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

In Maaseik, the top choice for families is Hotel de Burcht, located in the heart of town near the Sint-Maria Kerk. This historic hotel offers spacious family rooms, child-friendly amenities, and scenic views of the Maas River. It also provides free bicycle rentals, making it easy to explore nearby countryside trails and landmarks.

For a quieter, more intimate stay, consider De Rode Loper, a charming boutique guesthouse nestled in greenery. Renowned for authentic Belgian cuisine, it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Provinciaal Museum Limburg and ideal for families seeking nature and local culture in a peaceful setting.

The city center (Centrum Maaseik) is the most convenient and recommended area for lodging. It’s within walking distance of major attractions like the Town Hall, Oude Markt square, and Sint-Maria Kerk. This district hosts a variety of cozy hotels and welcoming local restaurants, offering safety and tranquility, especially at night.

From here, you can easily reach the Ardennes Forest in just 15 minutes by car. Staying in the city center ensures access to culture, convenience, and a smooth travel experience while enjoying the authentic charm of this lesser-known gem in eastern Belgium.

One must-experience event in Maaseik is the annual Agrofestival Maaseik, held every summer, celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of Limburg province. Visitors can participate in traditional activities such as handmade bread baking, farm tours, and sampling local specialties like Maaseik cheese and rye bread.

Another highlight is visiting the Molenmuseum De Molen, a restored 19th-century windmill now serving as a museum of regional industrial history. The site regularly hosts pottery workshops and old-fashioned baking demonstrations, offering an immersive look into rural life and craftsmanship in eastern Belgium.

Near Maaseik, the Maaspad Maaseik is a scenic 8-kilometer riverside trail along the Maas River, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. The path winds through lush greenery, past ancient stone bridges, and offers sightings of wild birds and local wildlife.

Further afield, the Kleiner Vlierenbos forest features untouched oak and beech trees, ideal for quiet hikes and spotting European wild boar and squirrels. Rent bicycles from De Brouckere Bike Rental to plan a full-day nature excursion, combining forest exploration with the serene beauty of Limburg’s countryside.

Must-try specialties in Maaseik include Maaseik Stew, a slow-cooked beef dish with potatoes and local vegetables, rich in flavor and tradition. Another local favorite is Limburgse Wors, a smoked pork sausage often served with sauerkraut.

Visit De Drie Zwaarden, a local tavern known for its craft beers—especially seasonal brews made with rye and honey. For a homely meal, dine at De Sint-Janske, a century-old restaurant using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to serve authentic Eastern Belgian home cooking, offering a true taste of regional life.

Maaseik boasts several well-preserved historical landmarks. The Sint-Maria Kerk stands out—a 14th-century Gothic church featuring stunning stained-glass windows and a 16th-century altarpiece.

The Kasteel Maaseik ruins offer a glimpse into medieval fortification design, with remaining stone walls and moat remnants. Nearby, the Oud Stadhuis (Old Town Hall) has been restored into a cultural center hosting exhibitions and lectures on local history.

Together, these sites reflect Maaseik’s deep-rooted past and are essential stops for history enthusiasts exploring Belgium’s eastern region.

The ideal times to visit Maaseik are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Spring brings blooming cherry blossoms during the Cherry Blossom Festival in April, painting the streets pink. Autumn offers vibrant foliage and events like the Agrofestival and artisan markets. Avoiding the peak summer months helps you enjoy quieter streets and a more authentic, unhurried experience of this hidden Belgian gem.

Yes, Maaseik is well-connected by public transport. The nearest airports are Antwerp International Airport (1h15m by car or bus) and Liège Airport (45 minutes). Direct buses like Line 130 run hourly between Liège Airport and Maaseik’s city center, with affordable fares.

Within Maaseik, the Busnet Limburg network covers all key areas, and many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services. Use platforms like FlixBus or De Lijn to book tickets online. Pairing bus travel with bike rentals enables a sustainable, flexible journey across the region.

Visit the Oude Markt weekend market every Saturday morning, where over 30 local vendors sell handmade leather goods, ceramics, dried flowers, and fresh produce.

For souvenirs, head to De Kruidenier, a century-old spice shop offering Belgian specialties like chocolate sauce, honey wine, and Maaseik herbal tea, available for shipping.

Book lovers will appreciate Boekhandel De Vriend, a cozy independent bookstore specializing in second-hand books and limited editions, often hosting author talks—perfect for discovering Maaseik’s literary soul.

Maaseik offers a relaxed, low-key nightlife perfect for those seeking calm evenings. Local bierkelders like De Bokke and De Grote Vuur serve craft beers and traditional snacks, often featuring live music on weekends.

Every Saturday, the Sint-Maria Kerk square hosts open-air movie screenings under the stars—bring a blanket and enjoy films with locals.

For a deeper cultural experience, join the Maaseik Historical Society’s Night Walk, guided by residents through cobbled alleys, sharing legends and wartime stories. It’s a unique, atmospheric way to end your day in this quiet yet vibrant Belgian village.