Sint-Niklaas
©
Sint-Niklaas

Sint-Niklaas

Flemish Waasland city with Belgium's vast Grote Markt and a September balloon tradition.

Sint-Niklaas is the main city of the Waasland region in East Flanders, lying roughly halfway between Ghent and Antwerp. The city's Grote Markt — one of the largest market squares in Belgium — dominates the town centre and is a lively focus for market days, events, and the famous September balloon festival. The area is known for its textile and crafts heritage, and the Mercator Museum holds the largest collection of historical globes and maps in Belgium, devoted to the Flemish cartographer Gerard Mercator who grew up in this region.

Sint-Niklaas is a pleasant, unhurried Flemish city that rewards a half-day visit. Walburg Castle, a 16th-century moated castle, sits near the centre. The city is easily combined with Ghent or Antwerp, both less than 30 minutes away by train.

Guide

Getting There

By train: Sint-Niklaas has a direct train connection to both Ghent (20 minutes) and Antwerp (25 minutes), making it an easy day trip from either city. The station is about 10 minutes' walk north of the Grote Markt.

By car: Sint-Niklaas sits on the E17 motorway between Ghent and Antwerp. Exit at Sint-Niklaas; parking is available around the edge of the historic centre.

Guide

Things to Do

Sint-Niklaas is a pleasant half-day stop with a grand market square, a fine cartography museum, and the Walburg Castle among its highlights. The Grote Markt is one of Belgium's largest market squares and the natural centre of the city.