Charleroi, Belgium: Embrace Quirky Charm and Family Fun

Discover family fun in the heart of Charleroi, Belgium!

19 July 2023

Charleroi, Belgium offers a diverse range of family-friendly activities that are bound to keep everyone entertained. Explore the magnificent Bois du Cazier, a former coalmine turned museum, which offers a unique insight into the industrial history of the region. Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque Sambre River, where kids can feed the ducks or try their hand at fishing, while parents can relax in the quaint cafes dotted along the waterfront.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Charleroi's Quirky Charm

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Le Germoir, where the coffee is strong enough to kick you into full exploration mode.
  • Stroll around the city center and admire the vibrant street art that adorns the walls, captivating your inner hipster.
  • Visit the quirky Museum of Photography, with its vast collection of vintage cameras that will make any Instagram enthusiast drool with envy.
  • For lunch, grab a seat at Le Restaurant du Trackeur, a retro-inspired diner serving up mouthwatering burgers and milkshakes that will transport you back to the good ol' days.
  • Head to the Bois du Cazier, a former coal mine turned museum, where you can dive into Charleroi's industrial past and take in breathtaking views from atop the mining slag heap.
  • End the day with a delicious dinner at La Manufacture Urbaine, a hip brewery and restaurant where you can sample local craft beers and indulge in fusion cuisine that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

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

Five Days of Family Fun in Charleroi, Belgium!

Charleroi, located in the beautiful region of Wallonia, offers a delightful family-friendly trip. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the city is bursting with fascinating museums, such as the impressive Photography Museum and the colorful Museum of Fine Arts. Families can also enjoy outdoor activities in the stunning Bois du Cazier park or visit the enchanting Pairi Daiza zoo nearby.

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.

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.

Charleroi, Belgium: Family Fun, History, and Adventure

Charleroi, Belgium offers a family-friendly trip with a perfect blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and engaging attractions. Explore the city's historical sites like the Charleroi Fortress or the Bois du Cazier coal mine museum, providing an educational yet entertaining experience for the whole family. Enjoy leisurely strolls through picturesque parks and squares, or hop on a boat tour along the scenic Sambre River, making Charleroi an ideal destination for a memorable family vacation.