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Nestled in the heart of Hainaut Province, Mons is a very non-touristy place and gives you a real feel of what local life is like in Belgium.
At its vibrant core lies the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with centuries-old buildings and the iconic City Hall, showcasing the city's rich heritage and architectural splendor.
This historic square serves as a bustling hub of activity, where locals gather to savor delicacies in quaint cafes, explore bustling markets, and partake in lively events throughout the year.
Its got this irresistible charm, Mons' Grand Place feels so inviting. I felt pretty safe in this area too which is always a plus and really impacts my overall view of a place!
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Mons has a smaller town feel and is a much slower pace than Brussels.
The Mons Memorial Museum is dedicated to the memory of World War I, and the Mundaneum is known as the "Google of the 20th century," preserving an early attempt at cataloging global knowledge. Additionally, the BAM (Beaux-Arts Mons) museum features contemporary art exhibitions.
Be sure to stop in at the Collegiate Church of Saint-Waudru. It's a prominent religious and architectural landmark located in the city within walking distance of the Grand Place.
It holds significant historical and cultural importance in the region and is dedicated to Saint Waudru, a local saint and the patroness of the city.
The interior of the church is equally impressive, with a spacious nave, side chapels, and a beautifully designed choir. The intricate wooden choir stalls are notable for their detailed carvings depicting biblical scenes, saints, and various symbolic figures.
The Carnival of Mons, locally known as "Doudou," is a vibrant and lively event that takes place annually and has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
It involves various festivities, including a procession, folkloric characters, and a mock battle featuring the famous "Lumeçon."
Many places are actually closed on Mondays so plan to spend your day in Mons on any other day. I did not realize this part about Mons until I was already here and of days, a Monday!
I still had a wonderful time, just missed going to a few places that I wanted to visit. I guess that means I've just got to go back. :)
One thing that I loved Mons is well-connected by road and rail, making it accessible for both local and international travelers.
It's also only about a 45 minute train ride to Brussels and relatively close to other major European cities making it a feasible destination for day trips.
Constructed in the 17th century, the Belfry of Mons offers a captivating glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural heritage.
The Belfry is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can explore for about €6.00 per person.
Plan to spend approximately 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the belfry and enjoying the panoramic views from its summit.
To ascend the tower, you can either walk the 365 steps or ride the elevator. Keep in mind that the stairs can be narrow and winding, so watch your step!
The Belfry of Mons is typically open every day of the week except for Mondays. Unfortunately, my day in Mons happened to be a Monday so I will have to go back to climb the 365 steps for the amazing view.
From cozy cafés with delicious pastries to charming bistros serving local Belgian cuisine, Mons has some great places to stop for a bite to eat!
Take advantage of savoring the freshly baked waffles dusted with powdered sugar, indulge in velvety Belgian chocolates, and enjoy a cup of rich coffee in the a little cafe at the Grand Place Square.
You can eat lunch with a beautiful view of the Grand Place in Mons. It feels so laid back and the scene before your eyes is beautiful.
Thanks to a friend that welcomed me in her charming town, I got eo experience some great places in Mons!
A couple of coffee shops I recommend here are Five Senses at Grand Place and a little spot on Rue D'Harve called Le Pain Quotidien. This gem serves food too and is a great spot to connect to W-Fi so you can check-in with family and friends.
I also tried to go to MoMa, as recommended by my friend as well, but it was closed on Monday.
