Aalst City Guide

Local food includes fries, waffles, mussels, stoemp, and Belgian beer. The city offers a good mix of international cuisines and growing vegan options. Limited late-night dining.

Nightlife centers around Grote Markt with various pubs and bars.

Decent coffee scene with traditional and some specialty shops. Coffee often enjoyed with a pastry.

Tipping is optional; service charges are included. Small tips or rounding up is appreciated for good service.

SIM cards sold at Proximus, Orange, Telenet shops and some supermarkets. ID or passport registration is required.

City is generally clean, especially downtown. Waste collection and recycling work well.

Some rotating late pharmacies and night shops open; hospital emergencies available; late food limited mostly to fast food.

Supermarkets have good international products. Main stores are Colruyt, Delhaize, Carrefour, and Albert Heijn. Weekly fresh market in city center.

Card payments are widely accepted, though cash is still common and accepted everywhere.

ATMs from KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, and Belfius are easy to find. International cards may incur withdrawal fees around €2-5.

Local schools teach mainly in Dutch. International schools with English instruction are in Brussels or Ghent.

Digital nomad community is small. Some cafes offer good Wi-Fi but no regular meetups or co-living spaces.

The Stadspark and riverside paths provide good green spaces with shaded walks and running spots.

Popular running routes along Stadspark and Dender River; safe and good air quality.

Several gyms available for training.

Available at local sports clubs with rental and booking options.

Padel courts found at local clubs.

Several studios offer various styles; some instructors speak English.

Various martial arts like Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, possibly BJJ and Muay Thai available. English spoken varies.

No local skiing; nearest slopes in Ardennes about 150 km away rely on natural snow.

Kayaking and paddleboarding possible on Dender River; sailing and windsurfing mainly coastal.

Surfing is only possible on the coast 70-80 km away with cold water year-round.

Limited inland diving sites; not a main activity in Aalst.

High-quality healthcare available with English-speaking staff at OLV Hospital Aalst. Pharmacies have good OTC options and advice.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Several playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés are available. Family attractions include Stadspark, Belfry, and Carnival Museum.

Belgium is progressive with strong legal protections and societal acceptance, making Aalst safe for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Pet-friendly city with parks allowing dogs; veterinary clinics available and pet import rules per EU.