population: 0.084 million

extension: 78.12 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Aalst and interested in museums, I suggest visiting the Museum of the City of Aalst (Stedelijk Museum Aalst). It showcases the history and culture of the city with a variety of exhibits. Other museums near Aalst that you might be interested in are the Design Museum Ghent and the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent, both located in Ghent, which is about a 30-minute drive from Aalst.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat in Aalst according to local people include:

1. Aalsterse vlaai - a sweet tart made with puff pastry and filled with almond paste, raisins, and cream.
2. Mattentaart - a local specialty made with matten (a type of curd cheese), puff pastry, and sometimes flavored with cinnamon or fruit.
3. Filet d’Anvers - tenderloin steak served with a rich sauce made from butter, shallots, tarragon, and white wine.
4. Stoofvlees - a beef stew made with beer and served with fries.
5. Waterzooi - a creamy soup or stew that typically includes chicken or fish, vegetables, and cream.

These are just a few examples of the delicious traditional dishes you can find in Aalst.

Activities

In Aalst, some fun activities that locals enjoy include visiting the Grote Markt, a large square in the center of town where you can find cafes and restaurants, and the Belfry of Aalst, a medieval bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city. Another popular activity is walking or cycling along the Dender River, which runs through Aalst and has scenic paths and green spaces for picnics and outdoor recreation. You could also visit the local breweries and try some Belgian beer, or attend one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Carnaval de Aalst or the Aalst Chocolate Festival.