Things To Do
in Boom
Boom is a small town in Belgium known for hosting the popular music festival Tomorrowland. The town has a population of around 18,000 people and is located in the province of Antwerp. Boom is situated along the Rupel River and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a picturesque location.
Apart from Tomorrowland, Boom is also known for its historic buildings and charming streets.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk in the scenic park of Liereman. Enjoy the tranquility and various natural trails to set the tone for a peaceful day.
Visit the local restaurants to savor some traditional Belgian dishes for lunch. Afterward, explore nearby shops for unique souvenirs.
Wind down with a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks. Enjoy the golden hues of the sunset as you reflect on the day's adventures.
Begin your exploration at the Castle of Cortewalle for a dose of history and architecture. Take in the beautiful gardens and learn about the castle's rich past.
Continue your historical journey at the local museum to discover more about Boom's heritage. Engage with interactive exhibits that provide insights into the town's history.
Dine at a cozy restaurant that serves regional specialties. Relish the atmosphere while reminiscing about your discoveries of the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming small town atmosphere with a close-knit community.
- Proximity to larger cities like Antwerp and Brussels for easy access to urban amenities.
- Rich history and cultural heritage with various historical sites.
- Good public transportation links, making it easy to travel around the region.
- Various local shops, cafes, and restaurants that offer a taste of Belgian cuisine.
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities, which might not appeal to younger residents.
- Fewer job opportunities in specialized fields compared to metropolitan areas.
- Potential for higher property prices if looking for a house in a desirable location.
- The size of the town may result in a lack of diverse activities and entertainment options.
- Weather can be quite variable, with a lot of rain and cloudy days.
Best Activities in Boom
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the beautiful Castle d'Ursel and its surrounding park for a relaxing day outdoors. The estate features manicured gardens, walking paths, and picturesque landscapes.
Enjoy a day at Boom Park, which offers various recreational activities including walking trails, picnic areas, and play zones for children, making it a perfect family outing.
Explore the scenic cycling routes along the Scheldt River. The routes are suitable for all skill levels and provide stunning views of the natural surroundings.
Take a short trip to Mini-Europe in nearby Brussels, where you can walk through miniature replicas of famous European landmarks while enjoying the outdoor setting.
Visit local farmers' markets held in Boom for an outdoor shopping experience. Sample fresh produce and local delicacies while mingling with the community.
Embark on a boat tour along the waterways near Boom for a unique perspective of the area. Enjoy the tranquility of the water and the scenic views.
Take a nature walk in the nearby Mechels Broek nature reserve, where you can observe diverse wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the Belgian countryside.
Tours
Uncover the best of Boom with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Boom
Visit one of these nice places.
Beautiful park with great views of the surroundings and photo opportunities
Offers scenic views and photo opportunities of the historic castle and its surroundings
Picturesque riverside location with great photo opportunities of the water and surroundings
Food in Boom
Boom Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional beef stew cooked in Belgian beer and served with fries. A must-try that can be found in local brasseries like De Kombuis and De Koekoek.
Must-Try!
Incredibly popular dish featuring mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, and parsley, served with crispy fries. La Plage and De Steenput are great places to enjoy this classic.
Indulge in delicious Belgian waffles, often served with a variety of toppings such as chocolate, whipped cream, and fresh fruits. Look out for stands at local markets or visit De Waterlelie for a delightful waffle experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Boom better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the weekly Boomse Markt for a variety of local produce, cheeses, and artisanal products. You can also find food stalls offering a selection of Belgian street food such as fries and waffles.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Boom, it's common to greet people with a handshake. Friends may kiss each other on the cheeks, typically starting with the right cheek. Always maintain eye contact during greetings to show engagement and respect.
Belgians value punctuality, so arriving on time for appointments or social gatherings is important. Being late, even by a few minutes, can be seen as disrespectful.
During meals, keep your hands on the table (but not your elbows) and wait for the host to begin before starting to eat. It is polite to say 'Smakelijk' (Enjoy your meal) before dining. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics until you know someone well.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Boom with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Boom
Ensure a smooth experience
In Boom, Belgium, tipping is generally not mandatory, but appreciated. It is common to round up the bill in restaurants or leave small change as a token of appreciation for good service. In cafes and bars, leaving a few coins is also customary, although often not expected.
In Boom, cash is still widely accepted, but electronic payments are becoming increasingly popular. Visa, Mastercard, and electronic payment apps are commonly used in restaurants, shops, and other establishments. It's advisable to check if smaller venues prefer cash, as some may have minimum card payment amounts.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Boom.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for the Tomorrowland music festival, blooming flowers, and mild temperatures.
Ideal for outdoor activities, warm weather, and lively atmosphere during the festival season.
Great for enjoying autumn foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds.
Experience the festive holiday season, Christmas markets, and occasional snowfall.
Boom at Night
Hiking in Boom
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large national park featuring diverse landscapes, including forests, heathlands, and sandy areas, ideal for hiking with well-marked trails.
A scenic natural area near the river with various walking paths, perfect for a nature hike and birdwatching.
A nature reserve with a network of hiking trails through wetlands and forests, great for spotting wildlife.
A beautiful primeval forest boasting an extensive network of trails, perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
In addition to great hiking trails, this area offers a unique blend of nature and local cuisine, making it a great stop after a hike.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Boom through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Boom by plane.
Located approximately 25 km southeast of Boom, Brussels Airport is the main international airport in Belgium, serving as a hub for international and European flights.
Situated about 20 km northwest of Boom, Antwerp International Airport is a smaller airport primarily serving domestic and European flights.
Located around 50 km south of Boom, this airport mainly serves low-cost carriers and is a popular choice for budget travelers.
Approximately 80 km southeast of Boom, Liège Airport is primarily a cargo airport but also offers some passenger services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Boom, primarily speaking Dutch and culturally aligned with Flemish traditions.
A smaller demographic group mainly speaking French, with cultural ties to the Walloon region of Belgium.
Includes diverse groups from various countries, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Boom.
A significant portion of the population, consisting of seniors, who may be more active in local community and social activities.
Representing a vibrant demographic sector including children, teenagers, and young adults engaged in education and recreational activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Boom, with many local clubs and community participation.
Cycling is a favored activity in Boom, given Belgium's strong cycling culture and infrastructure.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Boom, with youth teams and local leagues available.
Volleyball is a commonly played sport in Boom, with various tournaments and recreational play.
Athletics, including track and field events, is popular among younger residents, with clubs offering training.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Boom.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Boom offer a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Look out for options like Veggie Stoofvlees and Vegan Stoofvlees, both twists on the traditional Flemish stew.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy gluten-free versions of Belgian classics, such as gluten-free waffles and beer. Some establishments also offer gluten-free bread and pastries upon request.