A city guide to Mons, Belgium

A Belgian gem and European City of Culture in 2015, the city of Mons is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Belgium. To help you make the most of your visit to this fascinating place, here are some suggestions, from where to eat and stay, to the sights you should certainly explore.

Driving to Mons, Belgium from Calais

From Calais it’s around a 2-hour-drive to Mons, via the A25 and E42. This isn’t the longest of journeys, but you still may want to plan some stops if you have the time. You could divert north at the beginning of your drive to Dunkirk or plan some time in Lille before you cross over into Belgium.

If you are planning to explore more of Belgium after Mons, we recommend Antwerp, Ghent, or Bruges, each with its own charm and entertainment. 

History & culture in Mons, Belgium

From intriguing museums to poignant war memorials, this is the best of history and culture in Mons.

UNESCO

St Symphorien Military Cemetery 

The cemetery at St. Symphorien was built by the German Army during the First World War as a final resting place for British and German soldiers killed during the Battle of Mons. Among those buried here is Private John Parr of the Middlesex Regiment. He became the first British soldier to be killed in action on the Western Front after being fatally wounded during an encounter with a German patrol two days before the battle. As you wander this solemn and peaceful place, you will see the graves of 229 Commonwealth and 284 German servicemen buried or commemorated, 105 of whom sadly remain unidentified. The Saint-Symphorien military cemetery was added to UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List in 2023, as part of the collective bid by the First World War memorial sites and cemeteries of Belgium and France. The global dimension of this nomination, and its universal message of peace, underlines the quality of the region’s heritage.

Beaux-Arts Mons

Once known as the city's Museum of Fine Arts, the Beaux-Arts Mons (or BAM) was refurbished in 2007 by Parisian architect, Christian Menu. The gallery now includes an impressive 80-seat auditorium, a charming garden, and three levels of display space. Exhibitions past and present include the works of old and new artists, such as Van Gogh's paintings, letters, and drawings from his time in Borinage, and pieces by Andy Warhol and Serge Vandercam.

SILEX’s - Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes

A part of Mons' municipality, the small village of Spiennes is home to a great piece of Belgian history. The Neolithic Flint Mines are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that cover more than 100-hectares of land and are the earliest and largest concentration of mines in Europe. As flint was once used as one of the main components in human history's first weaponry, these mines reveal a lot about our past and development. On site, there is an interpretation centre where you can get more information about how the prehistoric man explored the ground underneath the surface. If you book in advance, you can also go down into the original mine in the company of a guide. 

Mons Belfry

A key icon of the city, Mons Belfry stands at 87-metres tall, and can be seen from most points in Mons. Originally erected in the 17th century, after the collapse of the original tower, this baroque style belfry, built from bray sandstone, is now a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can look forward to learning more about the city's history and culture at the onsite exhibitions. And, via a swift escalator journey, or a walk up 365 steps, you'll also get to enjoy panoramic views of the city below.

Musee Francois Duesberg

This is not your typical museum as its collection of exotic clocks from 1795-1815 alone is one of the largest in the world. Essentially, this museum captures the life of French high society at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, from gold work, gilded bronze pieces, antique jewellery, and an array of incredibly rare and fascinating objects. Book a guided tour for extra insights into the fascinating objects on display.

The Mundaneum – the “paper Google”

The Mundaneum preserves a unique heritage recognized by the UNESCO. Archive centre and exhibition space, it highlights the legacy and ideas of its founders, the Nobel Peace Prize winner Henri La Fontaine and the father of documentation Paul Otlet. The Mundaneum holds 12 million bibliographic records. That’s how it got its nickname “the Paper Google” and the New York Times refers to it as “The Web Time Forgot”. If you took every document the Mundaneum holds and laid them side by side, it would stretch 6 km, so you won’t run out of things to see on your visit!

Other sites to visit

The CAP

The CAP is a museum complex in the heart of downtown Mons, consisting of 3 entities: The Museum of Fine Arts, the Collections House, a museum site dedicated to the history of Mons through the town's collections and the "Buttery pear Tree" garden, which combines a stone collection, social spaces, and permaculture, linking the first two entities. The Museum of Fine Arts highlights the incredible richness of the city's collections through its temporary exhibitions. It explores regional artists and movements (École de Mons (2019), Anto-Carte (2021)), and offers high-quality international exhibitions (Vincent Van Gogh (2015), Niki de Saint-Phalle (2018), Roy Lichtenstein (2020), Joan Miró (2022), Auguste Rodin (2024)). Today, the CAP is embarking on a new direction, asserting an essential role within the city with its historical, urban, memorial, and societal challenges.

La Maison Van Gogh

In Cuesmes, a village close to Mons, La Maison Van Gogh is the house that Vincent Van Gogh lived in between August 1879 and October 1880, at the beginning of his career. Inside, you can watch short films on his life, admire reproductions of his work, and even be witness to an original copy of one of his sketches, The Diggers. Bought by the city of Mons in 1979, this picture hangs proudly within Van Gogh's old home, so be sure to stop by for a glimpse of art history.See the impressive Strepy-Thieu boat lift.

Mons Memorial Museum

A must-visit for anyone curious about history and heritage. A vast permanent exhibition allows the public to explore the unique military history of the city, from the Ancien Régime to WWII. Through the stories of men and women who witnessed these events, visitors are immersed in the daily lives of soldiers as well as civilians during wartime. The displayed items, carefully selected from the 5,000 objects in the military history collection of the City of Mons, spark curiosity and provoke thought. British, American, Canadian, and Belgian testimonies are presented alongside German accounts, adding depth to the international events showcased in the museum.

Fun things to do in Mons

Mons is a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously, so be sure to visit these fun places and enjoy the Mons way of life.

Pet the good luck monkey

Give it a pet for good luck. No one is quite sure where it came from, although it may have been a blacksmith’s ‘masterpiece’, a ritual test of skill that would grant the craftsman the title of master blacksmith. Locals insist that rubbing the monkey’s head with the left hand will provide good luck and possibly even grant wishes.Will you find the lucky monkey in Mons?

SPARKOH!

10 minutes from Mons in Frameries, discover SPARKOH!: a unique place where science becomes child’s play for the whole family. SPARKOH! offers 12,000 m² of themed indoor spaces and 6,000 m² of outdoor areas to play, explore, experiment, feel, and discover science and technology in a fun way. Interactive exhibitions, a unique cinema with projection on 5 screens in 4D, fun challenges, exciting activities, an indoor adventure course, a Biodiversity Garden, and a large outdoor playground—science never ceases to amaze! The advantage? There’s something for all ages and tastes. Perfect for a day full of science and enjoyment! Want some fresh air? Head to the outdoor spaces. While children play in the 3,000 m² playground, adults can enjoy the scenery and relax on the terrace at OH!RESTO. You’ll also get to to know more about the history of this former coal mine turned into a science museum. 

The Mons Sunday market

There’s nothing like a lazy Sunday spent soaking up the local culture at the market. The Vieux-Marché in Mons is the place to be on Sunday if you’re looking to sample the goods of local bakers, pâtissiers, butchers, cheesemongers, and many more. You’ll find all the best producers in the region here.

More information about all these activities on visitMons.be

Visit the Strépy-Thieu boat lift

On a branch of the Canal du Centre, this epic boat lift completed in 2002 was once the tallest in the world. You can watch the lift in action from outdoors, but we recommend visiting inside as you can look down on the engine room, watch a video about the construction, or enjoy refreshments in the café. 

Where to eat

Our pick of the best places to eat delicious food and enjoy Belgian and international cuisine.

Oscar

The Restaurant Oscar offers cuisine that combines the classics of French and Belgian gastronomy with a touch of world flavors, particularly Thai. A simple yet refined cuisine made from fresh, high-quality, and seasonal ingredients. You will find there a spacious, modern, and comfortable setting, along with attentive, friendly, and welcoming service.

L'Art des Mets

For somewhere modern with a cosy atmosphere, enjoy an evening meal or relaxed lunch at L'Art des Mets. Choose from a luxury range of starters, which range from freshly caught oysters served with sea urchins, to candied bacon with caviar. For mains, we recommend trying any of the seafood options and there’s an excellent range of wines.

Citizen Fox

Citizen Fox is the place to be in the city, whether its for a drink or dinner with friends in a beautifully designed interior or a nice relaxing moment on the private courtyard terrace. With parties every weekend and regular live sports and music events, they aim to entertain their customers with an unforgettable experience in the most exclusive venue in Mons. Juicy burgers sandwiched between golden buns, are served with a range of mouth-watering extras, including crispy bacon and fried eggs, as well as seasoned chips.

La Cinquiéme Saison

For a modern take on traditional Belgian cuisine, La Cinquième Saison is a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner for two. On top of the charming interiors, you can dine outside too, which makes for a pleasant way to end your day.

Twenty Buns

For a family friendly venue, that allows dogs too, head over to Twenty Buns for an American-themed evening out. Juicy burgers sandwiched between golden sesame buns, are served with a range of mouth-watering extras, including crispy bacon and fried eggs, as well as seasoned hand cut chips.

Le Paysan

In the mood for something quick, easy, and perfect for a family lunch? Take yourself and your kids along to Le Paysan, a wonderful little café that serves up crêpes and sandwiches. Enjoy your lunchtime treat with a pint of your favourite Belgian beer, or a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Where to stay in Mons, Belgium

If you need a place to rest your head after all that exploring, these are favourite places to stay. There’s something for every budget

Budget accommodation

If you're looking to save when it comes to accommodation, a great place to book a room is Les Auberges de Jeunesse de Mons, a wonderful youth hostel that's perfect for families and groups. You can have a bed or your own private room, making it a fantastic place for those of you wanting to see more of Mons and spend less.

Mid-range

For somewhere that suits your needs and doesn't break the bank, book a room in B&B Hotel Mons Gare, a mid-range hotel that's very close to the city's railway station. On top of comfortable, spacious rooms, you can also look forward to a delicious, European buffet breakfast of pastries, yoghurts, and cereals, which is perfect for those of you travelling as a family.

Luxury

For a luxurious experience in the city of Mons, book a stay in Martin’s Dream Hotel, a 4-star hotel that's located inside a renovated 19th century Neo-Gothic style building, which was once a chapel. After a busy day exploring the city, enjoy a relaxing stay in the chic and modern rooms that have been styled to complement the archaic architecture. Enjoy a light snack or meal in the restaurant or unwind in the evening with a glass of wine or two in the hotel's bar.

Explore Mons with LeShuttle

The journey across the Channel with LeShuttle takes just 35 minutes, and with Belgium being only a short distance from the Calais terminus, the drive there is generally quick and easy. So, you'll be exploring the streets of Mons in no time at all.

Sources : https://www.visitmons.be/en