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

For first-time visitors, staying in the Old Town (Centrum) of Kortrijk is ideal. This historic district offers easy access to major landmarks like the Belfry of Kortrijk, St. Martin's Church, and the Dijver Canal. The area is walkable, filled with charming cafés and boutique shops.

Recommended hotels include Hotel de la Poste, a 19th-century gem with elegant rooms and a central location, and Les Jardins de L'Abbaye, a serene retreat housed in a former abbey with lush gardens and organic dining. Both offer authentic Flemish hospitality and proximity to cultural events like the Kortrijk Art & Craft Fair or Festival of the Three Kings.

The city’s rich heritage in textiles and medieval history makes it perfect for travelers seeking immersive local experiences beyond typical tourist routes.

Yes, several hotels in Kortrijk offer direct access to cultural events. Hotel de la Poste partners with the Kortrijk Festival of the Three Kings, providing guests with exclusive tickets to the grand parade and traditional feast.

Les Jardins de L'Abbaye hosts monthly "Craft & Culture Evenings," where guests can join workshops on Flemish lace-making, medieval brewing, or historical costume design—led by local artisans.

Additionally, during the Festival of the Dijver Canal, select hotel rooms overlook the waterway, offering prime views of boat processions and live folk music performances. These curated experiences make Kortrijk an ideal destination for culture-driven travelers seeking authenticity beyond standard sightseeing.

In Kortrijk, Hotel de la Poste stands out for families, offering interconnecting rooms, complimentary cribs, and kids’ menus featuring local Flemish dishes like rabbit stew and waffles.

The Dijver District area, where the hotel is located, features a scenic riverside park with playgrounds, picnic zones, and guided nature walks for children. Nearby, the Children’s Museum hosts weekly interactive exhibitions—such as medieval knight role-play and storytelling sessions—perfect for young explorers.

Additionally, the hotel organizes weekend "Family Discovery Days," including craft workshops, riverboat trivia games, and a seasonal "Waffle Making Challenge" with real Belgian chefs. These activities ensure memorable, engaging stays for all ages.

Two standout examples in Kortrijk are Hotel de la Poste, once the 18th-century central post office, now a boutique hotel preserving original stone walls, timber beams, and a century-old clock hall. Its library features rare manuscripts from the Flemish Enlightenment era.

The other is Les Jardins de L'Abbaye, a former 12th-century Benedictine abbey transformed into a luxury retreat. The former chapel now hosts classical concerts and art exhibitions, while underground crypts reveal ancient monastic relics.

Both hotels offer guided tours through their historical layers—exploring secret passages, medieval archives, and original frescoes—making them top choices for travelers passionate about architectural heritage and spiritual history.

Guests in Kortrijk can participate in authentic culinary adventures. Hotel Vista hosts weekly "Flamish Flavors Tours," where chefs guide guests through the Kortrijk Market, selecting fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking class featuring dishes like Carbonade Flamande and Poffertjes (mini pancakes).

Nearby, traditional bakers' workshops offer free tours and live baking demonstrations using 17th-century recipes—guests can even take home freshly baked rye bread.

Evenings often include cellar tastings at select hotels, featuring regional Belgian beers, aged red wines, and artisanal cheeses from West Flanders. These immersive food experiences provide a true taste of Flemish culture, blending history, craftsmanship, and community tradition.

Yes, Kortrijk is highly accessible for independent travelers. The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with major attractions like St. Martin's Church, the Belfry, and the Dijver Canal all within a 10-minute walk.

The Kortrijk Train Station connects directly to Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp in under an hour. Local electric bike rentals are available throughout the city, enabling easy exploration of surrounding countryside and historic farms.

Most hotels provide free travel packs with maps, public transit guides, and recommendations for self-guided walking tours. Whether cycling through forest trails or hopping on a train to nearby villages, Kortrijk offers flexible, low-pressure travel options perfect for solo or small-group adventurers.