This Belgian provincial capital has Europe's largest Japanese garden, a rich jenever-making tradition, and over 150 street art pieces in its car-free center near St. Quentin's Cathedral.
Hasselt, the capital of Belgium's Limburg province, features landmarks such as St. Quentin's Cathedral and Europe's largest Japanese garden. You can explore jenever (Belgian gin) production, vibrant street art, and the local fashion scene. Walking through Hasselt's car-free center, you'll encounter various architectural styles, museums, and places to enjoy local cuisine.
Exploring St. Quentin's Cathedral
St. Quentin's Cathedral dates back to the 11th century and showcases Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Inside, you will see stained glass windows and religious artifacts. Climbing the cathedral's tower allows you to view the city from above.
Discovering Hasselt's Jenever Heritage
Hasselt is known for its jenever, a traditional Belgian spirit. Visit the Jenever Museum, located in a 19th-century distillery, to learn about how jenever is made and its role in local history. The museum includes original steam machinery and offers tastings. In October, attend the Hasselt Jenever Festival, a two-day event with music, dance, and street performances centered around jenever.
Exploring the Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden in Hasselt is the largest in Europe. Designed by Takayuki Inoue, this six-acre garden features koi ponds, waterfalls, and authentic Japanese structures. During cherry blossom season in spring, the garden becomes a popular spot for visitors seeking a peaceful environment.
Exploring Hasselt's Street Art Scene
Hasselt has over 150 pieces of street art scattered throughout the city. Use maps from the tourist office or the "Street Art" app to find murals and various artworks. The area around Kon. Astridlaan contains many examples of different street art styles.
Shopping and Fashion in Hasselt
Hasselt offers a variety of shopping options. Demerstraat and Koning Albertstraat host international brands and local boutiques. For high-end fashion, visit Kapelstraat and Hoogstraat. The Fashion Museum, located in a 17th-century building, displays Western fashion history from 1750 to today.
Tasting Hasselt's Culinary Specialties
Hasselt is known for its culinary offerings. Try speculaas, a type of spiced shortcrust biscuit, and visit local chocolatiers for handmade chocolates. Restaurants along the main streets serve mussels, and you can enjoy chocolate ice cream made locally in the city center.
Getting Around Hasselt
Hasselt is easy to explore on foot due to its compact size and car-free city center. The city provides free public buses within the city limits, a service available since 1997. The railway station is near the city center, offering connections to major Belgian cities and Brussels Airport.
