Things To Do
in Zelzate
Zelzate is a small industrial town in East Flanders, Belgium, located on the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal near the Dutch border. It mixes working port infrastructure and canals with pockets of green polders and wetlands that attract birdlife. The municipality has an authentic, low-key Flemish character and is a convenient base for exploring nearby Ghent, the Western Scheldt estuary, and coastal areas.
Visitors will find quiet canalside walks, simple local cafés and pubs, and easy access to cycling routes and nature reserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Zelzate and check into your cozy accommodation. Spend your morning wandering through the charming streets, soaking in the local architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Don’t forget to grab a fresh pastry from a nearby bakery to start your adventure.
Visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the canal, enjoying the views of the serene water and lush greenery. As the sun moves across the sky, you’ll immerse yourself in the local way of life.
For dinner, try authentic Belgian cuisine at a local restaurant, where you can taste their famous fries and chocolate. Post-dinner, stroll through the town center, where you might catch live music or a community event. End your first day enjoying a drink at a quaint bar, mingling with locals.
Start your second day with a visit to the local museum to learn about Zelzate’s rich history and cultural significance. Engage with interactive exhibits that bring the town's story to life. Afterward, take time to enjoy breakfast at a nearby café, enjoying fresh coffee and local delicacies.
In the afternoon, explore Zelzate’s parks, where you can relax among the lush greenery or take part in recreational activities such as cycling or skating. Visit the serene park of Bassevelde for a picnic lunch amidst nature's beauty. This is a perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
As evening approaches, head to a local theater to catch a performance or movie showcasing Belgian talent. After the show, enjoy dinner at a rustic bistro that offers seasonal dishes and local beers. Wrap up your night by taking a calm walk along the canals, illuminated by soft lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (pub, 0.5L) | $3-5 |
| 🚇Single regional bus/ticket | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic Flemish town with canal-side charm
- Good base for exploring Ghent, the Western Scheldt and nearby nature reserves
- Strong cycling infrastructure and easy flat routes
- Lower costs and fewer crowds than larger tourist centers
- Limited restaurant and nightlife options within the town itself
- Industrial areas can feel stark and are less picturesque
- Public transport frequency may be lower than in larger cities
- Some nature areas require careful planning (tides, guided access)
- "Goedendag" - Good day / Hello
- "Dank u wel / Dankjewel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft?" - Can I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Zelzate
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic industrial locks and shipping activity provide striking compositions, especially at golden hour when light hits metal and water.
Wide views of cranes, warehouses and moored barges make for compelling industrial landscapes and reflections on calm days.
Peaceful towpaths, small bridges and moored boats offer intimate canal scenes suitable for close-up and street-style photography.
Expansive lowland views, reedbeds and migratory birds in nearby reserves are ideal for landscape and wildlife photography, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Capture everyday Flemish town life, traditional homes and the parish church for a softer, human-scale side of Zelzate.
Food in Zelzate
Zelzate Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mussels cooked in white wine or cream, served with fries — widely available in brasseries near the canal and a Belgian classic to try.
Must-Try!
Flemish beef stew braised in beer with onions and mustard — a comforting local specialty found at neighborhood bistros and family restaurants.
Crisp fries from a friterie with a choice of sauces; also try local croquettes and frikandel from street vendors or cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small weekly market (check local schedule) offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads and regional specialties — good for picnic supplies and tasting local flavors.
In adjacent towns and villages you’ll find friteries, sandwich stalls and bakery counters serving pastries, sandwiches and Belgian snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake is common when meeting someone. Use formal greetings (Goedemorgen / Goedendag) in shops and with older people, and switch to first names once invited.
Belgians in Flanders appreciate punctuality for appointments and tours; arrive on time for meetings or planned activities.
Zelzate is a relatively quiet town — keep noise levels moderate, especially late at night, and respect private property in rural areas and nature reserves.
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language. Many people speak some English; attempting basic Dutch greetings is appreciated.
Stand in lines and wait your turn, be polite in public spaces, and follow posted rules in museums and nature areas.
Safety
Tipping in Zelzate
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Belgium. In cafés and casual restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is customary. For taxis, small rounding up or adding a euro or two is normal. Many service charges are included in restaurant bills.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; smaller vendors and market stalls may prefer or only accept cash. ATMs are available in larger nearby towns; carry some euros for small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild to warm days (18–25°C/64–77°F) with longer daylight hours; best for cycling and canal activities. Expect occasional showers; bring a light rain jacket and sunscreen. Popular time for local outings but the town remains relatively uncrowded compared with coastal resorts.
Cooler temperatures and changing colors in the polders make for atmospheric walks and photography. Weather can be variable — crisp sunny days alternate with windy, rainy periods; pack layers and waterproof footwear for muddy trails.
Chilly and damp (around 0–6°C/32–43°F) with short daylight; coastal and estuarine areas can be windy. Snow is possible but not guaranteed; many attractions have reduced hours. Good season for dramatic skies and moody industrial scenes.
Mild and increasingly pleasant weather with blooming fields and migratory birds returning to wetlands. Ideal for cycling and nature walks; bring layers as temperatures can still be cool in mornings and evenings.
Zelzate at Night
Hiking in Zelzate
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of flat walks through farmland and marshes around Zelzate — easy routes with opportunities for birdwatching and wide views of the lowlands.
A unique estuarine area (across the border in the Netherlands region near Terneuzen) with guided mudflat walks and birdwatching — check tide times and guided-tour schedules.
Nearby nature and woodland paths offering quiet routes, seasonal flora and fauna observation; good for short hikes close to Zelzate.
Within an hour’s drive are coastal reserves and beach promenades offering longer seaside hikes and fresh sea air — ideal for combining nature and a visit to the Belgian coast.
Airports
How to reach Zelzate by plane.
Belgium’s main international airport (~70–90 km from Zelzate depending on route). Good connections worldwide; reach Zelzate by rental car, regional train to Ghent then local transport, or direct taxi transfer.
Smaller international airport (~40–50 km). Convenient for regional flights; access by road and regional public transport via Antwerp and Ghent.
Netherlands airport (~70–90 km). Alternative for low-cost carriers; reachable by car or train connections via larger Dutch cities.
Regional airport (~70–90 km) serving seasonal and some scheduled flights; good for coastal visits and reachable by road from Zelzate.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority Dutch-speaking Flemish population with long-standing families tied to the town’s industrial and port activities.
Zelzate has an industrial heritage and many residents work in manufacturing, logistics and port-related jobs.
Like many Belgian towns, Zelzate includes residents of diverse backgrounds, including families with roots in southern Europe and North Africa, contributing to multicultural local life.
People who commute to larger nearby cities (Ghent, Antwerp, Terneuzen) for work, adding to daytime movement and usage of transport links.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is extremely popular in Flanders — both recreational and commuting — with flat, well-signposted routes ideal for touring and leisure rides.
Local amateur football clubs are a central part of community life; match days are social gatherings for residents.
Team sports such as korfball, athletics and indoor sports are common at community centers and school clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zelzate.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in traditional fare; most cafés and bistros will offer salads, cheese plates and omelettes. In larger nearby cities like Ghent you’ll find many more vegetarian and vegan choices.
Vegan choices can be sparse in Zelzate itself — visit larger towns for specialist cafés or ask restaurants in advance; supermarkets carry plant-based staples.
Gluten-free options exist but are not ubiquitous; bakeries and traditional restaurants may not have many choices, so notify staff and consider buying supplies in supermarkets.
Staff generally understand common allergies; carry translations or an allergy card in Dutch (Flemish) for clear communication if needed.