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Mons

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City
PlizioGo—°7177
Mons (Belgium)
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Practical info — Mons

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Touch the head of the Guardhouse Monkey (Singe du Grand Garde) with your left hand for good luck.
  • The climb up the Belfry is steep, but it features the best panoramic view of the city.
  • Look out for Doudou dragon motifs on buildings and streets while walking around the center.
  • Park outside the historical center; the narrow one-way streets are challenging for drivers.

🍽 Food

🍽
Côte de porc à l'berdouille

Pork chop in a mustard and beer sauce. Look for it in traditional brasseries around the Grand-Place.

🍽
Belgian Fries

Grab a portion at the local friteries outside the train station or city squares.

🍽
Hainaut Craft Beers

Try the regional brews in specialized beer bars located in the pedestrian zones.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Doudou Souvenirs

Tourist shops near the Grand-Place sell many items related to the famous local festival.

🛍
Belgian Chocolates

Look for independent chocolatiers on the streets surrounding the city center.

🛍
Antique Books

Browse the small bookshops hidden in the collegiate church neighborhood.

🧘
Parc du Beffroi

A peaceful park right by the Belfry, tucked away from the bustling squares.

🧘
Jardin du Mayeur

A hidden, serene garden located just behind the City Hall.

Highlights of 2026

7

Mons, the cultural capital of the Hainaut province, is an appealing historic city in Wallonia. In 2015, it gained international prominence as the European Capital of Culture. The heart of the city is the easy on the eye Grand Place with its elegant town hall. Rising above the city and visible from afar is the Baroque Belfry, the only one of its kind in Belgium to be protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Another architectural jewel is the impressive Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru, which houses numerous art treasures. An annual highlight is the Ducasse de Mons (locally known as the Doudou), a fascinating traditional festival featuring a staged dragon fight, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The nearby prehistoric flint mines of Spiennes are also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3361013161818151173
Rain mm665956415963707653637076

Live webcam – Mons

See what it looks like near Mons right now.

Bougnies: Quevy · 7.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
95,299
Coordinates
50.45420, 3.95670

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Sights in the town Mons (17)

Imagipark👨‍👩‍👧 family

Imagipark in Mons is a large indoor playground, convenient for a family outing.

Goolfy👨‍👩‍👧 family

Goolfy in Mons has a colorful miniature golf course for entertaining hours with the family.

S'pace Mons👨‍👩‍👧 family

S'pace Mons has a wide selection of games for visitors of all ages.

Mundaneum🏛 museum

The Mundaneum in Mons is an archive and exhibition centre often referred to as a precursor to the internet. It houses a vast collection of documents and showcases the history of information classification.

🕒 Tu-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa-Su 10:00-18:00; Dec 25, Jan 01 off💶

Musée d'histoire naturelle🏛 museum

The Natural History Museum in Mons presents a diverse collection of zoological and geological exhibits. It gives exciting insights into the biodiversity and natural history of the region.

Maison Van Gogh🏛 museum

The Maison Van Gogh in Cuesmes near Mons was once the residence of the famous painter Vincent van Gogh during his time as a preacher. Today, the house serves as a museum commemorating his stay and artistic beginnings.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-16:00; Dec 25, Jan 01 off💶

Église Saint-Nicolas-en-Havré⛪ religious

The Church of Saint-Nicolas-en-Havré in Mons impresses with its Baroque facade and magnificent interior. It is a significant religious monument in the city's historical centre.

Tour Valenciennoise🗼 tower

The Tour Valenciennoise is a remnant of the medieval city fortifications of Mons. The tower bears witness to the city's defensive strength and architectural history in the 14th century.

Tour du Val des Écoliers🗼 tower

The Tour du Val des Écoliers is the only preserved part of a former abbey in Mons. The tower is a striking architectural landmark and an important historical testament to the city.

Parc du Château🌳 park

The Parc du Château is situated on an elevation in Mons and gives a wide view over the city. The park houses the remains of the old count's castle and the famous belfry.

Château Gendebien🏰 castle

Gendebien Castle is an elegant estate in Mons surrounded by extensive parkland. It serves as a prestigious venue and is a testament to the bourgeois architecture of past eras.

Théâtre le Manège🎭 culture

The Théâtre le Manège is a significant venue for contemporary art and performing arts in Mons. It gives a modern stage for theatre performances, dance, and musical events.

Église Saint-Martin⛪ religious

The Church of Saint-Martin is a historical sacred building in Mons that impresses with its simple elegance. It is a place of retreat and reflection for the city's residents and visitors.

Halle des Pelletiers📍 landmark

The Halle des Pelletiers is a historical building in Mons that once served as a place of trade. Today it is a striking landmark in the city and commemorates the economic importance of the tanners and furriers.

Terril de l'Héribus🌿 nature

The Terril de l'Héribus is a former coal spoil tip in Mons that is now used as a recreation area. Hiking trails lead to the summit, where visitors can enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view of the region.

Mont Panisel🌿 nature

Mont Panisel is a natural elevation near Mons known for its scenic beauty. It has green hiking trails and is a popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.

Parc du Waux-hall🌳 park

The Parc du Waux-hall is a splendid park in Mons with beautifully landscaped gardens and historical structures. It is a handy spot for leisurely strolls and has space for relaxation in a green setting.

🕒 Sep 30-Mar 15,Mar 16-Sep 29 Mo-Fr 08:00-18:00; Sep 30-Mar 15

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark of Mons?
The Baroque Belfry (Beffroi), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Who is the patron saint of Mons?
Saint Waudru; the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru is dedicated to her.
What happens at the Doudou festival?
There is a procession and a ritual fight against a dragon (Lumeçon).
Was Mons ever a European Capital of Culture?
Yes, Mons was the European Capital of Culture in 2015.
Are there museums for modern art?
The BAM (Beaux-Arts Mons) regularly hosts modern art exhibitions.
Mons: where is it located?
Mons is located in Belgium.
Mons: what is there to see?
Highlights include Imagipark, Goolfy, S'pace Mons.
Mons: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mons: why is it worth visiting?
Mons, the cultural capital of the Hainaut province, is an appealing historic city in Wallonia.
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