Summer staycation in Belgium: Hasselt

Off the beaten track, the capital of Limburg is often overlooked by both foreign visitors and Belgians. And yet a visit to this bustling little city is beyond rewarding.

VISIT

In the 19th century, Hasselt was the biggest producer of jenever, that wonderful spirit made from juniper berries. While it's sometimes referred to as 'Dutch gin', the Belgians are equally fond of it. Hasselt is home to a big annual festival in honour of the tipple as well as the Jenever Museum. Housed in a former distillery, it uses modern, interactive technology to tell the story of jenever production. Admission includes a tasting in the museum’s cafe, stocked with hundreds of varieties. You can also buy whole bottles to take away with you.

An surprise, Antwerp isn't home to the only fashion museum in Flanders. Hasselt's ModeMuseum offers small, well-curated exhibitions dedicated to both Belgian and international designers, as well as historic and current fashion trends. Until the end of the month is an exhibition dedicated to extravagantly decorated fashion.

Just outside the city centre, Herkenrode Abbey was once an important religious and political institution and is now a heritage site. The historic buildings have been fully restored and house a visitor centre and restaurant, with extensive gardens and walking paths

EAT

Hasselt’s motto is Hoofstad van de Smaak, which translates as Capital of (Good) Taste. Residents pride themselves on their refinement in dining, fashion, culture and all aspects of the legacy of the cosmopolitan Dukes of Burgundy.

At Het Smaaksalon brasserie, housed in a restored mansion next to the tourist office, top chef Giovani Oosters offers a changing menu of local specialities. Nearby, artisanal bakery dePaifve offers Hasselt speculaas, a local variant on the ubiquitous spiced biscuit.

Hasselt boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants, De Vork, JER (short for Just Eat Right) and Ogst. For a nightcap, don't hesitate to take the lift up to the 18th floor of the Radisson Blu and find the stairs that lead upward. You don't have to be a guest there to enjoy both the views and the drinks from the Sky Lounge.

SLEEP

There are plenty of accommodations in Limburg's capital to choose from, but for a real experience, check out BareFood Giulia, smack in the city centre. The boutique hotel and bar serves as a chic curiosity shop, with themed rooms including the Flamingo, the Karel Appel and the Aquarel.

BareFood Giulia

A few kilometres out of town in the Kiewit district is Le Refuge B&B, and is it ever. Originally a country retreat for nuns in the Order of Saint Ursula, it now houses four impeccably decorated rooms. And there is a bus stop just in front that takes you directly to and from the centre of Hasselt.

Hasselt also has a youth hostel, next to the train station. Accommodation in the modern, eco-friendly building include dormitories and private and family rooms.

SHOP

Hasselt is home to two top Belgian designers' flagship stores. Nicky Vankets creates exquisite formalwear and home furnishings, while Stijn Helsen designs smart and sassy women's and men's collections.

EXPLORE

A popular Hasselt attraction is the peaceful Japanese Garden, located between the centre and the ring road. Enjoy seasonal festivities and workshops at the largest garden of its kind in Europe.

The area around Hasselt is perfect for exploring by bicycle, with its flat terrain and extensive bike paths. The easy-to-use bike path network, based on numbered intersections, was developed in Limburg and then spread throughout the country. The province prides itself on being bike-friendly, with plenty of accommodation options and cafes near bike routes. Visitors should certainly not miss the Cycling Through Water path, which offers a duck's eye-view of one of the Wijers lakes.

Photos, from top: (c)Visit Flanders, (c)Modemuseum Hasselt, (c)Het Smaaksalon, (c)BareFood Giulia (c)Toerisme Hasselt