Things To Do
in Roeselare
Roeselare is a compact Flemish city in West Flanders that blends a lively market culture with approachable cafés and family-friendly charm. It sits near the Lys River and serves as a convenient hub for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby towns. The city offers a friendly, relaxed pace with plenty of bakeries, shops, and cultural events throughout the year.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Roeselare makes a great base to experience authentic Belgian life with easy access to the coast and region’s nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a visit to the historical center of Roeselare, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the Town Hall and St. Michael's Church. Stroll through the picturesque streets and take in the charming atmosphere as you sip a coffee at a local café. Don't forget to capture some photos of the beautiful buildings that showcase the city's rich history.
After lunch, head to the Roeselare War Museum, which provides a deep insight into the city's role during World War I and II. Engage with the exhibits that display artifacts, photographs, and personal stories, making for an educational experience. Complete your afternoon with a leisurely walk along the river, enjoying the scenic views and tranquility.
As night falls, indulge in a traditional Belgian dinner at one of Roeselare's renowned restaurants, where you can savor local specialties and fine beers. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, experiencing the unique blend of history and modernity. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a cozy pub, enjoying the warm ambiance of Roeselare's nightlife.
Begin your day by visiting the Brouwerij Roeselare, a local brewery renowned for its exceptional beers. Take a guided tour to learn about the brewing process and the history of beer in Belgium. Conclude the morning with a tasting session, sampling some of the brewery's finest offerings.
Post brewery visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro, where you can pair your meal with one of the local brews you just tasted. Afterward, make your way to the nearby Roeselare Art Gallery, where you can admire contemporary and classical art pieces. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the cultural vibrancy that Roeselare has to offer.
For dinner, choose a restaurant that specializes in Flemish cuisine, and indulge in dishes such as carbonnade flamande or stoofvlees. After dining, attend a local event or live music performance, capturing the essence of Roeselare's artistic spirit. End the night with a peaceful walk through the city, reflecting on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or small snack | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚇Public transit ticket (one-way) | $2-4 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city center with easy access to nature
- Genuine Belgian market culture and friendly locals
- Good base for day trips to the coast and countryside
- Affordably priced compared with larger Belgian cities
- Smaller nightlife scene than major cities
- Weather can be unpredictable; plan for rain
- Fewer high-end dining options compared with big urban hubs
- Some attractions may be seasonal or weather dependent
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is de wc?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don’t understand
- "Kunt u langzamer spreken?" - Could you speak more slowly?
Places to Visit in Roeselare
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque square framed by historic façades and the town hall, ideal for daytime street photography and golden-hour shots.
Waterfront views with old brick warehouses and canal bridges—great for moody reflections and architectural photography.
Charming shopfronts and café corners along pedestrian zones, perfect for candid street scenes.
Open spaces along central avenues where the setting sun colors the streets and façades.
Food in Roeselare
Roeselare Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mussels cooked in white wine and herbs, served with crispy fries and a side of mayonnaise or aioli.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef in beer with onions and herbs, typically served with fries or crusty bread.
Beef braised in beer with onions and thyme, a rich, comforting dish common in Belgian brasseries.
Creamy ragout-filled croquettes fried to a crisp, often enjoyed as a snack or starter.
Golden Belgian fries served with a dollop of rich mayonnaise; a perfect accompaniment to many dishes or enjoyed as a street snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market with fresh produce, cheese, pastries, and small street food stalls on market days.
Farmers and vendors offer seasonal goods, baked goods, and ready-to-eat foods near the city center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake; use Dutch (Flemish) for local interactions. Politeness matters; addressing people formally as 'u' is common in business or with strangers.
Keep hands visible, use cutlery appropriately, and wait for everyone to be served before starting. Tipping is discretionary as noted above.
Punctuality is appreciated for appointments; light small talk is common before meals or meetings.
Safety
Tipping in Roeselare
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is often included; if not, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary in restaurants. Small tips for bar staff or taxi drivers are common but not mandatory.
Cash and cards (chip and PIN or contactless) are widely accepted; some smaller shops may prefer cash. Most places support contactless payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; great for outdoor markets, canal walks, and bike rides. Bring a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
Warm days with longer daylight and frequent outdoor events; expect some showers. Stay hydrated and enjoy outdoor cafés and markets.
Pleasant to cool weather with colorful foliage; ideal for walks along the canal and in nearby parks. Pack a light rain jacket.
Shorter days and potential chilly, damp weather; festive lights and indoor cultural activities are common. Layer up and plan indoor options.
Roeselare at Night
Hiking in Roeselare
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic canal-side paths suitable for a gentle hike or a long, leisurely walk.
Flat routes through agricultural landscapes with birdlife and open skies; easy for all fitness levels.
Airports
How to reach Roeselare by plane.
Coastal airport about 60–75 minutes by car from Roeselare; convenient for international flights and easy road access.
Smaller regional airport closer to Roeselare; suitable for some European destinations and charter flights.
Major international hub about 1.5–2 hours by car or train; wide range of flights and connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Dutch-speaking Flemish families and professionals, with a growing mix of visitors and seasonal workers.
A number of students and young adults circulate through the area for education and internships, contributing to a lively, approachable vibe.
Several parks, markets, and accessible amenities appeal to families and retirees seeking a relaxed pace.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Belgians love cycling; flat routes and regional scenery make it a popular pastime.
Local clubs and community leagues provide weekend matches and social events.
Public courts and clubs offer seasonal play and social tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Roeselare.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Belgian restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for dishes centered on potatoes, seasonal vegetables, cheese, and legumes. When in doubt, ask for a vegetarian version of a classic dish or a vegetable-focused plate.