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Belgium is a fantastic country to visit offering its visitors a great holiday. Jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, picking what to see in Hasselt may be difficult for tourists with limited time.
And in this Hasselt blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Hasselt.
An itinerary of 2 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Hasselt. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Here are the best things to see in Hasselt along with a list of the most interesting things to do in Hasselt:
1. Japanese Garden
If you love Japanese landscaping this is the perfect place to for you to spend some time.
The park has beautiful koi ponds along with a variety of plants.
Within the bounds of Japanese Garden you will also find a plant nursery, the art studio of the chief garden officer!
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Japanese Garden features include a calm koi pond.
Address: Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 23, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
2. Herkenrode Abbey
Herkenrode Abbey is a religious complex founded centuries ago.
Check out the monastery’s pharmacy, dating back hundred of years, and still in operation. Beautiful frescoes and simplistic decorations adorn the sanctuary’s walls, depicting biblical and other Christian scenes in vivid detail.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Herkenrode Abbey is located in Kuringen.
With so much to offer, no wonder Herkenrode Abbey is one of the top things to do in Hasselt.
Address: Herkenrodeabdij 4, 3511 Hasselt, Belgium
3. Nationaal Jenevermuseum Hasselt
Nationaal Jenevermuseum Hasselt is a unique place with an exhibit featuring history of speciality spirit in the region.
Watch the short movie to understand how craftfully this spirit is made & aged.
Head to the tasting room if you are keen to try on some delicious varieties. The bit on the history of distilling is quite informative I’d say.
Quick Facts:
- Nationaal Jenevermuseum Hasselt is housed in an old distillery dating to 1800s.
Address: Witte Nonnenstraat 19, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
4. Z33 Kunstencentrum
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, Z33 Kunstencentrum is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch. The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography.
Quick Facts:
- The contemporary art museum was opened on 1996.
Address: Zuivelmarkt 33, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
5. De Maten
De Maten is a protected natural area, harboring a variety of flora and fauna.
A whole world of discovery and adventure awaits you upon your visit to De Maten.
As for wild life, a variety of animal and bird species is found here. Start with the visitor center to help yourself get oriented.
Add it to your Hasselt trip if you have time.
Address: Wandelpad ‘De Maten’, 3600 Genk, Belgium
6. de Japanse tuin
de Japanse tuin is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Hasselt.
It will not be wrong to say that de Japanse tuin is truly an icon of landscape architecture.
The de Japanse tuin is a hub of leisure activities, walk, jog, bike, swim or boat – choose your own adventure. Scattered around the park are many paths encouraging you to walk, jog or bike.
Address: Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 23, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
7. St. Quentin Cathedral
St. Quentin Cathedral is a beautiful Cathedral situated in Hasselt.
The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint. The inside of the cathedral is adorned with a dazzling array of intricate frescoes depicting important Christian events.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Gothic architecture, the cathedral is a center of Catholic faith.
- St. Quentin Cathedral is also known as Hasselt Cathedral is an important Catholic church in Hasselt north of Belgium.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Hasselt trip.
Address: Vismarkt, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
But beyond the famous attractions in Hasselt, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Hasselt for everyone.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Hasselt can be easily covered in a short itinerary. So what are Hasselt sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.