Things To Do
in Brasschaat

Brasschaat is an affluent, leafy municipality north of Antwerp known for its parks, tree-lined avenues and strong outdoor lifestyle. The town blends suburban charm with well-maintained green spaces such as the Brasschaat Military Domain and De Inslag nature reserve. It’s family-oriented with boutique shops, cozy cafés and easy access to larger-city cultural attractions in nearby Antwerp.

Visitors come for relaxed walks, cycling, equestrian activities and as a quiet base for exploring the Antwerp region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Local Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Brasschaat and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, absorbing the charming architecture and lush green parks. Stop by a local café for a traditional Belgian breakfast with freshly baked pastries.

afternoon
:

Visit the Brasschaat's local market to explore unique artisan goods and indulge in some local delicacies. Spend time at the nearby park or lake, enjoying the natural beauty and perhaps renting a paddle boat. Engage with friendly locals and learn about the area's rich history.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional Belgian restaurant, sampling classic dishes like moules-frites or stoofvlees. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk through the illuminated streets of Brasschaat. Find a cozy bar to enjoy a local beer before heading back to your accommodation.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit the Brasschaat Museum to discover the local history and culture, showcasing art and artifacts from different eras. Spend time in the museum gardens, which are a perfect spot to absorb the tranquility of the surroundings. Consider joining a guided tour to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a bistro nearby, trying out regional specialties before venturing to the park for an afternoon of relaxation. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake, or simply take in the vibrant atmosphere around you. Allow some time for people-watching as locals and tourists alike enjoy the sun.

evening
:

Attend a local cultural event or concert if available, to experience the thriving artistic scene in Brasschaat. Afterwards, treat yourself to dessert at a local patisserie famed for its chocolates and pastries. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk, taking in the beautiful night sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (café)$3-5
🍺Local beer (pint)$4-7
🚕Short taxi ride (5–10 km)$10-25
🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night)$80-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Abundant green spaces and nature reserves nearby
  • Quiet, safe and family-friendly atmosphere
  • Close to Antwerp for cultural attractions and transport links
  • Good cycling infrastructure and outdoor activities
  • Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions within town itself
  • Some services and specialty dining require trips to Antwerp
  • Public transport connections are decent but less frequent than in a city center
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u (wel)" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Brasschaat

Visit one of these nice places.

Brasschaat Military Domain (Militaire Domein)

Expansive woodland and parkland with paths, ponds and seasonal color—excellent for nature, macro and landscape photography.

De Inslag

A scenic nature reserve with meadows and water features offering tranquil reflections and wildlife photo opportunities.

Kalmthoutse Heide (nearby)

Wide heathland vistas, purple heather in late summer and long boardwalks provide dramatic natural landscapes.

Dorpsplein and Village Streets

Picturesque town-centre scenes with quaint architecture, cafés and local life—good for street and architectural shots.

Park Ponds and Gardens

Small lakes and ornamental gardens around town are great for golden-hour photos and birdlife.

Culinary Guide

Food in Brasschaat

Brasschaat shares the rich culinary traditions of Flanders: hearty stews, beers, fries and fresh bakery goods. Dining tends toward classic Belgian brasseries, family-owned restaurants and cafés where seasonal produce and local beers are highlights.

Brasschaat Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moules-frites

Mussels steamed in white wine or cream, served with Belgian fries — a seasonal and popular dish found in local brasseries and restaurants.

Must-Try!

Stoofvlees / Carbonnade Flamande

Slow-cooked beef stew in beer, often served with fries or mashed potatoes; a comforting local specialty to seek out in neighborhood bistros.

Belgian Fries and Mayonnaise

Thick-cut, twice-fried fries available from local friteries and market stalls — a must-try street-food staple.

Local Beers and Chocolates

A wide range of Belgian beers (from Trappist to local craft brews) and artisanal chocolates are widely available in shops and restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Brasschaat Weekly Market

A small local market (typically on a weekend) offering fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses and occasional prepared foods—ideal for picnic supplies and trying local breads and pastries.

Nearby Antwerp Markets

For more variety, head to Antwerp’s markets (e.g., Saturday markets) for a wider selection of street food, international stalls and specialty vendors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Brasschaat has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, cool winters and rainfall distributed throughout the year. Expect grey, drizzly days in autumn and winter, comfortable warm days in summer, and variable spring weather with frequent showers.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite 'Hallo' or handshake in stores and restaurants is common; use 'Goeiedag' or 'Goedeavond' for formal occasions.

Punctuality

Belgians value punctuality for appointments and social gatherings—arrive on time.

Respect for Quiet Residential Areas

Many neighborhoods are quiet, especially evenings and Sundays—keep noise levels down and respect private property.

Waste Sorting

Recycling and waste separation are common—follow local bin colors and rules when staying in the area.

Safety Guide

Safety

Brasschaat is generally safe with low violent crime; normal urban precautions apply (watch belongings, avoid poorly lit areas at night). In nature areas watch for ticks—use repellent and check for ticks after walks. Road safety: be mindful of cyclists on shared paths and obey local traffic laws; in emergencies dial 112.

Tipping in Brasschaat

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is typically included on restaurant bills in Belgium; leaving small change or rounding up to the nearest euro for good service is appreciated but not required.

Payment Methods

Contactless payment and cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; carry some cash for small cafés, local markets and friteries which may be cash-preferential.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm and pleasant (20–25°C typical), excellent for cycling, hiking and outdoor dining. Expect longer daylight, buzzing terraces and occasional summer festivals; bring sun protection and insect repellent for nature areas.

Autumn

Crisp weather and spectacular fall foliage in parks and heaths; perfect for photography and quiet walks—layers are recommended as temperatures drop.

Winter

Chilly, damp and overcast at times with temperatures often near freezing; snow is possible but uncommon. Indoor cafés, museums and warm stews are welcome—dress warmly and expect shorter daylight hours.

Spring

Mild weather with blooming parks and returning birdlife; trails can be muddy after rain, so bring good footwear and a lightweight rain jacket.

Nightlife Guide

Brasschaat at Night

Brasschaat’s nightlife is low-key and family-friendly with a handful of cozy pubs, beer terraces and neighborhood cafés. For a wider selection of clubs, late-night bars and live music, travel into Antwerp (15–30 minutes) where the nightlife is much more vibrant.

Hiking in Brasschaat

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kalmthoutse Heide

A large protected heathland reserve with trails, boardwalks and unique flora and fauna—spectacular in late summer when the heather blooms.

Brasschaat Military Domain Trails

Wooded trails, ponds and open fields within the military domain offering varied walks and good birdwatching.

Rivierenhof (Deurne)

An extensive park with easy walking routes, ponds and historical features close to Antwerp—great for relaxed day hikes and picnics.

Scheldt River Walks (near Antwerp)

Riverside paths along the Scheldt provide longer, flat walks connecting natural and urban scenery—suitable for cyclists and hikers alike.

Airports

How to reach Brasschaat by plane.

Antwerp International Airport (ANR)

Small regional airport located near Antwerp (Deurne), convenient for short flights and private aviation; about 20–30 minutes by car from Brasschaat depending on traffic.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

Belgium’s main international hub near Zaventem, roughly 40–60 minutes by car or about 45–75 minutes by train and transfer—offers the widest range of international flights.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)

An option for low-cost or regional flights in the Netherlands, typically about 1–1.5 hours by car from Brasschaat depending on route and border traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town centre and parks are very walkable with pleasant sidewalks and paths; suburban and residential areas may require a bike or car to cover greater distances. Trails in nature reserves are well-marked and accessible on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Brasschaat attracted by schools, parks and a safe environment for children.

Affluent Residents

The municipality has a reputation for being relatively affluent, with well-kept homes and gardens.

Retirees

A noticeable older population enjoys the calm, green surroundings and local services.

Commuters and Expatriates

Residents who commute to Antwerp or work in international companies, including some expatriates seeking quieter suburban life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Soccer is widely played and followed at amateur and youth levels with local clubs and pitches across the municipality.

Cycling

Both recreational and competitive cycling are popular, with extensive road and off-road routes in and around Brasschaat.

Equestrian Sports

Horse riding and related events are common due to local stables and trails in the surrounding countryside.

Tennis

Several clubs and courts serve residents who enjoy recreational and competitive tennis.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally moderate; expect heavier congestion during weekday rush hours traveling to and from Antwerp. Public transportation is primarily bus-based with connections to Antwerp; schedules are reliable but less frequent than urban metro systems. Cycling is often the fastest way to move locally during busy periods.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Brasschaat.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants (salads, omelettes, vegetable stews); mention 'vegetarisch' and most places can adapt dishes.

Vegan

Vegan choices are growing but less ubiquitous than in big cities—look for vegetarian cafés or travel to Antwerp for more varied vegan dining. Ask for 'veganistisch' or point out dairy/egg restrictions.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free options exist but are not guaranteed at every venue—ask staff about 'glutenvrij' options and be cautious with fried foods like fries (cross-contamination may occur).

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available locally with general practitioners and pharmacies in town. For hospital care and specialist services, major hospitals in Antwerp are within a 20–30 minute drive; emergency services can be reached via 112.

Discover Belgium

Read more in our Belgium 2025 Travel Guide.

Belgium Travel Guide