Dinant is a charming, picturesque little town on the banks of the Meuse River in Wallonia (Belgium). It’s the perfect place to spend a weekend or three days, take a short cruise on the Meuse, visit the citadel, or enjoy a plate of mussels and fries.

First of all, we stayed at the Dinant Campsite. The location is perfect for exploring the city on foot (less than half an hour’s walk to the city center), but you’ll of course find plenty of hotels nearby.

Must-Sees

Charles de Gaulle Bridge
The bridge offers a magnificent view of Dinant’s colorful houses, the Collegiate Church, the Citadel, the Meuse River, the boats and barges, and the Croisette. Additionally, you’ll find numerous giant saxophones on the bridge, a tribute to Adolphe Sax (the inventor of the saxophone, born in Dinant).

Dinant Citadel
You can climb on foot (408 steps) or by funicular; you’ll have a magnificent view of the valley. The Citadel is worth a visit, and there are also several exhibitions and museums (including a reconstruction of a World War I trench, at least when I was there in May 2025).
You can get something to eat and drink at the top of the citadel.

Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Dinant
An emblem of the city, a Gothic church worth seeing.

Mr. Sax’s House
Museum which traces the life and legacy (invention of the Saxophone) of Adolphe Sax.

Cruises on the Meuse
We booked the Dinant-Freÿr cruise in advance (via https://www.dinant-evasion.be) on a vintage boat (1899). It’s a pleasant little trip with magnificent scenery. You can admire the old Priory, the rocks, the Château de Freÿr with its French-style gardens, and also pass by the Anseremme lock.
Other cruises are available (see the website, depending on the season).
In summer, take a boat trip on the Meuse to admire Dinant from the water and the valley landscapes.

What/where to eat in Dinant?
The Couque de Dinant
A specialty (biscuit) from Dinant made with honey and flour.

Mussels and fries marinière style with shrimp croquettes

Leffe Beer
You can visit the Leffe Abbey and the Leffe House. Be careful, alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health.
The famous abbey beer comes from here. You can visit the Leffe Experience center and discover its history.

There are good restaurants everywhere along the waterfront; I don’t have any particular restaurant to recommend.

If you have more time, you can also visit

• La Grotte La Merveilleuse
• Walzin Castle
• The Lesse Valley (e.g., kayaking…)