Things To Do
in Zemst
Zemst is a semi-rural municipality in Flemish Brabant, Belgium, located between Mechelen and Brussels and made up of several villages such as Eppegem and Hofstade. It combines quiet residential neighborhoods, farmland and recreational lakes with easy access to regional rail and road links. The area is popular with commuters and families who enjoy local nature reserves, cycling routes and water sports at Hofstade recreational lake.
Visitors will find a calm Flemish atmosphere, traditional brick churches and small local cafés, while larger cultural and nightlife options are a short train ride away in Mechelen or Brussels.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and strong Belgian coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Zemst, admiring the traditional architecture and quaint shops. Don’t miss the chance to visit the St. Martin's Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
For lunch, indulge in some regional specialties at a nearby restaurant, perhaps trying the famous Flanders stew. Spend your afternoon at the Zemst Town Hall, where you can learn about the local history and culture through various exhibitions. Then, take a relaxing walk in the nearby park, enjoying the lush greenery and peaceful ambiance.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local eatery, where you can sample some exquisite Belgian cuisine paired with a local beer. Afterward, take a leisurely evening walk along the picturesque paths in the town, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Wrap up your day with a visit to a cozy bar, where you can unwind and perhaps meet some locals.
Start your day with breakfast at a quaint café, fueling up for a day of culture. Head to the local art museum, where you can explore a range of exhibitions showcasing both contemporary and traditional Belgian art. Engage with the friendly staff to learn more about the artists and their inspirations.
After immersing yourself in art, enjoy a light lunch at a nearby bistro, sampling local cheeses and charcuterie. Continue your cultural journey by visiting the historic Zemst Heritage Center to understand the town's rich history and heritage. Don’t forget to take notes on the fascinating stories behind the artifacts you see.
In the evening, treat yourself to a dinner that highlights the local culinary scene, perhaps indulging in some moules-frites (mussels and fries). After dinner, attend a local theater performance or a concert, where you can experience the vibrant art scene of Zemst firsthand. Cap off your evening with a stroll through the town square, enjoying the nighttime atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $2.50-4 |
| 🚆Local train ticket (short ride) | $3-6 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, scenic semi-rural setting with easy access to Mechelen and Brussels
- Good cycling and walking routes plus recreational lake activities
- Friendly local cafés and authentic Flemish atmosphere
- Short travel times to major transport hubs and cities
- Limited nightlife and cultural institutions within the municipality itself
- Public transport connections are decent but less frequent late at night
- Fewer dining and specialty-shopping options compared with nearby cities
- Weather can be changeable and rainy throughout the year
- "Hallo / Goedemorgen" - Hello / Good morning
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Hoeveel kost het?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Zemst
Visit one of these nice places.
A great spot for landscape and water-sport photography: sandy shores, reflections at sunrise and sunset, and action shots of windsurfers and sailboats.
Picturesque riverside scenes, old sluices and quiet meadows — ideal for moody river landscapes and wildlife shots in golden hour.
Traditional Flemish brick architecture, quaint streets and church details that make attractive cultural and architectural photos.
Wide-open fields, hedgerows and seasonal agricultural scenes offering classic rural Belgian vistas, especially in spring and autumn.
Small railway stations, bridges and canals provide dynamic compositions combining transport infrastructure with countryside backdrops.
Food in Zemst
Zemst Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in beer; a comforting local specialty that you can find in brasseries and family restaurants in Zemst and nearby Mechelen.
Must-Try!
Mussels served with fries — widely available in the region during the season (late summer to winter) at seafood-friendly restaurants in nearby towns.
Thick-cut fries often served with mayonnaise or sauces; try them at local snack bars or markets for a quick bite.
Fresh rolls, pistolets and sweet pastries available at neighborhood bakers — perfect for breakfast or a coffee break.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly markets in Zemst and nearby villages sell fresh produce, cheese and baked goods; for a larger market experience visit Mechelen’s market for regional specialties.
On market days and during festivals in nearby towns you’ll find stalls offering fries, waffles, croquettes and grilled snacks—ideal for tasting Belgian street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Zemst is in the Dutch-speaking (Flemish) region—greet with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Goedemorgen' and use Dutch phrases when possible, though many people speak English.
Belgians generally value punctuality for appointments and public transport; be on time for meetings and guided activities.
Formal politeness is customary: say 'alstublieft' (please) and 'dank u wel' (thank you). Table manners are Western-European; keep voices moderate in public spaces.
Follow signage for nature reserves, dog-leash rules and cycling lanes. Littering is frowned upon and recycling is common.
Safety
Tipping in Zemst
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is commonly included in the bill in Belgium, but it’s customary to round up small amounts or leave a small tip (5–10%) for good service in restaurants and cafés. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff for assistance is appreciated but not obligatory.
Most places accept major credit and debit cards (contactless widely supported). Carry some euros in cash for small shops, market stalls and remote cafés. Mobile contactless payments are increasingly accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather with increasing daylight and blossoming fields; ideal for cycling and walking. Expect occasional rain showers so pack a light waterproof jacket.
Warm but rarely very hot; Hofstade lake is lively with swimmers and water sports. Peak tourist times mean busier weekends, but long daylight hours are great for outdoor activities.
Cooler temperatures and rich foliage colors make for beautiful walks and photography. Weather can be changeable; bring layers for chilly mornings and milder afternoons.
Cold and damp with short daylight hours; occasional frost or snow. Many attractions remain open, but expect quieter streets and limited outdoor activity options.
Zemst at Night
Hiking in Zemst
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, family-friendly loop trail around the recreational lake with birdwatching spots and picnic areas—easy terrain and suitable for all ages.
Riverside trails following the Zenne offer peaceful walks through meadows and small woodlands; good for seasonal birdlife and quiet photography.
Network of waymarked rural paths and cycling routes through farmland and polders connecting villages—ideal for half-day hikes or long scenic bike rides.
A larger forested area near Brussels offering extensive hiking trails, ancient beech trees and more challenging routes for a full-day outing.
Airports
How to reach Zemst by plane.
The main international airport serving Brussels, about 20–35 km from Zemst depending on route; reachable by car or public transport via Mechelen/Brussels connections in roughly 30–45 minutes.
A smaller commercial airport north of Zemst, useful for some European connections; approximately 30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Low-cost carrier hub located further away (roughly 60–80 km); reachable by car or shuttle services with longer transfer times.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority Dutch-speaking families and long-term residents who work locally or commute to nearby cities.
Professionals who live in Zemst for quieter suburban life and commute daily to Mechelen, Brussels or Antwerp.
Small communities of EU and non-EU expatriates drawn by nearby international employers and accessible transport links.
Older residents and those preferring a slower pace of life, often active in local clubs and community events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is hugely popular for commuting and recreation, with extensive bike paths and quiet country roads used by families and serious riders alike.
Local amateur football clubs are active and central to community life; regional matches are popular on weekends.
Sailing, windsurfing and paddle sports at Hofstade lake attract enthusiasts, especially in summer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zemst.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants, though traditional dishes are meat-forward. Ask for salads, vegetable stews or cheese-based dishes; larger towns nearby have dedicated vegetarian restaurants.
Vegan choices are becoming more common, especially in Mechelen and Brussels; in Zemst, call ahead or look for cafés that clearly mark vegan options.
Gluten-free choices are increasingly offered in Belgium, but cross-contamination can occur in bakeries and fry stands. Notify staff of your requirements and consider supermarkets for packaged gluten-free products.