Two days is all it takes to fall for Oudenaarde. This compact and characterful town in the Flemish Ardennes packs in far more than you might expect, from a UNESCO World Heritage town hall and world-class cycling history to excellent local breweries and some genuinely lovely places to eat. If you are searching for a hotel near Flanders that gives you a proper short break without rushing from place to place, Oudenaarde is exactly that. Here is how to make the most of 48 hours.
Day One
Morning: Get to Know the Town
Start with the Grand Market Square. The Town Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the finest examples of Flemish Gothic architecture you will find anywhere in Belgium. It is well worth going inside to learn about the tapestry heritage that made Oudenaarde famous across Europe.
From there, head to the MOU Museum. The interactive exhibits bring over a thousand years of local history to life and set the scene for everything else you will see over the next two days. Give yourself an hour here and you will not regret it.
Take a walk through the streets afterwards. Oudenaarde is a town that rewards a gentle wander, with charming squares, historic buildings, and plenty of spots to stop for a coffee.
Afternoon: Get Out Into the Flemish Ardennes
After lunch, it is time to get out into the countryside. The Flemish Ardennes is beautiful cycling and walking territory, with rolling hills, wooded ridges, and quiet country lanes stretching out in every direction from Oudenaarde.
For cycling fans, the Koppenberg and the Paterberg are less than ten kilometres from the hotel. These are two of the most iconic climbs in professional cycling and riding them, even at a leisurely pace, is a genuine highlight. Bikes are available to rent locally, and there are routes for all levels.
If you would rather explore on foot, the area around Donkvijvers is a great option. There are walking trails, open water for water sports, and plenty of spots to sit and take in the scenery.
Evening: Eat, Drink, and Enjoy
Oudenaarde has a good selection of restaurants and bars, with options ranging from traditional Belgian cooking to more contemporary menus. The local beer scene is something else entirely. Roman and Liefmans are both based nearby and their beers appear on menus across the town.
Back at Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde, the Be Twisted brasserie is a relaxed and welcoming spot to end the evening. Grab a table, order a local beer, and start planning day two.
Day Two
Morning: The Tour of Flanders Centre
Start your second day at the Tour of Flanders Centre, a five-minute walk from Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde. The Ronde van Vlaanderen, as it is known locally, is one of the greatest one-day races in professional cycling and the centre brings that history to life brilliantly. Even if you are not a dedicated cycling fan, it is a fascinating and well-presented experience.
Pick up a coffee at our Starbucks Coffee Corner before you head out and you are good to go.
Afternoon: A Day Trip or More of Oudenaarde
Your second afternoon is a great opportunity to venture a little further afield. Ghent is around 30 kilometres away and is one of the most rewarding cities in Belgium, with medieval towers, great food, and excellent galleries. Bruges is about 60 kilometres away and needs no introduction. Brussels is also within easy reach for those who want to dip into the capital.
If you would rather stay closer to home, there is still plenty to discover. The churches of Saint Walburga and Our Lady of Pamele are both worth a visit, and the area around the Scheldt riverfront is lovely for an afternoon walk.
Evening: Make the Most of Your Last Night
Round off your 48 hours the right way. Head back into town for a final dinner, try a beer you have not had yet, and soak up the atmosphere of a town that has well and truly won you over.
Oudenaarde is a town that gets under your skin quickly. It is relaxed, characterful, and remarkably well set up for a short break. As a hotel near Flanders, Leopold Hotel Oudenaarde gives you everything you need to make the most of it, comfortable rooms, a great location, secure bike storage, and a team that genuinely wants your stay to be a good one.
Book your stay today and start looking forward to 48 hours well spent.
