EU/EEA/Swiss citizens no visa. Many others need a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days.

What language is spoken?

Dutch (Flemish) is official. English is widely spoken, especially in tourism.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe and of high quality.

What is the currency?

Euro (EUR). Credit cards accepted widely, but cash is preferred at small shops.

How do I get from Brussels Airport to Aalst?

Take a train from Brussels Airport-Zaventem to Aalst station (about 1 hour, direct or with one change).

Is Aalst good for families?

Yes, with parks, family-friendly museums, and a safe environment.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, roaming within EU is free. Non-EU visitors can buy local SIMs.

What is Carnival like?

Aalst Carnival is a UNESCO-listed event with parades, costumes, and satire. It's crowded and lively—book accommodation early.

Aalst

Suburb's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Aalst is a SUB AREA in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.

Aalst, a vibrant city in East Flanders, charms visitors with its rich history, lively carnival, and warm hospitality. Wander through the cobbled streets to admire the Gothic Sint-Martinuskerk and the medieval belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is famous for its three-day Carnival in February, a riot of color, music, and satire that draws crowds from across Europe. Beyond the festivities, Aalst offers cozy cafes, local breweries, and the serene Osbroek Park for a relaxing stroll. The Dender River adds a scenic backdrop, perfect for cycling or walking. With a mix of historic architecture and modern amenities, Aalst provides an authentic Flemish experience without the tourist crowds of larger cities. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp.

Best time to visit Aalst

The best time to visit Aalst is from May to September for warm weather and outdoor events. Carnival in February is a unique highlight but brings crowds and higher prices. Spring (April-May) offers blooming parks and mild temperatures. Autumn (October) is quieter with colorful foliage. Winter can be cold and damp, but Christmas markets add charm.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Rain
Temperature: 11°
Feels like: 7°
Humidity: 88%
Wind: 29 km/h
Precipitation: 0.5 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 7-14°C, rainy

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Autumn colors, cozy cafes

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

BRU

Brussels Airport

International

35 km away

CRL

Brussels South Charleroi Airport

International

80 km away

ANR

Antwerp International Airport

Domestic

45 km away

Getting around

"Aalst is compact and walkable. The train station connects to Brussels (30 min), Ghent (20 min), and Antwerp (40 min). Local buses by De Lijn cover the city and suburbs. Cycling is popular; bike rentals are available. Taxis and ride-sharing (Uber) are limited. Parking in the center is paid and scarce; park-and-ride options exist."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in city centre, cafes, and hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM available at train station or shops from $10

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Petty theft risk increases during Carnival.

Night safety

7/10

Petty theft risk increases during Carnival.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Aalst is generally safe, with low violent crime rates. Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, especially during Carnival. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings at night. The city is well-lit and patrolled. Scams targeting tourists are rare but possible; avoid unofficial currency exchange. Overall, a safe destination for solo and family travelers."

Police

101

Ambulance

112

Fire

112

Entry and health

Health information

"Healthcare in Belgium is excellent. EU citizens should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for reduced-cost treatment. Non-EU travelers need comprehensive travel insurance. Pharmacies (apotheek) are widely available and can treat minor ailments. For emergencies, dial 112. Tap water is safe to drink. No special vaccinations are required, but routine vaccines should be up to date."

Culture

Local customs

"Flemish culture values politeness and punctuality. Greet with a handshake or three cheek kisses (starting left). Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill is appreciated. Dress smart-casual; avoid overly revealing clothes in churches. Cycling lanes are sacred—never walk on them. Carnival is a time of satire; locals enjoy good-natured humor."

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Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range meal costs $15-25 per person

Hotels

$80-150 | budget hotels range $80-150/night

Local transport

$3 | local bus ride ~$3

Cost notes

Carnival period sees higher prices.

Timezone

Europe/Amsterdam
Local time 16:54

More facts

Population

3,480

Type

Suburb

Frequently Asked Questions

SuburbHistoricCulturalFamily-FriendlyFestivalCycling

Aalst

Best time to visit Aalst

October

Know before you go

Getting there

Getting around

Stay connected

Stay safe

Overall

Night safety

Transport

Scam risk

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Entry and health

Health information

Culture

Local customs

Costs and practicals

More facts

Nearby areas in 's-Hertogenbosch

Akert

Baardwijk

Batadorp

Bavel

Belcrum

Besoijen

Besterd

Biesdonk

Blaarthem

Broekhoven

Coevering

De Blaak

De Doornakkers

De Kruiskamp

De Reit

De Rompert

Deuteren

Eckart

Geenhoven

Ginneken

Grasrijk

Groenewoud

Groeseind

Heesterakker

Heusdenhout

Hoge Vucht

Hulsdonk

Jagershoef

Kalsdonk

Korvel

Lakerlopen

Lievendaal

Loven

Maaspoort

Meerhoven

Meerveldhoven

Muschberg en Geestenberg

Naastenbest

Ooievaarsnest

Orthen

Princenhage

Quirijnstok

Salderes

Speelheide

't Hofke

Tivoli

Tongelre

Villapark

Walsberg

Waterdonken

Wilhelminadorp

Wisselaar

Woenselse Heide

Zandberg

Zeelst

Zeilberg

Zonderwijk

Frequently Asked Questions