Exploring Dinant, Belgium: A Complete Guide to Things to Do

Dinant, Belgium is a beautiful and historic city located in the Wallonia region of the country. It’s located on the banks of the River Meuse and offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do. From its stunning architecture and charming cobblestone streets to its outdoor activities and lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Dinant. This complete guide will provide visitors with an overview of the city, from its top attractions to its hidden gems. So read on to discover the best things to do in Dinant, Belgium!

Visit the Citadel of Dinant

The Citadel of Dinant is a must-see for visitors to the city. This imposing fortress is perched high above the city on a rocky outcrop and offers stunning views of the city below. It was built in the 11th century and has been used as both a military stronghold and a prison. Today, it is open to the public and visitors can explore its many towers and dungeons. Inside the fortress, visitors can also visit the Museum of History and Art, which houses a collection of artifacts and documents related to the city’s history.

The Citadel is also home to the world’s largest carillon, an enormous set of bells which can be heard playing throughout the city. It’s a great place to explore and learn more about the city’s history, and the spectacular views from the top are not to be missed.

For the adventurous, there is also a zip-line tour which takes visitors on a thrilling ride through the air around the Citadel. This is a great way to experience the stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

Explore the Old Town of Dinant

Located at the foot of the Citadel is the old town of Dinant, which is full of medieval charm. This picturesque area is home to a wealth of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can explore the old town and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the river below. There are also plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Musée Dinant Nature.

For those looking for some outdoor activities, the old town is also home to a number of walking and cycling paths. These paths take visitors through some of the city’s most picturesque areas, including the Parc des Ardennes, where visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

For the more adventurous, there is also the opportunity to go canoeing or kayaking on the River Meuse, which runs through the city. This is a great way to explore the city from a different perspective and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Visit the La Merveilleuse Cave

The La Merveilleuse Cave is a must-see for visitors to Dinant. This incredible natural wonder is located just outside the city and is one of the most spectacular caves in Europe. It’s a network of underground tunnels and chambers filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a number of fascinating geological formations. Visitors can explore the cave and take in the stunning views, as well as learn about the cave’s history and geology.

The cave is also home to a number of rare species, including bats, salamanders, and the cave spider. Visitors can also take part in guided tours, which provide an interesting and informative insight into the history of the cave and its inhabitants.

For a more adventurous experience, visitors can also take part in caving tours, which provide the opportunity to explore the cave’s deeper chambers and see some of its more impressive formations. These tours are not for the faint of heart, but they are an unforgettable experience.

Visit Dinant’s Beguinage

The Beguinage of Dinant is a unique and historic site located in the old town of Dinant. This former convent was built in the 12th century and is now home to a community of nuns. The Beguinage is a tranquil and picturesque area, with cobblestone streets, a peaceful garden, and stunning views of the city below. Visitors can explore the area and visit the chapel, which is open to the public.

The Beguinage is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Musée des Beguines, which houses a collection of artifacts and documents related to the history of the convent. There is also a shop which sells a range of local products and souvenirs, as well as a cafe where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat.

For the more adventurous, there is also the opportunity to take part in guided tours of the Beguinage, which provide an insight into the history and culture of the area. These tours are a great way to explore the area and learn more about its fascinating history.

Go Shopping at the Marché des Ardennes

For those looking to do some shopping in Dinant, the Marché des Ardennes is the perfect place to go. This lively market is held every Saturday in the city center and is filled with stalls selling a range of goods, including fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, and local specialties. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs, and there’s always a lively atmosphere.

The market is also home to a number of food stalls, where visitors can sample some of the city’s delicacies, such as waterzooi, a creamy fish stew, and waffles. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat.

The market is also a great place to experience the city’s culture and meet the locals. Visitors can chat to the stallholders and learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Visit the Grottes de Hotton

Just outside of Dinant is the Grottes de Hotton, a series of underground caves which are home to a number of interesting geological formations. Visitors can explore the caves and take in the stunning views, as well as learn about the cave’s history and geology. There are also plenty of guided tours available, which provide an interesting and informative insight into the history of the cave and its inhabitants.

The Grottes de Hotton is also home to a number of rare species, including bats, salamanders, and the cave spider. Visitors can also take part in caving tours, which provide the opportunity to explore the cave’s deeper chambers and see some of its more impressive formations.

For those looking for a more relaxing experience, there is also the opportunity to go canoeing or kayaking on the River Lesse. This is a great way to explore the area from a different perspective and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Visit the Bayard Rock

The Bayard Rock is one of Dinant’s most famous landmarks. This huge rocky outcrop is located near the city center and is home to a number of interesting legends. According to local folklore, the rock was once the home of a giant called Bayard, who used it as a lookout point to keep an eye on the city below.

Today, the Bayard Rock is a popular tourist attraction and visitors can climb up to the top for stunning views of the city and its surroundings. There is also a museum located at the base of the rock which houses a collection of artifacts related to the city’s history and culture.

The Bayard Rock is also a great place to experience the city’s culture and meet the locals. Visitors can chat to the stallholders and learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Sample the Local Cuisine

Dinant is filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars, offering a wide variety of local and international cuisine. From traditional Belgian dishes such as mussels and chips to modern fusion cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can also sample some of the city’s local delicacies, such as waterzooi, a creamy fish stew, and waffles.

For those looking for a more traditional experience, there are also plenty of traditional Belgian pubs, where visitors can enjoy a pint of local beer and chat to the locals.

For a more light-hearted experience, visitors can also take part in beer tasting tours, which provide the opportunity to sample some of the city’s best local beers. These tours are a great way to learn more about the city’s brewing culture and enjoy a tasting of some of Belgium’s finest beers.

Go Skiing in Les Plans de Chevet

For those looking for some outdoor activities, Les Plans de Chevet is the perfect place to go. Located just outside of Dinant, this ski resort is a great spot for skiing and snowboarding, as well as other winter sports. The resort has a number of runs for all abilities, from beginner to expert, as well as a snow park for those looking for something a bit more adventurous.

The resort also has a number of restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also take part in guided tours of the resort, which provide an insight into the history and culture of the area.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there is also the opportunity to go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding. These activities are a great way to explore the area from a different perspective and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Visit the Musée de la Maison de Victor Hugo

The Musée de la Maison de Victor Hugo is a must-see for visitors to Dinant. This museum is located in the old town and is dedicated to the life of the famous French novelist and poet, Victor Hugo. It houses a collection of artifacts and documents related to his life and work, as well as a number of interactive exhibits which provide an insight into his life and times.

The museum is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Musée des Beguines, which houses a collection of artifacts and documents related to the history of the convent. There is also a shop which sells a range of local products and souvenirs, as well as a cafe where visitors can enjoy a bite to eat.

The Musée de la Maison de Victor Hugo is a great place to experience the city’s culture and meet the locals. Visitors can chat to the staff and learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Explore the Parc des Ardennes

The Parc des Ardennes is a stunning nature reserve located on the outskirts of Dinant. This vast park is filled with lush forests, meadows, and marshlands, as well as a number of interesting wildlife and bird species. Visitors can explore the park and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The park is also home to a number of interesting attractions, including the Château de Freÿr, a stunning castle which was built in the 15th century. Visitors can explore the castle and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The park is also a great place to experience the city’s culture and meet the locals. Visitors can chat to the stallholders and learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Take a Cruise on the River Meuse

For those looking for a relaxing experience, a cruise on the River Meuse is the perfect way to explore the city from a different perspective. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the city and its surroundings, as well as learn more about the city’s history and culture.

The cruises also provide the opportunity to spot some of the city’s wildlife, such as otters, beavers, and kingfishers. Visitors can also take part in guided tours, which provide an interesting and informative insight into the city’s history and culture.

The cruises are also a great way to experience the city’s culture and meet the locals. Visitors can chat to the crew and learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Summary

Dinant, Belgium is a beautiful and historic city filled with a wealth of things to see and do. From its stunning architecture and cobblestone streets to its outdoor activities and lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Dinant. This complete guide has provided visitors with an overview of the city, from its top attractions to its hidden gems. So read on to discover the best things to do in Dinant, Belgium!