Things To Do
in Herentals
Herentals is a compact Flemish town in the Antwerp province, known for its medieval streets and welcoming community. The town center pivots around a lively Markt, framed by historic guild houses and a commanding town hall. Outside the center, Herentals blends green spaces with easy cycling routes through the Kempen countryside.
Visitors will enjoy a relaxed pace, solid Belgian dining, and convenient day trips to Antwerp and nearby towns.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring Belgian waffles topped with fresh fruit. Afterward, wander through the quaint streets of Herentals, admiring the stunning medieval architecture that adorns the town center. Be sure to visit the Church of Saint Waltrude, where you can marvel at its intricate stained glass windows.
In the afternoon, enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the charming bistros, sampling traditional Flemish dishes. After your meal, take a guided walking tour to delve into the rich history of Herentals, learning about its origins and the significance of its landmarks. Conclude your afternoon with a visit to the local museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artifacts from the region.
As evening falls, find a cozy spot in a local restaurant to indulge in some authentic Belgian cuisine paired with a craft beer. After dinner, take a stroll along the canals, where you can experience the serene ambiance and listen to the gentle lapping of water. Finally, enjoy a nightcap at a nearby pub, soaking in the lively atmosphere of Herentals after dark.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, fueling up for a morning of exploration. Head out to the nearby nature reserve, where well-marked trails await you, offering peaceful walks through lush greenery. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you stroll along the picturesque paths.
After your walk, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding landscape. Spend the afternoon relaxing in nature, soaking up the sun, and perhaps even reading a book or sketching the beautiful scenery. Don't forget to take plenty of photos to capture the moment.
Return to Herentals in the early evening and treat yourself to a light dinner at a café specializing in seasonal dishes. As the sun sets, take a moment to reflect on your day while enjoying a stroll through the town's peaceful parks. Wrap up your evening with a hot chocolate from a local chocolatier, celebrating the flavors of Belgium.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread | $2-3 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $3-4 |
| 🧀Local cheese (per 0.5 kg) | $6-10 |
| 🚆One-way public transit ticket | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, walkable town center with historic architecture
- Good base for exploring the Kempen and nearby cities
- Small nightlife scene compared to bigger cities
- Limited international dining options within the town center
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / You're welcome
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the toilet?
Places to Visit in Herentals
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque central square framed by colorful historic façades and the imposing town hall; ideal for daytime and golden-hour shots.
A striking medieval church with a tall spire and textured stone, offering dramatic architectural shots from the square.
Winding streets and traditional shopfronts provide texture and character for street photography.
Quiet waterway viewpoints with reflections and calm morning scenes.
Lush greenery, benches, and seasonal blossoms perfect for portraits and nature shots.
Food in Herentals
Herentals Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender beef slow-cooked in beer with onions, typically served with crusty bread or fries.
Must-Try!
Fresh mussels steamed with herbs and beer, served with thick Belgian fries.
Creamy chicken or fish stew with vegetables; comforting and nourishing.
Chicory wrapped in ham and topped with cheese sauce or breadcrumbs.
Crisp or fluffy waffles served with fruit, chocolate, or whipped cream.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal produce, breads, cheeses, and prepared foods to sample in the city center.
Popular street vendors around the Markt offering hot fries and freshly made waffles.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common when meeting someone; address strangers with formal 'u' in initial conversations.
Be punctual for appointments and meals; maintain polite, friendly conversations; tipping is appreciated but not compulsory.
Safety
Tipping in Herentals
Ensure a smooth experience
In Belgium, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Leaving around 5-10% in restaurants for good service is common; rounding up at cafés is also fine.
Cash is accepted, but cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments (Bancontact, Apple Pay) are widely used.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with occasional rain showers; long daylight hours and outdoor festivals in nearby towns make evenings lively.
Mild to cool temperatures with colorful foliage; great light for photography and pleasant walking weather.
Cool to cold with a chance of frost or light snow; indoor cafés and markets are cozy refuges.
Rising temperatures and blooming trees; ideal for outdoor strolls and bike rides through the Kempen countryside.
Herentals at Night
Hiking in Herentals
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rural trails through heathland and woodland, suitable for day hikes and longer walks.
Scenic routes along the river with tranquil landscapes and wildlife viewing.
Airports
How to reach Herentals by plane.
Closest airport for short-haul and some European flights; convenient access to Herentals by rail or car.
Major international hub about 60-70 km away; excellent rail connections to Antwerp and Mechelen.
In the Netherlands, around 80-100 km away; good for budget flights and easy road connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Flemish Belgians; families and students contribute to a stable, close-knit community.
A smaller but growing presence due to commuting professionals and students from nearby universities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in the region with local clubs and match days in nearby towns.
Extensive rural networks make cycling a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Herentals.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in many bistros; look for veggie pastas, salads with local cheese, and seasonal vegetables. When needed, ask for dairy or egg substitutes and confirm no meat-based broths.