Hasselt City Guide

Good local food and jenever specials. Variety of international options like Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern. Vegan and vegetarian choices are growing. Limited late-night food options.

Active nightlife around main squares with bars, pubs, and some clubs.

Mix of traditional cafes and specialty coffee shops with some local roasters.

Tipping is optional, as service is included. Rounding up or 5-10% is appreciated for good service.

Buy SIM cards at Proximus, Orange, and Telenet stores or electronics shops. eSIMs available. ID or passport registration is required.

City center streets are clean with good waste recycling and pickup.

Some pharmacies rotate on-call after hours. Few minimarts open late. Hospitals provide 24/7 emergency care. Limited late-night food options.

Supermarkets like Carrefour, Delhaize, Albert Heijn, and Colruyt offer a good range of international products. Local markets provide fresh produce. Shops mainly open 8 AM-8 PM weekdays and close Sundays and holidays.

Most places accept cards, but cash is still accepted everywhere. Small purchases are less often paid in cash.

ATMs are common near banks and shopping areas. Major banks include KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, and Belfius. Fees may apply for foreign cards.

Local schools teach mainly in Dutch. Few international English-speaking schools in Hasselt; more available in Brussels or Antwerp.

Small but growing community with occasional meetups. Several cafes support remote work.

Parks like Kapermolen and Japanese Garden offer shaded walking and green areas.

Good running routes in parks and along the canal. Safe and good air quality.

Several gyms available for different fitness needs.

Tennis courts available through sports clubs, usually by membership or booking.

Padel courts available at local clubs with reservations.

Several studios offer various yoga styles; some classes in English.

Clubs for judo, karate, taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing. English instruction varies.

No ski resorts nearby; small options in Ardennes and neighboring countries.

Limited water sports. Albert Canal offers kayaking and paddleboarding.

No surfing near Hasselt; surf spots are on the Belgian coast.

No natural dive sites nearby; some indoor/quarry diving exists but far away.

Jessa Hospital and other clinics provide good care with some English-speaking staff. Pharmacies have regular hours and rotating after-hours service. Healthcare quality is high.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Many parks and playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafes and baby stores are common. Attractions include Plopsa Indoor, Bokrijk museum, and Japanese Garden.

Inclusive and safe city with strong legal protections and good acceptance.

Pet-friendly city with vets and parks allowing dogs. Standard EU pet import rules apply.