Things to Do in Hasselt, Belgium: Best Sights & Travel Tips

We love exploring Belgium’s cities. The combination of historic architecture, cozy streets, great little shops and a relaxed atmosphere keeps bringing us back. And recently, we discovered another city in Belgium: Hasselt! Located in the heart of Belgian Limburg, Hasselt is a compact and welcoming city that is easy to explore on foot. Planning a city trip to Hasselt? We’re sharing our favourite things to see and do, including the best sights, restaurants, shopping spots and places to stay.

What to do in Hasselt? Here are the best sights to see

In Hasselt, it’s all about Limburg’s warm hospitality and convivial atmosphere. You’ll notice it everywhere you go. During our city trip to Hasselt, we decided to first stop by Visit Hasselt. We definitely recommend it, as the team is happy to personally point you towards the best tips for your city trip. Think of a hidden alley you might otherwise walk straight past or local delicacies you simply have to try. And another handy tip: you can pick up the HasPas here. This pass gives you access to several museums, as well as fun extras at local shops, restaurants and cafés. And which places should you really not miss? We’re happy to share them with you!

1. The Japanese Garden: the largest Japanese garden in Europe

The Japanese Garden in Hasselt is the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Located just outside the city centre, it is a peaceful place to slow down and take in the surroundings. Here, you get a glimpse into Japanese culture as you stroll past Japanese apricot trees and listen to the soothing sound of the waterfall. The garden is home to 225 Japanese cherry trees (sakura), and its ponds are filled with no fewer than 190 different varieties of koi carp. Some of them are enormous! They make quite a sight as they swim around the ponds, with ducks peacefully drifting along beside them.

The best time to visit the Japanese Garden in Hasselt is, of course, during the blooming season, but it’s also worth visiting the garden during the other seasons. There are also all kinds of monthly activities open to the public, such as interesting exhibitions.

Please note: The garden is closed during the winter months for winter maintenance.

2. The Jenever Museum in Hasselt: Discover the city’s rich distilling tradition

Hasselt is a true jenever city. Its rich distilling tradition dates back to the 16th century, and at its peak in the 19th century, the city centre was home to more than a hundred distilleries. A visit to the Jenever Museum is therefore one of the best things to do in Hasselt. At the museum, you’ll discover how this traditional Belgian spirit is made and the role it has played in the city’s history over the centuries. You can see authentic distilleries, historic bottles and take part in interactive exhibitions that bring Hasselt’s jenever tradition to life.

But of course, the tasting room is just as much fun. The Jenever Museum produces its own jenevers and liqueurs according to authentic recipes in a late-19th-century, early-20th-century distillery. In the cozy tasting room, you can sample these, as well as many other jenever varieties from the Low Countries. And you’re sure to find something you like, because you can choose from over 100 jenever varieties!

Tip: Will you be in Hasselt in October? On October 17 and 18, the Jenever Festivals will celebrate the city’s rich jenever tradition. Expect music, street theater, jenever in every flavor, and, of course, plenty of fun.

3. The Beguinage in Hasselt: a historic site rich in heritage

From the Jenever Museum in Hasselt, you can easily walk straight to the Beguinage. The history of Hasselt’s Beguinage dates back to 1245, when it was first established outside the city walls. The current Beguinage, the third in its history, was built from the late 17th century onwards and was completed between 1707 and 1780.

You’ll find this peaceful, historic spot right in the heart of the city, surrounded by heritage. There’s an centuries-old convent wing, charming houses and a green courtyard garden. But the real highlight of the Beguinage is the panoramic tower. Climb to the top for beautiful views over the Beguinage and Hasselt’s historic city centre.

4. The Hasselt Fashion Museum: A world of unique designs

Hasselt and fashion have been closely connected for decades. At the Fashion Museum Hasselt, you can step into a world of unique designs, striking accessories and fascinating stories. With around 19,000 garments and accessories in its collection, there is plenty to discover. The exhibitions change regularly, so even if you visit again, you’re likely to come across something new. A fun stop for fashion lovers, but also for anyone who enjoys discovering beautiful and unusual things.

5. Het Sweert: one of Hasselt’s most famous houses

On the Grote Markt, Het Sweert immediately catches your eye. This distinctive half-timbered house in the Maasland style is one of Hasselt’s best-known buildings and has a fun detail: its name refers to the sign on the corner, featuring a sword held in a gloved fist. The building was once home to an inn, but since 1713, it has housed a pharmacy. So be sure to look up as you wander across the Grote Markt.

6. The St. Quintinus Cathedral (St. Quentin's Church)

In the heart of Hasselt’s historic city centre stands the impressive St. Quintinus Cathedral, also known as St. Quentin's Church. The Gothic cathedral is particularly striking for its tall tower, which has towered over the city centre for centuries. Some of the oldest parts of the church even date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

7. Herkenrode Abbey and the impressive Clausura steel structure

Just outside the centre of Hasselt lies Herkenrode Abbey, an estate with more than 800 years of history. What began as a Cistercian abbey grew into an important centre for religion, trade and agriculture. The enterprising women who lived here for centuries built up a vast estate with extensive lands and attracted pilgrims from far and wide.

One of the highlights of the site is Clausura, a monumental steel structure created by the Belgian architect and artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. Around 200 years after a devastating fire destroyed the abbey church, the artwork brings the outline of the former church back to life. We loved walking through it. The enormous steel lines literally reshape the site, giving the historic heart of the abbey a contemporary new lease of life.

Fun Things to Do in Hasselt and the Surrounding Area

Hasselt isn't just a great place for a day of strolling past historic buildings and charming streets. There's plenty to discover outside the city center, too. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in and around Hasselt.

8. Discover street art in Hasselt: more than 80 artworks

Hasselt is bursting with street art, with more than 80 artworks scattered throughout the city. As you explore on foot, you’ll come across all kinds of creations, from larger-than-life portraits and colourful murals to playful typography that gives walls and empty buildings a whole new look. Hasselt’s street art has even received international recognition: the city ranked an impressive ninth in the 2025 Street Art Cities Awards, ahead of New York.

9. Shopping in Hasselt: The best boutiques and concept stores

And of course, there’s shopping! Hasselt is a great city to wander around, with plenty of lovely little shops and boutiques to discover along the way. The Maastrichterstraat and Aldestraat are particularly nice for independent boutiques and smaller shops. Here are a few of our favourite stops:

• Maes Coffee for freshly roasted coffee beans and, of course, a good cup of coffee on the go.
• Jacobs Concept Store for original gifts and lovely finds for your home or as a souvenir.
• La Cantina by Moretti for Italian delicacies. Especially nice if, like us, you love picking up something tasty to take home.
• The Village, Hasselt's artistic neighborhood, where you'll discover a whole new side of the city.
• The Friday Market at Kolonel Dusartplein for the lively market atmosphere.
• Kadettensteegje, a small, charming alley that you should definitely check out while strolling through the city.

10. Cycling around Hasselt: Discover De Wijers on an e-bike

Would you also like to explore some of the area around Hasselt during your visit? Hop on an e-bike and cycle straight from the city into the surrounding countryside. A great cycling route to try is this route through De Wijers, an expansive area filled with ponds, forests and heathland.

Along the way, we cycled to Herkenrode Abbey and Clausura, among other places. The route then continued through the green countryside. One moment you’re cycling past historic sites, and the next you’re right in the middle of nature.

You can easily rent an e-bike at City-Rent in Hasselt. It’s perfect if, like us, you want to see a bit more of the city and the surrounding area in a single day without it turning into a physical challenge.

Where to Eat in Hasselt? Our Favorite Restaurants and Hotspots

When you think of Hasselt, you think of food. The city has earned its title as the ‘Capital of Taste’ for good reason. You’ll find plenty of great coffee spots, delicatessen shops and cosy restaurants here. Gastronomy, centuries-old craftsmanship, fashion and conviviality come together in Hasselt, and you can feel it as soon as you explore the city. These are some of our favourites:

• The Menneke: for an evening of fine dining. It’s not just about the fantastic food here, but also the passion and warm hospitality of the team. Add a good glass of wine and you have the perfect evening.
• The Borrelhuis: the beautiful historic building alone is reason enough to step inside, but the food certainly didn’t disappoint either.
• Sweet Coffee: a lovely spot for a delicious cup of coffee and pastries. There are several locations in Hasselt, but our favourite is the one by the water at Quartier Bleu, where you can also enjoy a delicious brunch.
• Moretti: one of our favourite spots for delicious Italian food. And be sure to pop into the shop next door for a selection of Italian delicacies.
• The Refter: a cozy little coffee shop where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and coffee.

More great places to eat in Hasselt? In our article about The Best Restaurants in Hasselt You'll find plenty more inspiration for a delicious city trip.

Where to stay in Hasselt? These are our favourite places

During our city trip to Hasselt, we stayed at one of the Sweet Coffee Stay Apartments, and we would happily stay here again. The apartment is stylish and peacefully decorated, with its own kitchen and everything you need for a few days in Hasselt. And the location is hard to beat: right in the city centre, so you can easily explore most of Hasselt on foot.

What made our stay even better was having Sweet Coffee literally across the street. Didn’t feel like making breakfast? We could simply walk over for a coffee or matcha and something tasty. We thought this was such a treat during our city trip.

Another lovely option is the small-scale hotel Het Menneke. We had an extensive dinner here and loved both the food and the atmosphere. You can also stay overnight, so after a long evening of dining, your hotel room is just a few steps away. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that!

More fun city trips and weekend getaways in Belgium

Fancy exploring more of Belgium? It’s an ideal country for a few days away: the distances are short, but every city has its own distinct character. So why not start planning your next city trip in Belgium or discover a new destination for a weekend getaway? Here are a few places we’d recommend:

• Discover Belgian Limburg: for nature, charming cities, and great places to eat and stay.
• City trip to Leuven: a lively student city filled with historic buildings, cafés and restaurants.
• City Break Ghent: for impressive architecture, fun hotspots, and a great atmosphere.
• Discover the city of Mechelen: compact, charming, and ideal for a relaxing city getaway.
• A weekend in the Belgian Ardennes: for those who want to leave the city behind for a while to enjoy nature, hiking, and peace and quiet.
• City Break Bruges: strolling along canals, historic streets, and cozy restaurants.