Things To Do
in Drongen
Drongen is a quiet, leafy suburb of Ghent in East Flanders, centered around the historic Drongen Abbey and the gently flowing Leie river. It mixes small-village charm — narrow streets, a parish church, and local cafés — with easy access to Ghent’s urban attractions a short train or bike ride away. The area is popular with cyclists, walkers and families who enjoy riverside paths, parkland and low-rise Flemish farmland.
Expect a calm base for exploring the Leie valley, nearby nature reserves and Ghent’s cultural scene without the bustle of a city center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Drongen and check into your charming bed and breakfast. Begin your day with a relaxing stroll through the quaint streets, admiring the historic architecture and the peaceful atmosphere. Stop by a local café for a traditional Belgian breakfast of croissants and coffee.
Visit the beautiful Drongen Abbey, known for its stunning gardens and rich history. Explore the nearby nature trails and take in the scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Flemish dishes.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy pub to taste some local Belgian beers. Take part in a casual gathering with locals as you share stories and enjoy live music. End your day with a delightful dinner at a nearby bistro, where you can sample exquisite regional cuisine.
Start your day with a visit to the historic St. Peter's Church, where you can admire the beautiful stained glass windows. Spend some time reflecting in the tranquil garden that surrounds the church. Stop by a nearby bakery for fresh pastries to enjoy on your walk.
Head to the Drongen museum to immerse yourself in the town's rich history and culture. Explore the exhibits that showcase local art and historical artifacts. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby café, experiencing the welcoming atmosphere of Drongen.
Attend a cultural event at the community center, where local artists showcase their work. Engage with performers and artists, learning more about the community's artistic scene. Wrap up the evening with dinner at a local favorite, known for its authentic Belgian waffles.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (pint) | $4-6 |
| 🚆Local train ticket (Drongen–Ghent) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful village atmosphere with easy access to Ghent
- Beautiful riverside scenery and good cycling routes
- Historic abbey and local heritage
- Lower prices and less tourist congestion than Ghent center
- Limited nightlife and dining options within Drongen itself
- Public transport frequency can be lower late at night or on weekends
- Fewer tourist services and multilingual staff than major cities
- Weather can be rainy and changeable throughout the year
- "Hallo / Goedemorgen" - Hello / Good morning
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Ik ben allergisch voor ..." - I am allergic to ...
Places to Visit in Drongen
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic abbey buildings, cloisters and tree-lined grounds provide atmospheric architecture and close-up detail shots, especially in soft morning light.
Riverside bends, reflections and boats create picturesque compositions at sunrise or golden hour; towpaths also offer pastoral riverbank scenes.
Charming narrow lanes, traditional Flemish houses and the local church make for intimate street and architectural photography.
Open fields, distant farmhouses and seasonal crops give classic Flemish rural landscapes, ideal for wide-angle shots and panoramic vistas.
A short trip into Ghent rewards you with iconic riverside façades and bustling quays for vibrant urban river photos.
Food in Drongen
Drongen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy Flemish stew of fish or chicken in a rich broth with vegetables — a Ghent specialty you’ll find in many local restaurants.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef in a dark beer sauce, often served with fries; a comforting Flemish classic at traditional taverns.
Crisp fries with a variety of sauces and, when in season, steamed mussels in a fragrant broth — easy to find in nearby Ghent or local brasseries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly markets in Drongen sell local cheeses, breads and seasonal produce; for bigger markets and street food, head to Ghent’s markets (e.g., Vrijdagmarkt) for stalls, waffles and artisanal fare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting and a handshake are common in formal settings; a simple 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen' is fine in shops and cafés.
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language in East Flanders; many people speak English, but learning a few Dutch phrases is appreciated.
Be on time for appointments and tours; punctuality is valued.
Cyclists have priority in many places; be aware of bike lanes and watch for fast local cyclists when walking near cycle paths.
Safety
Tipping in Drongen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; service is usually included in bills. For good service, round up the bill or leave a small tip (5–10%) in restaurants and cafés; taxi drivers and bar staff may expect a few euros extra.
Belgium uses the euro. Contactless payment and cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and public transport, though small cafés or market stalls may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming riverside vegetation make spring excellent for cycling and walking; occasional showers mean bring a light waterproof layer and flexible plans.
Warm but rarely extreme temperatures; long daylight hours are perfect for paddling the Leie, outdoor cafés and festivals in nearby Ghent — pack sun protection and a light jacket for evenings.
Crisp air and colorful foliage along the river create great photo opportunities; expect more rainy days and cooler evenings, ideal for hearty stews and beer tasting.
Cold and damp with short daylight; the village is quiet and atmospheric, and while heavy snow is uncommon, dress warmly and be prepared for wind and rain.
Drongen at Night
Hiking in Drongen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of riverside paths along the Leie suitable for gentle hikes and long walks, with scenic views of meadows, willow-lined banks and small villages.
A short trip into Ghent brings you to this wetland reserve with marked trails, bird hides and boardwalks — great for nature walks and birdwatching.
Nearby historic art village along the Leie with picturesque walking routes, old villas and landscapes that inspired Flemish painters.
Short local loops around the abbey and adjoining farmland provide peaceful walking routes for 1–3 hour outings with interpretive panels and village viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Drongen by plane.
The main international airport for Belgium, about 60–80 km from Drongen (around 1–1.5 hours by car or train via Brussels/Ghent connections). Good for international flights.
Budget airline hub south of Brussels, roughly 90–110 km away; longer transfer by car or bus/train but often used by low-cost carriers.
Smaller airport approximately 60–75 km away; useful for regional flights and some European routes, reachable by car or train to Ghent.
Regional airport to the southwest (around 40–60 km), mainly for private and some scheduled flights; car transfer or regional trains/buses can connect via Ghent.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the population are native Flemish Belgians, with deep local ties and family-run businesses.
Many residents commute to Ghent for work or education; the area is popular with families seeking quieter residential neighborhoods near the city.
Proximity to Ghent’s universities attracts some international students and expats who live in surrounding suburbs and villages.
As in much of Belgium, there are residents with roots from other European countries, North Africa and Turkey, contributing to a modestly diverse local community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is hugely popular for transport and recreation; well-marked cycle routes and flat terrain make it ideal for riders of all levels.
Local amateur clubs and community pitches are common; football is widely played and watched in the region.
Water sports on the Leie and nearby waterways are popular in warmer months, including recreational rowing and club activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Drongen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common in Ghent and available in many Drongen cafés (salads, vegetable stews, omelettes); always useful to ask for 'vegetarisch' dishes and Ghent is very vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options are more prevalent in Ghent than in small Drongen eateries; look for dedicated vegan cafés or ask staff about dairy-free and plant-based substitutions ('vegan' is widely understood).
Indicate allergies clearly: 'Ik ben allergisch voor...' and specify the ingredient. Gluten-free choices exist but are easier to find in Ghent; smaller restaurants may have limited options.