5 Amazing Places To Explore In Dinant, Belgium

Whether you’re planning a day trip to Dinant or a weekend visit, this list shares all the very best things to do and more!

I learned of Dinant while scrolling on Instagram, and as soon as I saw a picture of it, I knew I had to get there myself. Why? Well, this small Belgian town is quite a sight to see!

It’s characterized by its eye-catching Collegiate Church of Our Lady framed perfectly by the towering Dinant Citadel from above and the passing Meuse River below.

And while the view was enough to entice me, it’s actually just the tip of the iceberg of what Dinant has to offer. This unsuspecting small town is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. And it’s also in Dinant where you can learn a bit about the popular Belgian brew, Leffe, at the Leffe Brewery and museum.

# La Citadelle de Dinant

La Citadelle de Dinant is the town’s famous fort with impressive views. It was originally built in 1051, but the current fortress is from 1852. Inside is set up with various exhibits describing the origins of the fort and a vicious battle that was fought there during WWI.

It’s perched high above the city center and requires either a walk up 408 steps or a short ride in the cable car to the top. You can buy your ticket from the admission office behind the church. It costs €11 per adult, and your entry ticket includes the cable car.

# Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dinant

Next on this list of best things to do in Dinant is, of course, the jaw-dropping church. The Notre-Dame de Dinant is a Gothic beauty that dates back to the 13th century and is iconic thanks to its pear-shaped bell tower.

It’s what stands out most when viewing the Dinant skyline and is worth taking a few minutes to step inside. Entry is free, and you get into the church through the side doors.

# Dinant Sign

The Dinant sign is less of a thing to do and more of a thing to see. It’s perfectly located along the side of the river in front of the spectacular Dinant skyline. It’s also where some parking spots are, so it’s a convenient thing to see and snap a pic of before heading off!

# Maison Leffe – Museum Abbey Brewery

Maison Leffe is an old monastery turned brewery turned museum/hotel. The hotel boasts bird’s eye views of Dinant and continues its historic tradition by sharing the tradition of the Leffe beer brand.

Leffe was originally brewed by Monks pre-French Revolution but continues to be a popular Belgian brew. It costs €10 or €12.50 for a 30-minute visit to the museum, a beer tasting, and a gift like a glass or a bottle of beer. The pricier ticket includes a regular-sized draught of Leffe or a cheese plate.

# Maison Adolphe Sax

The Maison Adolphe Sax is a small public display that showcases the history of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone! Born in 1814, Mr. Sax went on to invent the saxophone in the 1840s.

The little museum is free to enter and doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to get a little history lesson.