population: 66,610 million

extension: 87.52 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Genk and interested in visiting museums, I would recommend checking out the C-mine cultural center. It has several museums, including the C-mine Design Centre, which showcases innovative design concepts, and the C-mine Energy Building, which explores sustainable energy solutions. The nearby city of Hasselt also has several museums, such as the Jenever Museum, which is dedicated to the history of gin production, and the Fashion Museum, which displays clothing and accessories from different eras.

Food

Some of the most recommended and typical dishes to eat in Genk, Belgium according to locals include:

1. Stoofvlees: A beef stew made with dark beer, onions, and spices. It is typically served with fries or mashed potatoes.

2. Konijn met pruimen: Rabbit cooked with prunes and served with potatoes or bread.

3. Limburgse gehaktballen: Meatballs made with a mixture of ground pork and beef, seasoned with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

4. Waterzooi: A creamy soup or stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables like carrots, leeks, and celery, and herbs like thyme and parsley.

5. Asperges op Vlaamse wijze: White asparagus served with boiled potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and a buttery sauce.

6. Luikse wafels: Liege-style waffles are denser and sweeter than Brussels waffles and are often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

7. Speculoos: Spiced cookies with a crispy texture that are often served with coffee or tea.

8. Jenever: A traditional Belgian gin made with juniper berries and other botanicals. It can be enjoyed straight or mixed into cocktails.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Genk:

1. Exploring the Hoge Kempen National Park which is a beautiful nature reserve with hiking and cycling trails.

2. Visiting the Thor Park, a former coal mine site turned into an innovation hub offering exhibitions, guided tours, and workshops.

3. Playing golf at Spiegelven Golf Club or Mini Golf at Planet Jump.

4. Enjoying outdoor swimming at Lago Genk or indoor water park at Plopsa Indoor Hasselt.

5. Shopping at the C-mine Design Center, where you can find unique designer items from local artists and designers.

6. Visiting the Bokrijk Open-Air Museum, a living history museum that showcases traditional Flemish life from the 17th to 20th centuries.

7. Attending cultural events at the Stadionplein Square, which hosts various festivals, concerts, and markets throughout the year.