Things To Do
in Ninove
Ninove is a compact Flemish town in East Flanders, Belgium, sitting on the banks of the Dender river with a history stretching back to medieval times. Its downtown combines a traditional market square, historic churches and small town charm with a working commuter community. The town is a convenient base for exploring riverside trails and the rolling hills of the nearby Flemish Ardennes.
Visitors will find low-key cultural attractions, cafés and easy access to larger cities such as Aalst and Brussels by public transport.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ninove and check into your hotel, taking a moment to freshen up and settle in. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Belgian pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll around the historic town center, exploring charming streets and admiring local architecture.
After lunch, visit the Ninove Museum, where you can discover the rich history of the town through intriguing exhibits. Following the museum, wander through the lovely parks and gardens that offer a peaceful respite from the urban environment. Consider visiting local shops to purchase handmade crafts or souvenirs to remember your trip.
As the sun sets, head to a traditional Belgian brasserie to experience local cuisine, including hearty stews and moules-frites. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Dender River, where the reflections of the town's lights create a picturesque scene. Conclude your evening at a local pub, savoring Belgian beers while enjoying live music.
Begin your day with a visit to the St. Martin's Church, where you can admire its stunning architecture and impressive art pieces. Attend a morning service if you are interested, as this can provide a glimpse into local traditions and community life. Afterward, grab a coffee in a nearby café and chat with locals to learn more about Ninove's culture.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Castle of Laarne, located not too far away, which boasts beautiful gardens and historic artifacts. Indulge in a delightful lunch at the castle's café, featuring seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Afterwards, take a guided tour to learn about the castle's rich history and its role in the region.
For dinner, visit a modern eatery that specializes in fusion cuisine, merging Belgian ingredients with international flavors. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while sampling unique dishes that showcase the creativity of the local culinary scene. After dinner, consider catching a performance at a nearby theatre for a taste of local talent.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $4-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-120 |
| 🚆Regional train ticket (one-way) | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic centre with riverside charm
- Good base for cycling and exploring the Flemish Ardennes
- Authentic local cafés and a relaxed, low-key atmosphere
- Limited nightlife and few major tourist attractions in town
- Public transport options are good but less frequent late at night
- Specialty dietary choices and international restaurants are fewer than in larger cities
- "Goeiedag / Hallo" - Hello
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Dank u (wel)" - Thank you
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the toilet?
Places to Visit in Ninove
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside paths and small bridges provide atmospheric shots of water reflections, old mills and daily life along the Dender.
The busy Markt with its architecture, cafés and market stalls is ideal for street photography and capturing local character.
Local churches and historic buildings offer architectural details and seasonal contrasts, especially in low winter light or golden hour.
Short drives or bike rides take you to rolling hills and lookout points in the Flemish Ardennes for panoramic landscape shots.
Food in Ninove
Ninove Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef stew in a rich beer-based sauce, often served with fries; you’ll find it at traditional brasseries and family restaurants around the Markt.
Must-Try!
Crisp twice-fried fries served with a variety of sauces; available at snack bars and markets — try them with a local mustard or mayo.
Belgium’s wide range of beers is available in Ninove’s bars and cafés — look for regional brews and classic Belgian styles (Trappist, Abbey ales, saisons) at beer cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town’s market offers fresh produce, cheeses, breads and seasonal specialties — a good place to taste local products, pick up take-away pastries or sample regional cheeses.
Occasional street food/stall events appear for town holidays or festivals — these are good for trying quick local bites and desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting on entering shops or small businesses is customary — use 'Goeiedag' or 'Hallo' in Dutch/Flemish; many people also speak English.
Punctuality is valued for appointments; keep noise levels reasonable in residential areas and be discreet and polite in public.
Cycling infrastructure is important — do not walk in marked bike lanes and be aware of cyclists when crossing streets.
Safety
Tipping in Ninove
Ensure a smooth experience
Service staff usually receive modest tips; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated but not mandatory — many restaurants include service in prices.
Cards (chip-and-PIN and contactless) are widely accepted, as are mobile payments; carrying some euros in cash is handy for small vendors or market stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make spring ideal for cycling and riverside walks; occasional rain means packing a light waterproof layer.
Warm but rarely extreme temperatures with long daylight hours — great for outdoor dining, festivals and extended hikes; bring sun protection and prepare for busy weekends.
Crisp air and colourful foliage along the Dender and in surrounding hills offer excellent photography; temperatures cool quickly, so layer up for morning and evening.
Chilly, often damp weather with shorter days; comfortable indoor dining and museum visits are good options — expect occasional frost and wet conditions.
Ninove at Night
Hiking in Ninove
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle waterside route that follows the Dender for several kilometres — ideal for short walks, photography and peaceful nature watching.
A network of trails in the rolling hills south of Ninove featuring steeper paths and viewpoints; popular options include short routes around well-known climbs and scenic villages.
Several marked local walking routes loop through farmland and small woodlands around Ninove, suitable for half-day hikes and family outings.
Airports
How to reach Ninove by plane.
Belgium’s main international hub, about 45–75 minutes by car or 60–90 minutes by train and transfer depending on connections — direct bus and train options available to reach nearby towns.
A low-cost carrier airport south of Brussels, roughly 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic; access typically involves shuttle buses or car/train combinations.
Smaller airport to the north, around an hour to 90 minutes by car; fewer international flights but useful for regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Dutch-speaking Flemings with deep local ties and families who live and work in the region.
A significant portion of the population commutes to larger nearby employment centres such as Aalst or Brussels.
Like many Belgian towns, Ninove has diverse immigrant communities contributing to local culture and businesses, including families from other EU countries and non-EU backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator and participation sport — local clubs and youth teams are active throughout the region.
Cycling is widely enjoyed both recreationally and competitively; the nearby Flemish Ardennes are famous for classic bike climbs and racing heritage.
Park runs, club runs and outdoor fitness are popular along rivers and trails in and around Ninove.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ninove.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cafés and restaurants (salads, vegetable stews, meat-free versions of classics). Ask for 'vegetarisch' dishes and supermarkets in town stock plant-based products.
Vegan and gluten-free choices exist but can be limited outside larger cities; communicate needs clearly (in Dutch or English), check menus for 'glutenvrij' and consider larger supermarkets or nearby cities for specialized options.