Are you looking for a unique and picturesque destination for a weekend in Belgium? Then Dinant, nested in the Meuse valley in Wallonia, is the place to be! It has breathtaking scenery, a rich history and a charming atmosphere. We promise you an unforgettable experience when spending time in this quant Belgian city. In this blogpost, we give you an overview of the best things to see and do in Dinant.
Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and purchase, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. The affiliate links concern only products and services we appreciated highly and trust. This means the views and opinions expressed in this post are purely our own. For more information, check our privacy and cookie policy.
Table of Contents
The 8 best things to do in Dinant
Visit the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame
As soon as you arrive in Dinant, you are greeted by this iconic landmark with its onion-shaped tower. This 13th-century cathedral is a must-visit when in Dinant. The cathedral has an impressive Gothic facade and many carved statues. The entrance to the cathedral is free. the stained glass window is probably one of the largest windows we have ever seen.
Explore the Citadel of Dinant
The Citadel is perched high on a cliff overlooking the town. There are two possibilities to get to the Citadel. Either you hike up to the Citadel by taking the many stairs (like we did). Or you take the scenic cable car ride with views over the Meuse river. A visit to the Citadel will cost you €12. The entrance fee remains the same whether you take the stairs or the cable car. Inside the Citadel, you’ll find an interactive museum about the region’s military history. There is even a recreated trench that gives you a good impression of life at the front. Visiting the Citadel in Dinant is a must-do to truly understand the history of Dinant.
Stroll along the Saxophone Bridge
The Charles de Gaulle Bridge (also known as the Saxophone Bridge) is adorned with saxophones, representing different countries. This bridge is in honor of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophon, who was born in Dinant.
Take the perfect photo at the Dinant viewpoint
Next to the bridge, there are letters spelling the name of the town Dinant. This viewpoint is by far the best spot to capture the glory of Dinant into one image: the Citadel, the cathedral, the Meuse river and colorful houses.
Take a boat cruise along the river Meuse
To see the city from a different perspective, we highly recommend taking a boat cruise along the River Meuse. During this boat trip you can admire the impressive cliffs and forest of the landscape of Dinant. It is possible to buy a combi-ticket for the Citadel and a boat cruise from Les Croisières Mosanes for only 20 euros.
Take a stroll along the riverbanks
Make sure to have a stroll along the riverbanks and look for the terrace with the best views to have a drink or a meal. Dotted over the city, you can find signs with suggested routes. One of these routes starts from the Cathedral, takes you along the riverbanks and then back to the cathedral.
Visit the Leffe Brewery
Leffe is probably the most famous beer of Belgium and it is exported to many countries in the world. As a beer lover, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Maison Leffe, where you can learn about the brewing process and taste this famous Belgian beer with an impressive view over Dinant.
Sax museum
The Sax Museum in Dinant is a homage to Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, who was born in Dinant. The entrance to the museum is free. The museum is located in the heart of Dinant. As you step into the museum, you’ll see an impressive collection of saxophones from various eras, showcasing the evolution of the instrument. From the earliest prototypes to the modern saxophones used by modern musicians, the Sax Museum offers a journey through the history of saxophones.
Getting to Dinant
Dinant is easily accessible from major cities in Belgium and neighboring countries.
- A convenient way to reach Dinant is by taking the train. The nearest major train station is Namur. Here you can catch a direct train to Dinant, which will take around 30 minutes. A direct train from Brussels to Dinant is also available and will take approximately 1,5 to 2 hours. Check the Belgian railway website to find the train timetables.
- If you prefer driving, Dinant is well-connected to major highways. From Brussels, it will take about 1,5 to 2 hours, depending on the traffic. There are different parking spots in Dinant where you can easily park your car.
- The nearest international airports are Brussels Airport (Zaventem) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. From either airport, you can take a train or rent a car to continue your journey.
Where to stay
There are several hotels in and around Dinant, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options. Below, we give you our top-three hotels in Dinant
La Merveilleuse by Infiniti Resorts
Want to have a unique experience when visiting Dinant? Then we suggest to sleep in a 17th-century monastery. It’s possible at La Merveilleuse by Infiniti Resorts, located next to the Meuse River and within walking distance of Dinant’s main attractions: it is an eight-minute walk from the cathedral and a 14-minute walk from the Citadel.
There are different types of rooms, for example with a terrace and views of the beautiful garden. Spending the night at this B&B means that you have a private bathroom with a bathtub, where you can recover from the Citadel’s stairs.
Prices and availability: BOOKING.COM
Ibis hotel
The Ibis hotel is a good accommodation if you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Dinant. As with other Ibis hotels, the hotel in Dinant offers decents room with all the necessities. The hotel is located right in the city center, all the city’s sights are within a walking distance from the hotel.
Prices and availability: BOOKING.COM
Les Terrasses de Sax
Lopcated in the city center, Les Terrasses de Sax is a completely renovated historical building offering excellent rooms with a private bathroom. The accomodation has a unique location, right next to the river Meuse and offers splendid views.
Prices and availability: BOOKING.COM
Want to discover more of Wallonia in Belgium?
Check out our other blogposts :
- Hiking in the east of Belgium: the High Fens
- The Semois Valley – the best valley for hiking in Belgium
We hope this blogpost encourages you to visit one of the most picturesque towns in Belgium: Dinant. If you have any questions or remarks, please let us know in the comments!
Happy travels!
Matthias en Mieke
Quick start your holiday with the help of our trusted tools
These are the websites we highly recommend to plan your next trip. We use them all the time to save money and travel freely! Did you know that by purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️
Find hotels: via booking.com
Find a rental car: via discovercars.com
Find cheap flights: via skyscanner.com
Book tours & attractions: via getyourguide.com
Book a bus / train / transfer: via omio.com—
