The best city hikes and walks around Hasselt

The Blauwe Boulevard, also known as Quartier Bleu, is one of Hasselt's most dynamic districts. The large-scale redevelopment of this area, completed between 2016 and 2024, has resulted in a harmonious integration of modern architecture, green spaces, and high-quality amenities. The Blauwe Boulevard comprises 400 apartments and homes, characterized by luxurious finishes and a spectacular view over the Kanaalkom. The commercial heart of the Blauwe Boulevard is formed by the Quartier Bleu shopping area, where a diverse range of shops can be found, from fashion boutiques to specialty stores and supermarkets. Along the waterfront lies a promenade dotted with cafés, restaurants, and bars, where visitors can enjoy culinary delights with a view of the marina.

Even with a yacht or boat, you are more than welcome in Hasselt. The marina's jetties were completely renovated in 2021. The harbor is equipped with beautiful wide, floating jetties complete with amenities such as electricity, drinking water, and wifi. All info can be found at www.jachthavenhasselt.be

The Old Prison of Hasselt on Martelarenlaan was built in 1859 according to the panopticon principle. Since 2013, the iconic star-shaped building has been used as the Faculty of Law by Hasselt University.

Currently, unfortunately, surrounded by construction site. A great contrast to the new town hall.

Lovely blossoms to be spotted here too

Genk's town hall is centrally located on the Stadsplein and forms a recognizable point in the heart of the city. The modern building houses the main city services and is a lively place where residents can go for administration and information. Thanks to the open environment around the square, it is a pleasant stop during a walk or bike ride through the center.

Borrelmanneke is a fountain and bronze statue in the center of Hasselt, Belgium. This statue symbolizes the city's jenever tradition and is a landmark for both residents and tourists. The Borrelmanneke is located on Maastrichterstraat.

The oldest center of Hasselt lies on the banks of the Helbeek/Hellebeek, a small watercourse that enters the city from the south to the southeast, continuing north via Sint-Jozefstraat (formerly Beekstraat), skirting the choir of St. Quentin's Cathedral and continuing past Zuivermarkt and Paardsdemerstraat. It leaves the city via the Kattegat and joins the Demer. During the 13th century, a branch of the Demer was brought to the city from Diepenbeek to supply canals and at least one mill with water. This branch, the Nieuwe Demer, entered the city from the northeast and, before crossing the Kattegat and the Molenpoort gate, took over the Helbeek's bed, joining the Oude Demer in a northwesterly direction. The Helbeek, having become an open sewer, was covered over in the 19th century. From the 13th century onward, the entire center was surrounded by a rampart and wall, equipped with towers and four gates: the Maastricht Gate, the Sint-Truider Gate, the Kuringer Gate or Diest Gate, and the Kempen Gate. As early as the mid-15th century, parts of the walls were forcibly demolished and the moats filled in (Gerits 1989). Reconstruction followed, and subsequent political and military conflicts led to further demolition work. A pen and ink drawing of the Maastricht Gate from 1687 shows the massive gatehouse with its ravelin or fortification in front. Nothing of this remains visible on the map of Count de Ferraris (1771-1778). After 1820, the decision was made to sell the ramparts and gates, which ultimately resulted in their complete dismantling between 1846 and 1850. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Historic city center of Hasselt, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/140049