Things To Do
in Kortrijk
Kortrijk is a historic city located in the Flanders region of Belgium, known for its rich medieval heritage and thriving textile industry. The city is home to several well-preserved landmarks such as the 14th-century belfry and the Broel Towers, reflecting its vibrant past. Kortrijk also hosts the famous biennial Interieur Design Fair, drawing design enthusiasts from around the world.
With its picturesque canals, charming architecture, and lively cultural scene, Kortrijk offers visitors a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $35
- ☕ 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 Broel Towers, iconic symbols of the city's history. Enjoy a stroll along the river and take in the picturesque views.
Head to the Kortrijk Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to appreciate its tranquil ambiance. Grab lunch at a local café for a taste of traditional Belgian cuisine.
Relax in the city square with a Belgian beer as you watch the sunset. Optional: Attend a local music event if available.
Visit the K in Kortrijk shopping center and explore its modern architecture. Grab breakfast at a nearby bakery before heading to the Historical Museum.
Explore the museum's exhibits on Kortrijk's rich history, highlighting battles and cultural developments. Take a leisurely walk in the city park afterward.
Dine at a restaurant in the city center, trying the local specialties. Enjoy a casual evening at a bar for drinks and conversation.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical architecture and museums
- Vibrant local markets and shopping opportunities
- Good public transportation links to nearby cities like Bruges and Ghent
- Pleasant parks and green spaces for outdoor activities
- Small-town charm with a welcoming community atmosphere
- Variety of local restaurants offering traditional Belgian cuisine
- Host to various festivals and events throughout the year
- Limited job opportunities, especially in specialized fields
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to larger Belgian cities
- Language barrier for non-French/Flemish speakers
- Public services may be limited compared to larger urban areas
- Higher cost of living compared to some neighboring rural regions
- Occasional traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours
- Fewer international amenities and services
Best Activities in Kortrijk
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Discover the city's historic streets, landmarks, and charming squares on foot.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the picturesque Leie River.
Explore this unique cultural and recreational area with parks, art installations, and outdoor activities.
Have fun navigating through the Kortrijk Labyrinth, a green maze with interactive elements for all ages.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kortrijk with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kortrijk
Visit one of these nice places.
The belfry offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding area, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
These historic towers provide picturesque views along the river and make for wonderful photo opportunities.
Food in Kortrijk
Kortrijk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved Belgian classic, this dish features tender beef stewed in beer and served with crispy Belgian fries. It can be savored at Restaurant De Bistronoom.
Must-Try!
Waterzooi is a creamy stew traditionally made with fish or chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Try this dish at Restaurant De Oude Haring.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kortrijk better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Kortrijk Market offers a wide array of local produce, cheeses, and artisanal products. Visitors can also indulge in freshly prepared snacks like waffles and frites from the street food stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kortrijk, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when interacting with strangers.
Being polite and using courteous phrases such as 'please' and 'thank you' is highly valued in Kortrijk. It's important to demonstrate good manners in social interactions.
Punctuality is valued in Kortrijk, so it's important to arrive on time for appointments and social gatherings as a sign of respect for others' time.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kortrijk with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kortrijk
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Kortrijk, Belgium, as a service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants and cafes. However, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip as a token of appreciation for good service.
In Kortrijk, Belgium, cash is widely accepted for transactions, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used. Contactless payments and mobile payment apps are becoming increasingly popular. It's important to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments or street vendors who may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kortrijk.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Kortrijk, Belgium. Pleasant weather with blooming flowers and various festivals.
Ideal for outdoor activities, warm weather, and numerous cultural events and music festivals.
Beautiful fall foliage, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to experience local harvest festivals.
Magical atmosphere with Christmas markets, ice skating, and cozy indoor activities.
Kortrijk at Night
Hiking in Kortrijk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Explore the scenic paths around Kortrijk, perfect for relaxing hikes through the picturesque countryside.
A local park offering trails where you can enjoy a peaceful walk while observing nature.
A short drive from Kortrijk, Boezinge Forest offers various trails for both hiking and biking surrounded by beautiful woodlands.
Enjoy a mix of walking trails and natural landscapes in this local park, ideal for casual hiking.
Located near the Lys river, this area provides tranquil routes for hikers seeking a blend of water views and greenery.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kortrijk through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kortrijk by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in Belgium, located in Zaventem, approximately 90 kilometers from Kortrijk.
An international airport located in Charleroi, about 75 kilometers from Kortrijk, known for low-cost flights.
A smaller international airport located in Antwerp, approximately 85 kilometers from Kortrijk, primarily serving regional flights.
An international airport located in Lille, France, about 35 kilometers from Kortrijk, serving both domestic and international flights.
An international airport in Ostend, Belgium, located around 45 kilometers from Kortrijk, offering mainly seasonal flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, primarily Dutch-speaking.
A smaller community consisting mainly of French speakers.
Includes various ethnic groups, such as Moroccan, Turkish, and others.
Includes students and young adults from various backgrounds.
Represents the aging population, primarily seniors.
The Soul of Kortrijk
Discover the essence of Kortrijk through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports in Kortrijk, with several clubs in the city and a strong local following.
Basketball enjoys a significant following in Kortrijk, with various local teams and leagues contributing to its popularity.
Cycling is not only a popular sport but also a common mode of transportation in Kortrijk, with numerous cycling clubs and events.
Volleyball is a well-liked sport in Kortrijk, with several clubs and community organizations supporting both recreational and competitive play.
Handball has a strong community presence in Kortrijk, with local teams participating in regional competitions.
Athletic events, including track and field, are popular in Kortrijk, facilitated by local clubs and sporting events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kortrijk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Kortrijk offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with options like plant-based stews and salads. Le Petit Belge and Bar Bootz are known for their vegetarian-friendly menus.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can find gluten-free choices at several establishments in Kortrijk, such as gluten-free waffles and pastries at local bakeries like Bakkerij Filip.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kortrijk with these cultural adventures.
