10 Best Things to Do in Genk, Belgium (2026 Guide)

Looking for the best things to do in Genk? This city in Belgian Limburg is probably quite different from what you might expect from a Belgian city.

Genk doesn’t have the typical medieval city centre you’ll find in places like Bruges or Ghent. Instead, its identity is closely connected to its mining history, multicultural communities, contemporary art and surrounding nature.

And honestly, that’s what makes Genk interesting.

From exploring a former coal mine and walking through one of the city’s most multicultural streets to climbing a mining terril, cycling through water and exploring the green surroundings, there are plenty of things to do in Genk.

I’ve put together this guide with recommendations from my local friend Jana, who grew up in Genk, so these aren’t just the standard tourist attractions. You’ll also find some of her favourite local spots and summer recommendations along the way.

If you’re planning to explore more than just these main attractions, check out my Genk Travel Guide for more local recommendations, places to eat, where to stay and practical tips.

1. Explore C-mine

If there is one place you shouldn’t skip in Genk, I’d make it C-mine.

The former Winterslag mine has been transformed into a creative and cultural hotspot, while still keeping its impressive industrial character. Today, you’ll find art, design, exhibitions, events, restaurants and the famous C-mine expeditie here.

C-mine expeditie takes you through the former mining site and tells the story of Genk’s mining past. The experience eventually takes you up the iconic mine shaft tower, giving you a completely different view of the area.

What I like about C-mine is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional museum where you’re simply looking at old objects behind glass. You’re actually moving through the former mining environment, which makes the experience much more immersive.

Keep in mind that the experience involves quite a lot of stairs, so it may not be suitable for everyone with mobility difficulties.

The underground section is also noticeably cooler, so I’d recommend bringing a jacket even if you’re visiting Genk on a warm summer day.

Local tip: Check what’s happening at C-mine during your visit. Especially in summer, there can be concerts, jazz evenings and other events around the site.

C-mine is also a great starting point for exploring the Vennestraat, which is just nearby.

2. Walk through the Vennestraat

If you want to understand what makes Genk different from many other Belgian cities, spend some time in the Vennestraat.

Also known as the “Street of the Senses”, the Vennestraat is one of Genk’s most multicultural streets. You’ll find Greek restaurants, Italian food, Turkish shops, cafés and plenty of other international influences within a relatively small area.

This multicultural atmosphere goes back to Genk’s mining history. Workers from different countries came to the city to work in the mines, bringing their food, traditions and cultures with them.

Today, that’s one of Genk’s biggest strengths.

The Vennestraat is somewhere I’d recommend taking your time rather than simply walking through. Have a coffee, look around the shops and restaurants and stay for lunch.

If you’re visiting Vennestraat around lunchtime or dinner, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Genk for local recommendations and different cuisines to try.

Vennestraat Saturday Market

If you can, visit on a Saturday morning.

The Vennestraat hosts a weekly fresh market with food, textiles and other products. It’s a great way to experience the street when it’s at its liveliest.

I’d especially recommend combining the market with lunch somewhere along the Vennestraat afterwards.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stop for coffee or brunch while exploring Genk, have a look at my guide to the best coffee and brunch spots in Genk.

3. Visit LABIOMISTA

Another unique place to visit in Genk is LABIOMISTA, an art and culture park created around the former mining landscape.

The site combines contemporary art, animals, nature and architecture, making it quite different from a traditional museum.

You can spend time exploring the park and taking in the different installations before continuing to Nomadland, which is one of Jana’s favourite places in Genk.

And this is exactly the kind of local recommendation I wanted to include in this guide. LABIOMISTA is interesting in itself, but combining it with some time at Nomadland gives you a better feel for this part of Genk.

4. Have a Drink at Nomadland

If you only take one local recommendation from this guide, make it Nomadland.

Nomadland is a social and cultural place where different cultures and people come together. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is particularly nice when the weather is good.

During summer and school holidays, there is often more happening during the day, making it a nice place to spend some time rather than simply stopping for one drink.

Behind Nomadland, you’ll also find the Hoefstadstraat edible garden, which is another lovely little place to explore.

Local tip: Don’t just visit LABIOMISTA and leave. Make some time for Nomadland afterwards.

For Jana, who grew up in Genk, this is one of the places that best represents the city’s social and multicultural side.

5. Climb a Terril at Thor Park

Genk’s mining history is impossible to miss, and one of the most impressive ways to experience it is from above.

At Thor Park, you can climb a former mining terril.

And yes, terril is the correct Belgian spelling! A terril is an artificial hill created from waste material left over from mining.

From the top, you get a completely different perspective over the surrounding landscape.

The area around Thor Park is also great for walking, with forests and heathland surrounding the former mining site.

If you’re lucky and quiet enough, you might even spot deer in the woods.

View from the mining terril at Thor Park in Genk

Thor Terrazza

After climbing the terril, reward yourself with something to eat or drink at Thor Terrazza.

This is exactly the kind of combination that makes Genk fun: walk through a former mining landscape, climb a terril and then sit down for food and drinks.

6. Relax at Molenvijver

For something a little more relaxed, head to Molenvijverpark.

The area around the pond is perfect for a walk, especially on a sunny day. You can bring a picnic, sit by the water or simply enjoy the green surroundings.

Genk actually has several good picnic locations, including Molenvijverpark, Nomadland, C-mine, Thor Park and Kattevennen.

So if you’re visiting Genk in good weather, bringing your own picnic is definitely worth considering.

Molenvijver is also a nice option if you’ve already spent the morning exploring some of Genk’s more industrial and cultural sights and want somewhere peaceful to slow down.

7. Spend a Day in Bokrijk

Technically, Bokrijk is just outside the centre of Genk, but it absolutely deserves a place on this list.

It’s one of the best places around Genk if you want to combine nature, history and something a little different.

You could easily spend several hours here, especially if you want to explore both the open-air museum and the surrounding nature.

Fietsen door het Water

One of the most famous things to do here is Fietsen door het Water, literally meaning “cycling through the water”.

The cycling path takes you directly through a pond, allowing you to cycle with the water appearing on both sides of you.

And you don’t actually have to cycle.

You can also walk along the path and experience this unusual construction from the side, making it an easy activity even if you’re not travelling around Belgium by bike.

Walking trail through Bokrijk near Hasselt, Belgium

Bokrijk Open-Air Museum

Bokrijk is also home to its famous open-air museum, where you can explore historical buildings and learn more about traditional life in Flanders.

If you’re interested in Belgian history but don’t necessarily want to spend your entire day inside a traditional museum, this is a great alternative.

The combination of historical buildings and the surrounding green landscape makes Bokrijk quite different from most museums you’ll visit in Belgium.

8. Walk Through the Bokrijk Botanical Gardens

Bokrijk isn’t only about the open-air museum.

You can also visit the arboretum and botanical gardens, which are particularly nice if you want a quieter walk.

It’s a good option if you enjoy nature and want to slow down after exploring the busier parts of Bokrijk.

Jana also recommends combining the walk with mini golf, which is located near the playground and can be a fun option if you’re visiting with friends or family.

So if you’re visiting Bokrijk, don’t just come for Fietsen door het Water and leave. Give yourself enough time to explore some of the other things around the site too.

Botanical gardens and greenery at Bokrijk near Genk

9. Walk in Kattevennen

Don’t underestimate Genk’s green spaces.

Kattevennen is a great choice if you want to get away from the city and spend some time in the forest.

Kattevennen is one of the gateways to the Hoge Kempen National Park and has several walking routes, forests and outdoor activities.

Jana particularly recommends the walking routes here, and there’s also a riding school where you can sometimes see horses while walking around the area.

Kattevennen is also home to the Cosmodrome, so you can combine nature with a visit to the planetarium.

It’s a good option if you want to see a greener and quieter side of Genk.

If you’re into walking, cycling and being outdoors, I’d definitely add Kattevennen to your Genk itinerary.

10. Go for a Walk in De Maten

De Maten is another beautiful nature area in Genk.

It’s a particularly good choice if you want to escape the city for a while and walk through a quieter landscape.

There are walking routes through the area, making it a good option for anyone who wants to spend a few hours surrounded by nature rather than sightseeing in the city centre.

There’s also a visitor centre where you can stop for a drink.

De Maten is one of the best options if you want to experience the greener side of Genk without having to travel far outside the city.

Walking trail through the nature of De Maten in Genk

More Things to Do in Genk

The ten activities above are the ones I’d prioritise, but there are a few more local recommendations in Genk worth knowing about, especially if you’re visiting during summer or want to experience something a little unusual.

Spend a Summer Afternoon at Waterfront

If you’re visiting Genk during summer, check out Waterfront.

This seasonal summer bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink in the sunshine and relax after exploring the city.

It’s particularly worth checking what’s happening during your visit, as summer spots and events can change from year to year.

Watch a Film at Cinema Victoria

For something slightly more unusual, check out Cinema Victoria.

It’s an old cinema that mainly shows silent films, so don’t come expecting a modern cinema experience with luxurious seats.

You’re going for the atmosphere as much as the film.

It’s a fun option if you want to experience a more unusual side of Genk and are looking for something different to add to your itinerary.

Cinema Victoria in Genk, an atmospheric old cinema

Go Swimming in Summer

If you’re visiting Genk during summer and the weather is warm, there are several swimming options in the wider area.

Jana recommends checking out:

Wouterbron in Oudsbergen
Kelchterhoef
Hengelhoef

These are particularly nice options if you want to escape the heat and spend a day outside.

I’d check the current opening arrangements and swimming conditions before heading out, as these can change depending on the season.

How to Spend One Day in Genk

If you only have one day in Genk, I wouldn’t try to squeeze all ten activities into your itinerary.

Instead, I’d combine a few different sides of the city.

Morning: Start at C-mine and explore the former mining site and C-mine expeditie.

Lunch: Walk over to the Vennestraat, explore the street and grab lunch at one of the international restaurants.

Afternoon: Choose between LABIOMISTA + Nomadland or Thor Park depending on whether you’re more interested in art and culture or nature and walking.

Evening: Head back towards the city for dinner and drinks.

If you’re visiting in summer, you could also swap one of these activities for Waterfront or another seasonal event.

If you’re particularly interested in nature, I’d give yourself more time and visit Bokrijk, Kattevennen or De Maten instead.

If you’re planning a longer trip around Belgium and aren’t sure how much time to spend in each destination, my guide on how many days you need in Belgium gives you ideas for planning a 3, 5 or 7-day trip.

Is Genk Worth Visiting?

I think Genk is worth visiting if you’re looking for something different from the classic Belgian city break.

It’s not the place I’d recommend if you’re looking for medieval streets and postcard-perfect architecture. But if you’re interested in industrial heritage, multicultural food, contemporary art and nature, Genk has quite a lot to offer.

What I particularly like is that you can combine completely different experiences in one trip.

You can explore a former coal mine in the morning, eat Greek or Italian food in the Vennestraat for lunch, climb a mining terril in the afternoon and finish the day with a drink surrounded by greenery.

That’s what makes Genk unique.

And because this guide is based partly on recommendations from my local friend Jana, you’re also getting some places that you might not necessarily find on a standard list of things to do in Genk.

Still wondering whether Genk is actually worth adding to your Belgium itinerary? I’ve also shared my honest opinion on whether Genk is worth visiting.

Final Thoughts

Genk might not be the first Belgian city that comes to mind when planning a trip to Belgium, but that’s exactly why I think it’s worth discovering.

The city has a fascinating mining history, a genuinely multicultural atmosphere and some surprisingly beautiful nature.

Whether you want to explore C-mine, eat your way through the Vennestraat, climb a terril, cycle through water at Bokrijk or simply go for a walk in the surrounding nature, there are plenty of ways to spend your time here.

My biggest tip? Don’t only visit Genk’s city centre. Some of the best experiences are spread throughout the wider city and its surrounding nature.

And if you’re visiting in summer, keep an eye out for seasonal spots like Waterfront and Nomadland, while Cinema Victoria is a fun option if you want to do something a little different.

If you’re not sure where to start, use my Genk Travel Guide to plan your trip with recommendations from someone who actually grew up there.

If you’re still deciding which Belgian cities to visit, my guide comparing the best cities in Belgium can help you see how Genk compares with Belgium’s more famous destinations.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

Genk Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & Local Tips
Is Genk Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion
Coffee & Brunch: Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Genk, Belgium
Restaurants Genk: Best Restaurants in Genk, Belgium

FAQ: Things to Do in Genk

Is Genk worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you’re interested in mining history, multicultural food, contemporary art and nature. Genk is quite different from Belgium’s more famous cities such as Bruges and Ghent, making it a good choice if you want to explore somewhere less touristy.

What is Genk known for?

Genk is particularly known for its mining history and multicultural character. Former mining sites such as C-mine and Thor Park are now important parts of the city, while places like the Vennestraat showcase Genk’s international influences.

What are the best things to do in Genk?

Some of the best things to do in Genk include exploring C-mine, walking through the Vennestraat, visiting LABIOMISTA, climbing a terril at Thor Park, exploring Bokrijk and walking in Kattevennen or De Maten.

Is one day enough for Genk?

One day is enough to see some of Genk’s highlights, but you’ll need to choose what interests you most. If you want to combine the city’s cultural attractions with nature or Bokrijk, I’d recommend staying for one or two nights.

Is Genk good for nature?

Yes. Genk is surrounded by plenty of green spaces and is a great destination if you enjoy walking, cycling and spending time outdoors. Kattevennen, De Maten, Thor Park and Bokrijk are all good options.

What can you do in Genk in summer?

Summer is a particularly nice time to visit Genk because you can enjoy outdoor activities and seasonal spots such as Waterfront and Nomadland. You can also go walking, cycling, have a picnic or go swimming in the surrounding area.

Can you visit Bokrijk from Genk?

Yes. Bokrijk is just outside the centre of Genk and makes a great addition to a Genk itinerary. You can visit the open-air museum, walk through the botanical gardens and experience the famous Fietsen door het Water.

Where can you cycle in Genk?

There are plenty of opportunities for cycling in and around Genk. Bokrijk, Kattevennen and the wider Limburg region are particularly good options if you want to explore the area by bike.

What is a terril?

A terril is an artificial hill made from waste material created by mining. Genk has several former mining landscapes, and you can climb a terril at Thor Park for views over the surrounding area.

Is Genk good for families?

Yes. Genk has plenty of activities that work well for families, particularly Bokrijk, the botanical gardens, mini golf, swimming and nature walks. You can also combine a visit to Kattevennen with the Cosmodrome.

What is there to do in Genk at night?

You can have dinner or drinks in the city, check what’s happening at places such as C-mine or Nomadland, or look for events taking place during your visit. In summer, there are often more outdoor activities and events.

Is Genk a good alternative to Bruges or Ghent?

If you’re looking for medieval architecture and classic Belgian sightseeing, I’d choose Bruges or Ghent. But if you want something less touristy and are interested in mining heritage, multicultural food, art and nature, Genk offers a very different experience.

Where should I stay in Genk?

The best area depends on what you want to do during your trip. If you’re planning to explore Genk, I’d recommend checking out my Genk Travel Guide for more information and local recommendations.