Top Things to Do in Oudenaarde, Belgium: A Complete Travel Guide

Nestled in the heart of the Flemish (Dutch speaking) region of Belgium known as East Flanders, Oudenaarde is a charming little town known for its medieval history, world-class cycling routes, and beautiful riverside scenery. With easy access to/from Ghent (30 minutes), Brussels (1 hour) or Brugge (1 hour), this little town can work in any Belgian itinerary but we’re partial to overnighting for a more authentic experience.

We spent a few nights in Oudenaarde during our time in Belgium and loved the extremely local, non-touristy feel of this quaint little town. Oudenaarde is perfect for anyone who loves off-the-beaten-path locations without excessive tourism. Whether you’re visiting as a day trip or planning a longer stay, this guide covers the top things to do in Oudenaarde, Belgium, plus travel tips to help you plan the perfect visit.

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Where to Stay in Oudenaarde

Oudenaarde is quite small so as long as you stay somewhere near the main square you will be within close walking distance to all the main sites and the train station. Here are my favorite places to stay in the heart of Oudenaarde:

• La Porte Rouge – The Red Door
• Bed & Breakfast Jezuietenplein 21
• Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde
• Hotel Restaurant Steenhuyse

1. Visit the Oudenaarde Town Hall 

The Oudenaarde Town Hall is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Belgium and the centerpiece of the Market Square (main square in central Oudenaarde). This building was built in the 16th century and its impressive belfry is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss this beautiful building lit up at night – one of the top things to do in Oudenaarde!

2. Explore the MOU Museum (Museum of Oudenaarde)

Located inside the Oudenaarde Town Hall, the MOU Museum dives deep into Oudenaarde’s artistic and cultural heritage. The museum is especially famous for its collection of Flemish tapestries, once prized across Europe.

The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 9:30-17:00 and Saturday-Sunday from 14:00-17:00. You can purchase tickets for 10 Euro per adult with discounted tickets for kids and seniors. Purchase museum tickets in advance here.

3. Walk Along the River Scheldt

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the River Scheldt for a nice relaxing activity and one of the top things to do in Oudenaarde. The riverside paths offer peaceful views, scenic bridges, and excellent photo opportunities—especially at sunrise/sunset. Several cafés and restaurants line the water, making it a great place to stop for a drink or a leisurely meal while watching boats pass by. We liked grabbing a coffee at Jone Koffiebar in the morning and then walking along the river.

4. Enjoy Local Belgian Beer & Cuisine

The town has several cozy brasseries and cafés serving Flemish classics like beef stew (stoofvlees), mussels, and crispy fries. Beer lovers can sample local brews or enjoy well-known Belgian ales often paired perfectly with regional dishes. Some of our favorite restaurants and bars in Oudenaarde include:

• Martiko – Great dinner spot
• Buun Oudenaarde – Delicious breakfast or lunch
• The Carillon – Enjoy a brew while overlooking the main square
• Café Bonjour bij Sen – Quaint local alley bar – One of my favorite things to do in Oudenaarde. This one is a real hidden gem.
• Belgian Waffles – It would be a sin to skip mentioning Belgian waffles in any post about Belgium. Be sure to eat lots of waffles while you’re here – they really are the best waffles you’ll ever have. You can find waffles available at many local shops.

5. Visit the Church of Saint Walburga

The Church of Saint Walburga is a striking Gothic church located near the town center. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows, religious artwork, and an impressive organ. The church plays an important role in Oudenaarde’s religious history and is worth visiting for its architecture alone.

6. Discover Oudenaarde’s Cycling Heritage

Oudenaarde is world-famous among cyclists and serves as a hub for the Tour of Flanders. Legendary climbs like the Oude Kwaremont, Paterberg, and Koppenberg are just outside town and attract cyclists from around the globe. Even non-cyclists can enjoy the atmosphere by visiting bike cafés, watching riders tackle the climbs, or walking sections of the iconic routes through the countryside.

7. Attend a Cycling Event – One of My Favorite Things To Do in Oudenaarde

If you really want to get immersed in local Flanders culture, find and attend a local cycling event – cyclocross is super fun. Cycling in this area is very popular and they throw some awesome events for attendees to come watch. We visited Oudenaarde specifically to see my cousin race in a cyclocross event and let me tell you, it was so much fun. The vibe is an all day party with music, food and beer tents throughout the grounds. You can eat, drink and enjoy mingling with the locals while you watch racing all around you.

8. Visit Geraardsbergen

Geraardsbergen is only a 30 minute drive (or 40 minute train ride connecting through Zottegem) from Oudenaarde and a great little town to explore during your time in Oudenaarde. This quaint city is best known for the iconic Muur van Geraardsbergen, a steep cobbled climb that draws cycling fans from around the world and offers sweeping views from the hilltop chapel. After exploring the chapel, stop by the city square for lively cafes, a view of the impressive Gothic town hall, or a peek at the Manneken Pis statue – the oldest one in Belgium.

🚉 Taking the Train? Use Rail Europe to search for routes and buy tickets in advance.

9. Take a Day Trip to Ghent

Ghent is only a 30 minute train ride from Oudenaarde making it an easy day trip location. Ghent is full of fun things to do like taking scenic canal boat cruise (my personal favorite), exploring charming streets and lively squares, and taking in the local architecture. Stop by Ghent in the afternoon and stay into the evening if you’re looking for a lively nightlife area near Oudenaarde.

🚉 Taking the Train? Use Rail Europe to search for routes and buy tickets in advance.

10. Drive Through the Flemish Ardennes in a Vintage Citroën 2CV

Jump on this rare opportunity to drive a Vintage Citroën 2CV through the Belgian countryside. Create your own route to explore or follow a curated itinerary from the provider. Talk about an extremely memorable experience during a trip to Belgium!

🚘 RESERVE AHEAD OF TIME: Book a full day rental of a Vintage Citroën or Méhari here

Getting Around in Oudenaarde

Oudenaarde is well connected to the Belgian train system with a train stop right in town. This makes it very easy to explore nearby areas with the train. However, if you are planning to visit smaller towns you may want to consider a car rental depending on where you plan to visit. Many smaller towns can still be accessed via train but it will take much longer as many require switching trains at larger stations.

Best Time to Visit Oudenaarde

The best time to visit Oudenaarde depends on what your overall plans are – if you want to catch a specific cycling race, avoid crowds, or have the best weather. All these things factor in to when is the best time for you to visit.

• Visit in Spring (April-June) for mild, comfortable weather and longer days with fewer crowds than peak summer, blooming landscapes, and cultural events. A great time of year for outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and cycling.
• Visit in Summer (July-August) for the warmest weather and lots of outdoor festivals and activities. However, this is peak tourist season so be prepared for more people and higher prices. Book things further in advance if you’re traveling at this time of year.
• Visit in Fall (September-October) for pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds again. Another great time for hiking and laid back sightseeing experiences.
• Visit in Winter (November-February) for a quieter and cheaper experience. Weather tends to be cold and rainy at times but crowds are minimal. If you visit in late-November/December you can expect Christmas markets and holiday festivities.

We visited Belgium in November and loved the low crowds and beginning of Christmas decorations. Even though the weather was a bit rainy and cooler with shorter days, we always love the tradeoff of minimal crowds for less than ideal weather. Grab a coat and get a less touristy experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oudenaarde worth visiting?

If you are someone who enjoys staying off-the-beaten-path, Oudenarde is a great little stop while you’re in Belgium. With a very local, non-touristy feel, Oudenaarde is a hidden gem. Whether you choose to spend a couple nights here or just stop in for the day, you’ll love the quiet vibe of this little town.

How many days should I spend in Oudenaarde?

If you aren’t planning to go to a cycling event, spend 1-2 nights here.

If you are planning on a cycling event and or day trips, consider 3+ nights depending on your plans. We spent 3 nights in Oudenaarde with the following activities:

• Day 1 – Sightseeing in Oudenaarde and visit to Geraardsbergen
• Day 2 – Oudenaarde in the morning and day trip to Ghent in the afternoon/evening
• Day 3 – Attend an all day cycling event
• Day 4 – Sightseeing in Oudenaarde and continue on to next destination

Can you visit Oudenaarde as a day trip?

Yes, you can definitely visit Oudenaarde as a day trip from more popular towns like Ghent (30 minutes away), Brussels (1 hour) or Brugge (1 hour).

Read Next

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