Things To Do
in Aalst

A slow-cooked beef stew in beer, often served with fries or bread; widely available in brasseries and traditional restaurants.

Must-Try!

Crisp, double-fried fries from a frituur with a variety of sauces — a must-try street-food staple throughout Aalst.

Belgian ales, Trappist-style and regional brews are on offer at beer cafés and restaurants; ask for local and seasonal taps.

Found in cafés and market stalls — great for a quick sweet snack while exploring the town.

The central market hosts stalls selling produce, cheese, baked goods and flowers on market days — a good place to sample local specialties (check local listings for exact days and times).

Scattered around the centre and near transit hubs, these serve classic fries, frikandellen and waffles — quick, inexpensive and authentic.

A handshake is a common greeting in formal situations; in casual settings a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Dag' is fine. Use polite forms (alstublieft/bedankt) when appropriate.

Belgians appreciate punctuality for appointments and reservations — arrive on time.

Respect personal space and speak in a moderate tone. Direct but polite conversation is the norm; avoid overly loud behavior in residential areas.

Carnival is boisterous and satirical; join the fun but be mindful of local sensitivities and follow any guidance from organizers during events.

Service is usually included in restaurant bills (service compris), but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated. For taxis and small services, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is common.

Cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Small cafés and market stalls may prefer cash, so keep some euros on hand.

Temperatures rise and parks bloom; expect occasional rain but pleasant conditions for walking, cycling and markets. Layers work well — mornings can still be cool.

Mild to warm weather (rarely very hot) with long daylight hours; outdoor terraces, festivals and river activities are popular. Pack sunscreen and a light rain jacket for intermittent showers.

Crisp air and colourful foliage in nearby countryside make it a lovely time for hiking and cycling; the weather becomes more changeable with more frequent rain.

Chillier and grey with occasional frost; major attractions remain open but bring a warm coat. Carnival season (late winter/early spring timing varies) is a major cultural highlight despite cool weather.

Trails and paths following the Dender river offer gentle, scenic walks suitable for all fitness levels and extend into neighbouring villages.

Short drives bring you to hillier trails and woodlands in the Flemish Ardennes — ideal for more challenging hikes and panoramic views.

Rolling countryside with farm tracks and small lanes, great for longer day-walks, cycling and sampling rural landscapes and farm cafés.

River valley routes with wetlands and birdlife, good for nature lovers and photographers wanting varied ecosystems close to the city.

The majority are Dutch-speaking Flemish residents with deep local roots and community institutions.

Aalst hosts many residents who commute to Brussels, Ghent or nearby industrial areas for work.

Aalst includes immigrant communities from various backgrounds (e.g., North African, Turkish, Eastern European), contributing cultural diversity and businesses.

A mix of families and younger residents (students and young professionals) give the city a multi-generational feel.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cafés and bistros (salads, hearty vegetable stews, omelettes). Ask staff for meat-free preparations; look for vegetarian-friendly menus in modern establishments.

Vegan choices are more limited but growing — vegan burgers, salads and plant-based sides can be found in some city cafés and markets. It's wise to check menus online or call ahead.

Dedicated halal and kosher venues are limited in Aalst; visitors requiring strict halal or kosher food may need to seek options in larger nearby cities (Brussels/Ghent) or prepare to ask restaurants about ingredient sourcing.

Most restaurants are accustomed to handling allergies; always inform staff clearly and, if necessary, carry ingredient lists in Dutch for key allergens.