Vilvoorde Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Vilvoorde with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover top attractions, things to do, food and drink recommendations, local culture, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Vilvoorde

Vilvoorde is a charming Flemish city located in the heart of Belgium, known for its rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and numerous outdoor activities. Nestled along the banks of the Zenne River, Vilvoorde is a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique blend of urban and natural experiences.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historical landmarks, visiting museums, hiking or biking, indulging in the local cuisine, or simply relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere, Vilvoorde has something to offer for everyone.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll introduce you to the top attractions, best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Vilvoorde

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Vilvoorde boasts an impressive selection of cultural and historical landmarks, including:

  • The Castle of Vilvoorde - a medieval fortress built in the 12th century, it’s one of the best-preserved castles in Belgium
  • The Grimbergen Abbey - a picturesque, 900-year-old monastery known for its beer and cheese production
  • The Folon Foundation - a unique art museum that showcases the works of Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon

Natural Attractions of Vilvoorde: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For outdoor enthusiasts, Vilvoorde offers a plethora of activities and scenic views:

  • The Zenne River - stroll along the riverbanks and watch the boats go by
  • The Domein Drie Fonteinen - a beautiful natural park with three fountains
  • The Brussels-Charleroi Canal - a popular spot for cycling and walking

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vilvoorde

Hikers and bikers will love exploring Vilvoorde’s beautiful landscapes and trails, including:

  • The Canal Loop - a scenic 10-mile trail that follows the Brussels-Charleroi Canal
  • The Green Belt - a 30-mile hiking and cycling route that circles Brussels
  • The Zenne Valley Green Belt - a peaceful trail that leads through scenic countryside and picturesque villages

Best Things to Do in Vilvoorde: Activities and Tours

Vilvoorde offers a wide range of activities and tours for tourists of all ages and interests, including:

  • Brewery Tours - visit the Grimbergen Abbey and learn about the traditional brewing techniques of the Trappist monks
  • Boat Tours - explore the Zenne River and admire the charming city from a different perspective
  • City Walking Tours - discover fascinating stories and hidden gems of Vilvoorde’s past and present

Week-Long Itinerary for Vilvoorde

For the ultimate Vilvoorde experience, we suggest the following itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit the Castle of Vilvoorde and explore the historic city centre
  • Day 2: Take a brewery tour at the Grimbergen Abbey and taste local beer and cheese
  • Day 3: Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Canal Loop
  • Day 4: Explore the Folon Foundation and immerse yourself in contemporary art
  • Day 5: Chill out at the Domein Drie Fonteinen and have a picnic
  • Day 6: Take a boat tour on the Zenne River and appreciate the city from a unique angle
  • Day 7: Hike the Zenne Valley Green Belt and discover rural Belgium

Food and Drink Scene of Vilvoorde

Must-Try Dishes

Vilvoorde is renowned for its hearty, traditional cooking, featuring flavourful meats, rich sauces, and fresh vegetables. Some local dishes you need to try include:

  • Stoemp - classic Belgian mashed potatoes with sausage or bacon
  • Waterzooi - a creamy, vegetable-based stew with chicken or fish
  • Carbonnade à la flamande - a beef-and-beer stew with brown sugar

Local Beverages

No trip to Vilvoorde is complete without indulging in some of the local beverages, including:

  • Grimbergen Beer - brewed by Trappist monks at the Grimbergen Abbey for centuries, this beer is now produced by a commercial brewery
  • Jenever - a traditional Belgian gin often flavoured with fruit or herbs
  • Kriek - a cherry-flavoured beer that’s perfect for warm summer days

Where to Stay in Vilvoorde: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Vilvoorde offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some popular choices include:

  • Hotel The Lodge Vilvoorde - a cosy hotel with a garden and a terrace, located close to the city centre
  • The Wow Hostel - a modern and affordable hostel with a bar and common area
  • Guesthouse Eurovolleycenter - a comfortable guesthouse with free parking and easy access to the airport

What to Buy in Vilvoorde: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Vilvoorde is famous for its unique souvenirs and local products, such as:

  • Belgian chocolate - the nation’s favourite treat
  • Lacework - handmade lace from the nearby town of Mechelen
  • Tapestry - traditional Flemish wool tapestries with intricate designs

Local Culture and Customs of Vilvoorde

The people of Vilvoorde are known for their warm hospitality, love of good food and drink, and respect for tradition and history. Some local customs and traditions to keep in mind include:

  • Meals are social events - expect lengthy, leisurely dinners with plenty of conversation
  • Respect for history - Vilvoorde’s rich history is ingrained in its cultural heritage, so visitors are encouraged to appreciate and honour it
  • Language - the official languages in Vilvoorde are Dutch and French, with some locals also speaking English and German

Best Time to Visit Vilvoorde

The best time to visit Vilvoorde is from May to September, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the city is bustling with activities and events. Winters can be cold and rainy, but the Christmas markets and winter festivities make it a cozy and charming season to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vilvoorde

Do:

  • Embrace the local cuisine and try traditional dishes and drinks
  • Explore the outdoor activities and natural beauty of Vilvoorde
  • Respect the city’s cultural heritage and traditions

Don’t:

  • Overlook the historic landmarks and museums that showcase Vilvoorde’s past
  • Expect to find bustling nightlife and party scenes - Vilvoorde is a peaceful city

Safety and Health

Safety in Vilvoorde

Vilvoorde is generally a safe and peaceful city, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, as in any urban environment, visitors are advised to be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Vilvoorde

Belgium provides free emergency healthcare services to all visitors, with excellent clinics and hospitals located in Vilvoorde and the surrounding areas.

Getting to Vilvoorde: Transportation Options and Logistics

Vilvoorde is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including:

Airports Near Vilvoorde

  • Brussels Airport - located just 10 km from Vilvoorde, it’s one of the major airports in Europe and serves many international and domestic airlines
  • Charleroi Airport - located 65 km from Vilvoorde, it’s a low-cost carrier hub and serves many European destinations

Bus Stations Near Vilvoorde

  • Vilvoorde Railway Station - located in the city centre and serves regional and national railway networks
  • De Lijn Bus Station - located in the city centre and serves many local and regional bus lines

Other Options

  • Car Rental - many car rental agencies are available at the airports and in Vilvoorde
  • Taxi - taxis are widely available in Vilvoorde, and the rates are reasonable

How to Get Around in Vilvoorde

Vilvoorde is a compact city and can be easily explored on foot or by bike. For longer journeys, visitors can use the efficient public transportation network, which includes:

  • Buses - the De Lijn bus network serves many local and regional routes
  • Trains - the Vilvoorde Railway Station connects to regional and national networks

Where to Go Next from Vilvoorde: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

For day trips and excursions, visitors can explore some of the nearby attractions, such as:

  • Brussels - the capital of Belgium, located just a few miles from Vilvoorde, offering world-class museums, restaurants, and nightlife
  • Leuven - a lively university town with stunning architecture and excellent bars and restaurants
  • Waterloo - the site of the famous battle that saw the defeat of Napoleon, with impressive memorials and museums

Conclusion

Vilvoorde is a hidden gem in the heart of Belgium, offering a unique blend of culture, history, outdoor adventures, food, and drink. With something to offer for everyone, Vilvoorde is a must-visit destination that promises an unforgettable travel experience. Plan your trip today and discover the beauty of this charming city yourself!