Aalst, located in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, is a historic city renowned for its vibrant Carnival traditions and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between Ghent and Brussels, it offers a charming blend of medieval architecture and modern Flemish life. For frequent travelers, Aalst serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader region, providing easy access to major hubs while maintaining a distinct local character. The city's compact center is walkable, making it convenient for guests staying in central hotels to explore key attractions on foot.
🕐 Europe/Brussels · 💱 EUR
Stay in the city center near Grote Markt for easy access to the historic town hall and main squares. This area offers the highest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers who want to be within walking distance of key attractions.
Aalst is well-connected by rail, with direct trains to Brussels and Ghent taking approximately 20-30 minutes. The city center is compact and highly walkable. Local bus services and taxis are readily available for trips to surrounding areas or connections to larger airports like Brussels Zaventem.
Spring through autumn offers pleasant weather for exploring the city's historic sites. February is peak season due to the famous Aalst Carnival, requiring early booking. Summer also brings numerous cultural events and outdoor activities, enhancing the appeal for tourists seeking a lively atmosphere.
Charismatic Peter Van den Driesschen elegantly and effortlessly welcomes guests, thus setting the tone as he ushers you into a smart, fashionably pared-back dining room, bathed in light and hung with works of art, while overlooking a manicured garden. And that is only the beginning! Kelderman’s front-of-house team bends over backwards to make sure you lack for nothing as they spoil you rotten. Seafood enjoys the lead roles here, but meat-lovers needn’t fret as there is something for everyone. The chef allows the pure, unadulterated flavours of ingredients to shout their name rather than indulg
WebsiteThe bright, elegant venue of Tobias Clocheret and Wim De Mulder stands in the shadow of the belltower of Hofstade church and the front terrace is heavenly in summertime. Top-drawer produce like langoustines and sweetbread is pampered and delicately crafted into succulent recipes. The chef slices scallops into wafer thin carpaccio, adding a beurre blanc enhanced by fermented asparagus peelings, lovage oil and cauliflower textures. A felicitous feast designed to appeal to today’s tastebuds courtesy of a range of enticing textures.
WebsiteWe wager that before you even set foot in this family-run eatery, you will have fallen in love with the authentic Flemish village. The immense windows of the former brewery overlook the village and a sheltered terrace, while the striking interior sports timber rafters and brick walls. Before relaxing in one of the comfortable guestrooms, treat yourself to something from the extensive menu. Brabançon-style pheasant or bouchot mussels served in a spicy nduja and red curry sauce: the chef adds a kick to Belgian classics thanks to playful, creative inventions. A knockout lineup of regional produce
WebsiteKristof Coppens lets his imagination run riot as he endeavours to source and exalt produce from all over the world, combining, enhancing and respecting each ingredient’s intrinsic qualities. For example, classical flavours find their way onto the menu, providing they can be paired with his creative recipes. The wine list is a treasure trove of tipples from Italy, Spain and France. A bijou eatery if ever there was!
WebsiteStefaan, chef and sommelier, is an enthusiastic foodie and wine connoisseur. He regularly scours eastern Europe to enrich his wine list. The many regulars to his friendly, welcoming establishment applaud the wine formula which reveals the full scope of his creativity. Each dish is a consummate blend of character and delicacy with legible ingredients such as duck’s liver and beetroot, depicted in fresh, subtle nuances.
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