20 awesome things to do in Kortrijk, Belgium

Many cities in Belgium offer a charming centre with medieval architecture and some cosy spots for a drink or something to eat. However, Kortrijk is one of my absolute favourites – and to say I only discovered it in the summer of 2020!

Kortrijk is a city with a large Medieval past but at the same time, it has been made hypermodern in recent years.

That combination works wonderfully as you see ancient towers on one side and white spacy bridges on the other. You can easily spend a day or even a couple of days in Kortrijk without getting bored!

Read along to learn more about all the things to do in Kortrijk, Belgium so you can experience an unforgettable day or city trip to the city!

The best things to do in Kortrijk

#1 The Broel Towers

🏛️ The two towers connected by a stone bridge over the river Lys are the proud symbol of Kortrijk and make for a picture-perfect image.

Even though you might suspect differently given how similar they are, the towers weren’t constructed at the same time.

The Southern tower (the right one if you’re looking from the quays/sitting area) is called the “Speytorre” and was constructed in 1385 to control the traffic on the river.

The Northern tower (the left one) is called “Inghelburgtorre” (try saying that 3 times!) and functioned as a weapon depot. It’s also a little younger (1415) than its neighbour.

The original Broel Bridge was constructed in 1385 but has since been destroyed and rebuilt more than once.

Recent renovations in the city included the lowering of the quays, resulting in a very nice square where you can enjoy the cosy cafes or have a relaxing chat at the banks of the river.

All while watching the water, the ducks swimming by and the towers.

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#2 Get lost in the Beguinage

To be honest, the Saint Elisabeth Beguinage isn’t big enough to get lost easily, but it sure gives that impression with its charming old houses and narrow cobblestone streets.

Beguines were religious women who dedicated their lives to God, but without taking a vow of Poverty. They lived in separate houses on a walled domain but had to provide for their own income.

Many of the bigger cities in Flanders have a Beguinage and it’s always a very calm and peaceful place that feels like a secret hiding spot.

Step through the gate of the Beguinage in Kortrijk – that dates back to 1238 – and you’ll be transported right back to the Middle Ages.

Enjoy the inner courtyard, explore the new experience centre (St Anna) and say hi to the statue of the last Beguine in the world.

This woman, Marcella Pattyn, lived in the St Elisabeth Beguinage from 1960 to 2005. She passed away at age 93 in 2013.

Like many of the historical buildings in the city, the Beguinage was destroyed several times. The current shape dates back to the 17th century when it was constructed with about 40 houses of which several have a private front garden

#3 Learn about the Battle of the Golden Spurs @ Kortrijk 1302

The Museum Kortrijk 1302 resides in a wonderful historic building – the former Groeninge Abbey – and it’s the place to be to relive one of the greatest battles of Flander’s history.

On July 11 of the year 1302, a group of Flemish peasants defeated a large army of French cavalry and Flemish elite and as such accomplished something nobody ever believed to be possible.

⚔️ The Battle of the Golden Spurs was fought on the Groeningekouter here in Kortrijk, which is why a large part of the city is dedicated to its history.

The 11th of July is still the Holiday of the Flemish community and festivities are held every year, however, it’s not a national holiday, so we don’t get the day off :).

There’s a free audio tour available and a fun interactive program for kids as well!

#4 Relax at Buda Island

Buda Island is the artistic hotspot of the city with several platforms and complexes that allow artists to do their creative thing.

🏝️ At one end of the island, you can also find Buda Beach, a great place to relax and enjoy the gorgeous views of the river.

During the summer months, a pop-up summer bar creates a lively atmosphere. Drop down in one of the beach chairs with your feet in the sand and a cocktail in your hand!

As the neighbourhood is situated between two branches of the river Lys, people have started referring to it as Little Buda – a reference to Hungary’s Budapest – since the end of the 17th Century.

#5 Admire the Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site

The Belfry of Kortrijk was – together with the other Belfries of the Belgium and France – placed on the UNESCO list in 1999.

🏛️ The square tower is one of the last remaining Medieval buildings in the city and makes for an imposing sight in the middle of the Grote Markt. The Belfry was part of the former cloth hall which dates back to 1248.

The victory in 1302 didn’t last very long and the elite under Louis II of Flanders defeated the Flemish peasants with help from the French king.

As he couldn’t pay his army, Louis II gave the order to plunder the city of Kortrijk, leaving the city in ruins.

The mechanical bell striker – Manten – was stolen from the Belfry and given to the church in Dijon, where you can still see it nowadays but a replica was later installed.

In the Sixties, Manten received a wife called Kalle and they now both stand proudly on top of the tower.

You can’t visit the Belfry independently, but guided visits are possible.

#6 Use the 7 spacy bridges to cross the river Lys

When the Lys needed to be altered to make it navigable for larger ships, seven funky bridges were installed that gave the city a considerable facelift.

The distinctive bridges help you get around in the city but are worth visiting on their own as well.

Every bridge has a unique design, but all of them are suspended seven meters above the water so that ships can easily pass underneath them.

Go and visit them all: the Westelijke Ring Bridge, the Dam Bridge, the Groeninge Bridge, the College Bridge, the Noord Bridge, the Buda Bridge and the Reep Bridge (although that last one still needs to be constructed – it’s supposed to be ready in 2022)

Furthermore, many riverbanks with wide paths were installed and the quays were given an upgrade. All of this makes Kortrijk an appealing and charming city for just about anyone!

Also, don’t forget to visit the river banks near the Broel Towers. The quays were lowered to about 0,5 meters above the water level and together with the large steps, it makes for a very inviting sitting area.

#7 Walking tour ‘Metamorphosis of the city’

This 7,7 km long walk will bring you to Kortrijk’s main destinations and highlights. It starts and ends at the tourism office in the Old Beguinage.

What we love about this walk is that it’s indicated by metal rivets (with golden spurs on them) on the walkways with an extra metal arrow to show you the direction.

This is great news for those of you who tend to get lost whenever trying to follow a walk.

As the walk is entirely flat and on paved walk paths, you’ll be able to do this one with a stroller or wheelchair.

While you’ll be able to follow the route by using the metal guides, you can also download this map on your phone or print it. Another option is to buy the map with short descriptions of the major sights at the Tourism Office – this costs €2.

#8 Shopping in Kortrijk

Shopping is a great activity in Kortrijk.

🛍️ In the historic centre, you can find a couple of traffic-free streets that offer everything from big brand stores to little boutiques. In 1962, Belgium’s first pedestrian shopping street opened here, in Kortrijk!

There are also two shopping centres to discover. The first one, K in Kortrijk, is a brand-new shopping centre smack-dab in the middle of the city.

Shops close at 7 PM (or 8 PM on Fridays) and are closed on Sundays unless there’s an event. The other one, Kortrijk Noord, is located a bit outside of the centre.

#9 Learn about flax and linen @ TEXTURE Museum

Flax, from which linen is produced, became an important export product in the 14th and 15th centuries.

As the area around Kortrijk is perfect for growing flax, it soon became the dominant industry of the region.

Thanks to flax production, Kortrijk became such a wealthy city that the river Lys was called “The Golden River”.

At Texture, the Museum of Flax, Linen and the River Lys, you can discover the entire history of the products and the role the river played in all of this.

The museum opened its doors in the 1960s but relocated to an old flax distribution centre in 2014.

It is now a modern and interactive space where you can put your learning glasses on.

#10 Visit Our Lady’s Church & St Martin’s Church

Both the Our Lady’s Church and the Saint Martin’s Church are impressive buildings that are well worth a visit when you’re looking for things to do in Kortrijk.

⛪️ Our Lady’s Church was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and was always meant for the elite.

It was here that the Battle of the Golden Spurs received its name as the Flemish victors hung 500 spurs of French knights in the choir of the church.

They were taken in 1382 during the looting of Kortrijk but you can still see the replicas nowadays.

The church is also home to the Relic of the Holy Hair, brought back by Philip of Alsace in the Third Crusade.

The attached Count’s Chapel was constructed in 1370 for Count Lodewijk van Male, but he passed away before the building was finished.

It’s particularly interesting to visit for its beautiful set of murals that show the counts of Flanders and for the glass windows that reflect the grandeur of the elite.

As opposed to Our Lady’s Church, St Martin‘s was always meant for the masses.

The church has been destroyed and rebuilt many times but the current state dates back to the 17th century – except for the tower that was struck by lightning and thus dates from the 19th century.

Things worthwhile during a visit are the Sacrament Tower, the “Triptych of the Holy Spirit” and the 19th-century carillon.

#11 The Artillery Tower

The bright red Artillery Tower can be found next to Our Lady’s Church and is one of the few remains of de Medieval castle that was built in 1301-1302 by the French king.

Originally the tower served as a freshwater tower, but it was later transformed to store canons and munition.

In 1990, archaeologists discovered that the tower was placed on the remains of an even older tower.

The Artillery Tower and the Broel Towers are the only remnants of the former city walls. The tower is open for visits with a guide.

#12 The Rose Garden

Kortrijk’s Rose Garden is situated a little outside of the city centre in the Park surrounding ‘t Hooge Castle.

The Park stretches along 3 ha and is more than 175 years old.

In 1959, the Rose Garden was created and is actually an experimental garden where 100-150 new varieties are planted each year. Their evolution is followed up for two years. They also showcase the evolution of roses throughout the centuries.

Every two years – on the last Sunday of June – a rose festival is held.

#13 Wander through the herb garden at Baggaertshof

The Baggaertshof was founded by Joossine Baggaert and her sister in 1638.

She had 13 tiny houses created for poor widows and their children or unmarried women who could no longer provide for their own income.

The almshouses and an accompanying chapel surround an inner courtyard. The founders and later their heirs decided who could join and the inhabitants had to follow a set of rules and ordinances.

In 1981, a herb garden with more than 200 different kinds was created by a group of doctors and pharmacists from Kortrijk.

One of the houses is open for public and the herb garden is a great spot for a picnic, but all in all the Baggaertshof is pretty small so you won’t need that much time for a visit.

#14 Have a drink at the Grote Markt

Kortrijk has many nice and cosy spots, but the Big Market Square is definitely the place to be to enjoy a drink on one of the many terraces.

On the right side you have the gorgeous City Hall and in the middle the stunning Belfry. Add to that the renovated market square and you have a winning deal.

Oh, and should you come with kids during the summer months, they’ll have tons of fun on the huge sandbox/playground in the middle of the Grote Markt.

#15 Admire the architecture of the City Hall

City Hall takes up a large space of the Big Market and is an amazing sight.

The Gothic-Renaissance building was constructed around 1520 and replaced the original wooden structure that was destroyed in a fire.

But if you think the outside looks pretty imposing, wait until you see the interior.

Downstairs, you can admire the Aldermen’s Hall which has a lovely stone fireplace from the 16th century. Around the room, you can see wall paintings that show the history of the area.

Upstairs is the Council Room that too boasts an impressive stone fireplace. It is decorated with images depicting the 7 sins, potential consequences and the corresponding virtues.

The room also has stunning stained glass windows and large topographic maps.

#16 Visit both the Groeninge Monument and the Groeninge Gate

In Groeninge Park, the location of the original battlefield of the Battle of the Golden Spurs you can find two memorial pieces.

The first one is the Groeninge Monument which shows a golden statue of the Virgin of Flanders who is trying to restrain the Flemish Lion while holding a spear.

It was built to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Battle in 1902, but it wasn’t finished at that time so the actual inauguration happened in 1906.

The Groeninge Gate is a triumphal arc that gives access to the park and looks like you’re about to walk into a Medieval Castle.

The top bears the inscription “1302 – Groeningheveld” – again to remember the biggest battle this city has ever seen.

#17 Let the kids play at De Warande

De Warande is a large walking and adventure domain a little outside of the city centre.

Across the domain, you can find different play zones for different ages. There’s a mini and a maxi play zone, a play forest, a park and a dog area.

If you’re looking for a fun place to go with kids, this should be on your list.

#18 Watch young skaters at the Skatebowl

The skate bowl in Kortrijk is the first one in Belgium that’s actually worthy of that name. It’s an 850m2 concrete surface with slopes that skaters and bladers can use to do their tricks.

The skate bowl is part of Albert Park and it looks like one of the terraces.

Even if you’re not a skater yourself it’s a pretty fun activity to watch the young skaters doing their thing.

#19 Hideaway in the Messeyne Garden

The Messeyne Garden is one of Kortrijk’s hidden spots.

This garden belonged to a large 19th-Century mansion but is now open for public access.

It’s quite literally hidden as you need to go through an underpass of the Hotel Messeyne or take the Guido Gezellepad to reach it.

The garden is a very romantic place with large trees, a point and a little cast-iron bridge. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this is the place to be!

#20 Head into nature at De Marionetten and De Libel

A large green area was created in recent years to offer an ecological and recreative green structure on the border of the city.

City Green de Marionetten connects the Preshoek forest with the Kennedy forest but also functions as an area for walking and cycling.

It is separated into different landscape rooms that all offer a different view and feeling.

On the highest point, you can find De Libel – a large structure in the shape of a dragonfly. The width of the wings is 37 meters, while the rest of the body is 27m long and 6m high.

You can walk all the way from one side to the other. Through the eyes of the dragonfly, you can take a look at the surrounding nature and the Broel Towers of the city below.

But it’s also a place where you can hide out when it’s raining and sometimes exhibitions are held as well.

📍You can find De Marionetten in de Don Boscolaan and De Libel in de Bosstraat

Where to Stay in Kortrijk

If you choose to visit Kortrijk and stay one or a couple of nights, the city has a wide array of hotel rooms to pick from.

Budget

One of the best budget options in Kortrijk is Place to Bee.

The rooms are beautiful (including one with a large painting on the ceiling!), the location is great and the breakfast is delicious.

If you prefer a budget apartment, then book your stay at Bernard’s Penthouse . With a perfect location and a wonderful large roof terrace, you’ll love it here.

Mid-range

In the mid-range price class, you should really try out Boutique B&B Oyo. The rooms are decorated to perfection and the accommodation offers a very yummy breakfast.

It’s a little bit further outside of the city centre, but since it’s only a 10-minute walk away, the distance is still very manageable.

Another charming option is Broel4, a bed&breakfast in the former city brewery. The location is spot-on and the service is perfect down to the last detail.

Luxurious

Parkhotel Kortrijk offers sleek and comfortable rooms, relaxing wellness, a fancy restaurant, and a stylish bar.

Prices range from mid-range to high-end.

For an out-of-the-ordinary hotel experience, book a room at Hotel Damier. Everything you get and see is styled to perfection to make sure you get the most out of your stay.

Where to eat in Kortrijk

Kortrijk is a lively city with many great spots to eat. There’s no shortage of cozy restaurants, hipster bars, or vegetarian options. If you’d like a recommendation, check out these ones:

• If you’re looking for that little something more, head over to restaurant ViEr. The setting is unique in the former St Vincencius hospital and customers can discover the fresh and pure kitchen of Bas and An. Without too much fuss but a party for your tastebuds!
• No need to look for a Starbucks when in Kortrijk, instead make your way to the Big Market for a nice cup at Viva Sara. The coffee is exquisite, but tea lovers don’t have to feel left out either.
• No Flemish dishes, but instead some really yummy Asian cuisine can be found at Lily’s Noodle House. We especially loved the Shoyu Ramen and the Teriyaki Chicken.
• If you’re craving a burger, Paul’s Boutique is where you want to be. With many beef, chicken, fish and a whopping 12 vegetarian options (!), you’ll be sure to find a special burger to your liking.
• For breakfast and sweets, De Koekedoze will be your new best friend. They offer different formulas of all-you-can-eat buffets. From Thursday to Sunday there’s the breakfast buffet, but they also offer a pie buffet, a pancake buffet and a desserts buffet on fixed dates.

How to get to Kortrijk

If you’re not visiting by car, the easiest way to reach Kortrijk is by train. Most of the bigger cities have a direct connection to Kortrijk.

In Belgium, you receive a 50% discount if you buy a round trip train ticket during the weekend.

From Brussels to Kortrij

From Brussels-Central to Kortrijk takes 1h15. There are 3 direct trains an hour (and more if you don’t mind a stopover). A single ticket is €16.30.

From Antwerp to Kortrijk

There’s 1 direct train from Antwerp to Kortrijk and it takes 1h25 to get there. A single ticket costs €19.70.

From Bruges to Kortrijk

From Bruges to Kortrijk takes about 50 minutes. There are 2 direct trains every hour and a single ticket costs €9.90.

From Ghent to Kortrijk

This route takes about 30 minutes (from Gent-St-Pieters). There are 2 to 3 direct trains an hour and a single ticket costs €8.90.

From Lille to Kortrijk

There’s 1 direct train from Lille to Kortrijk that takes 36 minutes. A single ticket costs €6.20.

Frequently Asked Questions  

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Final Thoughts on Things to do in Kortrijk

Kortrijk is a city in Belgium that offers plenty of activities for visitors and locals alike.

From exploring the city’s historical sites and monuments to enjoying the parks and gardens, there is something for families that are looking for things to do in Kortrijk.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an exciting evening, Kortrijk has it all.

With its beautiful landscapes, diverse culture, and unique attractions, Kortrijk is a perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the best of what Belgium has to offer.