Things To Do
in Nazareth

Nazareth, Belgium is a small, historic town in East Flanders known for its tranquil pace, scenic green spaces, and friendly streets. Nestled between Ghent and Antwerp, it combines easy access to larger cities with a village-like atmosphere and intimate local life. The town center features quaint houses, cobbled lanes, and riverside paths that invite gentle strolls and photo opportunities.

Visitors can savor Belgian cuisine, explore markets, and venture into the surrounding countryside by bike or on foot.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Orientation
morning
:

Arrive in Nazareth and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets, getting a feel for the charming atmosphere of the village. Visit the local bakery to sample traditional Belgian pastries and coffee.

afternoon
:

Explore the nearby natural landscapes, perfect for hiking or cycling. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the picturesque park while soaking in the serene surroundings. Stop by the local artisan shops to pick up unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy local restaurant, savoring regional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Share stories with friendly locals and fellow travelers, learning more about the culture and character of Nazareth. End the evening with a quiet walk under the stars, enjoying the peaceful ambiance.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Visit the nearby city of Ghent, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant culture. Wander through the historic streets, stopping at the Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral. Enjoy a brunch at a riverside café, admiring the view over the canal.

afternoon
:

Tour the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an impressive collection of Flemish paintings. Take a guided walking tour to uncover the fascinating history of Ghent, learning about its influential figures. Enjoy some free time to explore boutiques and artisan shops in the old town.

evening
:

Return to Nazareth for a relaxing evening. Try a beer tasting session at a local brewery to discover unique Belgian brews crafted by local artisans. Finally, unwind at a nearby wine bar, enjoying the friendly atmosphere and live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🥗Lunch at mid-range cafe$8-15
🚆Public transport day pass$6-9
🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night)$80-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact town center with easy walking access to highlights
  • Strong Belgian food culture and nearby countryside for day trips
  • Limited nightlife within Nazareth itself; requires trips to nearby cities
  • Small-town amenities may be fewer than in larger Belgian cities
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is de tramhalte?" - Where is the tram stop?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Nazareth

Visit one of these nice places.

Old town square and historic façades

Colorful gabled houses and cobbled lanes provide classic Belgian cityscape shots, especially at golden hour.

Riverside path along the Scheldt

Calm water reflections, boats, and horizon views ideal for tranquil landscape photography.

Medieval-style street cluster near the town center

Close-up details of stonework, shutters, and quaint doorways offer character-filled images.

Rural canals and surrounding fields

Pastoral scenes with hedgerows and small waterways—great for composition and depth.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nazareth

Belgian cuisine here emphasizes hearty sauces, seasonal produce, and regional beers. Expect comforting dishes, street snacks, and seasonal specialties that pair well with local ales.

Nazareth Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Waterzooi

Creamy Belgian chicken or fish stew with vegetables; a comforting classic often found in local bistros.

Must-Try!

Moules-frites

Steamed mussels served with crisp fries and a selection of sauces, a Belgian staple.

Stoverij (Beef Stew)

Slow-braised beef in beer with onions and thyme; a hearty favorite in winter and year-round menus.

Vol-au-vent

Light puff pastry filled with chicken and mushroom ragout; a traditional, comforting dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Market in Town Square

Fresh produce, cheeses, bread, pastries, and ready-to-eat bites on market days.

Street Food Corners

Waffles, fries, crepes, and quick snacks near the market and central squares.

Climate Guide

Weather

Nazareth experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, cool winters, and regular rainfall. Average summer highs hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F); winter temperatures typically range from 0-7°C (32-45°F). Rain can occur year-round, so layers and an umbrella are practical. Overall, the weather supports year-round outdoor exploration with seasonal variations in activity.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and communication

A polite handshake is common; use formal language with strangers or elders. Belgian Dutch (Flemish) is typical for local interactions, with French or English occasionally used in tourist settings.

Quiet public behavior

People in cafés and public spaces generally speak at moderate volumes; avoid loud conversations late at night in residential areas.

Bike and pedestrian etiquette

Share paths and crossings; signal when turning; yield to pedestrians and slower traffic in narrow streets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Nazareth is a generally safe town with low crime rates. Typical travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, watch for traffic when cycling or walking along roads, and use licensed taxis or rideshare services at night. In case of emergency, local numbers and hospital access are available in the Ghent and broader East Flanders area.

Tipping in Nazareth

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A tip is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% in nicer restaurants is common if service is good.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards widely accepted; cash is also fine. Contactless payments and POS terminals are common in shops and eateries.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Expect mild to warm days with long daylight hours; occasional rain showers. The town and nearby countryside are vibrant with outdoor cafés and market activity.

Autumn

Colors turn golden in the countryside; comfortable temperatures for walking and cycling. Beer gardens remain popular as days cool.

Winter

Chilly with a chance of frost; festive markets and cozy indoor dining offer warmth and charm.

Spring

Blooming trees and fresh produce; ideal for outdoor strolls, cycling, and photography along rivers and green spaces.

Nightlife Guide

Nazareth at Night

Nazareth itself has a modest nightlife scene focused on cozy cafés and bars. For a broader choice, residents and visitors often travel to nearby Ghent or Sint-Niklaas for lively pubs, live music, and craft beer experiences. Expect relaxed atmospheres, friendly service, and Belgian beer pairings that highlight local brews.

Hiking in Nazareth

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Scheldt river banks and surrounding woodlands

Scenic riverside trails with gentle elevation changes and chance to spot wildlife.

Polder fields and rural forests near Nazareth

Open landscapes with easy-to-moderate hikes, hedgerows, and seasonal crops.

Airports

How to reach Nazareth by plane.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

Major international hub about 60-75 km from Nazareth; straightforward rail or road transfer.

Antwerp International Airport (ANR)

Airport near Antwerp, roughly 40-60 km away; accessible by train and road connections.

Ostend-Bruges Airport (OST)

Coastal airport about 85-100 km away; useful for low-cost international connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Nazareth's town center is highly walkable, with most attractions within a 15-20 minute stroll. A car is helpful for visiting surrounding countryside or nearby towns, but many streets are narrow and pleasant on foot or by bike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Locals (Flemish-speaking Belgians)

Predominantly Dutch-speaking residents with a strong regional identity and traditional community life.

Commuters and nearby city residents

People who travel to Ghent, Antwerp, or Brussels for work or study, contributing to a cosmopolitan edge in the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

A core Belgian passion; flat routes and nearby countryside make day-long or multi-day rides appealing.

Football (Soccer)

Common pastime with local clubs and public pitches; watch a match or join a game when available.

Tennis and walking/hiking

Popular in parks and recreational areas; seasonal leagues and clubs are common.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally calm in Nazareth with good rail links to Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels. In town, expect bicycle traffic and occasional congestion around market days. Parking can be easier in residential areas, while the town center can get busy during market events and weekends.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nazareth.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places offer vegetarian options; look for veggie mains, salads, and mushroom dishes; ask for no meat gravies or sauces where needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public and private healthcare services are accessible in Nazareth through local GPs, with higher-level hospitals in Ghent and Sint-Niklaas. Belgium has universal healthcare; keep health insurance information handy when traveling. Pharmacies are common in town centers for minor needs.

Discover Belgium

Read more in our Belgium 2025 Travel Guide.

Belgium Travel Guide