Aalter(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Aalst, the top boutique hotel is Hotel de la Poste, a historic gem located in the heart of the city near St. Mary's Church. This beautifully restored 18th-century building blends original timber beams with modern comforts. Each room features handcrafted furniture and local artwork, creating an authentic Flemish ambiance. Guests enjoy a traditional Belgian breakfast with fresh pastries and hot chocolate. The hotel’s central location offers easy access to Aalst Market Square and cultural sites, making it ideal for travelers seeking charm and convenience.

The city center of Aalst is the most recommended area for lodging. It’s pedestrian-friendly, with quiet streets and proximity to major attractions like the Town Hall Square and Old Bridge. Many restaurants, cafes, and shops are within walking distance, and the area is safe and peaceful, especially at night. Staying here allows seamless exploration of local culture, history, and seasonal events without needing transportation. Plus, many hotels offer free Wi-Fi and cozy, well-appointed rooms perfect for couples and families.

Don’t miss the annual Flemish Folk Festival held every summer in Aalst, where locals wear traditional costumes and perform folk dances and crafts. Visit the Aalst Craft Workshops to try your hand at making blue-glazed pottery or wool textiles using centuries-old techniques. Also, climb the St. Mary's Church Tower for panoramic views over the city and surrounding farmland—perfect for capturing the blend of history, nature, and rural charm that defines this charming Belgian town.

Head to Café L'Éclat, a century-old café located on Market Square, renowned for its authentic Belgian breakfast. Try their signature waffles with raspberry jam and rich hot chocolate, paired with freshly baked whole-grain bread. The interior features exposed wooden beams and vintage chandeliers, evoking old-world elegance. Popular among locals and tourists alike, it’s best to visit early or reserve ahead to avoid crowds. This breakfast experience is more than a meal—it’s a sensory journey into Flemish tradition.

Yes, Aalst is highly family-friendly. The city is compact and safe, with flat, walkable streets and several child-friendly parks like Le Vieux Jardin, featuring swings, slides, and interactive water fountains. The Aalst Zoo, just a 10-minute walk away, houses native birds and small animals, with guided tours for kids. Most recommended hotels offer cribs, high chairs, and children’s meals. Family-oriented activities and welcoming locals make it an ideal destination for multi-generational trips.

Aalst has a relaxed, intimate nightlife scene. While it lacks large clubs, the area around the Old Bridge hosts cozy cafés and microbreweries like De Sint, serving craft beer and Belgian snacks. In the evenings, locals gather at Town Hall Square to chat over coffee or wine, creating a warm, community-driven atmosphere. For a peaceful end to the day, enjoy a drink on the terrace of Hotel de la Poste, listening to distant church bells—a true taste of slow-paced Flemish life.

Yes, Aalst has reliable public transport. Regular buses connect the city to Ypres and Ghent, taking about 30–45 minutes. The city center is walkable, allowing easy access to landmarks without a car. Car rental is available at the Aalst Train Station, ideal for exploring nearby battlefields or rural villages. Additionally, bike-sharing stations are scattered throughout the city, making cycling along the Aalst River route a scenic and eco-friendly option for travelers.

The must-photograph spots in Aalst include the St. Mary's Church Tower, with its striking Gothic spire and stained-glass windows, especially stunning at sunrise. The Old Bridge over the Aalst River, paved with cobblestones and lined with willow trees, offers perfect reflections in the water—ideal for serene landscape shots. The Market Square fountain surrounded by century-old chestnut trees provides a classic backdrop for portraits. Late afternoon light bathes the entire town in golden hues, creating cinematic moments perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Aalst stands out for its artisan markets and heritage crafts. Every Saturday, the Market Square hosts a vibrant open-air market with dozens of local artisans selling handmade ceramics, woolen goods, and antique furniture. Look for Aalst Blue Glazed Pottery, a regional specialty crafted using time-honored methods. Don’t miss Bijou d’Art, a boutique offering limited-edition Belgian soaps, handmade candles, and artistic postcards—perfect souvenirs that reflect the town’s creative soul.

Aalst has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters (around 5°C) and cool summers (about 20°C). Spring and autumn are ideal for travel—pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer showers are common, so carry a lightweight raincoat; winter days are gray but rarely freezing. The best time to visit is May through September, when festivals thrive and daylight hours extend. Early spring brings cherry blossoms along the Old Bridge, adding romantic charm to the cityscape.