Arnhem Self-Guided City Detective Game: Unmask the Pickpocket
Arnhem is a city of contrasts, combining Second World War history, historic landmarks, green spaces and a lively city centre. If you prefer exploring independently rather than following a guide, City Detective Arnhem offers a fun and flexible way to discover the city.
There is no fixed starting time and no guide or tour group to keep up with. All you need is your smartphone, a sharp eye and a detective case waiting to be solved.
The story: identify Arnhem’s pickpocket
A pickpocket has struck in Arnhem’s city centre, causing unrest among local shoppers. Chief Inspector Camila of the City Detective Corps needs your help to identify the culprit.
There are 15 suspects linked to the case. During your investigation, you will question virtual witnesses, verify alibis, solve puzzles and collect the clues needed to eliminate suspects. By the end of the route, you should have enough evidence to reveal who is responsible.
What makes City Detective different from a regular city tour
A traditional city tour shows you Arnhem. City Detective gives you a reason to look more closely.
Instead of simply listening to facts, you interact with your surroundings. Buildings, statues, signs and architectural details become part of the challenges. Every location provides a new puzzle, clue or piece of information that moves your investigation forward.
The 3.5-kilometre route takes you through Arnhem’s city centre, passing places such as Sabelpoort, Airborneplein and Duivelshuis. Alongside recognisable landmarks, you will encounter hidden details and lesser-known corners that are easy to miss during an ordinary walk.
The game takes approximately two hours, but there is no need to hurry. Pause for coffee at Jansplein, stop for lunch near Korenmarkt or simply take your time exploring. When you are ready, reopen the app and continue where you left off.
Perfect for independent travellers
City Detective Arnhem is designed for travellers who want structure without giving up their freedom. There is no meeting at a fixed time and no guide waiting at the starting point.
Book online, receive your login details by email and download the free Qugato app. On your booked date, you can start at any marked game location in the city centre. Jansplein and Korenmarkt are convenient starting points, with plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby. The route is circular, so you will finish in the same area where you began.
For couples, the game adds a shared challenge to a day of sightseeing. Work together, discuss possible answers and see whether you agree on the identity of the culprit.
For families and groups of friends, City Detective creates a natural sense of teamwork. One ticket covers up to six players, and up to six smartphones can log in simultaneously. If you want to play with more people or compete in separate teams, book one ticket for each team and compare your final scores.
Solo travellers can also complete the investigation independently. The route provides a clear purpose while still allowing you to experience Arnhem entirely at your own pace.
Practical information
- Duration: approximately 2 hours
- Distance: approximately 3.5 kilometres
- Players: 1–6 per ticket
- Languages: English and Dutch
- Recommended age: 10+
- Start time: any time on your booked date
- Starting point: any marked location in Arnhem city centre
- Recommended starting points: Jansplein or Korenmarkt
- Flexibility: pause and resume after starting
- Completion period: up to one year after starting
The game is played outdoors in Arnhem’s city centre. Bring a fully charged smartphone with the Qugato app installed, an internet connection and GPS enabled. A power bank can be useful, particularly if several players use their own phones.
No admission tickets are required. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before your booked date, and changing your date is always free.
How to book
- Click the booking button below
- Select your team size and preferred date
- Receive your login details by email
- Download the Qugato app
- Go to any marked game location in Arnhem
- Start the investigation whenever you are ready
Ready to identify the culprit? Arnhem is waiting.