Things To Do
in Eeklo
Eeklo is a compact Flemish city in East Flanders, known for its friendly atmosphere and well-preserved historic center. It sits at the edge of the Meetjesland polder and serves as a quiet gateway to rural cycling routes. The Markt with its church spire anchors a walkable center lined with cafés, shops, and weekly markets.
With easy access to Ghent and the Belgian coast, Eeklo offers an authentic, relaxed Flemish town experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Eeklo, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and charming streets. Don't miss the St. Vincent Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that offers a glimpse into the city's past. Grab a fresh pastry and coffee from a local bakery to fuel your adventure.
Head over to the Eeklo Town Hall located at the bustling market square, and take some time to learn about the town's history at the nearby local museum. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the local parks, taking in the lush green surroundings and perhaps catching a glimpse of local wildlife. For lunch, sample some traditional Belgian fare at a local café, accompanied by a refreshing local beer.
As the sun sets, explore the vibrant local dining scene, where you can indulge in classic Belgian dishes like stoofvlees or moules-frites. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town to soak in the peaceful ambiance, with its charming lights and quiet streets. End your night at a cozy pub, enjoying a local brew while mingling with friendly locals.
Spend the morning at the Eeklo-Centered Nature Reserve, where you can experience the stunning beauty of Belgium's natural landscape. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching or simply enjoy the serene surroundings as you walk along the well-marked trails. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy amidst nature's tranquility.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the nearby Castle of Laarne, where you can delve into the history of medieval architecture in Belgium. The castle grounds are perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the gardens. Don't forget to take photographs of the picturesque scenery.
Return to Eeklo and treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant known for its seasonal cuisine. After your meal, consider attending a local cultural event or music performance, often hosted in community centers or parks. Wind down your day with a peaceful walk along the nearby canals, reflecting on the beauty of nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🍺Local beer at a pub | $4-6 |
| 🚊Public transport (one-way ticket) | $3-4 |
| 🧀Weekly groceries (per person) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Walkable town center with charming architecture
- Access to scenic countryside and nature
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Good base for exploring Ghent and the coast
- Reasonably affordable compared to bigger cities
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Fewer high-end dining options
- Smaller scale attractions; longer travel to major sights
- Seasonal markets can be weather dependent
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Kan ik de menukaart zien?" - May I see the menu?
- "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Eeklo
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobbled streets, the church tower, and market activity create classic Flemish light and reflections, especially at dawn or dusk.
Gothic architecture with intricate stonework and a soaring spire; great for interior and exterior detail shots.
Quiet canals or water-adjacent streets provide tranquil reflections and charming façades.
Row houses with stepped gables and decorative details offer colorful compositions for photography.
Food in Eeklo
Eeklo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Springtime asparagus served with melted butter, hard-boiled egg, and new potatoes.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised beef in beer with onions, often enjoyed with fries or bread.
A creamy chicken or fish stew with vegetables, a popular Belgian comfort dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A central market offering fresh produce, dairy, breads, and regional specialties several days a week.
Casual options around the Markt offering fries, waffles, croquettes, and other Belgian favorites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Flemish Dutch is the local language; greet with a friendly
Use polite forms (u/uw) in formal situations; keep conversations calm and courteous in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Eeklo
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included; a small tip (5-10%) for good service is appreciated but not obligatory.
Cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for smaller shops or markets; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Longer days, blooming flora, and a comfortable climate make it ideal for walking and cycling; enjoy outdoor markets and garden visits.
Warm days with occasional showers; stay hydrated, and take advantage of late-evening strolls when the town is lively but not crowded.
Harvest season brings rich tones to the polder landscape; golden light is perfect for landscape photography and city strolls.
Cool, with possible frost or light snow; indoor cafes and cultural venues provide warm refuges; Christmas markets may appear.
Eeklo at Night
Hiking in Eeklo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A flat, scenic loop through the polder landscape with birdlife and open skies starting near Eeklo.
Woodland trail offering shade, birds, and a quiet atmosphere suitable for easy hikes.
Riverside trails with tranquil scenery and opportunities for photography along the water.
Airports
How to reach Eeklo by plane.
The main international hub, about 1.5 hours by car/rail from Eeklo, with frequent connections worldwide.
A smaller regional airport closer to the coast; good for short-haul and European flights, with rail and road links to Eeklo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant demographic; diverse age range with many families and commuters.
A small but growing segment, common thanks to proximity to Ghent and other cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular activity given the flat Meetjesland landscape and well-developed cycling routes.
Local clubs and casual play are common; community sports events are a regular feature.
Public courts and clubs in the area cater to both casual players and organized matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eeklo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose vegetables, cheeses, and grains; many places offer vegetarian soups, salads, and pasta. Ask for locally sourced produce or fruit desserts as a light option.