Attractions and Places To See around Asse - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Asse, a municipality in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant, offers a blend of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural features. Nestled in the rural landscapes of the Pajottenland region, Asse provides a quieter experience compared to nearby Brussels. The area is characterized by its rolling hills and farmland, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore local heritage and green spaces within the municipality.
Best attractions and places to see around Asse
- The most popular attractions is Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels, a historical site known for its magnificent architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features splendidly decorated houses and two majestic buildings, the City Hall and the House of Bread.
- Another must-see spot is Bois de la Cambre, a 123-hectare park. This green space serves as an extension of the Sonian Forest and is classified as a Natura 2000 area, offering picturesque viewpoints.
- Visitors also love Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a covered passage with shops. This beautiful gallery is known for its architecture and features shops from Belgian praline manufacturers.
- Asse is known for its historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historic churches to nature reserves.
- The attractions around Asse are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1100 upvotes and over 1200 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels
Highlight • Historical Site
In 1998, the Grand Place, along with other architectural treasures, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to this beautiful square is an absolute must for any traveler to Brussels.
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Bois de la Cambre
Highlight • Forest
This hilly area offers some very picturesque viewpoints. On our bikes, we'll recall the existence of a velodrome, now defunct, inaugurated in 1893. It's worth noting that in 1906, with the advent of the automobile, the mayor restricted car and motorcycle traffic to only a portion of the road network. This usage is disputed to this day!
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Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Highlight • Monument
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Manneken-Pis
Highlight • Monument
Brussels Town Hall
Highlight • Monument
In a fortified room on the first floor, the municipal charters were most likely kept.[1] It is unclear whether the municipal bells were also hung there. During the turbulent period around the municipal uprising of 1420-1421, the town hall was stormed several times. There was factional strife among the patricians, social unrest among the crafts, an economic crisis in the cloth industry and dynastic problems in the duchy. This is probably why the belfry function lasted a few decades at most. The charters and privileges were transferred to the treasury rooms of the St. Gudula and St. Nicholas churches.[2]
Long balconies were provided in the front facade to allow events on the Grote Markt to be followed, such as the magnificent knightly tournaments and the joyous entries.[3] The privilege room in the tower served as a ducal lodge, four of whose windows looked out onto the square. This was where the prince and the city magistrate took their mutual oath during joyous entries. It was a space full of symbolism, where the preciously illuminated manuscripts of the Brabantsche Yeesten and the rhyming chronicle of Jan van Heelu were also kept.
In 1421, the craft nations conquered a place in the city magistrate, which may have partly motivated the expansion that was started in 1444. Charles the Bold laid the first stone of the right wing, which was certainly also intended to provide support for the heightening of the tower. The latter was a matter of prestige. The right wing is smaller than the left and is the work of Willem de Voghel, who also became the architect of the Magna Aula in 1452. The tower of the town hall, 96 meters high, was crowned from 1449 by Jan van Ruisbroeck, architect of Philip the Good.
Source: Wikipedia
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Tips from the Community
I was pleasantly surprised here: a former road through the forest is now a paradise for cyclists and pedestrians. I can't imagine cars there.👍🙏😜🚴
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The entire Grand Place is surrounded by beautiful buildings that shine in all their splendour. The Town Hall is probably the most impressive of all.
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One of the green lungs of the south of Brussels... forms the link between Brussels and the Forest of Soignes. Ideal place for walks, jogging or cycling
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Early morning is the best time to enjoy Grand Place to avoid the crowd.
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Very nice place whether during the day or in the evening.
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The Grand Place, known as Grand-Place in French, is the bustling heart of the Belgian capital Brussels and an absolutely iconic symbol of the city. The square is rich in history and beautiful architecture, of which the Gothic town hall and impressive baroque closed facades are some of the highlights. The harmonious mix of old buildings with their unique designs gives the Grand Place an enchanting character and rightly so it is one of the most admired squares in Europe. In 1998, the Grand Place, along with other architectural treasures, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to this beautiful square is an absolute must for any traveler to Brussels.
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Brussels Town Hall is an elegant 15th-century building located on the magnificent Grand Place in the heart of the historic city center. It is considered an architectural masterpiece of one of the most beautiful squares in the world and is also one of the most impressive buildings in Belgium, which you should definitely see during your visit to Brussels. It is hard to miss, as its majestic tower rises high into the Brussels sky.
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This 123-hectare park, a veritable green lung in a highly urbanized area, serves as a sort of "outstretched hand" from the Sonian Forest to the city center. It is now classified as a Natura 2000 area (since 2004). The Robinson chalet at its center, isolated on its island, completes the romantic postcard setting. This hilly area offers some very picturesque viewpoints. On our bikes, we'll recall the existence of a velodrome, now defunct, inaugurated in 1893. It's worth noting that in 1906, with the advent of the automobile, the mayor restricted car and motorcycle traffic to only a portion of the road network. This usage is disputed to this day!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of experience does Asse offer compared to nearby cities like Brussels?
Asse provides a quieter, more local experience, nestled in the rural landscapes of the Pajottenland region. While major attractions like Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels are easily accessible nearby, Asse itself offers a charming escape with its own unique historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty, perfect for those seeking a serene visit.
What historical and cultural sites can I visit in Asse?
In Asse, you can explore several notable historical and cultural sites. These include the historic Sint-Martinuskerk (St. Martin's Church), known for its stained-glass windows, and the Erfgoedmuseum Asse (EMA), which provides insights into local heritage. The Marktplein (Market Square) is also a central hub with historical architecture, and you can find the Kruisborrekapel and Oud Gasthuis as other points of interest.
What natural areas are there to explore in Asse?
Asse is situated in the picturesque Pajottenland region, characterized by its rolling hills and farmland, making it ideal for nature walks and cycling. Within the municipality, you can discover natural features such as Natuurgebied 'Het Rietveld', Kartelobos, Kerremanspark, and Waalborrepark, all offering green spaces for recreation and experiencing local flora and fauna.
Are there any unique local traditions or industries to discover in Asse?
Yes, Asse has a strong connection to local brewing traditions, being home to the renowned Brouwerij Mort Subite, famous for its lambic beers. Additionally, the region's agricultural heritage is showcased by a Hopveld (hop field) featuring an artwork, highlighting its connection to hop cultivation.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Asse?
Many of the natural parks and green spaces in and around Asse, such as Bois de la Cambre, are considered family-friendly, offering ample space for outdoor activities. Exploring the historic Marktplein or visiting the Erfgoedmuseum Asse can also be engaging for families interested in local culture and history.
What outdoor activities can I do near Asse?
The area around Asse is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, hiking, and gravel biking. Popular hiking routes include the 'Verduynlos in the Kravaalbos – Kartelobos loop from Asse' and the 'Asse Hop Field and Art Walk – Kartelobos loop from Mollem'.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different difficulty levels around Asse?
Yes, you can find a variety of hiking trails around Asse. Many routes are of moderate difficulty, such as the 'Living Hop Monument, Meldert – Path to the Pond loop from Kravaalbos' or the 'Footpath 11 – View of the Brussels outskirts loop from Kobbegem'. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Asse.
What are some popular viewpoints in the Asse region?
The Pajottenland region, where Asse is located, is known for its gentle rolling hills and picturesque rural landscapes, offering many scenic viewpoints. For example, the Bois de la Cambre, though closer to Brussels, is noted for its very picturesque viewpoints as an extension of the Sonian Forest.
What is the best time to visit Asse for outdoor activities?
The Pajottenland region around Asse is beautiful throughout the warmer months, from spring to autumn, when the rolling hills and farmlands are lush and green. This period is ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural reserves. Specific seasonal events or local markets might also influence your visit, so checking local calendars is recommended.
Are there any attractions in Asse that are wheelchair accessible?
While specific accessibility details for all local Asse attractions are not extensively documented, many public spaces and modern facilities strive for accessibility. For example, the Grand Place (Grote Markt) in Brussels and the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert are noted as wheelchair accessible, offering options for those willing to venture slightly further from Asse.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Asse?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The magnificent architecture of sites like the Grand Place and the serene green spaces of Bois de la Cambre are highly rated. The community has shared over 1200 photos and given more than 1100 upvotes to the various attractions, highlighting their appeal.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the attractions in Asse?
Asse, being a municipality with a local market square (Marktplein) and a brewery, offers various local establishments. You can expect to find cafes, pubs, and potentially accommodation options within the town center or nearby villages, providing convenience for visitors exploring the area.
Most popular attractions around Asse
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