A Charming Long Weekend in Charleroi, Belgium

Fall in love with the charm of Charleroi in Belgium.

22 April 2023

Charleroi, Belgium may not be the first place you think of for a romantic getaway, but it's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Visit the breathtaking Belfry of Charleroi, enjoy a romantic walk along the river Sambre, and indulge in local Belgian cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants in the city. With its charm and beauty, Charleroi is the perfect destination for a unique and unforgettable romantic trip.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival & Exploration

  • Check in at Hotel Charleroi Airport, where the rooms are cozy and the staff is friendly.
  • Start the day with a stroll around the city center, where you'll find eclectic street art and cafes with outdoor seating.
  • Have lunch at Le Pré Où L'on Dort, a lively restaurant with a rustic ambiance and unforgettable salads.
  • Visit the Museum of Photography, which houses an impressive collection of photographs from around the world.
  • End the day with a leisurely walk along the Sambre river, where the sunset paints the sky with hues of orange and pink.
Day 2

Castles & Beer

  • Head to the Castle of Seneffe, a beautiful estate with a neoclassical castle and well-manicured gardens.
  • Stop for lunch at Brasserie Caulier, a charming brewery with local beers and delicious burgers.
  • Continue to the Castle of Chimay, where you can tour the brewery and taste their famous Trappist beer.
  • Make a pit stop at La Carolo, a cozy bar with a vast selection of Belgian beers.
  • End the day with dinner at L'Imprevu, a charming restaurant with a romantic ambiance and delightful fusion cuisine.
Day 3

Shopping & Relaxation

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, where you'll find freshly baked bread and organic products.
  • Head to Les Grands Prés, the biggest shopping center in Wallonia, where you can shop for clothing, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
  • Stop for lunch at La Table de Maxime, a Michelin-starred restaurant with exquisite plates and a fairy tale garden.
  • Take a short drive to the Thermen van Charleroi, a thermal spa where you can unwind in the saunas, Jacuzzis, and pools.
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at Le Cor de Chasse, a cozy restaurant with an exceptional wine list and creative French cuisine.
Day 4

Nature & History

  • Pack a picnic and head to the Bois du Cazier, a former coal mine and now a museum with exhibitions on mining history and art.
  • Enjoy your picnic in the Parc des Canaux et Châteaux, a lush park with plenty of greenery and waterways.
  • Drive to the Abbaye de Villers, a stunning Cistercian abbey in ruins with impressive architectural details.
  • Stop for a coffee at the nearby Café de l'Abbaye, where you can enjoy views of the abbey while sipping a hot drink.
  • End the trip with a dinner at Mon Oncle, a trendy restaurant with exceptional seafood and meat-based plates.
  • End of itinerary.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Charleroi, Belgium by plane is to fly into Brussels South Charleroi Airport. There are several budget airlines, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, that operate flights from various European cities to this airport.

Car

The best way to get to Charleroi, Belgium by car is to take the E19 highway from Brussels. The journey takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Train

There is a train station in Charleroi called Charleroi-Sud. The best way to get there by train is to take a high-speed train from Brussels or Paris. From Brussels, the journey takes around one hour, with multiple trains running daily.

Boat

There are no boats that operate to Charleroi, Belgium as it is an inland city. The closest port cities are Antwerp and Rotterdam, both of which are located in the Netherlands.

Bus

One of the best ways to get to Charleroi, Belgium by bus is to take an express bus from Brussels. There are several bus companies, such as Flixbus and Ouibus, that operate daily services between the two cities.

More travel plans

Charleroi, Belgium: A Fun-Filled Weekend Itinerary

Charleroi, Belgium is a city known for its industrial past and rich art scene. As a tourist, you can explore its unique architecture, like the Art Nouveau-style houses and the iconic City Hall. You can also visit the Museum of Photography or take a day trip to nearby Brussels for more sightseeing.

Charming Charleroi: A Four-Day Budget Travel Guide

Charleroi, Belgium offers many affordable attractions, such as the Photography Museum and the Glass Museum, both of which charge minimal admission fees. Many tourists on a budget also enjoy exploring the local street art scene and browsing the city's weekly flea market. Staying in budget accommodations such as hostels or low-cost hotels can make the trip to Charleroi even more affordable.

4 Days of Fun: Exploring Charleroi on a Budget

Charleroi, Belgium offers a delightful family-friendly trip with a perfect blend of history and fun activities. Families can explore the impressive Charleroi City Hall and visit the intriguing Musée de la Photographie for an enriching cultural experience. Additionally, kids will enjoy spending time at BPS22, a contemporary art space, or having a thrilling day at the Walibi Belgium amusement park just a short drive away.

Discover Charleroi's Art, History & Cheap Eats

Charleroi, Belgium is a hidden gem for budget travelers with plenty of affordable accommodations, restaurants, and attractions to explore. Visitors can take a free walking tour of the city, visit the renowned Photography Museum, and indulge in delicious Belgian beer and chocolate. The city's industrial charm and picturesque parks make it a must-visit destination for those on a limited budget.