Things To Do
in Sint-Gillis-bij-Dendermonde

A rich beef stew slowly cooked in Belgian beer with onions and mustard; commonly found in brasseries across Dendermonde and hearty enough for a chilly day.

Must-Try!

Fresh mussels steamed with white wine, garlic or cream served with golden Belgian fries — popular in riverside restaurants and seasonal menus.

Classic sweet treats available at cafés and markets; speculoos biscuits are a regional favourite to pair with coffee.

Seasonal freshwater fish prepared simply in local restaurants or at market stalls near the Scheldt and Dender.

Held in the central Markt (typically on Saturdays), offering fresh vegetables, cheeses, bread, regional charcuterie and ready-to-eat snacks — great for sampling local flavors.

Throughout spring and summer there are local food stalls and weekend events near the river where you can try grilled specialties, pastries and craft beers.

Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; greeting with a polite 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen' and saying 'Dank u wel' is appreciated. Many people speak English, but attempting basic Dutch phrases is polite.

Belgians value orderly queues and personal space; be patient and discreet in public places and avoid loud phone calls in small cafés.

Respect worship times and dress modestly if entering churches; photography may be restricted inside some religious sites.

Belgium has strict recycling rules; separate waste where indicated and follow local signage for bins.

Service is normally included in restaurant bills in Belgium; leaving small change or rounding up (5–10%) for good service is appreciated but not required. For taxis, cafés and hotel porters a small tip or rounding up is common.

Debit cards (Maestro) and credit cards are widely accepted in towns, but small cafés and market stalls may prefer cash or contactless payments. Contactless/NFC (cards and phones) is common; carry some euros for remote locations.

Mild, increasingly sunny days, blooming riverside vegetation and active markets. Great for cycling and birdwatching, but occasional rain means a waterproof layer is recommended.

Warm and pleasant (but not usually very hot), ideal for long river walks, outdoor cafés and festivals; expect more tourists on weekends and book accommodation ahead for events.

Cooler temperatures and colourful foliage along the riverbanks; misty mornings are atmospheric for photography but bring layers for fluctuating conditions.

Chillier, grey and wet with occasional frost; attractions are quieter and some small businesses may have reduced hours — pack warm waterproof clothing.

Flat, accessible riverside paths ideal for easy hikes, birdwatching and long-distance walking along the Scheldt with frequent scenic stops.

Trails following the smaller Dender river with mixed farmland, hedgerows and quiet villages — good for half-day hikes and nature observation.

Network of lowland trails across polders and dikes offering expansive landscapes, agricultural scenes and excellent sunrise/sunset vantage points.

A short drive offers more varied walking opportunities in protected reserves with wetlands and diverse birdlife.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and modern brasseries (salads, vegetable stews, cheese dishes); always ask for 'vegetarisch' and many places will adapt dishes. Markets also provide fresh produce to self-cater.

Vegan choices are more limited in traditional establishments but growing; larger cafés and some restaurants list vegan mains and plant-milk for coffee. Communicate needs in Dutch or English ('Ik ben vegan' / 'I am vegan').

Gluten-free bread and options are offered at some bakeries and restaurants but cross-contamination can occur; ask ('glutenvrij') and check with staff.

Staff are generally helpful; learn key words (e.g., 'noten' for nuts, 'melk' for milk) and show them written notes if needed to avoid misunderstandings.