Things To Do
in Dendermonde
Dendermonde is a quaint Flemish city in East Flanders, located where the Dender meets the Scheldt, with a well-preserved historic center and a lively market square. It is known for its belfry and the dramatic Ros Beiaard procession that celebrates local legend and community identity. The town mixes riverside promenades, old guild houses and a few small museums housed in converted industrial buildings.
Dendermonde makes a calm base for exploring the Belgian countryside while offering good cafés, breweries and seasonal festivals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Dendermonde Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire its beautiful Gothic architecture. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Beguinage, a tranquil courtyard filled with charming houses and gardens. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a fresh pastry and coffee to fuel your explorations.
In the afternoon, head to the Church of Our Lady, known for its impressive artwork and serene atmosphere. Explore the vibrant local shops along the main square, where you can find handmade crafts and delicious Belgian chocolates. Take a moment to relax at the nearby park, enjoying the lush greenery and a peaceful ambiance.
As the sun sets, dine at a traditional Belgian restaurant where you can savor local specialties like stoofvlees or mussels. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Dender River, where you can enjoy the serene views and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife. End your evening at a cozy bar, sampling some of Belgium’s renowned craft beers.
Begin your day with a visit to the Dendermonde Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the region through fascinating exhibits. Spend some time exploring the local art scene, particularly focusing on works by local artists that are displayed in the museum. Afterward, enjoy a quick snack at the museum café, which offers a selection of local treats.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Museum of the History of Science, which features intriguing displays about scientific advancements and their impact on society. Participate in interactive exhibits that make learning fun, especially for families and children. Take a break at a local park nearby, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
For dinner, seek out a restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine, perhaps trying some carbonnade flamande, a traditional Flemish beef stew. Post dinner, attend a local cultural event or concert if available, as Dendermonde often hosts performances featuring local artists. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk back to your accommodation, soaking in the charming ambiance of the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $45-70 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $3-6 |
| 🚆Local train ticket (short hop) | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming historic center with riverside views and pleasant architecture
- Strong beer and food scene with friendly local cafés and pubs
- Well-connected by train to Brussels and Antwerp for easy day trips
- Compact, walkable city ideal for a relaxed short stay
- Smaller town with limited late-night entertainment compared with big cities
- Some attractions have limited opening hours outside peak season
- Public signage and menus are usually in Dutch; occasional language barriers for non-Dutch speakers
- "Hallo / Goedendag" - Hello / Good day
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is de Grote Markt?" - Where is the main square?
Places to Visit in Dendermonde
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of Dendermonde with the ornate town hall, belfry tower and historic façades — great for architectural and golden-hour shots.
Riverside promenades, moored boats and reflections make atmospheric compositions, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Photograph the famous horse statue and, if visiting during a procession or festival, capture colorful pageantry and crowds.
A restored industrial building with photogenic brickwork and cultural exhibits — nice for both exterior and interior shots.
Quiet historic courtyard and narrow lanes offer intimate, peaceful scenes and details of Flemish architecture.
Food in Dendermonde
Dendermonde Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef stew braised in beer and aromatics — a Flemish classic found at many traditional restaurants in town.
Must-Try!
Steamed mussels served with fries — a ubiquitous Belgian favorite available at bistros and brasseries when mussel season is on.
Locally baked waffles, croissants and specialty pastries from bakeries around the Grote Markt make for excellent breakfasts or snacks.
A selection of Flemish and Belgian beers — from session ales to stronger Trappist-style bottles — available in pubs and specialty shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Regular markets on the main square sell fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods and seasonal street-food stalls — an ideal spot to sample local items.
Weekly markets and occasional food fairs around the town feature regional producers, artisanal breads, and ready-to-eat treats like frikandel or fresh waffles.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake is standard for first meetings; use formal titles until invited to use first names. Saying 'goedemorgen' or 'goedendag' (good morning/day) is appreciated.
Dendermonde is in Dutch-speaking Flanders; attempting a few phrases in Dutch is courteous. Many locals also speak English, but avoid assuming everyone speaks French.
Belgians value punctuality for appointments and tours — arrive on time for guided activities.
Keep noise moderate in residential areas, particularly on Sundays and in the evenings.
Safety
Tipping in Dendermonde
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills; tipping 5–10% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory. For cafés and bars, rounding up or leaving small change is common.
Belgium uses the euro. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and public transport; carry some cash for small stalls and market vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming riverside plantings make spring ideal for walking and cycling; occasional rain showers are common so bring a light waterproof jacket.
Warm but rarely extreme heat; outdoor cafés and festivals are active, and long daylight hours favor evening strolls — pack sunscreen and a light layer for cooler nights.
Crisp air and colorful foliage along the Dender make for pleasant hikes and photography; expect more rain and fluctuating temperatures.
Chillier, often overcast and wet with occasional frost; some attractions have reduced hours but the town is quieter and cozy cafés are welcoming.
Dendermonde at Night
Hiking in Dendermonde
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside walking routes that follow the Dender through woodlands, fields and small villages — flat and accessible for most fitness levels.
A wetlands reserve a short drive away with boardwalks and birdwatching hides — great for easy hikes and nature photography.
Hilly trails in the Flemish Ardennes are reachable by car/train for more challenging hikes and scenic countryside views, popular with hikers and road cyclists.
Airports
How to reach Dendermonde by plane.
About 45–60 minutes by car or roughly an hour by train+bus; the largest international gateway with frequent connections to Dendermonde via train and regional transport.
Approximately 45–60 minutes away by car; smaller airport with regional flights and good road connections to Dendermonde.
Budget airlines operate here; it is about 70–90 minutes by car depending on traffic and requires longer public-transport connections to reach Dendermonde.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The population is predominantly Flemish and Dutch-speaking, reflecting local culture, administration and schooling.
Dendermonde has a mix of families and small-business communities that sustain local shops, markets and cultural life.
Like many Belgian towns, there are immigrant and international communities contributing cultural diversity, including residents from other EU countries and non-EU backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely followed and played at amateur and youth levels; local clubs foster community engagement and weekend matches are common.
Cycling for sport and leisure is extremely popular — road cycling and touring along river routes attract both locals and visitors.
Local parks and river paths are used for jogging, walking and community fitness activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dendermonde.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are widely available in cafés and bistros: salads, cheese-based dishes, and vegetable stews. Ask for daily specials and don’t hesitate to request meat-free versions of popular dishes.
Vegan options are growing but less ubiquitous than in larger cities; look for vegetarian cafés or check menus online in advance. Supermarkets carry plant-based alternatives.
Some restaurants and bakeries offer gluten-free options, but cross-contamination may occur; inform staff clearly and consider bringing snacks if you have severe intolerance.
Staff are generally helpful but may not always speak detailed English-food allergy terminology; use simple phrases or a translation card listing allergens in Dutch.