Mons

All-too-often overlooked in favor of its bigger and bolder neighbors, Mons is a city with a timeless charm and its stint as a European Capital of Culture in 2015 has already earned it a prime spot on Belgium’s tourist trail. A former mining town and the site of the notorious Battle of Mons in WWI, Mons has a long history, but today, it’s best known for its lively art scene — Van Gogh once called the city home — and its annual dragon festival, the Ducasse de Mons, held each spring.
Start your tour of Mons at the Grand Place, where you’ll find the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall and the UNESCO-listed Mons Belfry, then walk to the landmark Mundaneum, pay a visit to Van Gogh’s former home or admire the classics at the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts). 

Practical Info

Mons is located 65 km southwest of Brussels.