Aarschot City Guide

Local Belgian dishes like stoemp and carbonnade are common. International options include Italian, Chinese, and Turkish. Vegetarians and vegans will find options. Late-night dining is limited.

Nightlife is mostly local pubs and bars around the market square, not large clubs.

Good cafes with standard and some specialty coffee options. Coffee culture is part of daily life.

Tipping isn't required since service charges are included. Small tips or rounding up are appreciated.

SIM cards can be bought at mobile stores or supermarkets. Main providers are Proximus, Orange, and Telenet/Base, with eSIMs available. Registration requires ID.

The city is clean, with effective waste separation and recycling.

Few 24/7 services. Pharmacies close evenings but have on-call services. Limited late-night food.

Supermarkets offer a good range including international products. Weekly markets provide fresh local produce.

Card payments work well in most places, but it's good to carry some cash for small shops or markets.

ATMs from major banks like KBC, Belfius, and BNP Paribas are common. Fees are low for European cards but may apply for international cards.

Local schools mainly teach in Dutch. International English schools are in Leuven or Brussels nearby.

No strong nomad community or regular meetups. Some cafes have Wi-Fi but no dedicated nomad spaces.

Stadspark and riverside areas provide green and shady spots for walking.

Good running routes in Stadspark and along the Demer River. Safe and clean air.

Gyms offer regular and some wider fitness facilities like swimming.

Tennis clubs and padel courts are available, usually bookable online.

Padel courts are available in town.

Several yoga studios offer various styles; English instruction varies.

Clubs offer Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo. Availability of English-speaking instructors varies.

No skiing nearby; resorts are in other countries.

Kayaking is possible on the Demer River; other water sports need coastal areas.

Surfing is only available on the coast, not near Aarschot.

Diving is not readily available in Aarschot.

Healthcare is high quality with English-speaking staff at AZ Diest hospital and clinics. Pharmacies are common and well-staffed.

Tap water is safe to drink in Aarschot.

Several playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are available. Attractions include Stadspark, river walks, and nearby amusement parks.

Belgium is very accepting of LGBTQ+ people. Aarschot is smaller but generally safe and welcoming.

Many public spaces welcome pets; vet clinics and parks are plentiful. EU pet import rules apply.