{"id":86694,"date":"2026-10-07T16:37:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T14:37:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/?p=86694"},"modified":"2026-10-14T09:24:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T07:24:05","slug":"things-to-do-in-hasselt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/en\/wat-te-doen-in-hasselt\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Hasselt, Belgium: Best Sights & Travel Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

We love exploring Belgium\u2019s cities. The combination of historic architecture,<\/strong> cozy streets, great little shops and a relaxed atmosphere<\/strong> keeps bringing us back. And recently, we discovered another city in Belgium<\/a> 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\u2019re sharing our favourite things to see and do, including the best sights, restaurants, shopping spots and places to stay.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do in Hasselt? Here are the best sights to see<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Hasselt, it\u2019s all about Limburg\u2019s warm hospitality and convivial atmosphere. You\u2019ll notice it everywhere you go. During our city trip to Hasselt, we decided to first stop by Visit Hasselt<\/a><\/strong>. 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<\/a><\/strong> here. This pass gives you access to several museums, as well as fun extras at local shops, restaurants and caf\u00e9s. And which places should you really not miss? We\u2019re happy to share them with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. The Japanese Garden: the largest Japanese garden in Europe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.\n\nThe 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best time to visit the Japanese Garden in Hasselt is, of course, during the blooming season, but it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note: The garden is closed during the winter months for winter maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. The Jenever Museum in Hasselt: Discover the city\u2019s rich distilling tradition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.\nAt the museum, you\u2019ll discover how this traditional Belgian spirit is made and the role it has played in the city\u2019s history over the centuries. You can see authentic distilleries, historic bottles and take part in interactive exhibitions that bring Hasselt\u2019s jenever tradition to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re sure to find something you like, because you can choose from over 100 jenever varieties!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tip<\/strong>: Will you be in Hasselt in October? On October 17 and 18, the Jenever Festivals will celebrate the city\u2019s rich jenever tradition. Expect music, street theater, jenever in every flavor, and, of course, plenty of fun.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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3. The Beguinage in Hasselt: a historic site rich in heritage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From the Jenever Museum in Hasselt, you can easily walk straight to the Beguinage. The history of Hasselt\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find this peaceful, historic spot right in the heart of the city, surrounded by heritage. There\u2019s 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\u2019s historic city centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. The Hasselt Fashion Museum: A world of unique designs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re likely to come across something new. A fun stop for fashion lovers, but also for anyone who enjoys discovering beautiful and unusual things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Het Sweert: one of Hasselt\u2019s most famous houses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the Grote Markt, Het Sweert immediately catches your eye. This distinctive half-timbered house in the Maasland style is one of Hasselt\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. The St. Quintinus Cathedral<\/strong> (St. Quentin's Church)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the heart of Hasselt\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From the top of the panoramic tower at the Beguinage, you get a beautiful view of St Quintinus Cathedral, with Hasselt\u2019s historic city centre stretching out around it.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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7. Herkenrode Abbey and the impressive Clausura steel structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fun Things to Do in Hasselt and the Surrounding Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Discover street art in Hasselt: more than 80 artworks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hasselt is bursting with street art, with more than 80 artworks scattered throughout the city. As you explore on foot, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s street art has even received international recognition: the city ranked an impressive ninth in the 2025 Street Art Cities Awards, ahead of New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Walk The Art Trail through Hasselt<\/strong><\/a>. This route takes you past various street art pieces, as well as other creative spots in the city, such as Z33, Het Stadsmus, various galleries, and the hidden Kadettenplein. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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9. Shopping in Hasselt: The best boutiques and concept stores<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

And of course, there\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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