Things To Do
in Wemmel

Wemmel is a small Flemish town just northwest of Brussels, known for its leafy neighborhoods and easy access to the Belgian capital. The town offers a relaxed base for exploring the surrounding Pajottenland countryside and the broader Brussels-Capital Region. It preserves a quiet, residential charm with a mix of historic and modern architecture, parks, and local markets.

Visitors can enjoy a gentle blend of village life with convenient transit to major sights in Brussels and beyond.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Wemmel
morning
:

Upon arrival in Wemmel, take in the quaint charm of this quiet Belgian town. Stroll through the picturesque streets, lined with historic buildings and lush greenery. Grab a pastry from a local bakery to start your day right.

afternoon
:

Explore the nearby Brussels, just a short trip away. Visit the iconic Atomium or take a leisurely walk through the beautiful Brussels Parc. Indulge in some traditional Belgian cuisine at a local bistro for lunch.

evening
:

Return to Wemmel and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a family-owned restaurant. Try some delectable Flemish stew paired with a local beer. End your evening with a leisurely walk under the stars.

day 2
Exploring Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Kunstencentrum, a center for contemporary art. Engage with local artists and explore various exhibitions showcasing Belgian creativity. Enjoy a serene coffee at the center's café surrounded by art.

afternoon
:

After lunch, make your way to St. Joseph's Church, a beautiful neo-Gothic structure worth exploring. Spend time appreciating its stunning architecture and intricate stained glass windows. Don't forget to snap some photos of the colorful exterior.

evening
:

Return to the town square for a cozy dinner at a local eatery. Try some famed moules-frites (mussels and fries) and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Cap off the evening with a local Belgian chocolate tasting adventure.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🚌Public transport fare (one-way)$3-4
Coffee$3-5
🧀Grocery staple (1kg essentials)$2-6
🏨Mid-range hotel room per night$110-180

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Brussels and easy access to sights
  • Quiet, safe neighborhood with green spaces
  • Limited nightlife within Wemmel itself
  • Public transport connections can require a short ride to Brussels
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please/Here you go
  • "Waar is het treinstation?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Wemmel

Visit one of these nice places.

Wemmel Town Square and Town Hall

A charming Flemish square and historic facade that shines in natural light, especially during golden hours.

Zenne River Riverside Trail

Waterway views along the northern edge of Wemmel with trees, reflections, and seasonal wildlife—great for serene landscape shots.

Pajottenland farmland vistas

Rolling fields and farm architecture provide textures and lines for wide-angle and rural-photography compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Wemmel

Belgian cuisine blends hearty Flemish staples with refined European influences. In Wemmel and the surrounding area, expect hearty dishes, seasonal produce, and excellent Belgian beers and dairy-based delights. Casual cafés pair well with regional pastries, while nearby Brussels offers a wider array of dining styles from traditional bistros to modern eateries.

Wemmel Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Mosselen-friet

Belgian mussels cooked with aromatics, served with a generous portion of crispy fries and often a side of bread or pommes frites sauce.

Must-Try!

Stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew)

Tender beef slow-cooked in beer with onions, typically served with fries or bread on the side.

Waterzooi (chicken or fish stew)

Creamy, comforting stew with vegetables and herbs; a regional Belgian favorite.

Belgian waffles and fries

Classic waffles topped with sugar or toppings, and pommes frites enjoyed with mayonnaise or sauce at casual eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Wemmel market

Seasonal farmers market offering fresh produce, dairy, bread, and local specialties in the town center on market days.

Brussels markets nearby

Vibrant markets in Brussels such as markets around Place du Jeu de Balle and nearby districts offer fresh produce, prepared foods, and street snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Belgium experiences a temperate maritime climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Summers are typically mild to warm, winters are cool and damp, and spring and autumn bring variable weather with intermittent showers.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and Etiquette

A handshake is common; address people using formal titles before switching to first names when invited. Speak calmly and politely; queuing and punctuality are valued.

Safety Guide

Safety

Wemmel is generally very safe for visitors. In Brussels and busier areas, practice standard urban safety: keep valuables secure, be aware of pickpockets in crowded places, and use well-lit routes at night.

Tipping in Wemmel

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In larger restaurants, a service charge may be included; otherwise rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common, and ATMs are readily available.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and occasional showers; best light at early morning and late afternoon; stay hydrated while exploring outdoors.

Autumn

Mild to cool days with colorful foliage; market activity remains strong and photography benefits from golden-hour light.

Winter

Cool and damp; festive lights in town centers; opportunities for moody, atmospheric shots if skies are cloudy.

Spring

Blooming trees and gardens; comfortable temperatures for walking and outdoor photography, with variable showers.

Nightlife Guide

Wemmel at Night

Wemmel itself offers a modest nightlife with local cafés and bars. For a broader scene, Brussels provides a diverse array of bars, beer halls, live music venues, and clubs reachable by a short train or car ride.

Hiking in Wemmel

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Pajottenland countryside loop

Scenic rural route with farmland, hedgerows, and modest elevation changes.

Forest edge trails near Grimbergen

Gentle hikes along tree-lined paths just a short drive from Wemmel.

Airports

How to reach Wemmel by plane.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

About 15-20 minutes by car from Wemmel; frequent international and domestic flights.

Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL)

A longer drive but accessible for budget flights; 45-60 minutes by car and train connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Wemmel is a compact, walkable town center with well-maintained streets; some outer areas may require a short bus ride or bike to reach, while the countryside is easily explored on foot or by bike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A mix of families, commuters to Brussels, and retirees; many speak Dutch (Flemish) with proficiency in French and English.

Expats

Brussels’ international presence brings a small number of expatriate residents.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Highly popular across Belgium, with local clubs and community matches.

Cycling

Extensive bike routes through Pajottenland and Brussels periphery; popular recreational sport.

Transportation

Traffic

Local roads are generally quiet; Brussels-bound traffic can be heavier during peak hours. Public transport includes buses and trains in nearby towns, and expanding bike lanes support cycling.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Wemmel.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for dishes with cheese, eggs, legumes, and seasonal vegetables. When ordering, ask for meat-free preparations or substitutes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Belgium has high-quality healthcare facilities. Residents and visitors can access general practitioners and hospitals in nearby Vilvoorde and Brussels; travel insurance may help with access to private facilities if needed.

Discover Belgium

Read more in our Belgium 2025 Travel Guide.

Belgium Travel Guide