48 hours in Hasselt

Visit Hasselt

A warm welcome to Hasselt, the city on the Demer. Do you like jenever, speculaas and fashion? Then this charming city has everything you need for an unforgettable 48-hour stay. During the first day of this two-day adventure, we will explore the vibrant city centre on foot. On day two, we head out to Hasselt's green surroundings. An extra bonus is definitely the delightful hospitality which Limburg is famous for.

Day 1

City walk ‘Smaakmaker Spraakmaker’

We will begin our visit with the city walk‘Smaakmaker Spraakmaker’, which gives you a proper introduction to Hasselt. This circular trail of around 4 kilometres starts and ends at Visit Hasselt in Maastrichterstraat and takes you on an interesting tour. Hasselt is a compact centre hardly 800 metres in diameter, which means you can easily explore on foot and see lots in a short time. We'll give you some of the highlights on this walk below.

©Visit Limburg - Jonathan Ramael

Enjoy peace and quiet in the Japanese garden

Between stops three and four of the walk, it is worth making a small diversion towards some nature. By crossing Kapermolenpark you reach the Japanese Garden, a place that you would not immediately expect here, yet which lies within walking distance of the city centre. As Europe's largest Japanese garden, it surprises you with winding paths, decorative bridges, koi carp ponds and relaxing waterfalls, designed according to traditional Japanese principles. An oasis where you can slow down for a moment and make the most of your adventures through Hasselt.

Visit Hasselt

For epicureans: Jenever museum

If you think of Hasselt, jenever immediately springs to mind. At the Jenever Museum, you'll discover why Hasselt jenever has been so famous ever since the 19th century. Thanks to its pure distilled grain spirit and traditional craftsmanship, the city became Belgium's veritable jenever capital. In the museum you visit an authentic distillery with historical installations and see the production process from grain to glass, while learning more about the role of jenever in the local economy and culture. An interactive exhibition and sampling top off the visit and ensure you get a true flavour of Hasselt.

©Visit Limburg - P. Vande Ven

For fashion and culture lovers: Hasselt Fashion Museum

Hasselt oozes fashion, and that is clear in the Fashion Museum. The museum has a rich collection featuring historic costumes and contemporary creations, and is known for its innovative exhibitions showing fashion in a wider social and cultural context. From silhouettes and craftsmanship to experiments and innovation, each exhibition offers an astonishing glimpse of fashion as an art form and expression method. After your visit you are sure to look differently at the exclusive boutiques and trendy concept stores in the city, where Hasselt's fashion story continues.

Food tip
Swap Street Art for Latte Art in one of the trendy coffee bars and pull up a chair at one of the many surprising food spots and restaurants in the centre or along the water at Quartier Bleu. Give your taste buds a treat in Hasselt with a hearty helping of Limburg hospitality.

Z33

After lunch, we continue our walk towards Z33, the Home of Modern Art, Design & Architecture, a leading arts centre with exhibitions from Belgian and international makers. The award-winning building alone makes a visit worthwhile, while accessible exhibitions, workshops and activities designed for families also get children interested in art. Those who look beyond the city also realise that the region is bursting with creativity. A fun tip for a future visit is the Meuse Valley River Park, where micro-adventures in nature and surprising cultural accents go hand in hand.

Two people are cycling side by side next to a large red brick building on a sunny day. The street is quiet, with modern and old buildings around

Visit Hasselt

Food tip
We complete our walk and also our first day in Hasselt. In and around the centre, you'll find all kinds of cosy spots for food and drinks where you can end your day in style. Nearby, there's the lively Zuivelmarkt and Grote Markt, two delightful squares with a generous selection of cafés and restaurants. Here, you can sample Belgian cuisine with its typical Flemish dishes, from beef stew to seasonal suggestions, and perhaps some Belgian beer. Those seeking inspiration will easily find it on Visit Hasselt, where you'll find lots more tasty places for a delicious end to day one.

Toerisme Hasselt

Day 2

Herkenrode Abbey

After a good night's sleep, we head off into nature and start with a visit to Herkenrode Abbey in Hasselt. You can get there easily by bike using the Limburg nodal network (rent a bike at the station on shop.fietsparadijslimburg.be) or by train and nearby bus stop. At the abbey site, you discover the rich heritage of the Cistercian nuns, wander through historic buildings, ponds and gardens, and enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding nature area.

A serene pond with lily pads and white water lilies in the foreground. A historic brick building with a tower is in the background under a blue sky.

Toerisme Hasselt

Cycling through water, Wijers and wide nature

The Flanders’ Finest cycle route ‘Cycle through water landscape De Wijers’ begins and ends at historic Herkenrode Abbey, a delightful base for a varied bike ride through the heart of Limburg. From there, you discover the unique pond area of De Wijers, an expansive water landscape with reed beds, woods and open nature. The route leads you along safe, well-signposted cycle paths, treating you to some impressive views.
One of the absolute highlights is Cycling through water in Bokrijk, where you literally cycle through a pond with the water at eye level. With the cycle route Fruity landscapes with spirit, you discover the orchards and picturesque villages in the fruity region of Haspengouw. Thanks to the characteristic blue signs in the nodal network, it is easy to find your way and you'll enjoy a relaxing ride filled with nature and heritage.

Discover more Flanders’ Finest Cycle routes in Limburg

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A couple cycles on a path that cuts through a tranquil lake, surrounded by lush greenery. Hot air balloons float in the clear sky, evoking a serene vibe.

Andreas Gijbels

Fancy a shopping trip or rather some relaxation and culture? Hasselt has something for everyone. Stroll through the pleasant shopping streets with boutiques or seek the silence in the historic Beguinage, a charming piece of heritage with paved streets and limewashed cottages. Those who prefer to discover the city more actively can go exploring along the Flanders’ Finest cycle route ‘Cycle through water landscape De Wijers’, which leads you through a unique pond landscape. Hasselt has it all: a lively city spirit, heritage and surprising nature.

Click here for more shopping, travel and accommodation tips in Hasselt and district (Visit Limburg website)

Flemish Masters in situ

Set out in the footsteps of the legendary Flemish Masters. The Master Tours take you to extraordinary locations in the cities and villages of Flanders, all connected by a single story.

Embark on your own Flemish Master Tour through Flanders