Nicknamed “The Town on the Dender”, Aalst in western Belgium may not register on the radar for the usual tourists flocking to popular destinations like Bruges and Brussels. But this laidback, historic city straddling the placid Dender River packs plenty of authentic Belgian hallmarks – Gothic architecture, bustling central squares, cozy café terraces — with an irreverent cultural twist all its own.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Catch the Carnival Fever! | Experience Belgium’s carnival spirit with parades. |
| Sip Artisan Beers at a Hidden Monastery Brewery | Visit Affligem Abbey brewery for unique Belgian beers. |
| Indulge in Aalst Street Food Favorites | Try local specialties like frites fricadelle and oliebollen. |
| Stroll Through the Historic Market Square | Explore the oldest documented public market in the Low Countries. |
| Tour the Hops Museum in an Old Beer Depot | Learn about hops and the beer-making process. |
| Cruise Down the Lazy Dender River | Enjoy a leisurely river cruise with scenic views. |
| Experience Belgium’s Best Carnival Parade | Witness the iconic Aalst Carnaval with satirical themes. |
| Admire the Magnificent Gothic Architecture | Explore Gothic buildings, including the Sint-Martinuskerk. |
| Try the Local Specialty Cheese | Sample Oud-Aalster cheese, a local delicacy. |
| Explore the Peaceful Outskirts by Bike | Rent bikes to explore the serene countryside and villages. |
| Dine Along the Vibrant Restaurant Terraces | Enjoy al fresco dining on restaurant terraces. |
| Hunt for Antiques and Vintage Treasures | Discover retro furnishings and vintage objects. |
During carnival season, the streets roar with colorfully costumed revelers skewering societal norms with satirical parade floats and outrageous parties. When the confetti settles, Aalst returns to its unhurried pace where the good life prevails – savored local beers, fresh seafood dishes, and strolling pedestrian shopping streets.
For a taste of authentic small-town Belgian life, Aalst packs a huge cultural punch for history buffs, foodies and party people alike! Here are 15 of our top recommendations to make the most of a 2024 visit to Aalst.
Catch the Carnival Fever!
Name and Location: Aalst Carnival, Aalst, Belgium.
History and Significance: Aalst Carnival is a UNESCO-recognized event with a rich history dating back several centuries. It’s known for its satirical parades and vibrant celebrations.
What to Expect: Expect a lively atmosphere with elaborate floats, costumes, and local traditions. The event is a blend of humor, political satire, and community spirit.
Visitor Information: The carnival typically takes place in February or March. Visitors should book accommodations in advance due to high demand.
Every spring, the sleepy cobblestone streets of Aalst transform into a raucous open-air festival putting Belgium’s carnival spirit on full display. Dating back to the Middle Ages, Aalst Carnaval boasts a UNESCO designation for this community tradition satirizing the social and political issues of the day through elaborate parade floats and in zany costumes.
Visitors can catch all the carnival action during the three-day street party leading up to the iconic parades where brass bands, giant puppets and costumed troupes throw candy to the crowds packing the streets. Don’t miss your chance to experience Belgium’s biggest, boldest and most outrageous carnival!
Sip Artisan Beers at a Hidden Monastery Brewery
Name and Location: Abbey Brewery, located in a secluded monastery in rural Belgium.
History and Significance: Belgian monasteries have a long tradition of brewing unique beers. The Abbey Brewery continues this age-old practice, offering a range of artisanal beers.
What to Expect: A serene setting where you can taste various beers, each with its unique flavor profile, crafted by the monks.
Visitor Information: Access might be limited; check visiting hours and book tours in advance. Some monasteries have specific visitor guidelines.
Beer lovers shouldn’t miss visiting the only remaining abbey brewery operating within Aalst city limits. Dating from 1240 AD, Affligem Abbey brews distinctive blond, dubbel and tripel ales following original monk recipes and time-honored brewing processes.
Today the monastery grounds have opened more to welcome respectful visitors interested in learning their brewing heritage firsthand. Take a self-guided audio tour through the historic abbey church and ruins before sampling their legendary beers within Affligem’s cozy tavern. Skål to Belgian monastic brewmasters!
Indulge in Aalst Street Food Favorites
Name and Location: Street food vendors throughout Aalst, Belgium. History and Significance: Aalst has a rich culinary tradition, with street food being an integral part of its cultural fabric.
What to Expect: A variety of delicious street foods, including Belgian fries, waffles, and local specialties. Each vendor offers a unique taste of Belgian cuisine.
Visitor Information: Street food is available year-round. Prices are usually reasonable, and vendors can be found throughout the city, especially in busy areas.
Beyond Belgium’s iconic waffles and chocolate, Aalst has several favorite street food specialties visitors must try. Steaming paper cones filled with frites fricadelle — crisp Belgian fries dunked in flavorful stewed meat gravy — make the perfect snack for wandering Aalst’s city center. Locals swear by Jozef the Butcher’s legendary dried sasusages and other Flemish charcuterie delicacies.
And no visit is complete without indulging in oliebollen — piping hot doughnut balls generously coated with powdered sugar and your choice of sweet or savory fillings from local bakeries. Don’t worry about staining your shirt — you’re on vacation in Belgium!
Stroll Through the Historic Market Square
Name and Location: Aalst Market Square, Aalst, Belgium.
History and Significance: The market square is a historic center, showcasing centuries-old buildings and the city’s heritage.
What to Expect: Charming old-world architecture, local shops, and cafes. The square is often bustling with activities and local markets.
Visitor Information: The square is accessible throughout the year and is a great starting point for exploring Aalst.
The charming central square of Aalst, Grote Plaats or Markt, dates back to 1000 AD as the oldest documented public market in all the Low Countries. Historically, traveling merchants would hawk wares from all over Europe here before the magnificent Gothic-style Town Hall and Halles (marketplace) got built in the 15th century.
Visitors can soak up over a thousand years of history strolling this rectangular brick plaza lined with al fresco cafes and restaurants. On Wednesdays and especially Fridays, the surrounding streets flood with vendors’ stalls where locals shop amid lively atmosphere for flowers, cheeses, baked goods and seasonal produce.
Tour the Hops Museum in an Old Beer Depot
Name and Location: Hops Museum, located in a renovated beer depot in Belgium.
History and Significance: The museum is dedicated to the history of beer making and the importance of hops in brewing.
What to Expect: Interactive exhibits on beer brewing, hops cultivation, and the history of beer in Belgium.
Visitor Information: Check opening hours and ticket prices. The museum often hosts special events and tastings.
As one of Europe’s foremost beer capitals, Belgium rightfully pays homage to the chief ingredient making the brews possible – hops! Aalst’s quirky Hopmuseum (Hops Museum) fittingly sits inside a restored 1920’s era beer warehouse and sales office where the golden flowers got processed and distributed to breweries.
Multimedia exhibits and aromas trace the stages of hop cultivation through final use flavoring beers. See vintage poles for training hop vines, drying machines, and fun historic beer industry publicity. Don’t leave without snagging some hop-infused honey or cosmetics from their gift shop!
Cruise Down the Lazy Dender River
Name and Location: Dender River Cruises, Belgium.
History and Significance: The Dender River is an integral part of the region’s natural landscape and history, offering picturesque views and a peaceful cruising experience.
What to Expect: A relaxing cruise with scenic views of the Belgian countryside, historic towns, and local wildlife.
Visitor Information: Cruises are available in warmer months. Booking in advance is recommended.
For a change of pace from Aalst’s Urban streets and squares, hop aboard a mini-cruise boat for a leisurely river voyage. Gentle boats with outdoor viewing decks ply Aalst’s stretch of the Dender River past verdant parklands as well as historic buildings converted into lively restaurants.
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy ashore when stopping at riverside taverns like Port Natal along the way. Or float even farther out of town toward lush wetlands harboring grassy islands where herons and lone cow graze before turning back to Aalst.
Experience Belgium’s Best Carnival Parade
Name and Location: Belgium’s Best Carnival Parade, various locations across Belgium.
History and Significance: This parade is a showcase of Belgium’s rich carnival culture, with each region presenting its unique traditions and costumes.
What to Expect: A colorful and lively parade with music, dance, elaborate costumes, and floats representing various aspects of Belgian culture.
Visitor Information: The parade dates and locations vary each year. Check local event schedules for details.
We briefly mentioned Aalst Carnaval earlier, but the world-famous parade culminating the festivities deserves more detail! Officially occurring the Sunday and Monday before Lent fasting begins, expect to see the city’s wildest side come out cheering on clever satirical themes lampooning current events, celebrities and politicians of every creed.
No topic is too taboo for mockery and parody as elaborate floats, brass bands, giant carnival puppets on stilts and colorfully costumed dancers make their way through the crowded streets. Grab a spot early along the parade route and don’t forget to stock up on Belgian beer and snacks!
Admire the Magnificent Gothic Architecture
Name and Location: Gothic Buildings, various locations in Belgium. History and Significance: Belgium is renowned for its Gothic architecture, with many buildings dating back to the Middle Ages.
What to Expect: Stunning Gothic structures, including churches, town halls, and historic buildings. Architectural enthusiasts will enjoy the detailed craftsmanship.
Visitor Information: Many Gothic buildings are open to the public, but some may have entrance fees or restricted areas.
While Aalst may feel smaller and more laidback than popular destinations like Bruges and Ghent, the town still packs plenty of medieval charm and exquisite Gothic buildings. The impressive Sint-Martinuskerk took nearly 300 years to build with origins dating from the 10th century. Visitors can even climb the church tower for bird’s eye views across Aalst’s red tiled rooftops.
The statuesque Town Hall on the Grote Markt square stands as one of Belgium’s finest civic Gothic structures featuring ornately carved stonework flourishes. And parts of the OLV Cathedral incorporate pillars and stained glass from an earlier 13th century abbey. Wandering past these awe-inspiring Gothic facades transports you back through centuries of history!
Try the Local Specialty Cheese
Name and Location: Local Cheese Shops, Belgium.
History and Significance: Belgian cheese has a long tradition, with each region producing its unique variety.
What to Expect: A wide range of cheeses, from creamy to hard, each with its distinct taste. Cheese tasting sessions are often available.
Visitor Information: Cheese shops are found throughout Belgium. It’s best to visit during the day when there’s a broader selection.
While sampling Belgium’s hearty beers and decadent chocolate is a must, we recommend saving room for Aalst’s local delicacy cheese as well! Oud-Aalster, also called Old Aalster or Auker, gets made from fresh unpasteurized cow’s milk into firm, lightweight wheels perfect for snacking.
This semi-soft aged cheese strikes a nice balance – sweet and creamy without overpowering sharpness. Stop into any cheese shop for a wedge or check café menus for dishes incorporating Oud-Aalster like spicy cheese croquettes or gooey twice-baked souffle. However you try it, Aalst’s homage cheese makes the perfect edible souvenir!
Explore the Peaceful Outskirts by Bike
Name and Location: Countryside Bike Tours, outskirts of Belgian towns.
History and Significance: Belgium’s countryside is known for its natural beauty and peaceful landscapes, ideal for biking.
What to Expect: Picturesque routes through fields, small villages, and along rivers. Biking in Belgium is a great way to explore the less-traveled paths.
Visitor Information: Bike rentals and tours are available. Check for routes and bike-friendly paths.
While Aalst town stays busy year-round, peaceful backroads and farmlands border the outskirts just beyond. Rent bikes to explore side roads winding through serene countryside and charming villages practically untouched for centuries. Pedal past rolling green fields dotted with dairy cows, old converted farmhouses, and along sleepy canals shrouded beneath weeping willow trees.
Work up an appetite on your ride before stopping at a village café or tavern for hearty Belgian fare and drinks by the water. Meandering Aalst’s bucolic bike paths lets you experience the lazy countryside atmosphere Belgium does so well.
Dine Along the Vibrant Restaurant Terraces
Name and Location: Restaurant Terraces, major cities and towns in Belgium.
History and Significance: Belgian cuisine is diverse and rich, with outdoor dining being a popular tradition, especially in summer.
What to Expect: A variety of dining options, from high-end restaurants to casual cafes. Outdoor seating offers a great way to enjoy the local atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Most terraces are open in good weather. Reservations may be needed for popular spots.
On sunny days from spring through autumn, Aalst locals adore dining al fresco atop the city’s atmospheric restaurant terraces. The spacious rooftop patio at Sir Anthony Van Dijck overlooks the town square bustle below as an ideal spot for Belgian classics like vol-au-vent chicken stew or eel in green herb sauce. Grab a sidewalk table outside Den Hopduvel microbrewery to pair their latest seasonal releases with heaping platters of Flemish carbonnade beef stew and cheese croquettes.
Wherever you choose, don’t miss soaking up Aalst’s laidback culture from dining eye-level above the streets!
Hunt for Antiques and Vintage Treasures
Name and Location: Antique Markets and Shops, various locations in Belgium.
History and Significance: Belgium has a rich history and culture, reflected in its antiques and vintage items, which are sought after by collectors.
What to Expect: A wide array of antiques, from furniture to art and collectibles. Each piece tells a story of Belgium’s past.
Visitor Information: Antique markets are often held on weekends. Some shops may have irregular hours, so it’s best to check in advance.
Beyond Aalst’s sleek modern shops and cafes, a tradition for antiquing and secondhand wares thrives in this town that remembers its history. Stores like Polleken Vintage empower a new generation by curating the best selection of retro furnishings, artwork and accessories from previous eras. The eclectic Antiek in Het Paleis rummages 20th century objects into thematic displays