Things To Do
in Vilvoorde
Vilvoorde is a historic town in the Flemish Brabant province just north of Brussels. It sits along the Zenne River, blending industrial heritage with green spaces and easy access to the Belgian capital. The town center is compact and walkable, with cobbled streets, brick façades, and lively cafés.
It makes a convenient base for exploring Brussels, the Brabant countryside, and nearby nature reserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Vilvoorde's charming historic center. Admire the old architecture and visit the St. Martin's Church, a local landmark with stunning stained glass windows. Enjoy a coffee at a nearby café to soak in the peaceful ambiance.
Head to the Train World museum to dive into Belgium's rich railway history. Explore the impressive collection of vintage trains and interactive exhibits. Grab lunch at the museum's café for a convenient and tasty break.
Dine at a traditional Belgian restaurant in the town center, savoring local specialties like stoofvlees or moules-frites. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the Zenne River, appreciating the evening lights reflecting on the water.
Begin with a morning walk at Domain Drie Fonteinen, a beautiful park perfect for nature enthusiasts. Enjoy birdwatching and discover scenic walking paths surrounded by greenery. Bring a light snack or breakfast picnic to enjoy outdoors.
Visit the Vilvoorde City Park with its well-maintained gardens and playgrounds. Rent a bike to explore the trails and relaxed atmosphere of the park. Have lunch at a nearby brasserie while enjoying views of the park.
Head to a cozy bar in the town for local craft beers and appetizers. If there's live music or a local event, immerse yourself in the friendly vibe of Vilvoorde’s nightlife. Alternatively, enjoy a quiet evening by the canal.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚆One-way public transit ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-140 |
| 🎬Movie ticket | $12-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Brussels with a quieter, smaller-town vibe
- Rich beer and gastronomic scene with easy access to nature
- Limited nightlife compared with Brussels proper
- Smaller tourist infrastructure; some sites require travel to nearby cities
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Goedemorgen" - Good morning
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you are
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Waar is de markt?" - Where is the market?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft?" - May I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Vilvoorde
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque square with neoclassical façades and lively market activity, ideal for daytime and golden-hour shots.
Quaint riverside scenery with reflective water, bridges, and brick-industrial silhouettes in the distance.
Brick warehouses and crane silhouettes along the canal offer gritty, architectural photography opportunities.
Lush greenery and controlled landscapes provide colorful urban-nature contrasts just a short trip away.
Food in Vilvoorde
Vilvoorde Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in beer, typically served with fries or crusty bread.
Must-Try!
Creamy chicken or fish stew from Ghent, comforting and rich with vegetables.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside; often enjoyed with cream, fruit, or chocolate.
Belgian fries with mayonnaise or specialty sauces, a regional staple and perfect with a cold beer.
A classic Belgian dish of mussels cooked in stock with herbs, best enjoyed with fries on the side.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market on Marktplein offering fresh produce, breads, cheeses, and seasonal specialties.
A range of street bites, including fries, waffles, and international options, reachable by short train or tram ride.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a brief handshake; use polite phrases like 'alstublieft' (please) and 'dank u wel' (thank you). Flemish Dutch is widely spoken, with French used in some services; bilingual staff are common.
Safety
Tipping in Vilvoorde
Ensure a smooth experience
In Belgium, service charges are often included; if not, a tip of 5-10% is generous for good service. Rounding up in casual settings is common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; plan outdoor activities in the morning or evening; occasional showers are common, so carry a light layer and a compact umbrella.
Pleasant yet variable weather; foliage colors create rich photography opportunities; markets and outdoor events continue, though temps drop in the evenings.
Cool to cold with a chance of frost or light snow; indoor cultural venues come into focus; layer up and enjoy cozy cafés and beer bars.
Mild temperatures with intermittent rain; gardens and parks start to bloom; great time for cycling and walking excursions.
Vilvoorde at Night
Hiking in Vilvoorde
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic riverside trails suitable for easy to moderate walks with city-country contrasts.
Expansive green spaces and garden trails ideal for longer hikes and nature photography.
Forest paths and tranquil woodland scenery within a short drive from Vilvoorde.
Airports
How to reach Vilvoorde by plane.
Major international hub about 10–25 minutes by train or car from Vilvoorde; excellent connections to Europe and beyond.
Budget-friendly option farther from Vilvoorde with additional European routes; accessible by road and rail via Brussels.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to Brussels for work, contributing to a diverse, bilingual community.
Family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools and parks nearby.
Overlaps with residents who value quick access to city employment and modern amenities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and community fields across the municipality.
A favored activity thanks to flat terrains and scenic routes along the Zenne and surrounding countryside.
Common in parks and club facilities; suitable for all skill levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Vilvoorde.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer salads, veggie mains, and dairy or egg-forward dishes; ask for vegetarian options and note any dairy or egg restrictions for adaptations.