Things To Do
in Mons

Meatballs in a sweet-and-sour syrupy sauce often served with fries; common in local brasseries and a Walloon favorite.

Must-Try!

Slow-cooked beef stew made with beer and onions; comfort food readily available at traditional restaurants in Mons.

Street and café waffles, as well as local pastries, make for excellent snacks—find them in bakeries and market stalls.

Regional cheeses and cured meats are sold at markets and specialty shops—great with a glass of Belgian beer.

Central market offering fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods and occasional street-food stalls; a good place to sample local products.

Neighborhood markets and seasonal food events present prepared specialties, waffles and artisanal snacks—ideal for tasting local flavors affordably.

Use polite French greetings such as 'Bonjour' (by day) and 'Bonsoir' (evening), and address people with 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' in formal situations.

Be reasonably punctual for appointments and tours; social meetings are a bit more relaxed but punctuality is appreciated for business.

Monsers are proud of local traditions like the Ducasse de Mons (Doudou); show respect during festivals and processions and follow local instructions at events.

Table conversation is relaxed; keep hands visible on the table and avoid loud, disruptive behavior in eateries.

Service is typically included in restaurant bills, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for excellent service is appreciated; cafés and bars often expect you to round up small amounts. For taxis, round up to the nearest euro or add a few euros for helpful drivers.

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted; carry some cash (euros) for markets and small vendors. Mobile payments are increasingly common, and ATMs are readily available.

Milder temperatures and blossoms make it a pleasant time to visit; some gardens and parks come alive and cultural events begin resuming after winter.

Warmest season with festivals, outdoor terraces and longer daylight hours; occasional heat waves are possible but summers in Mons are generally comfortable.

Crisp weather, autumn colors in nearby parks and fewer tourists — a good season for walking, photography and hearty seasonal cuisine.

Cool, damp and occasionally frosty; museums and cafés are cozy, but expect shorter days and bring a warm, waterproof layer.

The majority population speaks French and identifies with Walloon regional culture.

The University of Mons (UMONS) brings a sizeable student population contributing to culture and nightlife.

Mons has diverse communities including families of North African and Eastern European origin, contributing to cultural variety in food and commerce.

Like many European regional centers, Mons has an established older population with deep local roots and traditions.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in Mons — many restaurants offer salads, cheese-based dishes and vegetable mains; mention 'je suis végétarien / végétarienne' and most places will adapt a meal.

Fully vegan restaurants are rarer but cafés and bistros can often prepare vegan-friendly dishes if asked; bring a translation card for special requests.

Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; bakeries may have limited GF options—ask staff 'Avez-vous des options sans gluten ?' before ordering.

Carry a note in French describing severe allergies and be explicit with staff; many restaurants understand basic allergy terms but communication helps.