How to Find Hotels in Tournai, Belgium

Located in one of the most scenic, spectacular parts of Belgium, the ancient town of Tournai is a true tourist treasure. Entering Tournai is like stepping back into Europe's past, into a time before the mad rush and racket of the modern world. A respite in Tournai just might be your favorite part of your European vacation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Hotel reservation
• Plane tickets
• Passport
• Computer
• Map
• Rental car

Know Your Destination

1. Know that Tournai is a quaint Belgian town with a rich history and a deep sense of pride in its own identity and legacy.

2. Talk to locals about attractions to get a true insider's perspective. Tournai has many festivals, museums, hotels and accommodations to fit any lifestyle or budget.

3. Check exchange rates daily for fluctuations in the Euro, Belgium's official currency.

4. Expect a mellow climate, as Belgium's weather is not very dramatic. Daily temperatures are fairly consistent all year round.

Organize Transportation

5. Fly into Brussels International Airport.

6. Take the train southwest from Brussels to Tournai.

7. Rent a car or hire a taxi to tour the city.

8. Rent a bicycle to view the many museums, restaurants and shops that make this quaint town so special. Cycling around the city and through the countryside is one of the best ways to see Belgium.

Choose Your Lodging

9. To book accommodations, contact Belgian Tourist Office at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

10. Reserve accommodations near the Grand Place, the city's center, where much of the city's nightlife is focused.

11. Choose hotels carefully to give your trip a casual, relaxed feel. Accommodations in the Saint Brice area are more secluded and tranquil.

12. Stay in a local bed and breakfast to make your stay in Tournai charming and cozy, just like the city itself. You may want to inquire whether the innkeeper speaks English before booking.

Be Familiar With Local Information

13. Prepare yourself for the Carnival in Tournai. This is one of the most unique and enjoyable festivals in Belgium and it's growing every year.

14. Drink beer (but drink responsibly!). Belgium boasts several hundred different beers, and many are brewed right in Tournai.

15. Visit the monuments. The architecture and history of Tournai are really what make this town great.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your driver's license. If you're staying for 90 days or less you may rent a car for transportation, though you should pay close attention to local driving rules.
• Travel in Europe is easier than in many other parts of the world. Some items, however, such as discount train passes, must be purchased before arriving in Europe.
• Language is highly important in Belgium, where a language divide polarizes the citizens more than any political or religious ideology. Luckily, most Belgians speak some English and English is considered a "neutral" language.