Each December, children parade through this Belgian city dressed as Saint Nicholas characters. Local specialties include De Koninck beer and Leonidas chocolates.
In Sint-Niklaas, between Ghent and Antwerp in East Flanders, you'll find colorful hot air balloons lifting off from the market square during September's Peace Festival. Walk through the Elisabeth Quarter to admire 1920s Art Deco buildings, examine Gerardus Mercator's original 16th-century globes, or cycle along 720 kilometers of paved paths through the Waasland countryside. The 13th-century Saint Nicholas Church towers over the city center, while the neo-Gothic town hall's 49-bell carillon fills the air with music throughout the day.
Inside the Mercator Museum
Two original globes created by Gerardus Mercator - one terrestrial and one celestial - sit at the heart of this museum, originally made for Emperor Charles V's court. As you walk through darkened rooms, you'll see historic maps and scientific equipment that tell the story of cartography from Babylonian times to modern mapping. Learn how Mercator's 1569 cylindrical projection changed navigation forever and why it became the standard for world maps.
Discovering Art Deco Architecture
Walk through the Elisabeth Quarter to see an extensive collection of 1920s and 1930s Art Deco buildings, built when the city's textile industry reached its peak. Follow the Tourism Office's 4.7-kilometer route to see the finest examples. Step into the Broederschool's 1932 lobby to admire multicolored glass work and marble textures that exemplify Art Deco grandeur.
Belgium's Largest Market Square
The Grote Markt covers 3.19 hectares in the city center. Every Thursday, vendors set up their stalls continuing a market tradition from 1513. During the first weekend of September, dozens of hot air balloons take off from the square during the Vredesfeesten festival. From the western side, the neo-Gothic town hall's carillon plays throughout the day with its 49 bells.
Cycling Through Waasland
You can explore 720 kilometers of paved cycling paths around Sint-Niklaas, connected by numbered junctions. Take the 50-kilometer Nobelroute through the countryside or follow the Sint-Niklaas Erfgoed route to see major city monuments. Stop at local producers along the way to buy fresh produce, honey, chocolate, and beer. For a change of scenery, cycle 10 kilometers south to reach the River Scheldt.
Recreation at De Ster
At De Ster, 100 hectares of recreational space spread out east of the city center, including a 20-hectare artificial lake. You can swim at the beach, rent boats, or play mini-golf. Children will find plenty to do at the playground, petting zoo, and water slides. Tennis courts and walking paths circle the lake, making it a popular spot from spring through fall.
