The riverside gem of Dinant is one of Belgium’s most scenic cities, with a dramatic hilltop citadel, a Gothic church and colourful streets. Plus, it has a rich history and lays claim to a famous musical inventor, a brand of beer and a biscuit.
You can reach Dinant on a short train ride from Brussels, meaning you can discover all of this with just one day in Dinant! This handy guide has everything you need to plan your day, including the best things to do, how to get there, and a Dinant day trip itinerary.
- Looking for more Belgian day trips? Check out this guide to the best day trips from Brussels by train!
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Is Dinant worth visiting?
Yes, Dinant is definitely worth visiting! With its striking Citadel and riverside views, this is one of the most picturesque cities in Belgium. And if you’re spending a few days or more in Brussels, a day trip to Dinant is the perfect addition to your itinerary.
Dinant offers a great insight into Belgian history and culture, especially of the French-speaking Wallonia region. It’s the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, and the home of Leffe, a famous Belgian beer. It also has its own biscuit, the Coque de Dinant, and many historic buildings.
Is one day in Dinant enough?
One day is the perfect amount of time to spend in Dinant. It’s a small city, so you’ll be able to see all the main highlights and be back in Brussels for dinner. With a well-planned itinerary, you can take in the Citadel, the Collegiate Church, and a museum or two, while still having time to enjoy a river cruise along the Meuse.
Book this guided tour to Luxembourg and Dinant if you want to squeeze more into your day!
How to get to Dinant from Brussels
It’s easy to get from Brussels to Dinant for a day trip, with both direct trains and connections running through Namur. For a direct train, head to Schuman Station (easily reached on the metro) or Brussels-Luxembourg Station. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, and the direct trains run roughly once an hour.
There are train options from Midi or Central, the main stations in the city, but I recommend taking the direct option from Schuman or Brussels-Luxembourg.
The best things to do in Dinant in one day
With museums to explore, river tours to relax on, panoramic views to take in, and traditional treats to sample, there’s no shortage of amazing things to get up to in Dinant. Here are all the best things to do in one day in Dinant.
Climb to the Dinant Citadel
Towering above the city, the Citadel is Dinant’s most recognisable landmark. You can climb the 408 steps up to the fortress, or take the easier route in a cable car. Once at the top, you can tour the Citadel itself, explore exhibitions on Dinant’s military history, and take in the sweeping views over the River Meuse and the city below.
There’s a flat ticket fee to enter the Dinant Citadel, which includes the cable cars and Citadel entrance (it’s the same price even if you choose to take the steps). There’s also a combo ticket that includes a boat tour, which is great value for money if you’re already planning this for your Dinant day trip.
Tour the Leffe Beer Museum
One of Belgium’s most popular beers had humble beginnings in a Dinant abbey back in the 13th century. Religious canons began brewing beer in the Notre-Dame de Leffe as an alternative to water, which was unsafe to drink at the time. These days, we know it as Leffe beer, and although its no longer made in the abbey, you can visit Maison Leffe to learn about its history.
The museum is a short walk out of the centre of Dinant, on the west side of the river. Make sure you take advantage of the included tasting at the end of your visit to sample some beer, and grab your free Leffe glass to take home as a souvenir.
Admire the city skyline
Before you leave Dinant, make sure you take some time to admire the city skyline – equally charming and dramatic. Head to Avenue Colonel Cadoux for the best views – there’s the citadel atop a dominating rock face, the unique Collegiate church, and colourful terraced houses, sitting perfectly across the river.
See the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant
Right at the foot of the Citadel, the Gothic Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant is an important piece of Dinant’s iconic skyline. Dating back to the 13th century, the church is built in Dinant limestone and is known for its slightly odd bulb-shaped bell tower.
Inside, admire the traditional Gothic architecture, and make sure you spot Gustave Ladon’s stained glass window on the east side of the church. It’s one of the largest stained glass pieces in Europe!
Try a Couque de Dinant
Your Dinant day trip won’t be complete without trying its most famous speciality – the Couque de Dinant. These Belgian biscuits are made of honey and flour, and are known for being rock-hard, meaning you can savour them as you nibble away or soften them in your drink!
The best place to try a Couque de Dinant is at La Fabrique Couques Jacobs, with a family recipe that has been passed down since the 1860s. You can admire the intricately detailed biscuits in the window and then head in to try some of your own.
Visit the Adolphe Sax Museum
Dinant is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, an inventor and musician who is credited with creating the saxophone. His legacy is celebrated across the city, but the best place to learn about him is at La Maison de Monsieur Sax. The museum, which stands where Adolphe was born (although it’s no longer the same building), tells the story of the saxophone and its inventor.
It’s worth noting that the museum space is very small, so it’ll be a quick visit! However, entry is free, and it’s a great way to learn about such an important piece of Dinant’s culture.
Take a boat tour on the River Meuse
Discover more of the River Meuse by hopping on a boat tour from Dinant. You can take in the magnificent city sights from the water before heading south, passing the famous Rocher Bayard, the Charlemagne viaduct, and more.
The tour takes around 45 minutes, but if you have more time on your day trip to Dinant, you could opt for a 2-hour tour, which heads to Château de Freÿr.
Suggested Dinant day trip itinerary
When you arrive in Dinant for your day trip, I recommend heading straight to the Citadel – although you might want to stop to take some photos from the west side of the river first! Cross the Charles de Gaulle Bridge and pop into the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant (you’ll pass it on the way) before you head up to the Citadel in a cable car. Take your time to explore everything there is to offer here, and admire the panoramic views over the city.
Next up, visit the Adolphe Sax Museum and then take some time to wander the city streets. Look out for nods to Adolphe Sax as you go, like colourful saxophones and monuments. Grab some lunch along the river, and then treat yourself to a Couque de Dinant at La Fabrique Couques Jacobs.
For the afternoon, hop on a River Meuse boat tour to take in the sights of Dinant and more from the water. Once back in the city, head to Maison Leffe for a beer museum experience and tasting, and wind up your Dinant day trip with a wander back along the river, taking in the spectacular views one last time.
Thank you very much for this post! How is in such small cities too much history!! Your posts are my favorite – very practical and knowledgeable.