Things To Do
in Boom
Boom is a small Flemish town in the province of Antwerp best known as the site of De Schorre park, home to the world-famous Tomorrowland electronic-music festival. Historically a brickmaking centre on the Rupel river, the town retains industrial heritage, riverside quays and a relaxed small-town atmosphere. Its location between Antwerp and Brussels makes it an easy base for city day trips while offering pleasant riverside walks and green spaces.
Visitors find a mix of local cafés, seasonal crowds during events and quiet neighbourhood streets the rest of the year.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Boom and settle into your charming riverside accommodation overlooking the Rupel. Wander through De Schorre park’s lush meadows and discover hidden playgrounds tucked among the trees. Inhale the crisp Belgian air as you relax beside the tranquil ponds.
Enjoy a picnic by the water with local cheese, bread, and fresh fruit from a nearby market. Meander along scenic walking paths and watch kayakers glide past on the river. Pause at a shaded bench to read about the park’s history and its role in Tomorrowland.
Dine at a waterside café and sample regional specialties like stoemp and mussels in white wine. As dusk falls, join locals for an outdoor concert or film screening in De Schorre. Return to your room lulled by the gentle murmur of the river at night.
Rent a sturdy bicycle from a local shop and set off along the Rupel River towpath. Pass under leafy arches of poplar trees while birdsong accompanies your journey. Stop at viewpoints to admire the shimmering water and historic brick facades lining the banks.
Pause for lunch in Schelle at a quaint bistro serving Flemish stew and fresh salads. Continue your ride to Boom’s brickworks heritage site, photographing weathered kilns and red-brick walls. Listen to the hum of distant trains and the gentle lapping of river waves.
Return your bike and unwind with an artisanal beer at a cozy pub near the quay. Chat with friendly locals about cycling routes and hidden gems in the region. Enjoy a stroll along illuminated walkways before turning in for the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Beer (local, in a bar) | $4-7 |
| 🚆One-way local train/bus ticket | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Antwerp and Brussels while keeping a relaxed small-town atmosphere
- De Schorre and the Tomorrowland legacy make it unique for events and festivals
- Picturesque riverside scenery with easy walking and cycling routes
- Very busy and crowded during festival periods with higher prices and limited availability
- Limited dining and nightlife options outside of events compared with nearby Antwerp
- Some industrial areas and spotty public transport late at night
- "Hallo / Goedemorgen" - Hello / Good morning
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft?" - May I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Boom
Visit one of these nice places.
Lakes, rolling lawns, festival stages and public art make this park photogenic year-round; early morning and golden hour offer calm reflections and soft light.
Riverside quays, moored barges, old brick factory chimneys and sunset views over the water provide classic industrial-river scenes.
The historic fort and its preserved WWII-era buildings and grounds offer powerful, somber photo opportunities (respectful, documentary-style images recommended).
Picturesque streets, local architecture and the church façade are good for street and architectural photography, especially during market days.
From certain riverside spots you can frame passing barges with the distant silhouette of Antwerp — ideal for dramatic compositions.
Food in Boom
Boom Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef stew in a beer-based gravy, often served with fries — a Flemish classic found in local brasseries.
Must-Try!
Thick-cut, double-fried fries served with a range of sauces; grab them at a snack kiosk or café near the river.
Fresh waffles and baked goods from local bakeries make for great snacks or desserts; try them with local jams or whipped cream.
Belgian ales, saisons and Trappist-style beers are widely available in cafés and restaurants; ask the server for local or regional recommendations.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small weekly market in the town centre offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads and seasonal street-food stalls — check local listings for the exact day and hours.
Easy to reach by train, Antwerp’s markets (for example the weekend markets and neighbourhood food markets) offer wider street-food choices and regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
This is Dutch-speaking Flanders; a polite greeting in Dutch (e.g., 'goedemorgen') is appreciated. Many people also speak good English.
Belgians are reasonably punctual for appointments and public transport—arrive on time for tours and reservations.
Wait your turn in queues, be polite in shops and restaurants, and keep noise polite in neighbourhoods, especially in the evenings.
Historic sites like Fort Breendonk are places for reflection—behave respectfully, follow signage and photography rules.
Safety
Tipping in Boom
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included; tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common in restaurants.
Belgium uses the euro. Credit and debit cards (especially contactless) are widely accepted in shops, cafés and transport; carry some cash for small kiosks, markets and very small businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, budding greenery in De Schorre and fewer tourists—great for walking and cycling. Expect occasional rain and muddy paths after showers.
Warmest and sunniest period; busiest time because of outdoor concerts and festivals (notably Tomorrowland when it occurs). Book accommodation early and prepare for crowded public transport.
Cooler, crisp weather with attractive autumn colours in parks; good for quiet walks and photography. Rain increases as the season progresses.
Cold and grey with possible frost; many attractions are quieter and some outdoor sites may be muddy or closed—ideal for low-season bargains and cosy cafés.
Boom at Night
Hiking in Boom
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, well-maintained walking paths around the park and ponds—suitable for short hikes, family walks and photography.
A flat riverside route following the Rupel for several kilometres; great for long walks, birdwatching and river views.
A large heathland and forest reserve in the Antwerp province offering marked trails, sand dunes and varied landscapes—best for a day trip and longer hikes.
Walks around the historic fort combine outdoor walking with historical interpretation—short trails suitable for reflective visits.
Airports
How to reach Boom by plane.
The closest airport for regional flights and some European connections; about a short drive or train ride from Boom. Good for business and short-haul travel.
Belgium’s main international gateway, roughly 35–45 km from Boom depending on route — accessible by car or train from nearby stations.
Budget-airline hub south of Brussels, around an hour’s drive from Boom; often used by low-cost carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority Dutch-speaking Flemish residents who form the core of town life, local businesses and cultural traditions.
Many residents commute to larger nearby cities (Antwerp, Mechelen, Brussels) for work; the town has a family-friendly suburban character.
Boom sees an influx of international visitors during events such as Tomorrowland, creating a temporary multicultural atmosphere in peak times.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally with amateur clubs and youth teams; you’ll find local matches on weekends.
Both recreational and commuter cycling are common — flat routes and regional cycle paths make it popular for locals and visitors.
Given the town’s riverside location, boating and water sports are enjoyed on the Rupel and nearby waterways, mainly at nearby clubs and leisure operators.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Boom.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in cafés and restaurants—look for vegetable stews, salads, omelettes and daily veggie specials. Supermarkets and bakeries also sell plenty of meat-free items.
Vegan choices are growing but limited in very small establishments; larger cafés and restaurants in nearby Antwerp offer fuller vegan menus. Carry snacks if you have strict needs.
Celiac-friendly restaurants exist mainly in Antwerp; in Boom ask staff about gluten-free options and be cautious with fries (cross-contamination) and sauces thickened with flour.