15 Things To Do in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium in 2024

Activity	Description
Wander the Bustling Saturday Market	Outdoor bazaar with local produce, flowers, and food in the central market square.
Savor the Flavors at the New Food Hall	A covered market hall featuring local culinary delights.
Marvel at the Cathedral of Our Lady	A historic late Gothic church with impressive architecture and artwork.
Explore the Picturesque Central Parklands	A vast area with gardens, paths, and nature in the city center.
Take In Panoramas from Above at the New Viewing Tower	Offers panoramic views of the city from Waasland Shopping Center.
Tour Belgium’s Largest Regional Museum	SteM Zwijgershoek, showcasing regional history and culture.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth	Enjoy local sweets at various chocolatiers and patisseries.
Discover Art and Antiques Off the Beaten Path	Explore art, antiques, and galleries in the city’s backstreets.
Sip Belgian Beers at a Historic Brewery	Brouwerij De Block, offering tastings and tours.
Paddle the Picturesque Riverfront Waterways	Kayak or boat through the city’s scenic rivers.
Cheer on a Local Cycling Race	Watch or participate in cycling events, including the Grand Prix Jef Scherens.

Visitors strolling the atmospheric pedestrian streets will soon discover why Sint-Niklaas won a European “Walkability Award”. Between perusing colorful storefronts, relaxing at sidewalk cafés, and exploring historic sights, everything in town stays conveniently walkable. And with exciting new openings, exhibits and events added in 2023-2024, first-timers and returning visitors alike have ample reasons to visit Saint Nicholas’ namesake city!

Wander the Bustling Saturday Market

Name and Location: The Ghent Saturday Market, Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: This lively open-air market has been operating since the Middle Ages in the historic center of Ghent. It’s a beloved local tradition, where locals and visitors alike come to shop for fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and more from local vendors.

What to Expect: A vibrant, crowded market with hundreds of vendor stalls selling everything from fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread to clothing, crafts and souvenirs. Enjoy trying and buying local specialties while taking in the festive atmosphere.

Visitor Information: Open every Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Centrally located in Ghent’s historic center around Kouter, Vrijdagmarkt and Groentenmarkt squares. Easily accessible by public transport.

Every weekend, Sint-Niklaas’ central market square transforms into a lively outdoor bazaar where locals shop fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and artisan food specialties. The bracing scent of salty North Sea shrimp mixes with fragrant blooms while vendors busily hawk wares brought in that morning. Rain or shine, a festive atmosphere prevails around the open-air market’s stalls.

Visitors shouldn’t miss tasting local delicacies like syrupy Gentse stroop waffles, just-fried frites fricandelle (fries with meat stew), or hearty Flemish stews dished from steaming cauldrons. After tasting your way through the market, dive into the maze of pedestrian shopping streets nearby overflowing with small shops and cafés.

Savor the Flavors at the New Food Hall

Name and Location: Oudburg Food Hall, Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: Recently opened in 2022, Oudburg Food Hall is Ghent’s latest hot spot celebrating the city’s culinary scene. The food hall is housed in a restored 16th century abbey with a stunning interior courtyard.

What to Expect: Over 20 excellent local eateries and bars under one roof offering a wide range of cuisines and specialties. From waffles to mussels, craft beer to gourmet sandwiches, crepes to coffee, there’s something for every palate. Seating scattered throughout for a casual dining experience.

Visitor Information: Located at Hoogpoort 64 in Ghent’s historic Patershol neighborhood. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-12am.

Foodies visiting Sint-Niklaas can look forward to a exciting new covered market hall called ‘De Mott’ opening in late 2023. The city renovated two neglected historic buildings into a dynamic space celebrating culinary culture and artisanal food producers. De Mott stalls will feature local bakeries, butcher shops, chocolate creators, coffee roasters plus eateries and bars – essentially a year-round indoor version of Sint-Niklaas’ bustling weekly markets!

Visitors can graze De Mott’s diverse food options then watch regional chefs cook up demonstrations, take classes or even enjoy seasonal tasting menu dining events planned. For travelers passionate about Belgian cuisine, De Mott brings local specialties together under one tasty roof.

Marvel at the Cathedral of Our Lady

Name and Location: Cathedral of Our Lady, Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: This imposing Gothic cathedral was built over several centuries starting in the 14th century. It boasts stunning architecture and is home to Jan van Eyck’s masterpiece “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.”

What to Expect: Soaring ceilings, intricate stonework, grand pipe organ, and breathtaking stained glass windows. Visit the crypts and choir area for an up close look. Don’t miss the Jacobs’ Bell in the belfry ringing daily at noon.

Visitor Information: Located on Cathedrale Square in the heart of Ghent. Open daily 8:30am-6pm. Admission is free but small fee to access some areas.

With one of Belgium’s most impressive late Gothic churches as its centerpiece, Sint-Niklaas clearly takes the town’s religious heritage seriously. The enormous Cathedral of Our Lady took over 300 years to complete starting in the early 1300’s. Flanked by twin brickwork towers, the cathedral’s awe-inspiring stonework and intricate detailing proves master medieval craftsmanship at its finest.

Inside, elaborate carved choir stalls contrast brightly-colored modern stained glass windows while baroque pipe organs produce heavenly resonance. Be sure to see the church’s most prized possessions – works by renowned Flemish Primitive painters Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck who both called Sint-Niklaas home for parts of their careers.

Explore the Picturesque Central Parklands

Name and Location: Citadelpark, Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: Dating back to 1876, Citadelpark is Ghent’s largest and most popular city park. The 90-acre green space contains sculptures, ponds, and botanical gardens. It’s a beloved spot for locals to relax, exercise and enjoy nature.

What to Expect: Tree-lined paths perfect for walking, cycling or jogging. Whimsical art nouveau pavilion. Botanical greenhouse with tropical and desert plants. Playgrounds and lawn for picnics and games.

Visitor Information: Located just south of Ghent’s city center. Easily walkable or take tram line 1. Always open. Free admission.

For such a compact city center, Sint-Niklaas dedicates an impressive amount of parkland for locals’ recreation and relaxation. Stadspark sprawls across 25 hectares of the former 17th century ramparts now converted into idyllic lawns, winding footpaths past ponds, a fragrant rose garden, mini-golf and playgrounds.

The adjoining Groenpark landscaped green space connects with Houtbriel water garden’s contemporary fountains flowing over granite surfaces. Visitors of all ages delight wandering through this oasis of nature tucked right within Sint-Niklaas!

Take In Panoramas from Above at the New Viewing Tower

Name and Location: Gent 360° Viewing Tower, Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: Opened in 2021, this viewing tower provides stunning 360 degree views over Ghent from 236 feet up. It’s part of the redevelopment of the old port area into a vibrant new urban district.

What to Expect: A futuristic glass elevator whisks you up for breathtaking vistas over Ghent’s spires and rooftops. Identify the landmarks with directional viewfinders. Grab a drink at the rooftop cafe after taking in the scenery.

Visitor Information: Located at Waalsekaai near Citadelpark. Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets 10€ for adults.

Soaring above Sint-Niklaas’ skyline, the contemporary zig-zag shaped Waasland Shopping Center seems like an unlikely vantage point. Yet their rooftop houses the new Bell Tower observation deck and brasserie treats delivering panoramic views across the Waasland region’s patchwork fields interspersed with church steeples.

Gaze down over colorful facades of the Grote Markt and neighboring Durme River glinting in the sunlight. Survey the commercial district’s production chimneys belching puffs of steam. And pinpoint tiny pedestrians bustling about Sint-Niklaas’ streets from this unique aerial angle. The free panorama platform stays open late for memorable sunsets too!

Tour Belgium’s Largest Regional Museum

Name and Location: Museum of Fine Arts (MSK), Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: Founded in 1817, this is one of Belgium’s oldest and most renowned art museums with a collection of over 20,000 works spanning centuries.

What to Expect: Sprawling museum with strong collections of Belgian art, medieval portraiture, religious artwork and modernist pieces. Highlights include works by Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens and René Magritte.

Visitor Information: Located at Fernand Scribedreef 1, Citadelpark. Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Mondays. Admission 10€ for adults.

As the district capital of Waasland province, Sint-Niklaas unsurprisingly boasts the finest regional history museum around. SteM Zwijgershoek illuminates life in past centuries through multimedia exhibits spanning prehistoric eras to gritty 20th century reconstruction after widespread devastation during the World Wars.

See how early religious art evolved into exquisite stone and wood carvings under Flemish Renaissance influence. Learn about traditional folk healing methods relying on plants and mysticism. And hear firsthand oral accounts from citizens impacted by the World Wars’ destruction across Waasland communities big and small. By exploring their comprehensive displays, visitors achieve greater understanding of Sint-Niklaas’ regional identity through time.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Name and Location: Dumon Chocolate, Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: Dumon has been crafting delectable, handmade chocolates from its little shop in Ghent since the 1920s. It’s renowned as one of Belgium’s finest chocolate makers.

What to Expect: Sample or buy handcrafted pralines, truffles, bars and creamy spreads made daily on-site. The interior is vintage and charming with delicate chocolate sculptures.

Visitor Information: Located at Onderbergen 6A in the Patershol neighborhood. Open Wed-Sun 10am-6:30pm. Closed Mon-Tues.

As a proud Belgian city, Sint-Niklaas stays stocked with temptation for travelers’ sweet tooths around every corner. The melt-in-your-mouth decadence happens at Chocolatier Van Damme and patisserie staple The Oliver Twist. Or line up with locals craving hot waffles piled high with fruit, chocolate sauces and chantilly cream from ‘t Krokantje bakery – an institution since 1948!

Wherever you stop for a sugar fix, don’t miss trying traditional Flemish cuberdons: cone-shaped jellied candies flavored with raspberry and vanilla…also playfully known as “gentleman’s noses”! Just beware their addictive sweet-tart taste might have you eating several at a time…

Discover Art and Antiques Off the Beaten Path

Name and Location: Antique Market at Vrijdagmarkt Square, Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: On this atmospheric square, antique dealers have been setting up shop every Friday through Sunday for decades. It’s a wonderful place to discover treasures and gems from the past.

What to Expect: About 50 stalls selling a diverse range of antiques and curiosities including furniture, glassware, paintings, books, jewelry, textiles, toys, and much more. Don’t expect to find just Flemish pieces, dealers come from all over Europe.

Visitor Information: Located at Vrijdagmarkt Square in central Ghent. Open Fridays 2pm-6pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9am-6pm. Free entry.

While Sint-Niklaas overflows with big chain stores, intrepid shoppers should also explore the atmospheric backstreets where independent boutiques and galleries hide local treasures. The courtyard passage at Lokersestraat 45 holds over a dozen art, antique and curiosity dealers open random hours beside a tiny café terrace.

Around the corner, Vincent’s Gallery deals primarily in Belgian and Dutch classical paintings alongside fine porcelain and sculptures. And the quirky ‘t Atelier Jef stocks rare illustrations, vintage posters, upcycled industrial artifacts plus contemporary prints and postcards designed right there in Sint-Niklaas. Wandering the alleyways rewards culture vultures with one-of-a-kind finds!

Sip Belgian Beers at a Historic Brewery

Name and Location: Gruut Brewery, Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: Dating from 2009, Gruut was the first brewery in Ghent’s medieval center in over 100 years. They specialize in crafting modern beers with historical brewing methods.

What to Expect: Sample a flight of their unique brews on tap in a minimalist tasting room. Tours provide an overview of their brewing process using herbs rather than hops. Next door is their restaurant focusing on pairings.

Visitor Information: Located at Grote Huidevettershoek 10 in the city center. Tasting room open daily. Guided tours Saturdays at 4pm.

Beer connoisseurs shouldn’t miss visiting one of Belgium’s last family-owned city breweries still operating on site: Brouwerij De Block! Their cozy on-site café pours refreshing Belgian blonde, amber and brown ales straight from the brewing tanks into your glass alongside hearty local dishes like sausage, snails or southern Netherlands smoked meats.

Multimedia exhibits trace De Block’s brewing heritage since opening way back in 1885 plus historic brewing industry artifacts. And their affordable brewery tours happen daily by reservation – including generous beer tastings, of course! However you experience De Block brewery, it feels quintessentially Belgian through-and-through.

Paddle the Picturesque Riverfront Waterways

History and Significance: Ghent’s canals have been an important part of the city since its days as a medieval port. These days locals and visitors enjoy boating and floating through the scenic waterways.

What to Expect: Glide by the historical beguinage, gabled houses and landmarks as you paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Tours and rentals available, for either short trips or longer excursions.

Visitor Information: Rentals and tours depart from various spots near the Graslei and Korenlei quays in the city center. Available April through October. Rates start around €15 per hour.

The Durme and Stekke Vaart rivers gently winding around Sint-Niklaas invite leisurely exploration by boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Glide beneath graceful willow branches enveloping the canals as ducks and swans paddle alongside past backyards with charm to spare. As the waterways widen, a rowing club may breeze by with teams training atop the shimmering glassy water.

Peaceful sections pass through serene nature preserves where bird species like kingfishers, grebes and cormorants fish among protected reedy marshes. With numerous boat rental outfitters around Sint-Niklaas, an afternoon escaping urban life via the riverfront always refreshes!

Cheer on a Local Cycling Race

Name and Location: Ghent Six Day Track Race, T Kuipke Velodrome Ghent, Belgium

History and Significance: Ghent hosts an annual 6-day cycling race on the steeply banked track of its historic velodrome. The popular event dates back to 1922 and draws pro cyclists and crowds from around Europe.

What to Expect: Sprint races, eliminations and endurance competitions daily. Party atmosphere in the velodrome with food, drinks and music. Catch all the action from the stands as racers speed around the timber track.

Visitor Information: Held at T Kuipke velodrome in late November annually. Ticket and schedule info at www.gentsezesdaagse.be/en/

As one of Belgium’s cycling capitals, Sint-Niklaas sees recreational and competitive races nearly every weekend from spring through autumn. But their most prestigious road cycling event happens annually in late September: the Grand Prix Jef Scherens professional one-day classic attracting elite Belgian racers and international cycling teams.

The thrilling race loops across the Waasland countryside then returns along a dramatic finish circuit through Sint-Niklaas city center. Visitors can feel the electric atmosphere as crowds line sidewalk cafés and streets to cheer the blur of colorful spandex whizzing past during final laps! If visiting in late summer, don’t miss out on catching Europe’s competitive cycling fever live.