Vegetarian food

General summary of the cityyou enter the town is the equestrian one made
Hasselt is the capital city of the province ofby Marc Cox as a tribute to Arnold IV, who was
Limburg. Though it may not have the charm ofthe Count of Loon. Arnold IV was the person
other cities in Belgium, it has a hospitable aura towho confirmed the rights of a "city" to Hasselt in
it. The affable town with a population of abouta Charter of Liberty.
77,000 people is reputed for its nightlife, shopsThe Grote Markt (Market Square) is the biggest
and its pedestrian center. So famous is theopen space in the city. You can have a gala time
friendly nature of its citizens, then quite aptly twohere, as this place is a hum-drum of business. A
years ago, Hasselt acquired the status as 'mostcenter of all commercial activities, it is also a place
sociable city of Flanders.'to wine and dine to your heart's content.
Hasselt came into existence in the 7th century onFood and Drink:
the Heelbeek, a tributary of the river of Demer.The famous flavored alcoholic beverage, spiced
The name Hasselt comes from Hasaluth, whichwith juniper berries called 'Jenever' is very much
means hazelwood. The city of Hasselt is reputedloved in Hasselt. In fact there are quite a few
to be home for interesting buildings like St.factories and industries dedicated to the
Quentin's Cathedral, the abbey of Hercekenrode inproduction and distribution of jenever. The cuisines
Kuringen and Refugehuis. In fact, the Refugehuis isare a mix of French and Flemish. Like most parts
the oldest building in the city. The city is alsoof Belgium, people in Hasselt are fond of mussels
famous for numerous museums like the Nationalcomplimented with mayonnaise and French fries.
Genever Museum, the Stellingwerff-WaerdenhofBy the way, did you know that the famous
Museum etc."French fries" are actually Belgian? History has it
The Demerstraat and the Koning Albertstraat arethat American, English and Canadian troops
two of the famous shop streets in the city. Thediscovered them when they arrived at the
shops Hoogstraat and Kapelstraat are householdFlanders coast during the First World War. During
names; however the items that they sell arethose times, the Belgian Army spoke French and
premium priced. With the opening of the moderngave the term "French fries." Belgian or French,
shopping complex three years ago, Hasselt hasthe world loves French fries and Hasselt is no
become all the more popular. In fact many regardexception.
the city as an example city for good manners,Other than jenever, the all time favorite Beer and
good facilities and etiquette.French wines also score high with most people.
Places of interest:People favour the dark double lager beer and the
The Japanese Garden is one of the most beautifulwhite beer. There are some people who go for
sights in Hasselt. It is located in the Kaparmolenthe lambic beer which is fermented drink with a
Park in the north-east part of the city. It is openfruity flavor.
from April to October at designated timings. TheNon-vegetarian food like sea food, chicken, paling
Japanese people from Itami, which is Hasselt'sin't groen (eel with vegetables and herbs) are
sister city designed the garden as per the 17thgenerally eaten voraciously here. The hotels deal
century model. The Japanese Garden is thein traditional Flemish dish, Mediterranean food and
biggest Japanese garden in Europe and has aboutFrench cuisine. There are some hotels which also
250 Japanese cherry trees. Various events inserve ethnic and continental food. Biscuits and
relation to the Japanese culture takes place in theWaffles served with chocolate and icing sugar are
Japanese garden.also served to sweeten the tastebuds.
The most important church of Hasselt is the SaintHotel and Accommodation:
Quintinus Cathedral. It was in this place that theParkhotel NV
first settlements in the Hasselt area were formed.Ibis Hasselt Centrum
The church, and especially the tower, reveals theExpress By Holiday Inn Hasselt
different building stages of the town. The lowerHoliday Inn Hasselt
part of it shows the remnants of theEntertainment:
Romanesque church that stood during the 12thThe Ethias Arena and Grenslandhallen in Hasselt
century.are popular event centers. Both are known to be
In the Kapelstraat, in proximity to the Marketa foundation to stage an array of events lining
Square is the Church of Our Lady. On the samefrom classic to the contemporary. The
spot a chapel was built in the 14th century by theinfrastructure of the auditoriums and the seating
members of the Our Lady Virga Jesse fraternity.capacity has to be seen to be believed. Both the
The statue of the Virga Jesse, a Madonna statueentertainment venues are equipped with high
belonging to the 14th century is a popular touristquality acoustic sound. With an ultra chic
attraction. Some other interesting sights are theinfrastructure and fibre optic network, you can be
Baroque Altar and the tombs of the abbesses ofassured to get the best in terms of visual appeal
the Abbey of Herkenrode.and sound.
Things to do:Concerts, theatrical events, shows, fairs,
Among all things you can do when you are inexhibitions, parties, dances, skits, sporting events
Hasselt is visit its museums.are all played in Ethias Arena and Grenslandhallen.
Hasselt has a museum called the National GeneverNot only are they entertaining to the common
Museum, dedicated to the popular local drink,public, but they also form a profitable avenue for
jenever. In the museum, the visitors can learnbusiness people to showcase and exhibit their
about the history and the distillation of theirproducts and services through seminars, meetings
favorite alcoholic drink.and exhibitions.
The Fashion Museum gives a nice overview ofShopping is another form of indulging and
the evolution of fashion. You can partake in thepampering oneself. In fact, more than 175,000
theme expositions which are feature heretourists come to the city each week to shop and
regularly.it goes without saying the Hasselt is one of the
The Stellingwerff-Waerdenhof Museum is home tobiggest shopping cities in Belgium.
rare historical artifacts and documents about theKiewit in Hasselt is the venue for the annual
history of the evolution of Hasselt, Limburg andPukkelpop festival, which is Europe's biggest
the County of Loon. What you get to see herealternative music festival with more than hundred
are ceramic objects, church treasures, paintingsconcerts being played at the end of August.
and other articles of historic importance.Rimpelrock, a musical festival for the elderly
There are a lot of places and boutiques to shoppeople (over 50 years of age) are also played
from in Hasselt. The shopping street is lined withhere.
ordinary fashion shops. The street is broad andBiography:
there is less traffic. After shopping, you can relaxAuthor: Meredith Booney
your tired feet by sitting on the benches alongWebsite: Meredith Booney is a freelance travel
the pedestrian sidewalks.writer with over 20 years of experience writing
The 'Fruitmarkt' reveals the first statue of manyfor travel journals, newspapers and magazines.
to follow. The first statue which meets you when