Things To Do
in Merchtem
Merchtem is a serene town in Flemish Brabant, just northwest of Brussels. It blends countryside charm with a compact town center centered around Markt square and local landmarks. The surrounding farmland and green spaces offer peaceful cycling routes and nature walks.
Within the town, you'll find cozy cafés, bakeries, and family-run shops that reflect Flemish village life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic St. John's Church, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll around its quaint neighborhood to appreciate the local charm and perhaps grab a coffee at a nearby café. Engage with local residents to learn about the historical significance of the area.
Head to the Merchtem Museum to delve deeper into the town's culture and history, featuring exhibits that showcase local artists and historical artifacts. After your museum visit, enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling traditional Belgian cuisine. Don’t forget to take a walk through the picturesque streets lined with vibrant shops and boutiques.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in Belgian specialties like moules-frites or carbonnade flamande. After your meal, consider visiting a local pub to enjoy a glass of Belgian beer and soak in the lively atmosphere. End your day with a relaxing walk through the town square, admiring the twinkling lights.
Take a short train ride to Brussels and start your adventure at the iconic Grand Place, renowned for its opulent guildhalls and historical significance. Explore the area while sipping a hot chocolate from a nearby café, immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the stunning architecture that surrounds you.
Visit the Atomium, a unique building and museum, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its top sphere. Spend some time at the Magritte Museum to appreciate the surreal artworks of Belgian painter René Magritte. For lunch, explore the nearby food stalls for a quick bite of delicious street food.
Return to Merchtem and unwind with a stroll through the serene landscape surrounding the town. As night falls, dine at a restaurant known for its farm-to-table concept, enjoying the freshness of local ingredients. Wrap up your evening by sampling artisanal desserts at a local bakery.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread | $2-3 |
| 🚇Public transit ticket | $3-4 |
| 🍺Beer at local pub | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming small-town feel with easy access to Brussels
- Very walkable town center and scenic countryside
- Friendly locals and good value for money
- Excellent biking and nature close by
- Limited nightlife and large-scale entertainment
- Some services may be sparse on Sundays
- Weather can be rainy and unpredictable
- Short two-day itineraries may miss deeper cultural options
- "Goedemorgen" - Good morning
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please/Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Merchtem
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic square with colorful facades and the town hall, ideal for daytime and golden hour shots.
Medieval church with stonework and a tall tower offering architectural photography opportunities.
Pastoral scenes of fields, trees, and quiet waterways ideal for wide landscape shots.
Calm water reflections and rural scenery perfect for tranquil compositions.
Food in Merchtem
Merchtem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked beef in rich beer sauce, commonly served with fries or bread in Belgian bistros.
Must-Try!
Creamy vegetable stew offering a comforting Belgian classic.
Belgian fries served hot with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Crispy waffles, perfect as a snack or dessert from local bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and baked goods from local producers.
Fries, waffles, and light snacks conveniently located near the town square.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is standard when meeting someone; in casual settings, a nod or simple hello may suffice.
Dutch is the local language; learning a few phrases in Dutch is appreciated.
Timeliness is valued; plan meetings and reservations accordingly.
Safety
Tipping in Merchtem
Ensure a smooth experience
In Belgium, tipping is welcome but not mandatory. If service is not included, a tip of about 5-10% in restaurants and cafés is common.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; small vendors may prefer cash; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect long days, mild to warm temperatures, and occasional showers; outdoor activities thrive but stay hydrated and sun-protected.
Cooler days, colorful foliage, and harvest markets; good light for photography and scenic walks.
Cold, damp days with possible frost; many cafés are cozy and seasonal decorations create atmosphere.
Rising greens and blossoms; pleasant temperatures for walking and biking.
Merchtem at Night
Hiking in Merchtem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of easy trails through fields, hedgerows, and woodlands suitable for short hikes.
Flat, flat routes along waterways with opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Airports
How to reach Merchtem by plane.
Located about 25-30 km southeast of Merchtem; easy train or car connection into the city and onward to Merchtem.
Located about 60-70 km north of Merchtem; alternative international gateway.
Approximately 60-70 km south of Merchtem; serves budget carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A family-friendly community with schools and local services.
Quiet neighborhoods with a slower pace of life and accessible services.
Residents who travel to Brussels and Mechelen for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Belgians are well known for cycling; expect many cyclists on country lanes around Merchtem.
Local and regional clubs participate in Belgian leagues; community matches are common.
Public tennis courts are available in nearby parks and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Merchtem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places can accommodate vegetarian diets with cheese, vegetables, and dairy; look for salads, veggie mains, and dairy-based dishes; ask for meat-free options or substitutions.