Things To Do in Dinant, Belgium: The Riverside Town You’ve Never Heard Of

Ever heard of Dinant? Yes, we thought so. Dinant is a tiny town in the south of Belgium, alongside the Meuse River. Many people are unaware of this location, even though it is packed with loads of things to do. Dinant is famous for its citadel, Pinterest-worthy churches, and caves. Do you know who Adolphe Sax is? The person who invented the saxophone was from Dinant too. Dinant is easily accessible by train or car from nearby Brussels and is an ideal location for a day trip. In this blog, we will explore the 10 best things to do in Dinant as a traveler. Spoiler: The aftereffects of reading this blog might include an uncontrollable urge to visit this town as soon as possible.

The Citadel is a must-visit point in Dinant! Constructed back in the 19th century (reconstructed in 1821 by the Dutch, though the original dates back to the 11th century), it is located atop a 100-meter cliff and offers beautiful vistas of the Meuse River. You can easily visit the Citadel by cable car or by climbing 408 steps (of course, if you want to lose some calories). Tourists can see the basement passages, ancient military barracks, and a reconstructed trench of World War I. Best thing? The citadel features a museum too, which showcases uniforms, weapons, and ancient items, talking about the complex military history of the town. Hungry? Enjoy a coffee in the small eatery at the top and take pics of the view!

The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is a Gothic-style structure reconstructed in the 13th century, after a huge rockfall destroyed it. The best part about the cathedral is a huge bell tower that is shaped like an onion; it is quite a rare sight in Belgium. As you step in, you may witness a giant-colored glass window, and a rose window (yes, it was built in the 16th century, very old). You can also visit the church, which has religious statues, an ancient organ, and old tombs. What can you do here? You can stroll through aisles, attend church services, or learn about the church’s framework after destruction through guides. By the way, it is located just a brief walk from the Citadel.

Situated in the house of Adolphe Sax, the person who invented the saxophone, Adolphe Sax Museum is a tiny yet very informative place to visit. The museum is all about the way he designed his early instruments and features documents regarding his life achievements. Tourists can listen to original saxophone music and get insights about how the military and music were affected by Sax’s invention. The museum has no entry ticket and is self-guided. As you step outdoors, there are many saxophone-style benches and impressive sculptures bordering the Charles de Gaulle Bridge; you can also see a seated Sax statue in front of the museum.

History lovers should absolutely visit this place; the War Memorial basically pays tribute to the deadly massacre of August 1914, where over 600 individuals were killed by German soldiers during World War I. It is situated close to the citadel and features names of the civilians killed, statues displaying sadness, and interpretive panels. Visitors can explore the location and learn about this catastrophic part of the Belgian past. Guided Historical tours are available for those who are interested.

Among the most picturesque caves in Belgium, La Merveilleuse Cave always stands out! Situated just a brief walk away from the train station, this cave was discovered back in the 19th century and is famous for its narrow paths, beautiful waterfalls, and exceptional limestone structures. Tourists here can take a guided tour that lasts for 45 minutes through the narrow paths packed with stalagmites and stalactites. The cave from inside is cooler with a constant temperature of 12 degrees all year round. You can snap photos, but only in some areas, and skilled guides tell you all about the history of this cave. Make sure to wear comfy shoes during your trip, as the uneven walking paths may be a hurdle for you if you don’t.

Maison Leffe is an incredible beer spot situated on a hill with beautiful Dinant views. It is basically a museum that offers a detailed history of Leffe beer; it has been brewed by Norbertine monks since the 12th century. You can explore the amazing processes a beer goes through, like brewing, branding, and all. The entry ticket features guided audio tours along with a taste test of one of the Leffe beers of your choice from the huge beer bar. Guests can also learn about the best beer and food combos like Leffe Brune and Leffe Blonde. The rooftop promises outstanding views of the town and the Meuse River.

On the northern side of Dinant, you will find Leffe Abbey, an old monastery that was founded back in the mid-11th century. Unfortunately, Abbey is not accessible to the public, but visitors can stroll or bike to the location and observe its huge, quiet grounds with beautiful outdoor framework. It was once home to the Leffe Beer, which monks used to brew in the 13th century. As you move along the way, you may see many signs and gorgeous riverside trails. The abbey church still performs holy services and is accessible during religious holidays or events.

Rocher Bayard is a beautiful limestone rock that is situated on the southern side of Dinant. This rock is 40 meters tall and splits the road (N936), forming a very narrow path for cars and bikes. According to an old legend or myth, this stone formed because of the giant horse Bayard (yes, weird). Tourists can stroll or drive through this limestone; they can even take pics to make it memorable. Among Dinant’s natural landmarks, this one stands out as the most famous and is a popular picturesque stop for those traveling along the Meuse River. Of course, it's for free, and close by, you can see many signs providing info regarding this natural structure.

Visiting Dinant and not trying Couque de Dinant, then you have missed out on some fun. But, what is it exactly? It is a Dinant biscuit made from honey and flour; it has no other additives like sugar or water. It is a very hard biscuit and is molded using wooden cutters to create impressive designs of flowers or animals. It is not like a usual cookie at all because of its extreme hardness, but it can be taken with tea, milk, or coffee. It is also a very common souvenir, because it can last for months without going bad.

Parc de Furfooz is a beautiful natural park situated just a brief drive away from Dinant. It promises a quiet 4 km walking path through cliffs, forests, and along the huge Lesse River. The park is famous for its old sites like cave structures and Roman ruins (including a Roman bathhouse), which are a sight to see. Along the route, you may find many incredible viewpoints to take pictures and have picnics.

In a nutshell, these top attractions above are a Dinant must-see! From history to beautiful views, they offer everything a tourist wants on their trip. Thus, Dinant is one of the underrated cities in Belgium, and you should visit it this summer.

Visiting Dinant Soon?
Book your stay now from our curated list of top hotels in Dinant – handpicked for comfort, views, and convenience:

8.1 Very good

Le Toit de Dinant

40 Rue Saint-jacques Dinant, be

8.9 Very good

Côté Sax bed and breakfast

50 Rue Adolphe Sax Dinant, be

8.7 Very good

La Garçonnière de Wiertz

15 Rue Wiertz Dinant, be