Woluwe Travel Guide
Discover Woluwe in Brussels, Belgium with this guide featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Woluwe
- List of Places to Visit in Woluwe
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Woluwe
- Best Things to Do in Woluwe: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Woluwe
- Food and Drink Scene of Woluwe
- Where to Stay in Woluwe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Woluwe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Woluwe
- Best Time to Visit Woluwe
- Do’s and Don’ts of Woluwe
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Woluwe: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Woluwe
- Where to Go Next from Woluwe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Woluwe
Located in Brussels, Belgium, Woluwe is known for its beautiful parks, historic landmarks, and museums. The area is divided into two municipalities: Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural attractions, or local cuisine, Woluwe has something to offer for visitors of all ages and interests.
List of Places to Visit in Woluwe
Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Woluwe:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Museum of the City of Brussels
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
- BELvue Museum
- Autoworld Brussels
- Atomium
- Mini-Europe
Natural Attractions of Woluwe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Parc de Woluwe
- Parc des Sources
- Bois de la Cambre
- Rouge-Cloître Abbey
Hiking/Biking Routes of Woluwe
Woluwe is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some hiking and biking routes to explore:
- Woluwe River Valley Trail
- Laarbeekbos Trail
- Rouge-Cloître Abbey Trail
Best Things to Do in Woluwe: Activities and Tours
- Explore the historic town square in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
- Watch a show at the Wolubilis Cultural Centre
- Take a chocolate-making class
- Join one of the brewery tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Woluwe
If you’re planning on spending a week in Woluwe, here’s a sample itinerary:
| Day | Attractions | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Atomium, Mini-Europe | Visit two iconic Brussels landmarks |
| Day 2 | Museum of the City of Brussels, BELvue Museum | Learn about the history and culture of the city |
| Day 3 | Parc de Woluwe, Rouge-Cloître Abbey | Take a relaxing walk and visit the historic abbey |
| Day 4 | Laarbeekbos Trail, Chocolate-making Class | Explore the outdoors, and learn about Belgian chocolate |
| Day 5 | Bois de la Cambre, Brewery Tour | Discover the forest, then indulge yourself with the famous beer of Belgium |
| Day 6 | Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Autoworld Brussels | Spend your day to discover the great beauty of art and the great history of car engineering |
| Day 7 | Wolubilis Cultural Centre, Parc des Sources | Attend a show, then relax in the natural environment |
Food and Drink Scene of Woluwe
Belgium is famous for its delicious cuisine and beer. Here’s what you need to try in Woluwe:
Must-Try Dishes
- Belgian fries with various dipping sauces
- Mussels cooked in white wine
- Waterzooi (a creamy chicken stew)
- Waffles with chocolate, fruit, or whipped cream toppings
Local Beverages
- Belgian beer, especially the Trappist beers
- Jenever, a traditional gin-like spirit
- Hot chocolate served in a traditional ceramic pot
Where to Stay in Woluwe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Woluwe features a range of accommodation options to fit every budget and preference. Some of the popular choices include:
- Hotel Brussels Woluwe
- Tangla Hotel Brussels
- Hotel Taormina Brussels Airport
- Sun Rise Apart Hotel
What to Buy in Woluwe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
When it comes to souvenirs, you can’t go wrong with buying local chocolates, beer, and lace. You can find them at various shops in Woluwe and also the daily markets in Brussels.
Local Culture and Customs of Woluwe
Belgium has a reputation for being a peaceful, welcoming country. One should dress modestly and ask permission before taking a photograph of individuals which is common courtesy.
Best Time to Visit Woluwe
The best time to visit Woluwe is during the summer, from June to August, when the weather is mild and there are numerous outdoor events and festivals taking place. The winter months can be cold and rainy, but the city center is still festive and home to the famous « Winter Wonders » throughout December.
Do’s and Don’ts of Woluwe
Do:
- Try the local cuisine, including Belgian chocolates and beer
- Respect the local culture, customs, and its people
- Learn some basic French and Dutch phrases
- Use public transportation to get around the city
Don’t:
- Overpack for your trip - keep your luggage light and practical
- Assume everyone speaks English - speak slowly and clearly and take the time to learn a few basic phrases
- Smoke in public places - smoking is banned in public places throughout the city
Safety and Health
Safety in Woluwe
Woluwe is not known for having significant security issues, but it is necessary to take standard safety precautions such as not wearing extravagant or expensive jewelry and taking extra precautions when using public transport.
Health in Woluwe
Belgium has an excellent healthcare system, and public hospitals offer medical services to everyone regardless of nationality or insurance. It is suggested that you have private insurance to cover the costs associated with private healthcare in case of emergencies.
Getting to Woluwe: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Woluwe
Brussels Zaventem Airport is the primary entry point to the city, with numerous airlines operating flights worldwide. The airport is located approximately 15-20 minutes from the city center.
Bus Stations Near Woluwe
Brussels has several bus stations where you can easily find buses to Woluwe and other destinations in the city. The most important ones are Nord, Midi, and Central.
Other Options
You can also use trains to get to Brussels and the surround area, which is an affordable and efficient way to travel in the city. Metro and tram systems can quickly get you to explore the area.
How to Get Around in Woluwe
Woluwe has a well-developed transportation network, including buses, metro, and tram systems that make it easy to get around. A solo trip ticket can be a good option as it is valid on all buses, trams, and metro lines for 60 minutes.
Where to Go Next from Woluwe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Woluwe is well-positioned, making it an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions. Here are some nearby destinations worth visiting:
- Leuven (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Ghent (medieval city with beautiful canals and architecture)
- Antwerp (famous for its diamond trade)
- Bruges (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Conclusion
Woluwe offers a perfect blend of urban and rural attractions, making it a popular tourist destination. With scenic outdoor areas, charming museums, and summertime events like Music Day, and heritage days, Woluwe will enchant the culture-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re touring for a week or just a weekend, we hope this guide will help you plan a great trip to Woluwe and make unforgettable memories.
