Things To Do
in Diest
Diest is a small, well-preserved historic town in Flemish Brabant, Belgium, known for its medieval walls, quiet cobbled streets and riverside setting along the Demer. The compact centre centers on a picturesque Grote Markt, an elegant town hall and several churches and a beguinage that reflect its long civic and religious history. Diest mixes local life — traditional cafés and weekly markets — with easy access to hiking and cycling in the surrounding Demer valley and Hageland countryside.
Its scale and atmosphere make it an attractive stop for travelers who enjoy history, low-key cultural experiences and outdoor activities away from Belgium’s busiest tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in the historic center of Diest, where you can wander the cobbled streets lined with quaint shops and cafes. Visit the impressive St. Sulpitius Church, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Don't forget to take a moment to enjoy a fresh pastry from a local bakery as you soak in the atmosphere.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Diest Castle, a beautiful fortress that dates back to the Middle Ages. Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating past and enjoy a leisurely walk around the surrounding gardens. You can also relax at a nearby café and sip some Belgian beer while enjoying the views of the castle.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in the center of Diest to experience authentic Belgian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like mussels and fries, paired with a local ale, while seated outdoors when the weather permits. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, reveling in the charming ambiance of the town at night.
Kick off your second day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the nearby nature reserves for a scenic hike. The natural beauty of Diest is breathtaking, with lush forests and tranquil lakes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes as you embark on one of the many well-marked trails.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery. You could also visit the local wildlife park to see native animals in their natural habitats. This peaceful afternoon will rejuvenate you for the next phase of your journey.
Return to town for a relaxed evening, perhaps visiting a local bar famous for its wide selection of Belgian beers. Engage with local residents and learn more about their culture in an inviting atmosphere. Enjoy some live music or a local event if available, wrapping up your day on a high note.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4.00 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pint) | $3.50-6.00 |
| 🚇Public transport single ticket (regional) | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $75-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Well-preserved medieval centre and historic architecture
- Compact and walkable — easy to see on foot
- Peaceful riverside setting with good cycling and walking routes
- Authentic Flemish town experience without large tourist crowds
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions compared with bigger Belgian cities
- Some services and restaurants may close on Sundays or have reduced hours
- Fewer direct long-distance transport links — may require transfers
- Weather can be changeable and damp outside of summer
- "Hallo / Goedemorgen" - Hello / Good morning
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you are
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Ik ben vegetariër" - I am a vegetarian
Places to Visit in Diest
Visit one of these nice places.
The central square with the historic town hall, cafés and lively street scenes — great for daytime urban shots and evening illumination.
A peaceful courtyard and narrow lanes with traditional houses ideal for intimate architectural and detail photography.
Sections of the old fortifications and gates offer dramatic perspectives, especially at golden hour.
Riverside paths, reflections and leafy banks provide lovely landscape and nature photos, particularly in spring and autumn.
Exterior and interior shots of church architecture, stained glass and historical details.
Food in Diest
Diest Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef stew in dark beer, typically served with fries; you’ll find good versions in local brasseries and traditional restaurants around the Grote Markt.
Must-Try!
Crispy hand-cut fries — enjoy at a friterie or takeaway; locals often pair them with mustards or house sauces.
Regional cheeses and cured meats are sold at markets and delis — perfect with a local beer or as part of a light lunch.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical Flemish market days offer fresh vegetables, breads, cheeses and seasonal produce — a great place for local bites and to pick picnic supplies.
Small fry shops around town provide classic Belgian fries and snacks; try a cone of fries with mayonnaise and a local sausage.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Flemish Dutch is the local language; a brief greeting in Dutch (Hallo, Goedemorgen) is appreciated though many locals speak English. Use a handshake in formal introductions.
Be on time for appointments and tours — punctuality is valued in Belgian culture.
Follow recycling rules and respect quieter neighbourhood hours (evenings and Sundays are calmer in small towns).
Safety
Tipping in Diest
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included, but leaving small change or rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service; in cafés and bars it’s common to round up or leave a euro or two.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels; carry some cash (euros) for small vendors, markets and certain friteries. Contactless payments and mobile pay are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather, fields and riverbanks turning green; spring flowers make riverside walks and nearby woodlands pleasant. Peak time for bluebells in nearby spots (day trips) — bring a light jacket as temperatures can vary.
Warm and generally pleasant, with outdoor terraces and late sunset walks; expect more visitors on weekends and occasional festivals or open-air events. Pack sunscreen and a light rain layer for brief showers.
Crisp air and colourful foliage along the Demer and surrounding hills; a great season for hiking and cycling with fewer tourists. Evenings cool down — layers recommended.
Chilly and damp winters are common, with occasional frost or light snow; many attractions remain open but some services may have reduced hours. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear help when exploring cobbled streets.
Diest at Night
Hiking in Diest
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of gentle riverside paths and loops ideal for day hikes and birdwatching, starting from Diest and heading along the Demer.
Hiking routes through rolling hills, small vineyards and orchards to the south and west of Diest; varied terrain for short or longer walks.
A short local trail following sections of Diest’s medieval walls and green belts — perfect for a historical walk without leaving town.
Famous bluebell forest best visited in mid-spring — about a 30–45 minute drive depending on route; a popular seasonal destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Airports
How to reach Diest by plane.
The main international airport for Belgium (~45–60 minutes by car / train connections via Leuven); offers many international flights and good rail/taxi links to Diest.
Smaller international airport (~45–75 minutes by car); suitable for regional European flights and reachable by road or train via Antwerp and local connections.
Low-cost carrier airport south of Brussels (~60–90 minutes by car); accessible by shuttle and train connections via Brussels for onward travel to Diest.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Dutch-speaking Flemish Belgians, including families and older generations with deep local roots.
Many working-age adults commute to nearby cities (Leuven, Hasselt) for work, giving the town a mix of residential tranquillity and daytime activity.
Like many Belgian towns, Diest has some diversity from EU and non-EU backgrounds, contributing to multicultural shops and eateries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is extremely popular — both recreational routes and road cycling through the hills; many locals use bikes for commuting and leisure.
Local amateur clubs and community teams are common, with weekend matches and youth programs.
With pleasant trails and river routes, recreational running and walking clubs are frequent.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Diest.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in cafés and bistros (salads, vegetable stews, cheese dishes). Tell staff 'Ik ben vegetariër' and they will usually suggest suitable dishes; supermarkets and markets offer fresh produce for self-catering.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited in traditional restaurants; look for vegetarian-friendly cafés and check menus in advance or ask for plant-based options ('veganistische optie').
Gluten-free requests are generally possible at many modern restaurants, but in small traditional places cross-contamination can occur — communicate clearly ('glutenvrij') and consider buying gluten-free bread/snacks from larger supermarkets.