Tournai is an enchanting city built around a cafe-filled main square. Admire one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Belgium and visit a string of world-class museums. A passion for craft beer and artisan chocolate makes Tournai a rewarding destination for foodies.
Things to do in Tournai
Magnificent buildings frame Grand Place, the city’s triangle-shaped main square. Halle Aux Draps is one of the most beautiful and features an elegant Renaissance façade decorated with shimmering gold accents. Cafes and bistros spill onto the square and provide a perfect vantage point to admire the streetscape.
Cathédrale Notre Dame towers over the city and is topped with five soaring spires. The interior features an eclectic mix of architectural styles, including Gothic and Romanesque. Peer into the serene chapel and admire centuries-old artwork and religious relics in the cathedral treasury.
From 15th-century oil paintings to modern masterpieces, Musée des Beaux-Arts showcases art from throughout the centuries. The collection is displayed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building and features works by luminaries like Rubens, Monet and Van Gogh. Don’t miss the evocative canvases by famous Flemish painter, Rogier Van der Weyden.
From scenic strolls along the banks of the River Scheldt to relaxing afternoons in tree-filled parks, there are plenty of ways to unwind in Tournai. The city’s famous “bike and beer” tours are a fun way to stretch your legs and discover the city’s brewing heritage.
From copper-hued beers to creamy chocolate, Tournai is a great place to indulge in Belgian cuisine. Start your day with fluffy Belgian waffles topped with fresh strawberries and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Order enormous plates of Belgian fries topped with green onions and fill up on hearty bowls of “stoofvlees” beef stew.
Getting around Tournai
Tournai is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Bicycles are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around or you can use local buses. The city is one hour from Brussels by car or train and 30 minutes from Lille in France. Brussels Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.