Things To Do
in Hasselt
Hasselt is a charming city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. Known for its beautiful architecture, Hasselt features a mix of historic buildings and modern structures. The city is famous for its jenever, a traditional Belgian spirit, and hosts an annual jenever festival.
Hasselt also offers picturesque parks, shopping streets, and cultural attractions for visitors to enjoy.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Market Square, where you can admire the stunning architecture. Grab a coffee and a pastry at a local café to fuel your day.
Take a stroll through the Japanese Garden, the largest in Belgium, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. For lunch, enjoy some regional specialties at a nearby restaurant.
As the sun sets, explore the vibrant local dining scene. End your day with a relaxing walk around the city's illuminated canals.
Begin your day at the Fashion Museum to appreciate the artistry of Belgian fashion. Spend some time browsing through the exhibits and learn about the history of textiles.
Visit the Hasselt Museum to dive deeper into the art and history of the region. Enjoy lunch at a local bistro, sampling some traditional Belgian dishes.
Wrap up your day with a visit to a local gallery or cultural event. Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant that often features local art.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, including museums and historic buildings.
- Vibrant local events and festivals throughout the year.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Belgian cities.
- Beautiful parks and natural areas for outdoor activities.
- Strong sense of community and friendly locals.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to bigger cities.
- Public transportation options may be less frequent.
- Less international exposure than Brussels or Antwerp.
- Mild climate can lead to grey and rainy days.
- Smaller nightlife and entertainment scene.
Best Activities in Hasselt
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic Green Belt surrounding Hasselt on a bike.
Enjoy a leisurely picnic at the picturesque Kapermolenpark.
Take a peaceful stroll through the Japanese Garden to appreciate its beauty and tranquility.
Tours
Uncover the best of Hasselt with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hasselt
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque garden featuring traditional Japanese landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, offering great photo opportunities.
A historic abbey with beautiful surroundings, providing stunning views and photo opportunities of the architecture and landscape.
A scenic park with a lake and green spaces, offering panoramic views and photo opportunities of nature and the city skyline.
Food in Hasselt
Hasselt Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This traditional Belgian liquor, similar to gin, is a must-try in Hasselt. Visit the National Jenever Museum to learn about its history and enjoy a tasting session.
Must-Try!
This sweet and sour beef stew, typically flavored with local beer and vinegar, is a beloved dish in Hasselt. Sample it at local pubs and traditional Flemish restaurants like De Goei Goesting.
These spiced and crunchy cookies are a local specialty. Pick up a pack from the famous Lemmens bakery or other artisanal bakeries in Hasselt.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hasselt better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a wide array of local produce, cheeses, and traditional snacks. Look out for the stalls selling freshly made Belgian waffles, cuberdons (cone-shaped candies), and warm, crispy frituur (Belgian fries).
A popular square in Hasselt known for its food trucks and pop-up stalls. Here, visitors can savor gourmet burgers, artisanal chocolates, and innovative street food creations.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Hasselt, it's important to be mindful of personal space and to not stand too close or invade someone's privacy.
It's customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact when meeting them for the first time or in formal situations.
Punctuality is valued in Belgian culture, so it's important to arrive on time for meetings and appointments.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hasselt with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Hasselt
Ensure a smooth experience
In Hasselt, Belgium, tipping is not mandatory. However, it is customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for good service, typically around 5-10% of the total amount.
Cash is widely accepted in Hasselt, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payment. Many shops, restaurants, and other establishments in Hasselt accept major credit cards. Contactless payment methods are also becoming more popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hasselt.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Hasselt, as the city comes alive with blooming flowers and pleasant weather. You can expect the famous cherry blossom trees to be in full bloom, creating a beautiful atmosphere throughout the city.
Summer is another ideal time to visit Hasselt, with warm and sunny weather. The city hosts various outdoor events, festivals, and markets during this season, offering a vibrant and lively atmosphere for visitors.
Autumn brings a beautiful display of colors to Hasselt as the leaves change, creating picturesque scenes throughout the city. The weather is still pleasant, and you can enjoy events such as the Jenever Festival and the International Storytelling Festival during this time.
Winter in Hasselt may be cold, but the city is adorned with festive lights and decorations, creating a cozy and charming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the Winterland Hasselt Christmas market and ice skating at the Winterland ice rink during the winter season.
Hasselt at Night
Hiking in Hasselt
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park area with various trails for hiking, offering scenic views and nature.
A natural area featuring wetlands and heathlands, ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
A large forested area with multiple hiking paths that explore beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife.
A historic site with surrounding trails that combine cultural heritage and nature walks.
Belgium’s only national park offering extensive hiking trails through varied landscapes of heath, forests, and lakes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hasselt through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Hasselt by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in Belgium, located around 45 km from Hasselt. It serves as a major international gateway.
An international airport located approximately 70 km from Hasselt, known for budget airlines and serving various European destinations.
Situated around 30 km from Hasselt, this airport primarily serves freight but also has passenger flights, mainly charter services.
Located about 80 km from Hasselt, this smaller airport offers scheduled flights mainly to London and other nearby destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Hasselt, predominantly speaking Dutch.
A smaller demographic group, primarily in the southern regions, including some residents in Hasselt.
A significant community in Hasselt, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
Another notable group, adding to the multicultural fabric of the region.
Includes various smaller groups from different countries, contributing to the city's overall demographic diversity.
The Soul of Hasselt
Discover the essence of Hasselt through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is highly popular in Hasselt, with many local clubs and a strong following in both amateur and professional leagues.
Cycling is a favored activity in Hasselt, supported by scenic routes and several cycling events throughout the year.
Basketball has a growing presence in Hasselt, with local teams and an increasing number of youth programs.
Tennis is popular in Hasselt, with multiple clubs offering facilities and coaching for players of all levels.
Athletics is widely practiced in Hasselt, with many events held at local tracks and clubs promoting various track and field disciplines.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hasselt.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Hasselt offers numerous vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries, ensuring that plant-based diners can indulge in dishes like hearty vegetable soups, organic salads, and creative plant-based takes on Belgian classics.
Many restaurants and cafes in Hasselt cater to gluten-free diets, offering an array of options such as gluten-free bread, pasta, and desserts. Visitors can savor gluten-free waffles, artisanal ice cream, and wholesome grain bowls.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Hasselt with these cultural adventures.
