Things To Do
in Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas is a charming city in Belgium known for its beautiful central square, the Grote Markt, which is lined with historic buildings and cafés. The city is also famous for its impressive Art Deco City Hall, one of the largest in Belgium. Sint-Niklaas is host to various festivals and cultural events throughout the year, including the annual Waasland Shopping Center Fashion Show.
The city is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and exploring its cultural heritage.
- "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 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2.50 - $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 at the Sint-Niklaas Market Square, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and local shops. Grab a coffee at one of the cafes and admire the beautiful architecture.
Visit the Stadsmuseum to learn about the city's history and culture. Enjoy lunch in a nearby restaurant where you can try traditional Belgian dishes.
Stroll through the city park and relax by the pond. End your day with a delightful dinner at a local bistro.
Explore the local art scene at the Gallery of Sint-Niklaas. Appreciate the works of both contemporary and local artists.
Have a leisurely lunch at an art-themed cafe. Participate in an art workshop for some hands-on creativity.
Enjoy an outdoor performance or concert if available. Savor a dessert at a charming pastry shop to cap off the night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and historical architecture
- Central location in Belgium, making it easy to travel to other cities
- A variety of local festivals and events throughout the year
- Good access to public transportation options
- Family-friendly atmosphere with parks and recreational facilities
- Vibrant local community and welcoming residents
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Weather can be unpredictable and rainy
- Higher cost of living compared to nearby rural areas
- Traffic congestion during peak hours
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Fewer international amenities and services
Best Activities in Sint-Niklaas
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic walk through this park with beautiful green spaces, lakes, and play areas for children.
Explore the picturesque Durme River by cycling along its scenic paths and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Take a leisurely stroll through this charming city park, featuring tree-lined paths, flower gardens, and open spaces for relaxation.
Tours
Uncover the best of Sint-Niklaas with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Sint-Niklaas
Visit one of these nice places.
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk (Church of Our Lady) offers a stunning view of Sint-Niklaas and its surroundings from its tower.
The square in front of the Sint-Niklaas train station provides a great vantage point for capturing the cityscape.
The Grote Markt (Great Market Square) is a picturesque location with architectural delights, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy stew typically made with fish or chicken, vegetables, and seasoned with herbs. It is a must-try dish in Sint-Niklaas, and you can savor the best Waterzooi at restaurants like De Graanbar
Must-Try!
These delightful deep-fried dough balls coated in powdered sugar are a beloved local treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Visit the Markt square for some of the finest Smoutebollen.
This iconic dish features eel cooked in a sumptuous green sauce made from mixed herbs. For an authentic experience, head to Het Land van Waas
Unique Experiences
Get to know Sint-Niklaas better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every Friday, the Grote Markt transforms into a buzzing food market, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and regional snacks.
Throughout the city center, you’ll encounter charming fries stalls dishing out crispy Belgian fries. These flavorful fries are best enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces while strolling through the picturesque streets of Sint-Niklaas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Sint-Niklaas, it's customary to greet people with a handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time. Use the formal 'vous' when addressing someone older or in a position of authority, and switch to 'tu' only after being invited to do so.
Being on time is highly valued in Sint-Niklaas, so it's important to make an effort to be punctual for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
Belgians generally appreciate their personal space, so it's important to maintain an appropriate distance when interacting with others. Avoid standing too close or speaking too loudly in public places.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Sint-Niklaas with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Sint-Niklaas
Ensure a smooth experience
In Sint-Niklaas, tipping is not mandatory but is often appreciated, especially in restaurants and for good service. A typical tip is around 5-10% of the total bill.
Payment in Sint-Niklaas is commonly done with cash, debit/credit cards, and contactless forms of payment. It is advisable to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases and in establishments that may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Sint-Niklaas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, as the city comes alive with the colorful blooms of tulips and other flowers. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the parks and gardens.
Summer in Sint-Niklaas brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal time for enjoying outdoor events and festivals. Visitors can also take advantage of the longer days to explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy the local cuisine at outdoor cafes.
Autumn is a great time to visit Sint-Niklaas, as the city is surrounded by beautiful fall foliage. The temperatures are cooler, making it a pleasant time for walking tours and visiting local museums and attractions. Visitors can also experience the harvest season and taste the delicious local produce.
Winter in Sint-Niklaas is a magical time, especially around the Christmas season. The city is beautifully decorated with lights and holiday markets, creating a festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy traditional Christmas events and warm up with delicious Belgian hot chocolate and waffles.
Sint-Niklaas at Night
Hiking in Sint-Niklaas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful natural area with trails for hiking and enjoying nature near Sint-Niklaas.
A local park with scenic walking paths, perfect for a leisurely hike in nature.
Located in nearby Beveren, this park offers various hiking trails through lush greenery.
A nature reserve with extensive hiking routes, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
A diverse landscape featuring a mix of woodlands and open spaces, suitable for longer hikes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Sint-Niklaas through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Sint-Niklaas by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in Belgium, located approximately 40 km from Sint-Niklaas, offering a wide range of international flights.
A secondary international airport serving Brussels, located around 60 km from Sint-Niklaas, mainly focused on low-cost airlines.
A smaller airport located about 25 km from Sint-Niklaas, providing regional flights and some international connections.
Located approximately 100 km from Sint-Niklaas, this airport serves both domestic and limited international flights, particularly to holiday destinations.
Located about 100 km from Sint-Niklaas, primarily a cargo airport but also handles some passenger traffic, providing connections to various destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, consisting of individuals holding Belgian citizenship.
A significant demographic group consisting of individuals from other European Union countries.
A notable demographic group consisting of individuals of Moroccan descent, reflecting historical migration patterns.
A demographic group made up of individuals with Turkish origins, often forming part of the broader immigrant population.
This group includes individuals from countries in sub-Saharan Africa, representing a smaller but growing demographic.
Includes residents from various Asian countries, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Sint-Niklaas.
A demographic group that encompasses senior citizens, an increasing proportion due to aging trends.
Includes children and young adults, representing a vital part of the town's demographic landscape.
The Soul of Sint-Niklaas
Discover the essence of Sint-Niklaas through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Sint-Niklaas, with numerous local clubs and a strong community following.
Cycling is a favored recreational activity and sport in Sint-Niklaas, taking advantage of the scenic routes and flat terrain.
Volleyball has a vibrant presence in Sint-Niklaas, with various clubs for both youth and adults participating in local leagues.
Basketball is also popular, with local teams and community events bringing people together to participate and watch.
Athletics is supported through local sports clubs, offering training and competitions for various age groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sint-Niklaas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Sint-Niklaas offer an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, ranging from hearty salads to plant-based renditions of traditional Belgian fare. Notable places include De Graanbar and De Graslei.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find accommodating options at various dining establishments in Sint-Niklaas. Menus often feature gluten-free pasta, bread, and desserts to cater to diverse dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Sint-Niklaas with these cultural adventures.
