Things To Do
in Sint-Lievens-Houtem
Sint-Lievens-Houtem is a tranquil Flemish town in East Flanders framed by farmland and green belts. It offers a compact historic center with easy access to Ghent and Aalst for day trips, while keeping a village charm. Seasonal markets and local events showcase Flemish hospitality and regional produce.
Visitors can enjoy scenic cycling routes, pastoral views, and a welcoming, slow-paced atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Settle into your accommodation and take a leisurely walk along the cobblestone streets of Sint-Lievens-Houtem, admiring the traditional Flemish houses. Pop into a local café for a cup of strong Belgian coffee and a fresh pastry to kick off your visit. Feel the charm of the town as you chat with friendly shopkeepers opening their doors for the day.
Join a guided walking tour around the market square and learn about the town’s medieval roots and its significance in regional trade. Visit the town hall to admire its 18th-century architecture and discover interesting anecdotes about local governance. Wander through small artisan boutiques, picking up handcrafted souvenirs and local treats.
Dine at a cozy brasserie serving seasonal Belgian fare, savoring dishes like stoofvlees (beef stew) with fries. Take an after-dinner stroll to the illuminated fountain in the square, enjoying the peaceful evening ambiance. Cap the night with a Belgian beer tasting at a nearby pub, sampling varieties from light blondes to rich dubbels.
Start your day at the imposing Sint-Lievens Church, marveling at its Gothic spire and stained-glass windows. Spend time inside as sunlight filters through the colored panes, illuminating centuries-old frescoes. Listen to the gentle echoes of organ music during a short guided recital, immersing yourself in the sacred atmosphere.
Head to a nearby café for a light lunch of locally made cheese and charcuterie, pairing it with a crisp white wine. Afterward, explore the church’s adjoining historical archives to view old maps and documents detailing the town’s development. Wander through the adjacent churchyard, where ancient headstones tell stories of past generations.
Enjoy a casual dinner at a family-run restaurant offering daily specials featuring farm-to-table ingredients. Attend a small chamber music concert held inside the church or in a nearby hall, experiencing local talent in an intimate setting. End your night with a leisurely walk back through the silent, lamp-lit streets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $3-5 |
| 🚆Public transport ticket | $2-5 |
| 🎟️Museum entry | $8-12 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming village atmosphere with scenic countryside
- Easy day trips to Ghent and Aalst; excellent local cuisine and beer.
- Limited nightlife within the town itself
- Smaller scale amenities compared to bigger cities; some services slower on Sundays.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Goedemorgen" - Good morning
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is de markt?" - Where is the market?
- "Hoeveel kost het?" - How much does it cost?
- "Kunt u mij helpen?" - Can you help me?
- "Ik begrijp het niet" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in Sint-Lievens-Houtem
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic church with Gothic elements and a peaceful square ideal for dawn or twilight photography.
A classic Flemish square with red brick houses, ornate gables, and seasonal activity.
Scenic views along the river Dender with meadows and footpaths perfect for landscape shots.
An old windmill site near a canal with rustic textures and golden hour light.
Food in Sint-Lievens-Houtem
Sint-Lievens-Houtem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Belgian beef stew braised in beer until tender, typically served with fries or bread.
Must-Try!
Belgian endive wrapped in ham and cheese, often baked in a creamy sauce.
Mussels cooked in beer or white wine, served with Belgian fries.
A creamy chicken or fish stew with vegetables, a traditional Ghent-area specialty.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market with fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and regional specialties.
Casual bites like fries, croquettes, waffles, and local snacks near the square.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch (Flemish) is spoken; greet with 'Dag' or 'Goedemiddag'; use 'alstublieft' and 'dank u wel' for politeness; sign of respect matters in formal settings.
Keep hands on the table, use cutlery, wait for others to be served before starting; tipping as above.
Safety
Tipping in Sint-Lievens-Houtem
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service if service charge is not included.
Cash and most cards (debit/credit) are widely accepted; contactless payments common; some small markets prefer coin or cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with occasional rain; long daylight hours ideal for outdoor cycling and riverside picnics; bring a light rain jacket.
Mild to cool weather; landscapes turn golden; harvest markets and pumpkin dishes; pack a light jacket.
Cold conditions with possible frost; shorter days; cozy cafes and Christmas markets in nearby towns; bring warm layers.
Mild temperatures and blooming countryside; good for walking and cycling; expect showers; waterproof jacket recommended.
Sint-Lievens-Houtem at Night
Hiking in Sint-Lievens-Houtem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside routes through meadows and woods, suitable for all levels.
Protected wetlands and woodlands offering easy to moderate loops.
Airports
How to reach Sint-Lievens-Houtem by plane.
Major international hub about 60-80 minutes by car or rail to Ghent/Aalst region.
Smaller international airport, accessible within about an hour by road and rail.
Lille-Lesquin in France; useful for low-cost flights; approximately 1.5-2 hours by road/rail combined.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in the town with a strong sense of community and local schools.
A number of residents commute to Ghent and Aalst for work.
Aging population segments with active participation in local clubs and events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A favorite activity due to flat terrains and scenic routes.
Local clubs and fields promote community sports; weekend matches are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sint-Lievens-Houtem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian dishes are commonly available in most eateries; ask for vegetable stews, baked vegetables, and salads. Many places can accommodate dairy-free options by substituting ingredients; markets offer fresh seasonal produce.