Things To Do
in Mons
Mons (Bergen in Dutch) is a lively small city in the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium known for its compact medieval center and UNESCO-listed belfry. The city blends mining heritage, vibrant student life from the University of Mons (UMONS), and cultural offerings such as museums, festivals and lively squares. Mons has a pleasant mix of Baroque churches, cobbled streets and industrial heritage sites (terrils) that create distinctive photo opportunities.
Its manageable size makes it an easy base for day trips across Hainaut province and into nearby France.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Grand Place, the heart of Mons, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the town hall and the ornate facades of surrounding buildings. Visit the nearby Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church, known for its impressive Gothic design and beautiful stained glass windows. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, soaking in the history and charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
After lunch at a local café, head to the Mons Memorial Museum, where you can learn about the impact of World War I on the region. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase the lives of soldiers and civilians during the war, making history come alive. Spend time wandering the surrounding park, reflecting on your visit and enjoying the serene environment.
As the sun sets, make your way to the belfry of Mons, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Afterward, treat yourself to a dinner at a traditional Belgian restaurant, savoring local specialties like carbonnade flamande and moules-frites. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets of Mons, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Start your day at the BAM, the Beaux-Arts Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Explore the various exhibitions and perhaps attend a morning workshop if available, engaging with local artists. The museum's café is a perfect spot for a light breakfast before continuing your adventure.
Following your museum visit, head over to the art gallery and cultural center, where you can participate in an art class or a guided tour. This afternoon is dedicated to understanding the local art scene, with opportunities to meet local artists and see their work up close. Take some time to explore nearby boutiques and shops that showcase unique artisanal crafts.
As night falls, enjoy a performance at the Théâtre Royal de Mons, where you can experience a blend of local and international theatrical productions. For dinner, choose a cozy brasserie offering a mix of Belgian and French cuisine, treating your palate to delightful dishes. Wrap up the evening with a nightcap at a local bar, perhaps trying some of the famous Belgian beers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3 |
| 🥐Pastry from bakery | $2.50 |
| 🚋Local bus/train single ticket | $2.50 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $4.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center with UNESCO-listed belfry
- Strong cultural life with museums, festivals and student energy
- Easy base for exploring Wallonia and nearby France
- Interesting industrial heritage and unusual terril landscapes
- Limited late-night clubbing and fewer international dining options than bigger Belgian cities
- Weather can be changeable and grey, especially outside summer
- Some attractions have limited opening hours outside peak season
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Mons
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of Mons with ornate townhouses, cafés and daily life — great for daytime and evening shots when the square is lit.
UNESCO-listed baroque belfry offering panoramic views over Mons and the surrounding countryside; strong architectural detail for photos.
Stately Gothic/Baroque interiors and façade; excellent for architectural and detail photography.
Striking post-industrial landscapes with unusual shapes and vegetation — dramatic at sunrise or sunset.
Pleasant parkland with ponds, mature trees and seasonal color — good for relaxed nature shots.
Food in Mons
Mons Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef and beer stew (often using local brown beer); widely available at brasseries and good for cooler days.
Must-Try!
Meatballs in a sweet-and-sour sauce (often served with fries or mashed potatoes); common on menus across Wallonia.
Hainaut and nearby regions produce cheese and cured meats that pair well with Belgian beers — try at markets or specialty shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Regular market at the Grand Place selling fresh produce, cheese, baked goods and prepared snacks — great for picnic supplies and sampling local flavors.
Look for neighborhood friteries for classic Belgian fries with a variety of sauces; also bakeries offering fresh croissants and local pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Bonjour' (good day) when entering shops or starting conversations; a polite handshake is standard. Mons is French-speaking, so initiating with French pleasantries is appreciated.
Be reasonably punctual for appointments; social gatherings are a bit more relaxed but business meetings expect timeliness.
Monsites take pride in heritage and wartime history — behave respectfully at memorials and museums.
Safety
Tipping in Mons
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills in Belgium; leaving small change or rounding up (5–10%) for excellent service is appreciated but not required. For taxis, rounding up or adding a few euros is common.
Belgium uses the euro. Credit and debit cards (especially Maestro, Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile pay are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, markets and friteries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring pleasant for walking and photography; bring a light rain jacket as showers are common.
Warm but rarely very hot; festivals and terraces are lively. Expect occasional rain and pack layers for cool evenings.
Crisp, colorful foliage around parks and terrils; ideal for hiking and photography. Rain increases toward late autumn, so waterproof footwear helps.
Chilly and damp with occasional frost or light snow; many museums and indoor cultural events are good winter options. Dress warmly and be prepared for gray days.
Mons at Night
Hiking in Mons
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside paths and woodlands close to the French border offering peaceful walks, small waterfalls and rustic villages.
Network of trails on reclaimed mining slag heaps providing panoramic views and unusual post-industrial landscapes.
Protected natural areas and rolling countryside ideal for longer hikes, birdwatching and rural scenery (check local access points and route maps).
Historic abbey grounds and valley walks south-east of Mons (near Thuin/Charleroi area) that combine heritage with riverside trails.
Airports
How to reach Mons by plane.
Approximately 40–50 km northeast of Mons (about 40–50 minutes by car); low-cost carrier hub with shuttle buses and regional transport links to Mons.
About 60–75 km from Mons (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or train via Brussels); the main international gateway with frequent train/coach connections.
Around 70–90 km west of Mons (about 1–1.5 hours by car); convenient for cross-border travelers with regional train and bus options from Lille to Mons.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly French-speaking residents who form the cultural core of Mons and surrounding Hainaut province.
UMONS and other institutions bring a sizable student population that energizes nightlife, cafés and cultural offerings.
Mons has diverse communities including people of North African, Eastern European and other origins, contributing to multicultural shops and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular spectator and participation sport; local clubs and youth teams are active and matches draw community support.
Cycling is both a pastime and sport — the region’s roads and dedicated routes are popular for recreational and competitive cycling.
Rugby, indoor football, judo and other club sports have active local followings and community sports centers support participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mons.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are available but less varied than in larger Belgian cities; mention dietary needs when ordering and look for salad, cheese plates, omelettes and vegetarian-friendly bistros. Supermarkets and some restaurants offer vegetarian options.
Vegan dining options exist but are limited — seek out cafés with plant-based options or plan to shop at supermarkets for staples. Calling ahead to restaurants is advisable.
Ask staff about gluten-free preparations; many places are accustomed to food allergies, but cross-contamination can happen in traditional kitchens.