Things To Do
in Turnhout
Turnhout is a charming city located in the province of Antwerp in Belgium. It is known for its rich history, with medieval roots and well-preserved architecture. The city is famous for its playing card industry, with several producers still in operation today.
Turnhout also offers a mix of cultural attractions, green spaces, and a vibrant city center filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- "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 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by visiting the Castle of Turnhout. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the castle grounds and take in the stunning architecture.
Head to the Beguinage, a serene UNESCO World Heritage site. Take time to explore its quaint streets and relax in the peaceful courtyard.
Dine at a local restaurant to experience Belgian cuisine. Enjoy a walk through the town center, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the Taxandria Museum to see impressive exhibitions of local art and history. Engage with the interactive displays that bring the past to life.
Take a stroll through Turnhout's charming streets, exploring local art galleries. Look for unique pieces and souvenirs to take home.
Enjoy dinner in a cozy bistro, sampling local dishes. Afterward, find a pub to enjoy a Belgian beer and unwind.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historic architecture and museums.
- Central location in Belgium, making it easy to travel to other cities.
- Strong sense of community and local traditions.
- Access to beautiful parks and natural areas for outdoor activities.
- Variety of local shops, cafes, and restaurants boosting the local economy.
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger Belgian cities.
- Public transportation options may be less frequent or extensive.
- Smaller population may mean fewer entertainment and nightlife options.
- Potential language barriers for non-Dutch speakers.
- Weather can be cloudy and rainy for much of the year.
Best Activities in Turnhout
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic castle and its beautiful surrounding park.
Visit the lively market and iconic hall.
Discover the heritage of Turnhout at this unique museum.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll or picnic in the picturesque park.
Explore the natural beauty of Turnhout through its scenic trails.
Tours
Uncover the best of Turnhout with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Turnhout
Visit one of these nice places.
The castle provides a stunning backdrop for photos and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
This UNESCO World Heritage site features picturesque buildings and gardens, making it a great location for photography and enjoying scenic views.
The park is an ideal spot for capturing natural landscapes and enjoying the greenery, with opportunities for beautiful photos of the local flora and fauna.
Food in Turnhout
Turnhout Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty beef stew cooked slowly with Belgian beer, onions, and speculoos spices, usually served with frites. Notable places to try this dish include 'De Spelleplekke' and 'Het Moment'.
Must-Try!
A traditional Flemish stew featuring fish or chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth. 'Culinair Genot' and 'Goeie Mie' are highly recommended for tasting this dish.
An iconic Turnhout fish casserole that combines a variety of North Sea fish with a rich white wine and cheese sauce. 'De Kiekenhoeve' and 'De Blokhut' are known for their excellent preparation of this dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Turnhout better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Turnhout Weekly Market offers a vibrant selection of fresh produce, cheeses, local delicacies, and street food. Visitors can savor delectable Belgian waffles, artisanal chocolates, and an array of traditional snacks like bitterballen, a Dutch meat-based snack, from various stalls.
This bustling market is a haven for street food enthusiasts. From freshly fried Belgian fries to warm stroopwafels and poffertjes, visitors can indulge in an enticing array of local street delicacies here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Turnhout, it is important to respect people's personal space and avoid standing too close or touching others without permission.
When meeting someone in Turnhout, it is customary to offer a handshake and maintain eye contact. Greetings are important and show respect for the other person.
When dining in Turnhout, it is polite to wait for the host to begin eating before starting your meal. Additionally, it is customary to keep your hands visible on the table during the meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Turnhout with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Turnhout
Ensure a smooth experience
In Turnhout, Belgium, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. It is customary to round up the bill or leave a 5-10% tip at restaurants and cafes, while tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also common.
Payment in Turnhout, Belgium is commonly done using cash, credit/debit cards, and contactless payment methods. Most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. However, it's always good to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Turnhout.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Turnhout, Belgium as the weather starts to warm up, the flowers are in bloom, and outdoor activities start to pick up. This is a popular time for tourists, so you can expect crowds and higher prices for accommodations.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Turnhout, Belgium with warm weather, long days, and plenty of festivals and events. You can expect lively street markets, outdoor concerts, and a buzzing café culture. However, it can get crowded and prices for accommodations tend to be higher.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Turnhout, Belgium as the foliage starts to change, creating a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing. The weather can be cooler, but the crowds are thinner, and you can enjoy the local harvest festivals and seasonal cuisine.
Winter in Turnhout, Belgium is a quiet and peaceful time, with fewer tourists and a cozy atmosphere. You can expect Christmas markets, ice skating, and traditional holiday celebrations. The weather can be cold and wet, so be sure to pack warm clothing.
Turnhout at Night
Hiking in Turnhout
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area with a variety of trails through nature reserves and forests, suitable for hiking.
Offers beautiful hiking trails with views of lakes and lush greenery, perfect for a day out.
A large national park with numerous well-marked hiking trails through diverse landscapes, including heathlands and forests.
Features a network of peaceful trails ideal for hiking, surrounded by fields and forests.
A quaint area with several hiking paths along the river and picturesque scenery.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Turnhout through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Turnhout by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in Belgium, located approximately 45 km from Turnhout. It offers numerous international flights and connections.
A smaller airport located about 45 km from Turnhout, primarily serving domestic and regional flights, with some international destinations.
An international airport located about 70 km from Turnhout, known for budget airlines and charter flights predominantly across Europe.
Located around 85 km from Turnhout, it is primarily a cargo airport but also offers passenger flights to some international destinations.
Located in the Netherlands, approximately 75 km from Turnhout, this airport serves various budget airlines and offers numerous international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population consisting of individuals with Belgian citizenship.
Various groups from different countries, including those from Morocco, Turkey, and Eastern European countries.
A significant demographic segment consisting of individuals aged 65 and older.
Young people, including children and teenagers, forming an essential part of the community.
Individuals engaged in various occupations across different industries in Turnhout.
The Soul of Turnhout
Discover the essence of Turnhout through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Turnhout, played by many local clubs and schools.
Basketball has a strong following in Turnhout, with several teams competing at various levels.
Cycling is a popular activity in Turnhout, both as a sport and a mode of transportation, with various cycling clubs.
Tennis is widely played in Turnhout, with several clubs offering facilities and coaching for players of all ages.
Running events and clubs are popular in Turnhout, promoting fitness and community through organized races.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Turnhout.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Turnhout offers an array of vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries, such as 'De Weerelt' and 'De Kwizien', where visitors can relish creative and delicious plant-based dishes.
For those with gluten intolerances, many establishments like 'Kaffée René' provide gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can savor the local flavors without worry.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Turnhout with these cultural adventures.
