Charleroi, Belgium: The Ultimate Weekend Getaway

Discover the offbeat charm of Charleroi, Belgium.

22 April 2023

Charleroi is a small, industrial city located in Wallonia, Belgium. As a tourist, you can explore the city's rich history, architecture, and cultural offerings. From the unique art exhibitions, picturesque parks and gardens, and incredible cuisine, there's something for everyone to experience and enjoy during their stay in Charleroi.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check-in at Hotel Charleroi Airport, a contemporary hotel with a chic aesthetic and all modern amenities.
  • Grab breakfast at La Marquise, a cozy café known for its colorful macarons and fluffy croissants.
  • Stroll through the Charleroi city center, taking in the eclectic street art and edgy industrial architecture.
  • Visit the quirky Musée des Beaux-Arts, featuring works by Belgian artists and a striking glass façade.
  • Savor a traditional Belgian dinner at Taverna Di Tutti, a family-owned brasserie famous for its rich stews and Belgian beers.
Day 2

Historical Tour

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Café Café, a retro-style eatery serving homemade pastries and coffee.
  • Take a guided walking tour of Charleroi's historic sites, including the imposing Charleroi Fortress and the 17th-century Eglise Saint-Christophe.
  • Visit the Charleroi Museum of Photography, with an extensive collection of contemporary and vintage photographs.
  • Explore the imposing Bois du Cazier coal mine, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important industrial history museum.
  • Have dinner at Le Pénalty, a buzzing sports bar perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.
Day 3

Nature and Adventure

  • Start the day with a hearty brunch at Pain Quotidien, a charming bakery known for its artisanal bread and fresh salads.
  • Drive to the nearby Hainaut Forest for a morning of hiking, cycling or horseback riding.
  • Visit the Aqua Golf water park, featuring an extensive indoor pool, water slides and a mini-golf course.
  • Enjoy dinner at Le Regent, a stylish restaurant boasting a creative menu of organic, locally sourced cuisine.
  • Catch a movie or live theater show at the iconic Pathé Charleroi cinema, known for its impressive sound and picture quality.
Day 4

Shopping and Culture

  • Grab a quick breakfast at McDonald's Charleroi, located next door to Hotel Charleroi Airport.
  • Head to the bustling Rive Gauche shopping mall, featuring over 100 stores and plenty of dining options.
  • Visit the Village de la Boverie, a trendy arts and culture center hosting exhibitions and performances year-round.
  • Have lunch at La Petite Taverne, a cozy bistro serving classic Belgian dishes and a great selection of wines.
  • Take a scenic boat cruise on the picturesque Charleroi-Brussels Canal, the perfect way to round off your trip.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Charleroi

Once upon a time, there was a city in Europe that was known for its quirky charm, delicious beer, and a football team that always seemed to lose. This is the story of Charleroi, a place where you can feel like a local even if you don't speak the language and where the locals don't really care about the football team anyway.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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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.

Charleroi: A Family-Friendly Adventure Packed with Delights

Charleroi, Belgium offers a family-friendly trip with a mix of historical charm and fun activities. Explore the city's impressive comic strip art scene with a visit to the Centre de la Bande Dessinée, where kids can delve into the world of famous Belgian cartoon characters. Enjoy a day at the Parc de Parentville, a beautiful green oasis perfect for picnics, playgrounds, and leisurely walks, creating lasting memories for the whole family.

Charleroi on a Budget: A Two-Day Adventure

Charleroi, Belgium may not be the most famous European city, but it offers budget travelers a unique and affordable experience. Visitors can explore the city's industrial heritage, including the UNESCO-listed Bois du Luc mining site, for free. Plus, budget-friendly accommodations and restaurants make it easy to enjoy the local culture without breaking the bank.

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.