Aalst is a highly doable East Flemish city break for wheelchair users — known for its UNESCO carnival (fully wheelchair-accessible via adapted stands!), the iconic Belfry of Aalst, and modern cultural centres such as CC De Werf and the spectacular Utopia Library — one of Flanders' finest contemporary library buildings. Below is a realistic timeline for one full day.
Beforehand: practical starting points
- Train journey: from Brussels-Central or Ghent-Sint-Pieters you can reach Aalst in 25-40 min. Reserve at least 3 hours in advance via NMBS Assistance.
- Parking: park in the underground car park Hopmarkt or Keizerlijk. Both have disabled parking spaces.
- Topography: Aalst city centre is largely flat. The Grote Markt has been redeveloped with bluestone paving.
- Carnival: the annual UNESCO heritage Aalst Carnival (Sunday before Ash Wednesday) has adapted wheelchair stands for wheelchair users — reserve in advance via Visit Aalst.
Day 1: City centre, Utopia Library and Belfry
9:30 — Arrival and coffee
Arrival at Aalst Station. Step-free platforms, lift to the concourse. From the station to the Grote Markt: a 10-minute level walk. First coffee on a terrace at the redeveloped Grote Markt.
10:30 — Belfry of Aalst and Town Hall
The Belfry of Aalst is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Belgian belfries. The 15th-century building forms a unique complex together with the Town Hall — one of the oldest in the world. Important reality: the Belfry tower is only accessible via stairs; the ground-floor sections are accessible.
11:30 — Utopia Library (highlight!)
Utopia Library Aalst is a spectacular contemporary library building from 2018, designed by KAAN Architecten. Fully step-free — all floors via lift, wide corridors, wheelchair-accessible toilets. A stunning interior experience with daylight, high ceilings and an underground historic crypt exhibition. Free admission.
Allow 1-1.5 hours — even just to admire the architecture.
13:00 — Lunch on the Grote Markt
Time for lunch. Recommended step-free addresses: Brasserie Royal Snooker (ground floor, accessible toilet), Het Posthuis (in a historic building with an accessible room). Local specialities: Aalst Sneukel beer or vlaaikes.
14:30 — CC De Werf
CC De Werf Aalst is the cultural centre with 4 wheelchair spaces on the ground floor — book well in advance via customer services. The architecture and the programme are worthwhile, even for those not attending a performance — visit the cafe in the ground-floor foyer.
15:30 — City Park Aalst
The City Park Aalst has flat paved paths. A peaceful green oasis for an afternoon break.
17:00 — Aperitif on the Grote Markt
Time for a final drink. The terrace on the Grote Markt offers a view of the Belfry and the sunset.
19:00 — Dinner or train back
For dinner: Restaurant 't Pelikaantje (ground floor, accessible). For those preferring an early return: the station is 10 minutes away via a level route.
Bonus: Aalst Carnival (February/March)
Those visiting on Aalst Carnival Sunday (Sunday before Ash Wednesday) can enjoy the fully UNESCO-recognised heritage festival with an adapted wheelchair stand. Reserve at least 2 weeks in advance via Visit Aalst — the stands are limited and fill up quickly.
What we do not recommend for wheelchair users in Aalst
- Climbing the Belfry tower: only accessible via stairs.
- Busy market days on Saturday: extremely busy — choose Wednesday morning or Friday.
- Narrow alleys around the old fortifications: stick to main streets.
In closing
Aalst is a highly doable East Flemish city break — flat, compact, with unique modern library architecture and UNESCO heritage. For a varied weekend, combine it with a day in Ghent (20 min by train) or Brussels (25 min).
Did you discover something during your visit? Let us know.