Genk - Discovering Belgium

Travelling to Genk

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Genk, a pretty good destination in Belgium (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Genk and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Genk, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Belgium, here's everything to know about Genk for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Genk

Sure, Genk is a city in the Flanders region of Belgium. It is located in the province of Limburg and is known for its rich history and beautiful landscape. The city is easily accessible by train or car and is a popular destination for tourists due to its charming cultural offerings, including historical museums, beautiful parks, and delicious local cuisine. It is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, with many hiking and biking trails, natural reserves, and quaint villages to discover.

What to visit in Genk

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Genk, Belgium: 1. Bokrijk Open-Air Museum - This museum showcases the history and culture of Flanders through recreated villages, houses, and workshops. Visitors can also view live demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills.
2. Thor Central - This former coal mine has been converted into a modern business and conference center. Visitors can learn about the history of coal mining in the region, as well as see exhibits on renewable energy sources.
3. C-mine - This cultural center includes a concert hall, theater, and exhibition space. Visitors can also take a tour of the former coal mine and see the working conditions of miners.
4. Hoge Kempen National Park - This nature reserve is the largest in Belgium and is filled with forests, moors, and hills that are home to a variety of wildlife. There are hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic and camping areas.
5. Europlanetarium Genk - This planetarium offers a variety of shows and exhibits on astronomy and space exploration, including a digital planetarium show and an interactive exhibition on the solar system.
6. Zonhoven - This picturesque village is located just outside of Genk and is known for its nature reserves, including the Teut and Tenhaagdoornheide, which offer hiking and biking trails through woodlands and heathland.
7. Molenvijver Park - This park includes a lake where visitors can rent paddle boats and canoes, as well as a playground, walking trails, and a paved cycling path.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Genk!

You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Genk.

When to go on holiday to Genk

The best time to visit Genk, Belgium is during the spring and summer months of April to September. During this time, the weather is mild to warm with occasional rainfall, and the city is bustling with outdoor activities and events. July and August are the busiest and warmest months, with many festivals and concerts happening throughout the city. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and enjoy lower rates, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and the city is less crowded, making it easier to explore and enjoy the area.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Genk

Genk is located in the province of Limburg in Belgium. Here are some ways to get there: 1. By train: Genk has its own train station which is serviced by the national rail company, NMBS. Trains from major cities like Brussels and Antwerp, as well as smaller towns, regularly pass through Genk. You can check for train schedules and ticket prices on the NMBS website.
2. By bus: There are also several buses from different locations that pass through Genk. De Lijn is the main bus operator in the area, and you can check for schedules and fares on their website.
3. By car: If you have access to a car, Genk is easily accessible via the E313 and E314 highways. There are many paid parking spots around the city, but you can also leave your car at the Genk train station which has a large parking lot.
4. By plane: If you are coming from abroad, the nearest airport is Brussels Airport. From there, you can take a train or bus to Genk.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Genk, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Genk

Here are some typical foods of Genk, Belgium with a short description of each: 1. Krokets: Krokets are similar to croquettes, which are crispy fried balls filled with mashed potatoes, meat, and cheese.
2. Limburgse Vlaai: Limburgse Vlaai is a traditional pie from the Limburg region of Belgium. It is made with a yeasted dough base and filled with either fruit or a cream filling.
3. Stoofvlees: Stoofvlees is a Belgian beef stew that is typically made with beer, onions, and brown sugar. It is usually served with fries or mashed potatoes.
4. Konijn met Pruimen: Konijn met Pruimen is rabbit stewed in a sweet and sour sauce made with plums, onions, and red wine.
5. Luikse Wafel: Luikse Wafel is a type of Belgian waffle that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. It is typically served with whipped cream or chocolate sauce.
6. Hervekaas: Hervekaas is a traditional cheese from the Herve region of Belgium. It has a strong flavor and is commonly enjoyed on bread or crackers.
7. Mattetaart: Mattetaart is a savory pie made with spinach, eggs, cheese, and bacon. It is a traditional dish from the Limburg region of Belgium.
You can find general info about typical foods in Belgium here.

Is Genk an expensive destination for tourists?

Genk, like many other cities in Belgium, can be a bit expensive for tourists. The cost of accommodation and dining may be higher compared to other destinations. However, there are many free or low-cost activities such as exploring the city's parks and museums or taking a cycling tour, which can help to balance out the expenses. It's always a good idea to plan ahead, compare prices, and look for deals to save money while traveling.

Where to find accomodation in Genk

Genk has plenty of accommodations available for visitors. The best areas to find accommodation in Genk depend on what you want to do during your trip. If you want to be near the city center, the best place to stay is in the area around Stadsplein, where you can find several hotels within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
If you're interested in visiting Genk's natural areas like the Hoge Kempen National Park, it would be best to find accommodation in the areas closer to the park. These areas are typically more rural, but you can find charming B&Bs and hotels in the towns of As, Zutendaal, and Maasmechelen. Finally, if you plan to attend a specific event in Genk, it may be best to look for accommodation near the venue. For example, if you plan to attend a concert at the C-Mine cultural center, look for accommodation in the area around the center. Overall, Genk is a very accessible destination, so no matter where you stay, you should have no trouble getting around and visiting all the attractions.
You can check hotel prices at Genk here:
Booking.com

Is Genk a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Genk is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Like in any other city, it's always a good idea to take basic safety precautions such as keeping valuables out of sight, being aware of your surroundings and not flashing cash or expensive items. However, incidents of violent crime or robberies are rare in Genk. The city also has a well-equipped police force that patrols regularly to maintain the safety and security of the locals and tourists alike. So, overall, it's safe to visit and explore Genk.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Belgium here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Genk.

What type of travelers will enjoy Genk the most?

Genk is a diverse city with attractions that appeal to different types of travelers. Here are some examples: - Couples: Genk has beautiful parks and gardens, including the Molenvijver Park and the Japanese Garden, which are perfect for romantic walks. Couples can also explore the cultural side of the city by visiting the C-Mine cultural center, which hosts exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances.
- Young people: Genk has a lively nightlife scene, with bars and clubs that cater to different tastes. The city also has a skate park and a BMX track, as well as a cable park where visitors can practice water sports.
- Families: Genk has several attractions that are great for families with children, such as the Bokrijk Open-Air Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Flanders through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. The city also has a zoo, a nature reserve, and an indoor playground.
Overall, Genk is a destination that can appeal to a wide range of travelers, depending on their interests and preferences.

How to get around Genk

The city of Genk has a well-connected public transportation system. You can easily move around using buses or trains. The bus network in Genk covers the entire city, and the train station provides direct connections to other parts of Belgium. Additionally, taxis and rental cars are also available for more convenience.

What to see around Genk

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Genk, Belgium: 1. Maastricht, Netherlands: It's just a 30-minute drive from Genk and has some beautiful architecture, historic streets, and shops.
2. Hasselt, Belgium: It's just a 20-minute drive from Genk and has a lovely town centre with boutique shops and an extensive range of restaurants.
3. Brussels, Belgium: It's about 1.5 hour drive or a train ride to Brussels from Genk, and you can enjoy the famous Grand Place and explore the city's history.
4. Tongeren, Belgium: It's about a 30-minute drive from Genk and has an impressive Gothic cathedral, Roman-era ruins, and a lively market square.
5. Aachen, Germany: It's a 45-minute drive from Genk across the German border with interesting architecture, a few museums, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and unique thermal baths with natural healing properties.
These are just some of the places you can visit on a day trip from Genk, depending on your preference, you can visit other nearby towns or cities too.
For every travel information about Belgium you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.