some proper shopping, especially for clothes. Our first stop was Primark. It was my first time entering the store, and I was honestly surprised by how big and complete it was. It provided everything from clothes, shoes, bags, to accessories. They even had home items like towels, bedsheets, room fresheners, and bath products, such as body wash and perfume. It felt like one of those all-in-one stores where I could easily get lost exploring every section.
What I liked most was that the clothing collections matched the season. Since autumn was just around the corner, the store was already filled with warm jackets, windproof coats, thermal tops, and thick leggings. The weather in Enschede was starting to change too. The wind felt colder, and walking outside without layers did not seem like a good idea anymore. I ended up buying a windproof jacket and a pair of warm leggings to prepare myself.
Primark was not the only fashion store around. If I wanted more options, I could also check out Zara, Pull and Bear, Mango, and H&M. They were all nearby and had a similar range of trendy clothes, but each with a different style and price point.
For electronics, I found that MediaMarkt was the best place. It had everything from phones, TVs, and headphones to smaller things like hairdryers, kettles, and even irons. It was the kind of store I would go to if I needed anything for daily life that required a plug.
When it came to beauty products, there were a few go-to stores. Douglas offered makeup and perfume, especially branded ones. The displays were clean and organized, and I could test some of the products before buying. For more affordable skincare or everyday essentials, I usually checked out Normal or Kruidvat. They had rows of moisturizers, facial cleansers, masks, and even snacks.
Each store had its own vibe. Over time, I started to get used to which one was best for what. It was comforting to know that if I ever needed something, the city center always had a place for it.
A Favorite Café: Achai
One afternoon, after finishing our shopping at the city center, my friends and I didn’t feel like going back to the dorm just yet. The air was cold and dry, and we had been walking outside for a while. Our hands felt frozen, and our noses were red from the wind. As we looked around for a place to warm up, we passed by a small café called Achai.
From the outside, it looked simple. There were a few tables near the window, and inside looked bright and warm. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted by the smell of something sweet. K-pop music was played in the background, and I could feel the warmth right away.
We walked straight to the counter and stared at the menu. I spotted “matcha” immediately and already knew what I wanted. My friends were still confused. They pointed at a few items and whispered to each other. One of them even said, “What’s the difference between a frappe and a latte?”
The cashier smiled at us. He didn’t seem annoyed at all. Instead, he joked, “Take your time. You guys look like you’re solving a math problem.” We laughed and continued reading. After we finally placed our orders, he asked, “Where are you guys from?”
“Indonesia,” we answered.
His eyes lit up. “Oh really? I’ve met some students from Indonesia before!”
Then we started talking about exchange students and shared some stories. He even asked us to teach him some Indonesian words. We taught him how to say “terima kasih,” which means “thank you.” He practiced it a few times, and when we finished ordering, he said it again with a big smile. We laughed and clapped.
I got a matcha frappe, and all of my friends ordered a matcha latte. My drink came in a tall plastic cup with whipped cream on top. The first sip was cold and smooth. The matcha was rich and slightly sweet. The ice was blended just right, and the milk made it creamy. It felt like the perfect drink after walking in the cold.
Achai also offered snacks. One of their best sellers was the waffle ice cream. We could choose the ice cream flavor and the toppings, like chocolate syrup or crushed cookies. The waffle was warm and soft. They also had Korean instant noodles. What made it fun was that I could cook them at my table using the tools they provided.
The café wasn’t big, but it felt cozy. The lighting was soft, the music was easy to enjoy, and the staff were friendly. I liked how relaxed it felt. After that visit, Achai became one of my favorite spots in Enschede. I went back many times, either for a drink or just to hang out and enjoy the warm atmosphere.
My visits to Enschede’s city center quickly became more than just errands or shopping trips. The vibrant atmosphere, friendly people, and variety of shops made it a lively and welcoming place to explore. I discovered useful stores like Flying Tiger and MediaMarkt, enjoyed seasonal events, and visited the Wochenmarkt market. The city center felt like the heart of local life. Finding a cozy spot like Achai café added a personal touch to my experience. It gave me a comfortable place to relax and connect with friends. Over time, I began to feel that this part of Enschede was where everyday moments could become memorable.
Corners of enschede 
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