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

Stay at Hotel de L'Abbaye, a former Cistercian abbey transformed into a boutique hotel nestled within the Saint Peter's Abbey grounds. This heritage property blends medieval stone architecture with contemporary luxury, offering rooms with original vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows. Its on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Jardin Secret, serves exquisite Belgian-French cuisine using local ingredients. Located just a 5-minute walk from the historic center of Antwerp, it’s ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and cultural immersion in the heart of Flanders.

The best area for staying in Herentals is around the Saint Peter's Abbey complex, where quiet streets meet historical charm. Boutique hotels like La Maison des Moines offer rooms in restored monastic buildings, preserving original cloisters and frescoes. The area is perfect for morning walks through the abbey gardens or evening strolls along the Meuse River Pathway. It’s also close to the Herentals Museum and the Antwerp Academy of Arts, making it ideal for culture lovers who value peace and authenticity.

Don’t miss visiting the underground crypt of Saint Peter’s Abbey, a hidden gem with 12th-century Romanesque arches and ancient burial carvings. Attend the annual Abbey Music Festival in autumn, featuring classical performances by local ensembles in the cathedral’s acoustically rich space. Also try a hands-on Belgian chocolate workshop at L'Épicerie du Temps, where you’ll craft signature truffles using traditional molds and learn about Belgium’s world-renowned confectionery art.

Take tram line 20 from central Antwerp—just a 15-minute ride to Herentals Station. The route winds through lush countryside and historic villages, passing old farmhouses and oak forests. For a more immersive experience, rent a bike and follow the Meuse River Cycle Path, a scenic 30-minute ride with stops at cozy cafés serving warm hot chocolate and almond croissants. It’s a perfect blend of urban transit and rural discovery.

Yes, Family Hotel Herentals is a top choice for families, offering spacious family suites, an indoor playroom, and a small animal garden with chickens and rabbits. Guests can join weekend vegetable harvesting sessions in the on-site organic garden. Breakfast includes fresh-baked bread and regional cheeses. Located just 10 minutes from Antwerp Zoo, it combines comfort, nature, and fun—ideal for children and parents alike.

Try Herentals Stew, a hearty dish made with local beef, carrots, and dark Belgian beer, slow-cooked to perfection. Another must-try is the Brussels Waffle with Wild Berries, baked in a vintage iron at Boulangerie du Vieux Moulin, known for its crisp texture and delicate sweetness. Pair it with a glass of local craft beer from Café de l'Abbaye. These flavors capture the essence of rural Flanders and are best enjoyed in a rustic café setting.

Absolutely. The Saint Peter's Abbey is one of Belgium’s most intact medieval monasteries, featuring a Romanesque church, Gothic bell tower, and well-preserved cloisters. The Abbey Museum houses rare 14th-century manuscripts, altarpieces, and religious artifacts. Guided tours in period costumes bring history to life every Saturday afternoon. The adjacent rose garden blooms year-round and offers stunning photo opportunities blending architecture and nature.

Explore the Meuse River Cycle Path—a flat, scenic route perfect for cycling, with views of willow trees and wild birds. Join a sunrise yoga session on the abbey lawn or participate in winter snowshoe hikes through the forest trails. The Antwerp Rural Nature Park offers birdwatching and photography workshops. These activities provide a peaceful connection to nature, ideal for those seeking quiet adventure in a green, historic landscape.

Visit the Market Square of Herentals every Saturday for a vibrant local market selling fresh produce, handmade ceramics, and antique books. At Atelier de la Laine, take a wool dyeing and knitting workshop to create your own custom scarf. Les Petits Trésors features curated crafts from across Belgium—crystal chandeliers, copper tableware, and handcrafted soaps—making it the perfect place to find meaningful, high-quality keepsakes.

Herentals is known for its peaceful evenings. Café de l'Abbaye, housed in the old abbey kitchen, stays open late with live jazz music and a selection of Belgian craft beers like Trappist 8 and Gueuze. Enjoy smoked herring platters and local cheese while soaking in the intimate atmosphere. Some boutique hotels also feature private lounges with fireplaces, perfect for a quiet nightcap. It’s the ideal destination for travelers seeking calm, culture, and a touch of old-world charm.