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The Ultimate 5-Day Charleroi Adventure Guide

Discover the vibrant and eclectic city of Charleroi, where history meets modernity.

22 April 2023

Charleroi, Belgium, known for its industrial past, has transformed itself into a vibrant, multicultural hub with plenty to offer visitors. The city is dotted with street art, such as the iconic comic book murals, and has a thriving food and drink scene, including craft beer and Belgian fries. Visitors can also explore the unique architecture of the Rive Gauche shopping center or take a boat ride on the Canal du Centre.

Travel plan

• Check into Hotel Charleroi Airport, a convenient and affordable option with shuttle service to the airport.
• Take a walk around the city centre and discover the street art scene, with murals, graffiti and installations from internationally-renowned artists.
• Visit the Musée de la Photographie to immerse yourself in Belgian and international photography, with exhibitions ranging from portraiture to experimental techniques.
• Explore the Bois du Cazier, a former coal mining site turned memorial, museum and cultural centre, showcasing one of Charleroi's most defining industries.

• Head to Charleroi Sud train station and take the tram to the Flémalle Grande Lamaire stop, where you can start a walking tour of the Métallos. This open-air museum of industrial heritage features blast furnaces, coke ovens, a forge, and other relics from the region's iron and steel past.
• Get a true taste of Charleroi at Les Filles, an award-winning café and restaurant. Try their iconic pot-au-feu, a Flemish stew made with beef, vegetables, and a variety of spices.
• Take an afternoon stroll through the Parc des Canaux et Châteaux, a beautiful park with a castle, a canal, and plenty of greenery.
• Attend an evening performance at the Théâtre de l'Ancre, a contemporary theatre space that hosts a variety of shows and events.

• Drive to the Domaine de Charlemagne, a beautiful nature reserve with walking trails, birdwatching stations, and stunning views of the Sambre river.
• Visit the PASS, a science museum with interactive exhibits on energy, health, environment, and technology. Don't miss their planetarium and temporary exhibitions.
• Have lunch at Carrément Bon, a charming brasserie with a focus on local ingredients and creative dishes.
• Drive up to the Abbaye d'Aulne, a former Cistercian monastery founded in the 7th century. The ruins and the surrounding landscape make for a peaceful and fascinating visit.

• Take a guided tour of the Maison Doree, an Art Deco gem designed by architect Alfred Frère that showcases the opulence and innovation of the interwar period.
• Visit the BPS22, a contemporary art centre housed in an old industrial building. Their exhibitions challenge and inspire visitors, with a focus on social and political themes.
• Have an early dinner at L'Empreinte, a Michelin-starred restaurant that elevates traditional Belgian cuisine with impeccable attention to detail and presentation.
• Attend a music gig or a DJ set at Rockerill, a cultural hub and alternative venue that hosts a diverse and eclectic programme of events.

• Sample some of Belgium's best liquors at the Distillerie de Biercée, a family-owned distillery that produces fruit brandies, gin, tonic, and other spirits. Take a tour of the facilities and try their tasting menu.
• Explore the neighbourhood of Marcinelle, a vibrant and multicultural area with quirky shops, street markets, and hidden courtyards. Check out the Maison de la laïcité, a community centre with a café and a playground, and the Chapelle des Mineurs, a stunning Art Deco chapel.
• Have a late lunch at La Manufacture Urbaine, a trendy gastropub with a wide selection of craft beers, burgers, and snacks.
• Say goodbye to Charleroi and promise to come back for more offbeat adventures.