Attractions and Places To See around Vilvoorde - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Vilvoorde include a mix of historical landmarks, expansive parks, and cultural points of interest. Situated north-east of Brussels, the city offers a blend of urban and green spaces, with significant waterways like the River Zenne and Brussels-Scheldt Canal. Visitors can explore sites ranging from ancient churches to modern cycling routes. The area provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Vilvoorde
- The most popular attractions is Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels, a historical site that captivates with its magnificent architecture, featuring splendidly decorated houses with baroque facades and gables. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Another must-see spot is Cycling Highway Leuven-Mechelen Along the Leuven-Dijle Canal, a cycle way that runs largely along the Leuven-Dijle canal, offering quiet and beautiful cycling experiences next to the canal with working old locks. This route provides scenic cycling opportunities alongside historic waterways.
- Visitors also love Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a man-made monument featuring many small shops, including well-known Belgian praline manufacturers, within a covered passage. It features a variety of shops and cafes within a historic covered passage.
- Vilvoorde is known for its historical sites, cycling routes, and natural parks. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from urban landmarks to tranquil green spaces.
- The attractions around Vilvoorde are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1100 upvotes and over 1200 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels
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In 1998, the Grand Place, along with other architectural treasures, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to this beautiful square is an absolute must for any traveler to Brussels.
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Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
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Manneken-Pis
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Brussels Town Hall
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In a fortified room on the first floor, the municipal charters were most likely kept.[1] It is unclear whether the municipal bells were also hung there. During the turbulent period around the municipal uprising of 1420-1421, the town hall was stormed several times. There was factional strife among the patricians, social unrest among the crafts, an economic crisis in the cloth industry and dynastic problems in the duchy. This is probably why the belfry function lasted a few decades at most. The charters and privileges were transferred to the treasury rooms of the St. Gudula and St. Nicholas churches.[2]
Long balconies were provided in the front facade to allow events on the Grote Markt to be followed, such as the magnificent knightly tournaments and the joyous entries.[3] The privilege room in the tower served as a ducal lodge, four of whose windows looked out onto the square. This was where the prince and the city magistrate took their mutual oath during joyous entries. It was a space full of symbolism, where the preciously illuminated manuscripts of the Brabantsche Yeesten and the rhyming chronicle of Jan van Heelu were also kept.
In 1421, the craft nations conquered a place in the city magistrate, which may have partly motivated the expansion that was started in 1444. Charles the Bold laid the first stone of the right wing, which was certainly also intended to provide support for the heightening of the tower. The latter was a matter of prestige. The right wing is smaller than the left and is the work of Willem de Voghel, who also became the architect of the Magna Aula in 1452. The tower of the town hall, 96 meters high, was crowned from 1449 by Jan van Ruisbroeck, architect of Philip the Good.
Source: Wikipedia
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Cycling Highway Leuven-Mechelen Along the Leuven-Dijle Canal
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Tips from the Community
The majestic Maison du Roi (King's House), which houses the Brussels City Museum, is part of the architectural ensemble of the famous Grand Place and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The neo-Gothic building, which was completed in the 19th century according to the plans of the architect Pierre-Victor Jamaer, is a replica of a late Gothic building of the 16th century. The Brussels City Museum housed here contains exhibitions and collections on the history of the city of Brussels, urban development, archaeology, art and city life, etc. Brussels folklore is also highlighted. For example, a separate room is dedicated to Manneken Pis's wardrobe. Since February 2017, it even has its own museum: GardeRobe MannekenPis at 19 Rue du Chêne, right next to the famous fountain figure.
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Brussels Town Hall is an elegant 15th-century building located on the magnificent Grand Place in the heart of the historic city centre.
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Enjoy cycling along the towpath, wonderful!
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The entire Grand Place is surrounded by beautiful buildings that shine in all their splendour. The Town Hall is probably the most impressive of all.
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Early morning is the best time to enjoy Grand Place to avoid the crowd.
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Very nice place whether during the day or in the evening.
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The Grand Place, known as Grand-Place in French, is the bustling heart of the Belgian capital Brussels and an absolutely iconic symbol of the city. The square is rich in history and beautiful architecture, of which the Gothic town hall and impressive baroque closed facades are some of the highlights. The harmonious mix of old buildings with their unique designs gives the Grand Place an enchanting character and rightly so it is one of the most admired squares in Europe. In 1998, the Grand Place, along with other architectural treasures, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to this beautiful square is an absolute must for any traveler to Brussels.
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Brussels Town Hall is an elegant 15th-century building located on the magnificent Grand Place in the heart of the historic city center. It is considered an architectural masterpiece of one of the most beautiful squares in the world and is also one of the most impressive buildings in Belgium, which you should definitely see during your visit to Brussels. It is hard to miss, as its majestic tower rises high into the Brussels sky.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Vilvoorde?
Vilvoorde offers a rich history with several notable landmarks. You can visit the impressive Gothic church of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Goede Hoop, which features Baroque fittings and a significant pulpit. Another historical site is the Tuchthuis, a Neoclassical prison built on the foundations of a 14th-century ducal castle. The William Tyndale Monument and Park commemorates the English scholar executed in Vilvoorde, offering a tranquil environment with historical significance. The stately neo-Renaissance Vilvoorde Station building, a protected monument, was part of mainland Europe's very first passenger railway line.
Are there any significant religious sites in the area?
Yes, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Goede Hoop Church in Vilvoorde is a prominent Gothic church with a history spanning centuries, featuring beautiful Baroque elements. Additionally, just across the canal in Grimbergen, you can find Grimbergen Abbey, the oldest inhabited Norbertine abbey in Belgium, with its 17th-century Baroque abbey church.
What natural parks or green spaces are there in Vilvoorde?
Vilvoorde boasts several beautiful green spaces. The Domein Drie Fonteinen (Domain of the Three Fountains) is one of the country's oldest landscape parks, featuring English and French gardens, and walking paths. Hanssenspark, west of the railway station, is another serene park laid out in an English landscape style around a pond, providing a vital green link within the city.
Are there opportunities for cycling along waterways near Vilvoorde?
Absolutely. Vilvoorde is situated near the River Zenne and the Brussels-Scheldt Canal, both offering walking and cycling trails. A notable route is the Cycling Highway Leuven-Mechelen Along the Leuven-Dijle Canal, which provides quiet and scenic cycling experiences next to the canal, passing working old locks.
Can I find hiking trails near Vilvoorde?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities around Vilvoorde. You can explore routes like the 'Cave of the Park of Tervuren – The Tangebeek loop' or the 'Cut-off meander of the Zenne – Dorent Nature Reserve loop'. For more options, you can find detailed routes in the Hiking around Vilvoorde guide.
What about gravel biking or mountain biking trails in the Vilvoorde area?
The region around Vilvoorde offers various routes for gravel biking and mountain biking. For gravel biking, consider routes such as 'Little bridges in the Moorbos – Floordambos Forest Path loop' or 'Weerde Sluice Tower – Little bridges in the Moorbos loop'. For mountain biking, trails like 'Singletrack trails in Plantsoenbos' or 'Nekkerweg Singletrack – Maalbeek Trail loop' are available. More details can be found in the Gravel biking around Vilvoorde and MTB Trails around Vilvoorde guides.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Vilvoorde?
Many attractions in and around Vilvoorde are suitable for families. The Domein Drie Fonteinen is a popular spot for families, offering walking paths and events in its extensive gardens. The Grote Markt, with its recent transformation, provides an open space in the city center. For a unique experience slightly outside Vilvoorde, Ferme Nos Pilifs offers paths through woodlands and paddocks with animals, providing a pleasant outing for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit Vilvoorde's outdoor attractions?
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for visiting Vilvoorde's outdoor attractions. During this period, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring parks, cycling along canals, and enjoying historical sites. The newly planted lime trees in the Grote Markt and the lush greenery of Domein Drie Fonteinen are particularly beautiful during these seasons.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Vilvoorde?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical richness and natural beauty. The magnificent architecture of sites like the Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels, and the serene environment of parks like Domein Drie Fonteinen are highly rated. The scenic cycling opportunities along waterways, such as the Cycling Highway Leuven-Mechelen Along the Leuven-Dijle Canal, are also a favorite among the komoot community.
Are there any unique cultural experiences or local specialties in Vilvoorde?
Vilvoorde has a distinct local culture. The city hosts a twice-weekly market, offering a glimpse into local life. The people of Vilvoorde are known as 'pjeirefretters' (horse-eaters), and horse steak is a town specialty, reflecting its history of horse breeding. While not an attraction itself, experiencing the local market or trying this traditional dish offers a unique cultural insight.
Can I reach Brussels from Vilvoorde using public transport or a scenic route?
Yes, Vilvoorde is well-connected. The Vilvoorde Station, a historic neo-Renaissance building, provides train connections. For a more scenic journey, you can take the Waterbus service on the Brussels-Scheldt Canal, which connects Vilvoorde directly to central Brussels, offering a unique perspective of the waterway.
Are there any historical ruins to explore near Vilvoorde?
Yes, across the canal from Vilvoorde, in Grimbergen, you can explore the ruins of Grimbergen Castle (Prinsenkasteel). These early 15th-century ruins are still surrounded by a moat on a wooded estate, built upon the foundations of an even earlier 13th-century structure, offering a glimpse into medieval history.
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