A Charming Long Weekend in Charleroi, Belgium

Fall in love with the charm of Charleroi in Belgium.

22 April 2023

Charleroi, Belgium may not be the first place you think of for a romantic getaway, but it's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Visit the breathtaking Belfry of Charleroi, enjoy a romantic walk along the river Sambre, and indulge in local Belgian cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants in the city. With its charm and beauty, Charleroi is the perfect destination for a unique and unforgettable romantic trip.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival & Exploration

  • Check in at Hotel Charleroi Airport, where the rooms are cozy and the staff is friendly.
  • Start the day with a stroll around the city center, where you'll find eclectic street art and cafes with outdoor seating.
  • Have lunch at Le Pré Où L'on Dort, a lively restaurant with a rustic ambiance and unforgettable salads.
  • Visit the Museum of Photography, which houses an impressive collection of photographs from around the world.
  • End the day with a leisurely walk along the Sambre river, where the sunset paints the sky with hues of orange and pink.
Day 2

Castles & Beer

  • Head to the Castle of Seneffe, a beautiful estate with a neoclassical castle and well-manicured gardens.
  • Stop for lunch at Brasserie Caulier, a charming brewery with local beers and delicious burgers.
  • Continue to the Castle of Chimay, where you can tour the brewery and taste their famous Trappist beer.
  • Make a pit stop at La Carolo, a cozy bar with a vast selection of Belgian beers.
  • End the day with dinner at L'Imprevu, a charming restaurant with a romantic ambiance and delightful fusion cuisine.
Day 3

Shopping & Relaxation

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, where you'll find freshly baked bread and organic products.
  • Head to Les Grands Prés, the biggest shopping center in Wallonia, where you can shop for clothing, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
  • Stop for lunch at La Table de Maxime, a Michelin-starred restaurant with exquisite plates and a fairy tale garden.
  • Take a short drive to the Thermen van Charleroi, a thermal spa where you can unwind in the saunas, Jacuzzis, and pools.
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at Le Cor de Chasse, a cozy restaurant with an exceptional wine list and creative French cuisine.
Day 4

Nature & History

  • Pack a picnic and head to the Bois du Cazier, a former coal mine and now a museum with exhibitions on mining history and art.
  • Enjoy your picnic in the Parc des Canaux et Châteaux, a lush park with plenty of greenery and waterways.
  • Drive to the Abbaye de Villers, a stunning Cistercian abbey in ruins with impressive architectural details.
  • Stop for a coffee at the nearby Café de l'Abbaye, where you can enjoy views of the abbey while sipping a hot drink.
  • End the trip with a dinner at Mon Oncle, a trendy restaurant with exceptional seafood and meat-based plates.
  • End of itinerary.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Charleroi, Belgium by plane is to fly into Brussels South Charleroi Airport. There are several budget airlines, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, that operate flights from various European cities to this airport.

Car

The best way to get to Charleroi, Belgium by car is to take the E19 highway from Brussels. The journey takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Train

There is a train station in Charleroi called Charleroi-Sud. The best way to get there by train is to take a high-speed train from Brussels or Paris. From Brussels, the journey takes around one hour, with multiple trains running daily.

Boat

There are no boats that operate to Charleroi, Belgium as it is an inland city. The closest port cities are Antwerp and Rotterdam, both of which are located in the Netherlands.

Bus

One of the best ways to get to Charleroi, Belgium by bus is to take an express bus from Brussels. There are several bus companies, such as Flixbus and Ouibus, that operate daily services between the two cities.

More travel plans

5-Day Romantic Getaway to Charming Charleroi

Charleroi offers a hidden gem for romantic getaways with its charming cityscape and historic landmarks. Enjoy strolling through its picturesque streets lined with quaint cafes and boutiques or explore its fine art museums and galleries. You can also indulge in romantic meals at its Michelin-starred restaurants, showcasing some of the best cuisine in Belgium.

Charleroi on a Budget: A Two-Day Adventure

Charleroi, Belgium may not be the most famous European city, but it offers budget travelers a unique and affordable experience. Visitors can explore the city's industrial heritage, including the UNESCO-listed Bois du Luc mining site, for free. Plus, budget-friendly accommodations and restaurants make it easy to enjoy the local culture without breaking the bank.

The Ultimate 5-Day Charleroi Adventure Guide

Charleroi, Belgium, known for its industrial past, has transformed itself into a vibrant, multicultural hub with plenty to offer visitors. The city is dotted with street art, such as the iconic comic book murals, and has a thriving food and drink scene, including craft beer and Belgian fries. Visitors can also explore the unique architecture of the Rive Gauche shopping center or take a boat ride on the Canal du Centre.

3 Days of Romance & Adventure in Charleroi

Charleroi, Belgium may not be the first place that comes to mind for a romantic trip, but its industrial charm and hidden gems make it a unique and romantic destination. Couples can explore the city's vibrant street art, delve into the art nouveau architecture, and dine on traditional Belgian cuisine at cozy restaurants. For a romantic escape from the city, couples can take a scenic hike in the nearby mountains or visit the picturesque villages in the countryside.