Annual Fair and Troostkermis
Traditional annual fair with livestock competitions, market stalls and the atmospheric Troostkermis funfair around the Grote Markt.
PlizioGo
Traditional horse steak, a historic local specialty still served in classic brasseries near the center.
Traditional sour beers of the Zenne valley, available in cozy local pubs.
Grab a freshly baked waffle from a street vendor or cafe along the main shopping street.
The bustling main shopping street with a variety of fashion stores and local businesses.
Held in the center, these markets are great for fresh produce and roasted chicken.
The newly developed areas near the water are beginning to host trendy new shops.
A magnificent large park featuring a French garden, an English landscape garden, and calm walking paths.
The paths along the water provide a long, flat, and peaceful route for walking or cycling.
A classic city park with a large pond and mature trees, handy for a quick nature escape.
Water temperature…
Vilvoorde serves as an industrial and residential suburb directly north of Brussels, located along the Brussels-Scheldt Maritime Canal. The city's landscape has been significantly shaped by heavy industry, most notably the former Renault assembly plant, whose closure in 1997 marked a turning point in the local economy. Recent urban development has focused on repurposing these post-industrial zones into modern residential and commercial areas, such as the Watersite project along the canal. The historical core retains its provincial Flemish character, featuring the Gothic Church of Our Lady of Good Hope. Vilvoorde is also characterized by a large Spanish community, which originated in the mid-20th century, adding a distinct cultural and culinary influence to the city.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 61 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 75 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 78 |
See what it looks like near Vilvoorde right now.
Grimbergen › West: Grimbergen Airfield · 3.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your walking tour of Vilvoorde at the Brabant Draught Horse monument, a symbol of the region. Stroll to the Gothic Church of Our Lady before relaxing in the green Hanssenspark. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in local culture at the Het Bolwerk centre. Later, explore the creative hub of De Kruitfabriek in a former factory. End your day with a peaceful walk along the canal at Kijk aan de Gracht, enjoying the calm waterside atmosphere.
Start at the Brabant Draught Horse statue before taking cover in the Church of Our Lady. The Gothic interior provides a dry sanctuary for the morning. At noon, the Het Bolwerk cultural centre offers exhibitions and a cafe to escape the showers. Spend the afternoon at De Kruitfabriek, a vibrant industrial heritage site with plenty of indoor space. The day ends with a brief, atmospheric view of the canal, protected by your raincoat or umbrella.
Experience wintry Vilvoorde starting at the striking Brabant Draught Horse. The Church of Our Lady offers a peaceful, warmer retreat following your morning start. At noon, Hanssenspark often glistens with frost, perfect for a crisp walk. Het Bolwerk cultural centre provides warmth and local art, leading to the afternoon at De Kruitfabriek, where the industrial vibe feels particularly raw in winter light. The day ends at the canal as city lights dance on the water in the early twilight.
Start your bike tour at De Kruitfabriek with a morning coffee. Cycle to the center to see the Brabant Draught Horse monument and the Church of Our Lady. Take a short break in Hanssenspark before heading on the longer ride to the impressive Drie Fonteinen Castle. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to exploring the vast Provincial Domain Drie Fonteinen, a cyclist's paradise. Enjoy the nature and beautiful paths winding through the park.
Start your cycling tour at De Kruitfabriek, where you can prep under the overhangs. Pass the Draught Horse statue towards the Church of Our Lady for a dry cultural break. Cross Hanssenspark quickly using the paved main paths. In the afternoon, cycle towards the Castle of Drie Fonteinen, where wooded lanes offer some shelter from direct rain. End the day at the Drie Fonteinen Domain, where you can park your bike and dry off at the local brasserie.
A winter cycle through Vilvoorde starts at De Kruitfabriek, with its warm-toned brickwork. After the Draught Horse statue, the Church of Our Lady provides spiritual and physical warmth. Hanssenspark looks almost surreal in the low winter sun. At noon, the ride to the Castle of Drie Fonteinen follows bare but atmospheric avenues. Spend the afternoon in the sprawling Drie Fonteinen Domain, where the winter silence is only broken by the crunch of your tires before twilight falls.
In the morning, drive directly to the Provincial Domain Drie Fonteinen. Park your car and explore the castle and the vast gardens on foot. This area forms your first 'walking cluster'. At midday, drive into the center of Vilvoorde, park again, and begin your second cluster. After lunch, visit the Church of Our Lady and the nearby Brabant Draught Horse monument. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in Hanssenspark before returning to your car.
Explore Vilvoorde comfortably and stay dry by car. Start at the Drie Fonteinen Domain parking lot and visit the nearby castle. The short distances between your car and the sights minimise rain exposure. At noon, park in the city centre to see the Church of Our Lady and the Draught Horse statue. Spend the afternoon at Hanssenspark, knowing you can quickly return to the shelter of your vehicle if the rain intensifies.
A winter car tour of Vilvoorde offers maximum warmth between stops. Begin at the Drie Fonteinen Domain, where the castle looks mystical in the winter mist. Short walks keep your time in the cold to a minimum. At noon, relocate to the city centre car park to visit the Church of Our Lady and the Draught Horse statue. Hanssenspark invites you for a crisp afternoon walk before you turn up the heater and finish your day in comfort.
The cultural centre of Vilvoorde featuring theatre and concert events.
