population: 0.077 million

extension: 102.24 square kilometers

Museums

Great! If you're in Hasselt and interested in museums, there are several options to consider:

1. The Fashion Museum (Modemuseum) located in Gasthuisstraat, focuses on the history of fashion and textiles.

2. The Jenever Museum (Jenevermuseum), situated in Wittenonnenstraat, showcases the history and production of jenever, a Belgian gin-like drink.

3. The Z33 Contemporary Art Center (Z33 Kunstencentrum) located in Zuivelmarkt, features various contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.

4. The Japanese Garden (Japanse Tuin) in Gouverneur Verwilghensingel has a small museum that exhibits Japanese arts and culture.

If you'd like to explore more museums nearby Hasselt, you may also consider visiting the following places:

1. STAM Ghent (Ghent City Museum) located in Ghent, which showcases the history and culture of the city.

2. MAS (Museum Aan de Stroom) located in Antwerp, which presents the story of the city and its port.

3. M HKA (Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp) located in Antwerp, displays an extensive collection of contemporary artworks.

All of these destinations can be reached from Hasselt by car, train, or bus, and offer a variety of museum experiences for you to enjoy.

Food

Sure! Hasselt, like many other Belgian cities, has its own unique culinary traditions. Here are some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try according to local people:

1. Jenever: This gin-like drink is one of the city's most famous products. It's traditionally served in a tulip-shaped glass and paired with cheese or meat.

2. Limburgse Vlaai: A sweet tart made with fruit fillings such as cherries, apples, and rhubarb. It's typically served at room temperature with a cup of coffee.

3. Asparagus: One of the seasonal specialties of Hasselt, white asparagus is popularly served steamed or boiled with butter sauce and ham or smoked salmon.

4. Stoemp: A hearty dish made with mashed potatoes and vegetables, usually carrots or greens, and served with sausages or meatballs.

5. Waterzooi: A creamy soup typically made with chicken or fish, potatoes, and vegetables and seasoned with herbs like parsley or tarragon.

6. Belgian Fries: Thin-cut potatoes fried twice for extra crispiness, served with a variety of sauces such as mayonnaise, ketchup, and curry.

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes you can enjoy in Hasselt. Don't forget to also try some of the local beers, including the Trappist beer from nearby Abbey of Herkenrode.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Hasselt:

1. Visit the Kapermolenpark: Kapermolenpark is a beautiful park located in the heart of Hasselt. It has several walking paths, a playground, and a lake where you can rent boats.

2. Explore the city by bike: Hasselt is a bike-friendly city with many cycling routes. You can rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace.

3. Taste the local jenever: Jenever, a gin-like drink, is a specialty of Hasselt. You can visit one of the local distilleries and taste different flavors of this traditional drink.

4. Attend local festivals: Hasselt hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as Pukkelpop, a popular music festival, and the Jenever Festival, which celebrates the local drink.

5. Visit the Japanese Garden: The Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city. It's a great spot to relax, take a stroll, and admire the beautiful scenery.

6. Shop at the local markets: Hasselt has several markets where you can find fresh produce, artisanal products, and vintage items. The weekly Farmers' Market and the Sunday Flea Market are popular among locals.

These are just a few examples of the fun activities that locals enjoy in Hasselt. Whether you're interested in nature, culture, or food, there's something for everyone in this charming Belgian city.