Is Hasselt Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

Is Hasselt worth visiting? Honestly, Hasselt is probably one of the last Belgian cities I’d think of visiting, especially if you’re travelling from abroad and it’s your first time in Belgium.

That doesn’t mean Hasselt is a bad city. Far from it. It has plenty of shops, cosy coffee spots, restaurants and things to do, and there’s also lots of nature around the city if you enjoy walking or cycling.

But if you’re planning your first trip to Belgium, I wouldn’t personally put Hasselt at the top of your list. There are other Belgian cities that I’d recommend visiting first.

However, if you’ve already seen the main tourist destinations, live in Belgium or nearby, or simply want to discover somewhere a little different, Hasselt can definitely be worth visiting.

Here’s my honest take on whether you should add Hasselt to your Belgium itinerary.

For a more complete overview of the city, check out my Hasselt Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & Drink, where I go into much more detail about what to do, where to eat and where to explore.

If you’re planning a bigger trip around Belgium, check out my Belgium Complete Travel Guide: Cities, Food, Festivals & Local Tips for more ideas on where to go and how to plan your trip.

Is Hasselt Worth Visiting for the First Time in Belgium?

If this is your first time visiting Belgium, I’d probably say no.

If you only have a few days in Belgium and want to visit some of the country’s best-known cities, I’d prioritise Bruges, Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp before Hasselt.

These cities offer more of the experiences international visitors usually associate with Belgium, from medieval architecture and historic city centres to famous landmarks, museums and Belgian culture.

Hasselt is a different kind of city. It’s more relaxed and doesn’t have as many major tourist attractions that I’d consider essential for a first-time visitor.

So if you’re flying into Belgium for a short trip and asking me which cities you should visit, Hasselt wouldn’t make my first picks.

That said, if you have more time in Belgium, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with adding it to your itinerary.

If you’re not sure which Belgian cities are worth prioritising, my Belgium Cities Compared: Which Belgian City Should You Visit? breaks down what each city is best for.

Who Should Visit Hasselt?

I think Hasselt makes much more sense for people who already know Belgium a little better.

If you’re from Belgium, the Netherlands or somewhere nearby and you’re looking for a city trip that’s a little different from the usual tourist destinations, Hasselt can be a nice option.

You can spend the day wandering through the city, checking out shops, stopping for coffee, having lunch somewhere nice and ending the day with dinner or drinks.

It’s not necessarily a city where you need a huge sightseeing checklist. Instead, it’s somewhere you can slow down and enjoy the city itself.

And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

Hasselt can also work well for a shorter getaway. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my guide to the Best Weekend Trips in Belgium: 5 Places for a Perfect Belgian Getaway.

Walking trail at Domain Kiewit in Hasselt, Belgium

What Is Hasselt Like?

Hasselt is a relatively relaxed Belgian city with a nice mix of shopping, food, coffee and city life.

The city centre is easy to explore, and you can combine different activities without having to plan every minute of your day.

You could start with breakfast or brunch, wander around the shops, stop for a coffee, visit a few sights and then find somewhere for dinner.

If you’re a foodie or love finding cute cafés, Hasselt is definitely worth considering.

I’ve also put together a guide to the best breakfast and brunch spots in Hasselt if you’re looking for somewhere to start your day.

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Hasselt Is Great If You Want Something Less Touristy

One of the biggest reasons I’d recommend Hasselt to certain travellers is that it can be a nice alternative to Belgium’s most famous tourist destinations.

If you’ve already been to Bruges and Ghent and don’t feel like visiting another city packed with tourists, Hasselt gives you a different experience.

You won’t get the same postcard-perfect medieval streets as Bruges, and that’s okay.

Instead, Hasselt is more about spending time in the city, discovering local cafés and restaurants, shopping and enjoying a slower pace.

So if your idea of a good city trip is less about ticking off famous landmarks and more about eating, drinking, shopping and wandering around, you might really enjoy Hasselt.

Nature Around Hasselt

Another reason to consider visiting Hasselt is the nature around the city.

If you’re someone who enjoys walking, cycling or spending time outdoors, Hasselt can be a good base for exploring the surrounding area.

You can combine a visit to the city with a walk or bike ride, which makes it a little more interesting than a city break focused purely on sightseeing.

This is also one of the reasons I’d consider Hasselt more interesting for a Belgian weekend or day trip than for a first-time international visitor with limited time.

How Long Do You Need in Hasselt?

For most people, I’d say one day is enough to get a feel for Hasselt.

You can spend the day exploring the city centre, shopping, visiting a few attractions, grabbing coffee and having a meal.

If you want to combine your city visit with cycling, walking or exploring more of the surrounding area, I’d consider staying for one or two nights.

You definitely don’t need a full week in Hasselt to see the highlights.

If Hasselt is part of a bigger Belgium trip, my guide on How Many Days in Belgium Do You Need? The Perfect 3, 5, or 7-Day Itinerary can help you decide how much time to spend in the country overall.

Is Hasselt Worth Visiting for Pukkelpop?

Absolutely, if you’re going to Pukkelpop!

Pukkelpop is one of the biggest music festivals in Belgium and, in my opinion, one of the best festivals in the country.

If you’re visiting Hasselt for Pukkelpop, the city obviously becomes a very different experience. You’ll have the festival itself, but you can also use Hasselt as your base for food, drinks and accommodation.

One important tip: book your accommodation well in advance if you don’t want to stay at the campsite.

Accommodation around Pukkelpop can fill up quickly, so don’t leave this until the last minute.

If you love festivals, check out my Best Festivals in Belgium: The Ultimate Belgian Festival Guide for more Belgian festivals worth checking out throughout the year.

What To Do in Hasselt

If you do decide to visit, there are plenty of ways to spend your time.

You can:

  • Explore Hasselt’s city centre
  • Go shopping
  • Visit local cafés and coffee shops
  • Have breakfast or brunch
  • Try some of the city’s restaurants
  • Go for a walk
  • Explore the area by bike
  • Combine your visit with nearby nature
  • Visit during Pukkelpop

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve written a complete Hasselt Travel Guide with recommendations from a local friend. It’s a good place to start if you want to know what is actually worth doing in Hasselt rather than just looking at a generic list of attractions.

My Honest Opinion: Should You Visit Hasselt?

So, is Hasselt worth visiting?

For me, the answer is yes, but it depends on who you are.

If you’re travelling from abroad and it’s your first time in Belgium, I’d skip Hasselt. If you only have a limited amount of time, there are other Belgian cities I’d recommend seeing first.

But if you’re from Belgium or a neighbouring country, have already visited the major tourist destinations, or simply want to do something a little different, Hasselt can definitely be worth a day trip or weekend.

It’s not my personal favourite Belgian city, but you can absolutely have a good time there. There are shops, restaurants, coffee spots and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy yourself.

And if you love walking, cycling or nature, the surroundings give you even more reason to visit.

Then, of course, there’s Pukkelpop, which is a reason in itself to head to Hasselt if you’re a festival lover.

Pukkelpop Downtown festival in Hasselt, Belgium

So I wouldn’t call Hasselt a must-visit destination in Belgium, but I also wouldn’t write it off.

Think of it more as a city to visit when you want something different from the classic Belgian tourist route.

And if you do decide to go, make sure to check out my Hasselt Travel Guide, where you can find my recommendations for what to do, where to eat and where to go for coffee and brunch.

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

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FAQ: Is Hasselt Worth Visiting?

Is Hasselt worth visiting?

Yes, but it depends on what you’re looking for. Hasselt is a good option for a relaxed city trip with shopping, cafés, restaurants and access to nature. However, if it’s your first time in Belgium, I’d personally prioritise cities like Bruges, Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp.

Is Hasselt worth visiting for a first trip to Belgium?

Personally, I wouldn’t make Hasselt a priority on a first trip to Belgium. If you only have a few days, I’d focus on Belgium’s more famous destinations first. Hasselt is better suited to travellers who have more time or have already visited the main tourist cities.

How many days do you need in Hasselt?

One day is enough to explore Hasselt’s city centre and get a feel for the city. If you also want to walk, cycle or explore the surrounding area, staying for one or two nights can be worthwhile.

What is Hasselt known for?

Hasselt is known for its shopping, food and drink scene, relaxed city centre and its location in Limburg. The city is also closely associated with Pukkelpop, one of Belgium’s major music festivals.

Is Hasselt touristy?

Hasselt is generally less touristy than Belgian destinations such as Bruges, Ghent and Brussels. That’s part of its appeal if you’re looking for somewhere a little more relaxed and less focused on international tourism.

Is Hasselt good for a day trip?

Yes. Hasselt works well as a day trip, particularly for people living in Belgium or nearby. You can combine shopping, coffee, food and sightseeing without needing a packed itinerary.

Is Hasselt good for nature and cycling?

Yes. The area around Hasselt offers opportunities for walking and cycling, so it’s a good choice if you want to combine a city visit with some time outdoors.

Is Hasselt worth visiting for Pukkelpop?

Definitely. If you’re going to Pukkelpop, Hasselt is an obvious place to stay and explore around the festival. If you don’t want to camp, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

What are the best things to do in Hasselt?

You can spend your time shopping, exploring the city centre, visiting cafés and restaurants, going for coffee or brunch, and exploring the surrounding nature. For more ideas, check out my Hasselt Travel Guide.

Where should I eat in Hasselt?

Hasselt has plenty of restaurants, cafés and places for breakfast and brunch. If you’re looking for somewhere to start your day, check out my guide to the best breakfast and brunch spots in Hasselt.

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