Charleroi Holidays

Charleroi might not be the first name on your Belgium bucket list — but that’s exactly why you should go. It’s raw, real, and buzzing with hidden treasures.

Highlights

• 🏭 Industrial chic — Snap gritty urban art and explore old coal mines turned hipster hangouts.

• 🎨 Street art safari — Charleroi’s walls are basically one giant, ever-changing mural.

• 🚂 Gateway to adventure — Super handy base for exploring Wallonia’s charming countryside.

• 🍻 Proper Belgian beer scene — Because what’s Belgium without a pint or three?

Getting around

Charleroi is compact enough to conquer on foot — perfect for spontaneous detours down graffitied alleyways. Fancy venturing further? Hop on the handy TEC buses or trams that zigzag through the city and out to the leafy suburbs. Charleroi South Station links you swiftly to Brussels, Namur, and other Belgian beauties, while the airport is just a 15-minute shuttle ride away — ideal for budget flights and last-minute weekenders.

Things to do for families in Charleroi

Charleroi is surprisingly family-friendly, with enough activities to keep little explorers busy. Get hands-on with local history at the Bois du Cazier, an old coal mine turned museum complex with interactive exhibits about industry and resilience. Pack a picnic for the lush Parc Reine Astrid, where you can feed ducks and let the kids blow off steam on playgrounds. Animal lovers shouldn’t miss the Aquascope de Virelles — a short drive away but worth it for the freshwater creatures and nature trails. End the day with a tasty treat at one of the city’s beloved waffle shops. (Tip: Let the kids choose their toppings — sugar rush guaranteed!)

Things to do for couples in Charleroi

Charleroi is a top spot for couples who crave a break from tourist crowds and want to discover a more authentic side of Belgium together. Wander hand-in-hand through the city’s urban art trail, where giant murals and quirky sculptures surprise you at every corner. Visit Photography Museum of Charleroi for some artsy inspiration, then sip local craft beers at a cosy bar like Le Rockerill — a former factory turned cultural hotspot with live gigs and laid-back vibes. For a dash of romance, catch sunset views from the Terril des Piges, an old slag heap offering panoramic cityscapes. Finish off with a candlelit dinner at a hidden bistro and toast to your offbeat adventure.

Things to do for groups in Charleroi

Gather your mates and unleash your inner urban explorers in Charleroi! Sign up for a guided Urban Safari Tour — part history, part photography workshop, part adventure — as you traipse through abandoned factories and hidden tunnels. Feeling competitive? Try an escape room experience at Escape Charleroi, or go paintballing at Battle Kart, where Mario Kart meets laser tag. At night, head to Eden, the city’s creative hub for live music, theatre, and performances that keep the good times rolling. And obviously, no group trip is complete without a Belgian beer crawl — cheers to that!

Things to do for foodies in Charleroi

Charleroi might be gritty, but its food scene is all heart and full of surprises. Start your culinary quest with a visit to Marché de Charleroi, the local market brimming with fresh cheeses, charcuterie, and sweet treats. Grab a piping-hot portion of Belgian frites — because you’re in Belgium, so obviously. For hearty local flavours, try a plate of Boulets à la Liégeoise (meatballs in sweet-sour sauce) at a traditional brasserie. Fancy something trendier? Charleroi’s emerging foodie scene is dotted with bistronomy spots where chefs mix old-school Walloon recipes with modern flair. And for a sweet finale, find a chocolatier and treat yourself to pralines — your taste buds will thank you.