Things To Do
in Beveren

Beveren is a quiet Flemish municipality in East Flanders, perched along the Durme river and just a short trip from Ghent and Antwerp. It blends small-town charm with green spaces, cycling routes, and a relaxed pace suitable for leisurely explorations. The town centers around local markets, riverside views, and easy access to larger cities for day trips.

Beveren serves as a calm gateway to the Scheldt region, offering authentic Belgian culture without the crowds of bigger cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Beveren, taking in the beautiful architecture of historic buildings. Visit the iconic St. John the Baptist Church, where you can admire its stunning Gothic design and intricate stained glass windows. Stop by a local café for a traditional Belgian breakfast of croissants and coffee, soaking in the atmosphere of this quaint town.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, explore the local markets where you can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts. Head to the Beveren Castle, where guided tours offer insight into its rich history and the surrounding gardens provide a perfect spot for a picnic. Sample some local Belgian chocolates from a nearby chocolatier as you continue your exploration.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional Belgian restaurant, savoring dishes like moules-frites or stoofvlees. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the waterfront, where you can witness the serene beauty of the Scheldt River. End your day with a nightcap at a local pub, where you can chat with friendly locals over a selection of Belgian beers.

day 2
Discovering Local Art and Culture
morning
:

Start your morning with a visit to the Beveren Cultural Center, where you can immerse yourself in local art exhibits and cultural events. Join a workshop to learn more about Belgian traditions such as lace-making or pottery, allowing you to connect with the local artisans. Enjoy a coffee break at the center's café, surrounded by inspiring works of art.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of Beveren to discover its hidden gems, including street art and murals that reflect the town's vibrant culture. Visit the local museum to delve deeper into the history and traditions of Beveren, featuring various artifacts and exhibits. Stop by a nearby bakery to indulge in some delicious Belgian pastries for a sweet treat.

evening
:

For dinner, choose a cozy restaurant that features live music performances, allowing you to enjoy both great food and entertainment. After your meal, catch a local theater performance at the cultural center, showcasing the talents of regional actors and musicians. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk under the stars, appreciating the peaceful ambiance of Beveren.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$3-5
🚆Public transit day pass$7-12
🧺Groceries for a week$60-100
🎟️Movie ticket$12-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm, walkable town with easy access to larger cities
  • Nice riverside scenery and pleasant cycling routes
  • Limited nightlife within Beveren itself
  • Weather can be changeable; plan for rain and cooler days
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is de wc?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Beveren

Visit one of these nice places.

Durme River Overlook

Golden-hour reflections on the water, with tree-lined banks and quiet barges; a peaceful spot for landscape and silhouette shots.

Beveren Town Center Square

Historic cobblestones, a classic Flemish church, and friendly street life provide charming composition opportunities.

Riverside Meadow at Sunset

Open skies, soft light, and expansive water views ideal for wide-angle and nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Beveren

Beveren sits in Flemish Belgium and shares a cuisine rooted in hearty Flemish dishes, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce. Expect cozy bistros, bakery treats, and markets where you can taste local flavors and pick up picnic ingredients for a riverside stop.

Beveren Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moules-frites

Fresh mussels cooked with herbs, served with crisp fries. Common in Belgian coastal and inland towns; try them with a crusty bread to soak up the broth.

Must-Try!

Stoverij

Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in beer, typically served with potatoes or bread.

Waterzooi

Creamy chicken or fish stew with vegetables; a comforting regional specialty often found in Flemish eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Beveren Weekly Market

Fridays or market days in the town center with stalls for fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and prepared foods.

Waasland Market Route

Market clusters in nearby towns offering street food bites, pastries, and regional snacks to try on a stroll.

Climate Guide

Weather

Beveren has a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is fairly frequent year-round, so layering and a reliable umbrella or rain jacket are practical year-round companions.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and language

Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; a polite handshake is common when meeting. Addresses often use formal titles; English is widely understood in tourist areas, but learning a few Dutch phrases is appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Beveren is generally safe for travelers. Standard precautions apply: keep an eye on belongings in crowded spaces, use well-lit streets at night, and be mindful of cycling traffic on shared paths.

Tipping in Beveren

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Belgium, a service charge may be included in the bill. If not, leaving around 5-10% in restaurants is typical for good service. For bars or cafés, rounding up the bill is common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days and warm temperatures make outdoor cycling and riverside strolls ideal. Pack sunscreen and stay hydrated; occasional showers can roll in from the coast.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage along the Durme offer great photography and pleasant cycling. Layers recommended for cooler mornings and evenings.

Winter

Cool to cold with possible rain; markets and cozy cafés provide warmth. Bring a waterproof layer and comfortable footwear.

Spring

Blooming trees and green fields make for vibrant landscapes and bike-friendly days. Light jacket for changing temperatures.

Nightlife Guide

Beveren at Night

Beveren's nightlife is relatively low-key, with a handful of bars and cafes in the town center. For a livelier scene, Ghent and Antwerp offer extensive bars, clubs, and live music within a short train ride.

Hiking in Beveren

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Durme River Trail

Scenic riverside routes with gentle elevation changes, ideal for easy hikes and photography stops.

Waasland Nature Walks

Network of nature reserves and canal-side trails offering birdwatching and peaceful woodlands.

Airports

How to reach Beveren by plane.

Antwerp International Airport (ANR)

Closest major airport to Beveren; short drive or train ride to the town, with international and domestic flights.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

Major international hub about an hour’s drive or train ride away; easy connections across Europe and beyond.

Lille Airport (LIL)

Accessible option in nearby France; useful for low-cost European connections and a short onward journey to Beveren.

Getting Around

Walkability

Beveren is fairly walkable within the town center, with several pedestrian-friendly streets. A bike-friendly culture and nearby canals encourage easy two-wheeled exploration, while longer trips to Ghent or Antwerp are best done by train or bus.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Dutch-speaking Flemish residents

Majority local population with families, commuters, and a growing number of cross-border workers.

Families and retirees

Quiet neighborhoods and green spaces attract families and retirees seeking a slower pace.

Students and young professionals

Commuters to Ghent and Antwerp bring a youthful dynamic to the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played and followed across the region in clubs and school teams.

Cycling

Popular for daily commutes and leisure rides along rivers and country roads.

Tennis

Common in local clubs and community centers with seasonal courts available.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light within Beveren, with more congestion during peak hours around Ghent and Antwerp. Public transport (De Lijn buses and Belgian rail) provides reliable connections to surrounding towns, while cycling paths reduce car dependency for short trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Beveren.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most Belgian restaurants offer vegetarian options or daily veggie specials. Look for veggie stews, seasonal salads, and sides, and don’t hesitate to ask for substitutions or a chef’s recommendation.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Belgian healthcare is high quality and mostly publicly funded. Travelers should have travel insurance; local GP clinics and hospitals are available in Beveren and nearby Ghent or Antwerp for more specialized care.

Discover Belgium

Read more in our Belgium 2025 Travel Guide.

Belgium Travel Guide