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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.

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  • "Bonjour" - Hello
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
  • "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me

Prices in Hasselt

  • 🏠 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

Highlights

  • 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.

Day plans

Spend a day exploring around

day 1

Explore the City Center

morning

:

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.

afternoon

:

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.

evening

:

As the sun sets, explore the vibrant local dining scene. End your day with a relaxing walk around the city's illuminated canals.

day 2

Art and Culture Day

morning

:

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.

afternoon

:

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.

evening

:

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.

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Attractions in Hasselt

Visit one of these nice places.

Japanese Garden

A picturesque garden featuring traditional Japanese landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere, offering great photo opportunities.

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Herkenrode Abbey

A historic abbey with beautiful surroundings, providing stunning views and photo opportunities of the architecture and landscape.

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Kapermolen Park

A scenic park with a lake and green spaces, offering panoramic views and photo opportunities of nature and the city skyline.

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Is it safe in Hasselt

This city is known for its vibrant atmosphere, welcoming community, and relatively low crime rates compared to larger urban centers. It offers a mixture of urban and suburban environments, making it a pleasant place for residents and visitors alike. Overall, the safety in this area is generally considered to be high, with a strong presence of police and community services contributing to a sense of security. Violent crime is rare, while minor offenses, such as theft or vandalism, may occur but are not widespread. Local authorities actively promote safety measures and engage with the community to foster cooperation and trust. Residents often express a feeling of comfort walking around the city, even at night. Additionally, public transportation is safe and well-maintained, further enhancing the sense of security. For travelers and locals, typical precautions that one might take in any urban area—such as being aware of surroundings, securing personal belongings, and avoiding poorly lit areas at night—are recommended, but overall, this city remains a safe destination for all.

Best Activities in Hasselt

Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hasselt.

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Hasselt's Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Jenever

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!

Zuurvlees (Sour Meat)

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.

Hasseltse speculaas

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 in Hasselt

Get to know Hasselt better with these unique experiences.

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Things To Do in Hasselt

Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!

Cycling in the Green Belt

Explore the scenic Green Belt surrounding Hasselt on a bike.

Picnic at Kapermolenpark

Enjoy a leisurely picnic at the picturesque Kapermolenpark.

Walking tour of the Japanese Garden

Take a peaceful stroll through the Japanese Garden to appreciate its beauty and tranquility.

Weather in Hasselt

The climate in this region is classified as a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters. Average temperatures in summer typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), while winter temperatures usually hover between 0°C and 8°C (32°F and 46°F). Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with slightly wetter months in spring and autumn. Rainfall is common, and the area experiences around 750 to 1,000 mm (29 to 39 inches) of rainfall annually. Additionally, the region experiences a mix of cloudy and sunny days, with more cloudy days prevalent during the winter months. Overall, the climate offers a pleasant environment for outdoor activities, though seasonal changes can be quite noticeable.

Adventures in Hasselt

Uncover the best of Hasselt with these unforgettable adventures.

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How To Behave in Hasselt

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect personal space

In Hasselt, it's important to be mindful of personal space and to not stand too close or invade someone's privacy.

Greet people properly

It's customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact when meeting them for the first time or in formal situations.

Be punctual

Punctuality is valued in Belgian culture, so it's important to arrive on time for meetings and appointments.

Hidden Gems of Hasselt

Discover the hidden gems of Hasselt with these exclusive activities.

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Tipping & Payment

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

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.

Payment

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.

Nightlife in Hasselt

As the sun sets, a charming transformation occurs, revealing a lively and vibrant nightlife scene. The city offers a diverse range of entertainment options catering to various tastes and preferences. Trendy bars line the streets, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, Belgian beers, and a relaxed yet social atmosphere. Dance enthusiasts can find themselves captivated by the beats at one of the many nightclubs, where DJs spin a mix of modern hits and classic tracks, keeping the energy high well into the early hours. For those who prefer a more laid-back evening, numerous cozy pubs provide a welcoming setting to enjoy a quiet drink or engage in animated conversations with friends. The cultural scene also thrives after dark, with theaters and music venues hosting an array of live performances, from local bands to international acts. Seasonal events, like summer festivals and Christmas markets, add an extra layer of excitement and community spirit to the city's nightlife. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, sip on exceptional drinks, or simply soak in the local atmosphere, the nightlife in this city has something to offer everyone.

Best Time to Visit Hasselt

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring (March to May)

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 (June to August)

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 (September to November)

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 (December to February)

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.

More Adventures in Hasselt

Experience Hasselt up close with these must-do activities

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Accomodations in Hasselt

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hasselt.

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