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Mons, the City of the Doudou

I completely fell in love with Mons. It's the perfect-sized city: easy to explore, impossible to get lost in, and full of fantastic places to eat. Far from the hustle and bustle of Brussels, and only about an hour away by train, it offers a wonderful mix of history, local traditions, and authentic Belgian charm that I absolutely adore.

Since I'm lucky enough to live quite close by, I visit regularly, and I realised I'd never actually written a blog post about it!

Formerly the European Capital of Culture in 2015, Mons is both modern and historic. Medieval streets, a magnificent Gothic Town Hall, Belgium's only Baroque Belfry (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an impressive collegiate church, fascinating museums... Mons is incredibly underrated considering everything it has to offer.

So, what should you do while you're here?

1. Grand Place & Town Hall: it is the heart of the city. It's always lively, lined with cafés and terraces, and home to the impressive Gothic Town Hall.

Behind its enormous doors lies a charming hidden courtyard leading to the beautiful Jardin du Mayeur, a peaceful little garden that's almost like a secret passage.

And while you're there, don't forget to look for the famous Monkey of the Grand'Garde. It's one of the city's symbols, and according to local legend, rubbing it with your left hand brings you a whole year of good luck!

2. The Belfry: the only Baroque belfry in Belgium. It's one of the 23 Belgian and French belfries listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its 49 bells play a traditional melody every fifteen minutes, so you definitely won't miss them.

A panoramic lift makes reaching the top easy, where you'll enjoy stunning views over the city, the collegiate church, and the surrounding countryside. Guided tours are also available if you'd like access to the upper levels.

Practical information: Admission is €9, and free for children under 12. Tickets are available from the UNESCO House on Rue des Clercs or online 

3. BAM Beaux-Arts Mons Just a short walk from the Grand Place, BAM is Mons' leading museum of modern and contemporary art.

Its collection includes more than 15,000 works, and it hosts two major exhibitions every year. Artists such as Niki de Saint Phalle, Joan Miró, and Andy Warhol have all been featured here.

4. Van Gogh House & the Borinage : located just outside the city centre, the Van Gogh House is one of the places where Vincent van Gogh lived between 1878 and 1880 during his time in the Borinage. 

This little-known period of his life came long before his fame, when he lived among the local mining communities.

5. Sainte-Waudru Collegiate Church built between 1450 and 1621, this magnificent church is considered one of the finest examples of Brabantine Gothic architecture.

Inside you'll find beautiful alabaster sculptures by Jacques Du Broeucq, stunning 16th-century stained-glass windows, and an extraordinary collection of religious goldsmithing that's regarded as one of the finest in Belgium.

It's absolutely worth a visit.

Bonus: If you're looking for a peaceful break, head to Waux-Hall Park.

Where to eat in Mons 

Mons has no shortage of fantastic cafés and restaurants. Here are a few places I've personally tested and would happily recommend for your next Belgian getaway.

Breakfast : 

- Texas Coffee House : Probably my favourite place in Mons for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

- MoMa Coffee : Delicious food, excellent coffee, and a beautiful aesthetic.

Lunch / Dinner : 

- BBQ Home A fantastic Korean barbecue restaurant.

- La Vie Est Belle Generous portions of delicious European cuisine.

Good to know

- Everything is within walking distance.The railway station, which is well worth seeing itself, is only a short walk from the city centre, making Mons an ideal destination for a day trip without a car.

If you're driving, there are plenty of car parks available. Parking is free for the first two hours, and it's completely free on Sundays and public holidays.

- A 24-hour and 48-hour Visitor Pass is also available from the Tourist Office, allowing you to combine several attractions at a discounted price. More info

See you soon, Mons!

I love this city because there's nothing unnecessary about it. Just beautiful architecture, a welcoming atmosphere, and countless little corners that deserve to be discovered.

If you're looking for an authentic Belgian escape away from the usual tourist trail, Mons is the perfect destination.

And if you'd like to see the city before planning your trip, my YouTube walking tour gives you a real feel for the atmosphere, complete with authentic street sounds, charming little streets, and absolutely no staging.

Thank you so much for reading!

I'll see you again next week with another article. In the meantime, feel free to browse all of our other travel guides.

Ana

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