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.
Key Phrases
Speak like a local
- "Hello" - Hallo
- "Goodbye" - Tot ziens
- "Thank you" - Dank u
- "Excuse me" - Pardon
- "Yes" - Ja
- "No" - Nee
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Aalst's History and Culture
morning:Start your day at the Aalst City Hall, a beautiful Gothic building with a rich history. Afterwards, visit the 'netwerk, centrum voor hedendaagse kunst' for a dose of contemporary art. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at 'De Gouverneur' offering a variety of local delicacies.
afternoon:Explore the Aalst Town Center, known for its charming medieval architecture. Dive into Aalst's folklore at the 'Carnival Museum' where you can learn about the city's famous carnival traditions. For lunch, try the traditional Belgian cuisine at 'Brasserie 56'.
evening:Wrap up your day with a fun night-out at 'Café De Paris', a lively spot offering great music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Nature and Relaxation in Aalst
morning:Take a tranquil morning stroll in the Osbroek City Park, surrounded by serene natural beauty. Don't miss the 'Schotte' sports complex, a hub for various activities. For brunch, visit 'De Blauwe Frituur', a cozy spot famous for its delicious fries.
afternoon:Head to the 'Stedelijk Museum Aalst' to explore the city's art and heritage. After that, rejuvenate at 'Thermen Katara', where you can indulge in relaxing spa treatments and wellness activities. Opt for a light lunch at 'Het Moment'.
evening:Unwind with an evening walk along the Dender River or enjoy a laid-back dinner at 'De Kleine Flandrien'.
Shopping and Gastronomy in Aalst
morning:Start your morning with a visit to the Aalst Market Square, lined with an array of shops and boutiques. Indulge in a delightful breakfast at the charming 'Le Cirque' cafe, renowned for its pastries and coffee.
afternoon:Continue your shopping spree at 'Gallant' and 'K'Rowten', two popular shopping destinations in Aalst. Discover the local culinary scene with a visit to 'Hadoux', a contemporary restaurant offering a delightful lunch menu.
evening:For the evening, experience a taste of Aalst's nightlife at 'Café Concordia', a cozy bar known for its great selection of drinks and friendly atmosphere.
Cultural Immersion and Culinary Delights
morning:Immerse yourself in Aalst's tradition and culture with a visit to the 'Belfry of Aalst', a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the regional cuisine with a breakfast at ''t Hof van Oranje', a cozy café offering a variety of local dishes.
afternoon:Explore the 'Aalst Begijnhof', a historical site showcasing traditional Flemish architecture. Savor a delightful lunch at 'De Gember', a restaurant known for its fusion of Belgian and international flavors.
evening:Indulge in a memorable dining experience at 'Hof te Rhode', a fine dining restaurant offering exquisite Belgian cuisine and a cozy ambiance.
Aalst Famous Food
Must-Try local dishes
Aalsterse vlaai
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!
Witloof in ham and cheese sauce
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'.
Mattenootjes
These small, crunchy peanut butter candies are a popular sweet treat in Aalst and can be found in local confectionery shops and markets.
Food Markets & Street Food
A food market and street food guide
Aalst Saturday Market
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.
Carnival Oliebollen Stands
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.
Things to do in Aalst
Unique local experiences...
Pet sitters in Aalst
Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!