Tournai, Belgium
Museums
If you're interested in museums while in Tournai, you might want to check out the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tournai, which features an impressive collection of fine arts from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as contemporary art.
If you're looking for similar types of museums nearby, you might want to visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, which houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the Flemish and Belgian schools. The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent is another great option, featuring works by Flemish masters like Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch.
Food
Some of the most popular and typical dishes to eat in Tournai, Belgium according to locals include:
1. Waterzooi - a creamy stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and herbs.
2. Carbonnade Flamande - a hearty beef and beer stew that is cooked slowly for several hours.
3. Filet Américain - a seasoned ground beef dish served raw or slightly cooked, often eaten as a sandwich.
4. Moules-frites - steamed mussels served with crispy fries, usually accompanied by mayonnaise.
5. Tarte al Djote - a savory pie made with spinach, cheese, and cream.
6. Pot’je Vleesch - a traditional Flemish meat terrine made with pork, rabbit, chicken, and spices.
These dishes can be found at many restaurants and brasseries throughout Tournai, and are well worth trying if you want to experience the local cuisine.
Activities
There are several fun activities that locals enjoy in Tournai, Belgium. Some of these include:
1. Exploring the medieval architecture: Tournai has a rich history and is home to many buildings and structures from the medieval era. Taking a walk around the city and admiring the architecture is a popular activity for both locals and visitors.
2. Visiting the local markets: Tournai has several markets throughout the week where locals can buy fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and other goods. The Sunday market is particularly popular and is located in the Grand Place.
3. Trying local food and drink: Belgian cuisine is famous around the world, and Tournai has plenty of options for foodies. Local specialties include moules-frites (mussels with fries) and carbonade flamande (beef stewed in beer). There are also many bars and breweries in the area where you can try Belgian beers.
4. Attending cultural events: Tournai hosts many cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, theater performances, and art exhibitions. Checking the local event calendar is a great way to find something fun to do while in town.
