Things To Do
in Bilzen
Bilzen is a small historic town in the Belgian province of Limburg known for its impressive Alden Biesen commandery, leafy streets and a relaxed small-town atmosphere. The municipality blends well-preserved heritage buildings, parkland and accessible cycling routes that make it popular with cultural visitors and outdoor lovers. Bilzen sits within easy reach of larger cities like Hasselt and Maastricht, offering a quiet base for day trips across the Belgian–Dutch border.
Local life centers on markets, cafés and events at the Alden Biesen estate, which often hosts festivals and exhibitions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit Bilzen's main square to admire 18th-century architecture and grab a warm croissant at a family-run bakery. Wander along cobblestone streets lined with pastel-hued townhouses and window boxes bursting with flowers. Pause by the old city hall to soak in the tranquil morning light and local chatter.
Indulge in a traditional Flemish lunch at a charming café tucked away on a side street. Explore the Munsterbilzen Abbey and its serene cloisters while learning about the Benedictine monks who once lived there. Take time to enjoy a coffee and pastry at a riverside terrace overlooking the Jeker River.
Dine at a riverside restaurant where you can sample Belgian beers and regional specialties. Stroll along the riverbank as lanterns reflect on the water in the gentle dusk. Conclude the evening with live folk music at a cozy pub in the heart of town.
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Alden Biesen Castle and wander through its expansive baroque gardens at sunrise. Join a guided tour of the stately rooms and grand hall to marvel at frescoed ceilings and antique furnishings. Capture photographs of the imposing façade framed by manicured lawns and ancient trees.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the castle grounds with fresh local cheese, breads, and fruit from a nearby market. Explore the castle’s courtyards and the historic commandery, then visit the small on-site museum detailing the Teutonic Order’s presence in the region. Relax on a bench beneath a canopy of linden trees as you savor the peaceful ambiance.
Return to Bilzen for dinner at a farmhouse restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine. Toast the end of the day with a glass of Limburg wine while watching the sun set over rolling fields. Join an evening lantern walk through the castle’s illuminated gardens if available for a magical finale.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-6 |
| 🚌Local bus/train single ticket | $2.50-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming historic centre with Alden Biesen and scenic surroundings
- Excellent cycling and walking routes in a peaceful rural setting
- Close to Hasselt and Maastricht for day trips and extra amenities
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger cities
- Public transport frequency is lower than in major urban centres, so a car can be useful
- "Hallo / Dag" - Hello / Hi
- "Dank u wel / Dankjewel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alstublieft (formal)" - Please / Here you go
- "Waar is ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Bilzen
Visit one of these nice places.
The castle, cloisters and formal gardens provide dramatic architecture and symmetry for daytime and golden-hour shots; wide courtyards and detail on façades are highlights.
Picturesque streets, the market square and church towers — ideal for street scenes and evening light when cafés and lamps are lit.
Rolling farmland, hedgerows and canals create quintessential Limburg landscape photos, particularly during spring blossom and autumn colours.
Short drives to elevated areas near the Dutch border offer panoramic views and dramatic skies for wide-angle shots.
Food in Bilzen
Bilzen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-braised beef in a dark beer-based sauce served with fries or mashed potatoes; commonly found in traditional cafés and brasseries.
Must-Try!
A regional pastry — a shallow, fruity tart often filled with cherries or apricot — available at bakeries and market stalls.
Crispy double-fried fries sold at fry stands and casual eateries; a simple must-try when sampling street food.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local produce, cheeses, breads and pastries; great for tasting vlaai, buying local cheese and meeting producers (check local listings for market days).
When festivals are on, food stalls frequently showcase regional beers, snacks and seasonal specialties—good for sampling multiple items in one place.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are standard when meeting locals; saying hello in Dutch (Flemish) like 'Goedemorgen' or a simple 'Hallo' is appreciated.
Belgians value punctuality for appointments and meetings—arrive on time for tours, restaurants and transport connections.
Respect local quiet hours in residential areas and follow recycling rules — waste sorting is taken seriously in many municipalities.
Safety
Tipping in Bilzen
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are generally included in bills; rounding up or leaving a 5–10% tip for good restaurant service is appreciated but not required. For taxis and small services, rounding up is common.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted; Bancontact is commonly used for domestic electronic payments. Small cafés or market stalls may prefer cash, so keep some euros on hand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make spring ideal for cycling, markets and photography. Occasional rain is common — pack a light waterproof layer and comfortable shoes.
Warm and pleasant, summer brings festivals, outdoor concerts and extended daylight for exploring. Expect more tourists at Alden Biesen events and busy terraces; sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
Crisp air and colourful foliage create beautiful hiking and photography conditions; harvest-time food and seasonal menus appear in restaurants. Bring layers as temperatures can vary through the day.
Chillier and wetter with occasional frost or light snow; attractions are quieter and indoor cultural activities are a good option. Pack a warm coat and waterproof footwear.
Bilzen at Night
Hiking in Bilzen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive away, this national park offers extensive trails through heathland, pine forests and lakes — ideal for full-day hikes and nature photography.
Scenic rolling hills and quiet lanes east of Bilzen with marked footpaths, vineyards and picturesque villages; great for moderate hikes and cultural stops.
Cross-border trails near Maastricht provide limestone cliffs, panoramic views and geological interest — popular with walkers and photographers.
Short, accessible walks through the castle gardens and surrounding parkland — perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll close to town.
Airports
How to reach Bilzen by plane.
About 25–35 minutes by car from Bilzen, Liège handles both cargo and passenger flights; car rental or taxi are common transfer options.
Approximately 30–40 minutes away across the Dutch border; suitable for regional flights and convenient if travelling from the Netherlands.
Around 1–1.5 hours by car or train depending on connections; offers many international flights and good rail/bus links toward Limburg.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority are Dutch-speaking Flemish residents, including families and long-term locals who shape town life and traditions.
Due to proximity to the Netherlands and Germany, some residents commute internationally for work or business, creating a mixed cultural influence.
Like many small towns, Bilzen has a noticeable population of older adults and retirees who contribute to community activities and local clubs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is immensely popular — both recreational and competitive — with extensive routes and local clubs for road and leisure cycling.
Local amateur football clubs are common and draw community participation and weekend matches.
Local clubs offer tennis courts and athletics facilities popular with families and regulars.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bilzen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés and bistros, though traditional dishes are meat-heavy; larger towns nearby (Hasselt, Maastricht) offer more dedicated vegetarian/vegan restaurants. Ask for ‘vegetarisch’ options and specify allergies clearly.
Awareness of gluten-free needs is growing; bakeries and restaurants can often accommodate with notice, but always confirm cross-contamination risk and look for packaged gluten-free products in supermarkets.