Things To Do
in Aalst
Aalst is a vibrant city in Belgium, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city boasts picturesque cobblestone streets, beautiful historic architecture, and charming squares. Aalst is famous for its annual carnival, a lively and colorful event that attracts visitors from far and wide.
With its welcoming atmosphere, Aalst is a wonderful destination for exploring Belgian culture and traditions.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Town Hall and admire its stunning architecture. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the surrounding market square to absorb the local atmosphere.
Visit the renowned Saint Martin's Church, known for its beautiful stained glass windows. Grab lunch at a nearby café and then stroll through the charming streets.
Dine at a local restaurant offering traditional Belgian cuisine. End the day with a cozy walk along the Dender River.
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local bakery. Explore nearby breweries to learn about Belgium's rich brewing heritage.
Participate in a guided beer tasting tour and sample various local brews. Enjoy lunch at a popular pub where you can pair food with beer.
Visit a local brewery for a tour and tasting session. Wrap up your day enjoying live music at a nearby venue.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historic buildings and festivals, such as the famous Aalst Carnival.
- Strategic location in Belgium, providing easy access to major cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp.
- A vibrant local community with a friendly atmosphere and local markets.
- Good public transportation options, making it easy to travel within the city and to neighboring areas.
- Aalst has various parks and green spaces, offering residents and visitors recreational areas.
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger Belgian cities, which might require commuting.
- Can be crowded during festivals and special events, leading to noise and congestion.
- Public services and amenities may not be as extensive as in larger urban areas.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of rainy days that may deter outdoor activities.
- Some areas may experience issues with traffic during peak hours due to its growing population.
Best Activities in Aalst
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic Beguinage of Aalst, a UNESCO World Heritage site with picturesque cobblestone streets and charming architecture.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the scenic Dender River, with well-maintained cycling paths and beautiful natural landscapes.
Relax and unwind in Osbroek Park, a peaceful green space offering picnic areas, walking trails, and a variety of flora and fauna.
Tours
Uncover the best of Aalst with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Aalst
Visit one of these nice places.
The belfry offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area, as well as a great vantage point for photography.
The central square of Aalst provides picturesque views of historic buildings and a lively atmosphere, perfect for capturing vibrant street scenes.
The harbor area offers beautiful waterfront views and the opportunity to capture charming scenes of boats and waterways.
Food in Aalst
Aalst Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Aalst's famous flan-like pastry made with a buttery crust, filled with a rich, creamy custard. Best enjoyed at local bakeries like 'De Vlaaikens' and 'Patisserie De Lijn'.
Must-Try!
A classic dish featuring endives wrapped in ham, smothered in a decadent cheese sauce, and baked to perfection. Look for this savory delight at traditional Belgian restaurants such as 'De Gekroonde Hoofden' and 'In Den Groenen Hond'.
These small, crunchy peanut butter candies are a popular sweet treat in Aalst and can be found in local confectionery shops and markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Aalst better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a wide array of fresh produce, local cheeses, artisan bread, and a variety of street food stalls serving up specialties like Belgian waffles, frites (fries), and hearty sausages.
During the Aalst Carnival, be sure to indulge in the fluffy, deep-fried dough balls known as 'oliebollen'. These sweet treats are commonly sold at stands throughout the city during the festival.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Aalst, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when having a conversation.
Punctuality is valued in Aalst, so it's important to be on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
When dining in Aalst, showing an appreciation for the local cuisine and customs can be seen as a sign of respect for the culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Aalst with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Aalst
Ensure a smooth experience
In Aalst, Belgium, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated in restaurants, cafes, and for good service. A typical tip would be around 5-10% of the total bill.
In Aalst, Belgium, cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payment. Contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Aalst.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Aalst, Belgium. The weather is pleasant and the city comes alive with colorful flowers and festivals such as the Aalst Carnival.
Another great time to visit Aalst, Belgium. The weather is warmer and there are outdoor events, music festivals, and vibrant atmosphere in the city.
Aalst experiences a beautiful autumn with colorful foliage and milder temperatures, making it a good time to visit for sightseeing and enjoying the local cuisine.
The winter season in Aalst brings a festive atmosphere with Christmas markets, decorations, and holiday events. It's a cozy time to visit and experience traditional winter activities.
Aalst at Night
Hiking in Aalst
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Experience scenic trails along the picturesque Scheldt River, offering various routes suitable for all skill levels.
A serene forest area featuring well-marked hiking paths, perfect for a peaceful nature walk and bird watching.
This hiking route follows the Lange Molenbeek stream, providing a mix of nature and tranquility with charming views.
A beautiful park in Aalst, ideal for leisurely strolls and easy hiking trails surrounded by lush greenery.
A short drive from Aalst, this botanical garden offers extensive walking paths amidst diverse plant species and beautiful landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Aalst through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Aalst by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in Belgium, located approximately 37 kilometers from Aalst. It offers numerous international flights and connections.
Located around 55 kilometers from Aalst, this airport primarily serves low-cost carriers and offers many European destinations.
Located about 45 kilometers from Aalst, this smaller airport mainly operates regional and charter flights but is a convenient option for some international travel.
Approximately 80 kilometers from Aalst, Liège Airport mainly handles cargo but also offers some passenger services to international destinations.
Located roughly 120 kilometers from Aalst, this airport serves mainly low-cost airlines and holiday destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Individuals who hold Belgian nationality, representing a majority in Aalst.
A significant immigrant group in Aalst, often involved in local businesses.
Another prominent demographic group, with a strong presence in the local culture.
Individuals from other European countries living in Aalst.
Includes various nationalities from the African continent, contributing to the diversity.
A smaller group, often including individuals from South Asian countries.
Miscellaneous demographic groups not falling into the aforementioned categories.
The Soul of Aalst
Discover the essence of Aalst through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Aalst, with many local clubs and a passionate fan base.
Cycling is a favored activity, both recreationally and competitively, due to the city's scenic routes and surrounding countryside.
Basketball has a strong presence in Aalst, with various clubs and youth programs encouraging participation.
Volleyball is quite popular, especially among younger athletes, with regular competitions and community involvement.
Athletics attracts many participants in Aalst, with facilities for track and field events and local meets.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aalst.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Aalst offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with some establishments dedicated exclusively to plant-based cuisine. Look for 't Goed Leven' for delicious vegetarian and vegan meals.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can explore restaurants like 'Bij Den Boer' and 'Brasserie De Lork' that provide a range of gluten-free dishes and are attentive to dietary restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Aalst with these cultural adventures.
