Things To Do
in Thuin
Thuin is a picturesque small town in Wallonia, Belgium, perched above the Sambre valley and best known for its UNESCO-listed belfry and dramatic Hanging Gardens (Jardins Suspendus). The town’s medieval streets, market square and riverside paths blend rural charm with a lived-in historic centre. Thuin is a quiet gateway for exploring coal-mining heritage, rolling farmland and nearby lake country, offering peaceful walks and good local food.
Its compact size makes it ideal for a relaxed overnight stay or a day trip from Charleroi or Mons.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You’ll arrive in Thuin and check into a charming guesthouse overlooking the Sambre River. Unpack your bags and take a gentle stroll along the riverbank to soak up the town’s tranquil atmosphere. Stop at a local café to taste a freshly baked Belgian pastry and coffee.
Head to the heart of the old market square and explore the medieval market halls with their ornate wooden beams. Climb the impressive Big Staircase for panoramic views of the red-tiled rooftops below. Pause for a light lunch at a riverside bistro offering local specialties.
As dusk falls, wander along the illuminated quayside and watch the lights shimmer on the water. Enjoy a riverside dinner featuring regional dishes like trout from the Sambre and artisan cheeses. Cap the night with a Belgian beer at a cozy pub frequented by locals.
Set off on a guided walking tour through Thuin’s winding cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Learn about the town’s medieval history from expert local guides. Pop into artisanal shops to sample handmade jams and nougat.
Visit the Church of Saint-Théodard to admire its stained-glass windows and baroque altar. Continue on to the Steam Railway Museum and delight in vintage locomotives. Wander through hidden courtyards to discover vibrant street art tucked away from the main avenues.
Dine in a family-run tavern renowned for its charcuterie boards and house‐made pates. As twilight deepens, climb to the citadel ramparts for a sweeping view of the valley at sunset. Return to town center to catch a folk music performance in a warm, lantern-lit square.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee at a café | $3-4 |
| 🍺Beer (pint in a bar) | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🚆Local train/bus ticket | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Picturesque historic centre with UNESCO-listed belfry and Hanging Gardens
- Quiet, relaxed atmosphere ideal for day trips or slow travel
- Good base for exploring the Sambre valley and nearby lake and hiking areas
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger cities
- Public transport connections are decent but less frequent than in urban centres
- Some attractions and businesses have limited seasonal hours
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Thuin
Visit one of these nice places.
Terraced gardens on the hillside above Thuin offering sweeping views over the town and Sambre valley — best at golden hour for panoramic shots.
Cobblestone square and the UNESCO-listed belfry provide classic architectural frames and lively street scenes, especially during market days.
Peaceful riverside paths with reflections, boats and tree-lined banks — good for seasonal landscapes and long exposures.
Wandering the old town reveals colourful facades, stone steps and intimate alleyways ideal for detail and street photography.
Food in Thuin
Thuin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Large meatballs in a sweet-sour sirop de Liège-based sauce — a beloved regional classic often served with fries; available at local brasseries and taverns.
Must-Try!
Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with seasonal vegetables and sometimes bacon — a common hearty side dish in Wallonia and an easy comfort-food option.
While Thuin is small, you'll find regional craft beers and classic Belgian bottles in bars and restaurants; ask for local or Walloon brews when dining out.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional outdoor market (check local dates, often weekly) where you can buy local cheese, charcuterie, seasonal produce, pastries and sometimes prepared snacks.
Look for street vendors and cafés selling Belgian fries (frites), waffles and coffee near the market square and riverside on busy days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Thuin is in French-speaking Wallonia — greet with 'Bonjour' (day) or 'Bonsoir' (evening) and use polite forms like 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci'. Locals appreciate basic French attempts.
Be polite and moderately formal in shops and cafés; a brief greeting on entering is common. Personal space is respected; handshake for introductions is typical.
Life in Thuin is relaxed—shops may close for lunch or have shorter hours than in big cities; plan accordingly and be patient.
Safety
Tipping in Thuin
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills in Belgium; rounding up the bill or leaving a small extra tip (5–10%) for good service is appreciated but not mandatory.
Credit and debit cards (Maestro, Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in restaurants and shops; smaller cafés, markets and rural establishments may prefer cash—carry some euros for convenience.
Contactless payments are common in larger businesses; mobile payment adoption varies but is increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens make spring an excellent time for walks and photography; occasional rain so pack a light waterproof layer.
Warm and pleasant, with long daylight hours and local festivals; busiest time for visitors — bring sun protection and book accommodation in advance for weekend events.
Crisp air and colorful foliage on the hillside paths create great hiking and photography conditions; cooler evenings call for layers.
Cold and damp with potential snow or frost; some attractions and seasonal services may have reduced hours — dress warmly and expect fewer tourists.
Thuin at Night
Hiking in Thuin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails and stairways across the Jardins Suspendus offering panoramic views and photographic opportunities; suitable for gentle hikes and walks.
Linear riverside paths following the Sambre with mixed terrain for walking and cycling, passing small villages and green spaces.
Belgium’s largest lake complex about a 30–40 minute drive away, offering longer trails, shoreline walks and varied scenery for full-day hikes.
Numerous informal routes in surrounding countryside suitable for half-day hikes, birdwatching and experiencing rural Wallonia.
Airports
How to reach Thuin by plane.
About 30–40 km from Thuin (approximately 30–50 minutes by car). Low-cost and regional flights; bus and car hire options connect to Charleroi and nearby towns.
About 70–90 km away (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car). Major international hub with many connections; train and shuttle options from Brussels to the Wallonia region.
Located in northern France, about 70–90 km from Thuin depending on route (around 1–1.5 hours by car); useful for some regional flights and an alternative entry point.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population are Walloon French-speakers with strong local traditions and community ties.
Many residents commute to nearby urban centres for work, giving the town a mixed daytime population pattern.
Like many small Belgian towns, Thuin has a notable proportion of older residents alongside younger families attracted to quieter living.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally — amateur clubs and youth teams are common and match days are community events.
Cycling is popular both for commuting and recreation; the rolling terrain around Thuin suits road and recreational cyclists.
Social sports like pétanque and local club activities are common in village squares and parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Thuin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large cities; many restaurants can adapt dishes (salads, omelettes, stoemp without bacon). Bring snacks if you have very specific needs.
Vegan choices are uncommon in traditional eateries; cafés and some modern places may offer plant-based salads or dishes — consider buying produce and vegan staples from markets or supermarkets.
Awareness of gluten-free needs is growing but still variable; communicate dietary restrictions clearly in French ('sans gluten') and check with staff about sauces and breading.