Things to Do in Dinant

Dinant was born to be photographed. This small Walloon city sits squeezed between towering limestone cliffs and the Meuse River in a way that makes the whole town feel carved into the landscape. The massive Collegiate Church of Notre Dame dominates the riverfront with its distinctive onion-shaped spire, while the imposing Citadel perches high above on the clifftops, connected to the town below by cable car or a lung-busting climb up 408 steps. History runs deep here. This compact city is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, and you'll find colorful saxophone sculptures scattered throughout the streets as a cheerful reminder. The town has a pleasant, almost fairy-tale quality that draws day-trippers from Brussels, but you can see everything properly in a relaxed day or two without feeling rushed.

Good food exists here. Dinant's dining scene centers around hearty Belgian and Walloon specialties, with several cozy restaurants along the main streets serving everything from traditional carbonnade flamande to fresh river fish. The local specialty is couque de Dinant, a rock-hard honey biscuit that is more novelty than actual food—they make decent souvenirs but don't expect to eat them easily. Standard Belgian fare dominates. You'll find the usual standbys like mussels, frites, and local beers, plus some surprisingly good international options given the town's size. Most restaurants cluster around the main square and riverfront, with outdoor terraces that make the most of the scenic setting when weather permits.

Timing matters here. Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most reliable weather for walking around and enjoying the riverside setting, with July and August being busiest with tourists. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October can be particularly pleasant—fewer crowds, decent weather, and the surrounding countryside looks beautiful with spring flowers or autumn colors. Winter visits are possible. Most attractions are indoors or covered, but the river setting is less appealing in cold, gray weather, and some seasonal attractions like river cruises may not operate.