There are some places you visit for a few hours, take a couple of pictures, and move on. And then there are places that make you want to slow down and stay a little longer.
Tucked away along the Meuse River in Belgium, Dinant is one of those cities that feels almost too picturesque to be real. With its colourful riverside houses, impressive cliffs, historic citadel and the beautiful Collégiale Notre-Dame towering over the town, there is something to discover around almost every corner.
And the best part? Dinant is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Dinant, plus everything you need to know to plan your own weekend.
Dinant, Belgium: The Perfect Weekend Getaway in the Ardennes
10 Things to Do in Dinant
1. Visit the Dinant Citadel
If there’s one attraction you shouldn’t miss in Dinant, it’s the Dinant Citadel. Sitting high above the city, the citadel has an incredible history and some of the best views in Dinant. We honestly didn’t expect to be quite as amazed by it as we were.
The views alone make the trip worthwhile. From the top, you can look down over the Meuse, the colourful buildings of Dinant and the surrounding cliffs and countryside.
We enjoyed exploring the museum inside the citadel. Rather than simply walking through rooms filled with old objects and information boards, the museum uses interactive and immersive exhibits to bring the history to life. At times, it genuinely felt like we were stepping back into the past.
There is one thing you should know before visiting, though. There are 408 stairs. Yes, you read that correctly. If you’re up for the challenge, climbing the stairs is part of the experience. But if 408 steps aren’t exactly your idea of a fun afternoon, you can also drive around the hill and park at the top. Either way, make sure you make your way up. The views are absolutely worth it.
Insider tip
Check the current Dinant Citadel opening hours before visiting, especially if you’re travelling outside the main tourist season.
2. Take a Boat Ride Along the Meuse
After exploring the citadel, there’s no better way to see Dinant than from the water. The Meuse runs directly through the city, and taking a boat ride gives you a completely different perspective of the town.
We really enjoyed how relaxing it was. After walking around and climbing all those stairs at the citadel, it was nice to sit back and simply enjoy the scenery. It’s also a great activity if you’re visiting Dinant as a couple, with family or with children because you don’t have to spend the entire day walking around attractions.
3. Admire the Collégiale Notre-Dame
One of the first things you’ll notice when arriving in Dinant is the beautiful Collégiale Notre Dame. It has become one of the symbols of Dinant and makes for one of those instantly recognisable Belgian travel photos. But don’t just admire it from the outside.
Step inside.The interior is beautiful, but what really caught our attention was the enormous stained glass window. It was honestly one of the most beautiful stained glass windows we’ve seen.
4. Discover the Birthplace of the Saxophone
Here’s a fun fact we didn’t know before visiting Dinant: The inventor of the saxophone was born here. Adolphe Sax was born in Dinant in 1814, and his connection to the city is everywhere. You can visit Maison de Monsieur Sax, a small museum dedicated to his life and work. Even better, admission is free. The museum doesn’t take very long to explore, making it an easy addition to your Dinant route.
5. Walk Across the Charles de Gaulle Bridge
Speaking of saxophones, one of the best places to see them is on the Charles de Gaulle Bridge. The bridge crosses the Meuse right in the centre of Dinant and is decorated with colourful saxophones representing different countries.
6. Visit Maison Leffe
You can’t come to Belgium without enjoying a Belgian beer, right?
And in Dinant, that naturally means Leffe. At Maison Leffe, you can discover the history behind one of Belgium’s most famous beers and learn about its connection to the nearby Leffe Abbey. We enjoyed the mini tour, which was a fun way to learn more about the history of the beer and the monks who brewed it. And naturally, we couldn’t leave without enjoying a fresh Leffe afterwards.
7. Explore the Caves Around Dinant
If you want to do something a little different, there are several caves in the area around Dinant. The region’s limestone landscape has created a fascinating underground world, making cave exploration another popular activity in the area.
It’s particularly nice to have this option if you’re staying for a full weekend because it gives you something completely different from exploring the historic centre.
8. Go Hiking Around Dinant
Dinant isn’t only about history and sightseeing.
Step outside the city and you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Ardennes. There are hiking trails around Dinant that take you through forests, along cliffs and towards viewpoints overlooking the Meuse.
9. Slow Down at a Riverside Café
One of our favourite things about Dinant isn’t actually an attraction at all. It’s sitting beside the Meuse with a drink and watching the city go by. There are several cafés and restaurants along the river where you can sit outside and enjoy the view.
And honestly, don’t underestimate how nice it is to do absolutely nothing for a while. Travel doesn’t always have to mean seeing as much as possible.
10. Wander Through Dinant’s Historic Centre
Finally, give yourself some time to simply wander.
Dinant’s centre isn’t huge, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot without having to follow a strict itinerary. It’s a city with a lot of history, but it doesn’t feel like a museum. People live here, cafés spill onto the streets and boats move along the river.
Where to Stay in Dinant
We stayed at L’Auberge des Crêtes, which was our base during our visit.
The following morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast before heading out again. If you’re able to, we’d definitely recommend staying overnight in Dinant rather than visiting only as a day trip. There are plenty of Dinant Belgium hotels and guesthouses in the city and surrounding countryside, so you can choose between staying right in the centre or somewhere quieter outside town.
How to Get to Dinant
Brussels to Dinant
One of the reasons Dinant makes such a good weekend destination is that it’s relatively easy to reach from Brussels. By car, Brussels to Dinant takes roughly an hour and a half, depending on traffic. This makes it an easy escape from the city for a weekend and also means you can easily combine Dinant with other places in Wallonia if you’re planning a longer Belgium road trip.
If you’re travelling around Belgium without a car, Dinant can also be reached by train.
Best Time to Visit Dinant
Dinant is beautiful at any time of year, but if you ask us, we’d seriously consider visiting during the off-season. The city has become a popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to understand why.
Visiting outside the busiest months gives you more space to enjoy the city at your own pace.
This post was all about: Dinant, Belgium: The Perfect Weekend Getaway in the Ardennes
Is Dinant Worth Visiting? For us, absolutely.
What surprised us most about Dinant was just how much there is to do in such a small city.
You can climb 408 stairs to a historic citadel, take a boat ride along the Meuse, admire one of the most beautiful stained-glass windows we’ve ever seen, learn about the birthplace of the saxophone, explore the history of Leffe and spend time hiking through the surrounding Ardennes.
If you’re looking for Belgium destinations beyond the usual Brussels, Bruges and Ghent, we’d definitely put Dinant on your list.
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