Things To Do
in Vilvoorde
Vilvoorde is a historic city located in Belgium, just northeast of Brussels. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the impressive St. John the Baptist church. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with museums and galleries showcasing the local history and art.
Vilvoorde also boasts picturesque parks and gardens, perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the outdoors.
- "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 - $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 with a refreshing walk through the picturesque center of Vilvoorde. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, soaking in the morning atmosphere.
Visit the impressive Vilvoorde Castle and explore its beautiful grounds. Grab lunch at one of the traditional eateries nearby.
Dine at a popular restaurant along the river, enjoying both the local cuisine and scenic views. End your day with a relaxing stroll through the charming streets.
Begin with a visit to the Vilvoorde Museum to learn about the local heritage and culture. Afterward, enjoy a coffee at a cozy spot nearby.
Take a bike ride along the Brussels Canal, appreciating the scenic waterways. Stop for a picnic lunch at one of the canal parks.
Attend a local theater performance or art exhibit to immerse yourself in the creative scene. Wrap up your night with dessert at a local pastry shop.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Brussels, offering easy access to national and international transport links.
- A mix of urban and suburban living, providing a variety of amenities and green spaces.
- Rich historical background with several architectural sites and cultural events.
- Diverse population with a range of cultural influences and community activities.
- Affordable housing options compared to nearby Brussels.
- Limited entertainment and nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- Some areas may experience higher levels of traffic and congestion.
- Public transportation options may not be as extensive as in bigger cities.
- Economic disparities within different neighborhoods.
- Potential for language barriers, as Dutch is the primary language.
Best Activities in Vilvoorde
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Tangebeek Park is a picturesque outdoor space in Vilvoorde, perfect for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature. It offers beautiful trails and a tranquil environment for outdoor activities.
Hanssens Park is a great spot for outdoor activities in Vilvoorde. It features well-maintained green spaces, playgrounds, and walking paths, making it ideal for picnics, sports, and leisurely strolls.
Explore Vilvoorde and its surroundings by taking a cycling tour along the picturesque Zenne River. The scenic route offers a beautiful and peaceful outdoor experience for cycling enthusiasts.
Tours
Uncover the best of Vilvoorde with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Vilvoorde
Visit one of these nice places.
The castle grounds offer beautiful views and photo opportunities of the historic architecture and surrounding greenery.
This scenic forest area provides picturesque views and photo opportunities of nature and wildlife.
The viaduct offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
Food in Vilvoorde
Vilvoorde Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Belgian dish of steamed mussels served with crispy fries. Try it at De Kasteelhoeve, a cozy restaurant known for its fresh seafood.
Must-Try!
A hearty beef and onion stew cooked in Belgian beer. Visit Brasserie De Kring to savor an authentic preparation of this dish.
Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream, chocolate, or fruits. Indulge in these delectable treats at Les Waffleurs, a charming waffle house in the city center.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Vilvoorde better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore Vilvoorde Market to sample local cheeses, breads, and pastries. Don't miss the chance to taste freshly prepared Belgian fries from the street food stalls in the market area.
For an authentic Belgian frites experience, head to Fritkot Max. This renowned friterie offers a variety of sauces to accompany the crispy, golden fries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Vilvoorde, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, particularly when engaging in conversation.
Greetings in Vilvoorde often involve a handshake, and it is considered polite to maintain eye contact during the greeting.
When dining in Vilvoorde, it is customary to wait until the host says 'smakelijk eten' (enjoy your meal) before beginning to eat.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Vilvoorde with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Vilvoorde
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Vilvoorde, Belgium is not mandatory, but it is common to leave a small tip of 5-10% for good service at restaurants and cafes.
In Vilvoorde, Belgium, credit and debit cards are widely accepted for payment. Cash is also commonly used, especially for small transactions and in some cafes and smaller establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Vilvoorde.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Vilvoorde, Belgium as the weather starts to warm up and the city is in bloom with beautiful flowers. It's also a great time to explore the parks and outdoor attractions.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Vilvoorde, Belgium with long days, warm weather, and plenty of festivals and events. It's a great time for outdoor activities like biking along the canal or enjoying al fresco dining.
Autumn in Vilvoorde, Belgium brings mild temperatures and the changing colors of the trees. It's a great time to explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy the local harvest festivals.
Winter in Vilvoorde, Belgium is cold and often damp, but the city has a cozy atmosphere with Christmas markets, ice skating, and warm cafes perfect for enjoying a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Vilvoorde at Night
Hiking in Vilvoorde
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast botanical garden with several walking paths and trails through diverse flora.
A public park featuring beautiful paths for leisurely walks and hikes, surrounded by nature.
A large forest area south of Brussels known for its extensive hiking trails and picturesque landscapes.
A woodland area in the vicinity offering various hiking routes amidst serene surroundings.
The castle grounds provide scenic trails and gardens for peaceful hikes near the royal residence.
A network of trails along the Senne river, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Vilvoorde through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Vilvoorde by plane.
The main international airport serving Brussels, located about 12 km northeast of Vilvoorde.
A regional airport located about 45 km north of Vilvoorde, mainly serving domestic and European flights.
Also known as Brussels South Charleroi Airport, located approximately 60 km south of Vilvoorde, serves several low-cost airlines.
An alternative airport for reaching Brussels, offering a variety of budget airline services.
Located around 90 km east of Vilvoorde, this airport primarily serves cargo flights and some passenger services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group, consisting of individuals who hold Belgian citizenship and identify as part of the local culture and society.
One of the largest immigrant groups in Vilvoorde, primarily consisting of descendants of Moroccan migrants.
A significant demographic group in Vilvoorde, primarily consisting of individuals of Turkish descent, who have established a community over the years.
Residents from other European countries, including but not limited to individuals from the Netherlands, France, and Spain.
A growing demographic group consisting of individuals from various Sub-Saharan African nations.
Includes individuals of Asian descent, encompassing various nationalities, such as Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
A diverse category that includes smaller populations from various nationalities not specifically categorized.
The Soul of Vilvoorde
Discover the essence of Vilvoorde through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Vilvoorde, played by local clubs and communities, with a strong presence in schools and local competitions.
Basketball enjoys popularity in Vilvoorde, with several clubs and facilities supporting youth and adult leagues.
Cycling is a favored pastime in Vilvoorde, given Belgium's strong cycling culture. The region offers numerous cycling paths and events.
Athletics, including running and track events, is supported by local clubs and sports events attracting participants from the region.
Volleyball is popular among local youth, with programs available at schools and community centers promoting the sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Vilvoorde.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Vilvoorde offer delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. Le Souffleur and Végé Cap offer a range of plant-based options.
Those with gluten restrictions can visit De Molen. This restaurant provides a variety of gluten-free dishes and is attentive to dietary requirements.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Vilvoorde with these cultural adventures.
