Things To Do
in Merelbeke
Merelbeke is a green, family-friendly municipality just outside Ghent in East Flanders. The town blends rural charm with easy access to the historic city’s culture and dining. Its network of bike paths along the Scheldt River makes for scenic day trips.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxed Flemish vibe with convenient rail links to Ghent and beyond.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the beautiful surroundings of Merelbeke. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee at a local café while soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Visit the local market to experience the vibrant community and perhaps pick up some fresh produce.
In the afternoon, venture to the nearby parks for a delightful picnic among nature. Enjoy the scenic views of the lush greenery and capture stunning photographs of the area. Optionally, rent a bike to explore the charming bicycle paths that Merelbeke has to offer.
As the sun sets, indulge in a delectable meal at one of the charming restaurants in Merelbeke. Experience the local cuisine, showcasing fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. After dinner, join locals for a casual evening walk, enjoying the warm glow of street lights.
Take a short train ride to the historic city of Ghent, known for its rich culture and stunning architecture. Begin your morning by visiting St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famous painting, 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.' Wander around the cobbled streets, admiring the beautifully preserved facades.
After lunch at a local bistro, explore the Gravensteen Castle for a glimpse into medieval history. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Graslei and Korenlei, taking in the picturesque canals and bridges. Don't forget to stop by local shops for unique souvenirs and crafts.
As evening approaches, find a cozy spot along the canal to watch the sunset over the water. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of Ghent's many eclectic restaurants featuring Flemish specialties. Conclude your day with a guided night tour through the illuminated city center.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $3-5 |
| 🥪Lunch (mid-range) | $8-14 |
| 🚆Local transit ticket | $3-5 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (mid-range) | $90-170 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to Ghent’s culture and dining
- Pleasant, walkable town with green spaces
- Good value for a Belgian town near a city
- Excellent bike-friendly routes around the Scheldt
- Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere
- Smaller nightlife scene within Merelbeke itself
- Limited high-end dining options in-town compared to Ghent
- Weather can be rainy and humid
- Busy city center can mean crowds in Ghent on weekends
- "Goedemorgen" - Good morning
- "Goede middag" - Good afternoon
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don’t understand
- "Kunt u dat herhalen?" - Could you repeat that?
- "Ik ben vegetarisch" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Merelbeke
Visit one of these nice places.
Medieval castle along the Lys River with dramatic towers; great at sunrise or at night when illuminated.
Iconic canal-side medieval facades, best for long-exposure shots during golden hour.
Renaissance and Gothic architecture with ornate façades and possible interior shots of the art.
Cobblestone streets and colorful houses; charming street photography at any time of day.
Serene countryside, windmills, and farmland views just outside the city limits.
Food in Merelbeke
Merelbeke Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in beer, traditionally served with fries or bread; widely available in Ghent-area brasseries.
Must-Try!
Creamy, comforting stew from the Ghent region; try the chicken version in local taverns and cafés.
Steamed mussels with fries, a Belgian staple commonly found in seaside towns and Ghent eateries.
Light, crisp waffles served with toppings; great as a dessert or snack at cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market square with stalls selling regional produce, snacks, and local crafts on market days.
Casual options near canal routes offering fries, croquettes, and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Goeiemorgen/Goeiedag' in Dutch or 'Bonjour' in French; shake hands when meeting.
People value punctuality and modesty; avoid loud behavior in public places and respect queues.
Safety
Tipping in Merelbeke
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are not always included; rounding up and a tip of 5-10% for good service is common.
Cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for markets and small cafés; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder temperatures with blooming trees; great for outdoor walks and bike rides; expect showers.
Warm days and long evenings; prepare for occasional rain; outdoor cafe culture thrives.
Cooling temperatures and harvest-season produce; beautiful golden light over fields.
Cold, often damp; festive markets and warm cafés; opportunities for atmospheric canal photography.
Merelbeke at Night
Hiking in Merelbeke
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible nature reserve with easy trails, birdwatching, and scenic landscapes.
Flat riverside paths suitable for walking and cycling with views of water and boats.
Several parks and green corridors within a short ride offering varied walking routes.
Airports
How to reach Merelbeke by plane.
Main international hub in Belgium; about 60-75 minutes by train or car from Ghent area.
Coastal international airport with regional connections; longer transfer to Ghent.
Regional hub with several national and international flights; reachable by train/car.
Cross-border option in France; often used for short-haul flights; about 1.5–2 hours by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Flemish Dutch speakers with a mix of families, students, and long-term residents.
Proximity to Ghent University and the city brings students and daily commuters.
A family-friendly town with a stable community and local services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular sport in Belgium; local clubs and matchdays are common in the Ghent region.
Flanders is famous for cycling culture; many routes around Merelbeke are bike-friendly.
Public courts and clubs are available around Ghent; suitable for all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Merelbeke.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for 'vegetarisch' on menus or ask for a veggie plate.
Vegan options are increasingly available; request dishes without meat, dairy, or eggs; many places can adapt.
Many cafés and restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests; ask if dishes use gluten-free bread or pasta.