This Jaw-Dropping Belgian Town is the Colorful Riverside Birthplace of the Saxophone

Perched on the banks of the Meuse River and framed by sheer limestone cliffs, this picturesque town is one of the best hidden gems in Belgium.

The first time I saw the scenic town of Dinant it literally took my breath away. What was meant to be a quick side trip from Brussels turned out to be our favorite stop in Belgium.

With its unique onion dome church, clifftop citadel, and colorful riverside houses, Dinant feels like a postcard come to life.

But this Belgian town is more than just a pretty face. It also has a fun claim to fame—it’s the hometown of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone.

You’ll see his influence all over town, from a small museum dedicated to his life to the row of colorful saxophones lining the Pont Charles de Gaulle Bridge.

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Thanks to its strategic position in the Middle Ages, Dinant was often a battleground between the prince-bishops of Liège and their rivals.

Today, it’s a peaceful riverside escape and one of the best day trips from Brussels. Whether you come for a perfect day trip (like we did) or decide to stay the night, you’ll be glad you added Dinant to your Belgium itinerary.

So, let’s dive into how to get there, where to stay, and all the fun things to see and do in Dinant.

How to Get to Dinant

The easiest way to reach Dinant is from Brussels. Here are three easy ways to get to Dinant from Brussels:

• By train: The train was our pick. There’s no non-stop train from Brussels, but with a few stops you can get to Dinant in as little as an hour and 20 minutes. From the train station in Dinant, it’s just a short walk to the city center.
• By car: The drive from Brussels takes about 90 minutes. Parking is available near the citadel of Dinant and along the river.
• By tour: This Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip from Brussels is the best option if you prefer a guided tour and want to add on Luxembourg as well.

While Dinant is small and makes an easy day trip, it’s also a great town to spend the night. In fact, the minute we arrived I regretted that we didn’t plan enough time to spend the night.

It would have been a great opportunity to enjoy Dinant without the day trip crowds and see it lit up along the Meuse River after dark.

​Hotels in Dinant

If you decide to linger in Dinant (and you should!), here are three charming places to stay:

• Les Terrasses de Sax – A boutique guesthouse close to the city center with modern, comfortable rooms and great views of the cliffs.
• Les Gîtes Du Palais – A cozy set of apartments with kitchenettes, perfect for longer stays or families who want a bit more space.
• Pénichettes Dinant Evasion – If you’re looking for something a little different, this is a fun option! It’s a houseboat barge located right on the river in front of the cathedral. 

Things to See and Do

Dinant Citadel – You can’t miss the imposing Citadel, it’s the town’s top attraction. Perched high above the river, the citadel of Dinant has guarded this spot since the Middle Ages.

Take the cable car from the city center to explore the citadel’s history, its role in Belgian defenses, and panoramic views of the Meuse. For ticket prices and opening hours, check the Dinant Citadel website.

Collegiate Church of Notre Dame – With its striking onion dome, this church is the first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in town. Step inside to admire its stained glass.

Pont Charles de Gaulle Bridge – The most photographed spot in Dinant. Take a stroll across the bridge to admire the colorful saxophones that pay tribute to Adolphe Sax.

Maison Leffe – A small museum dedicated to Belgium’s famous abbey beer. Located in a former monastery, it’s a great place for a tasting and a history lesson.

La Merveilleuse Cave – A network of limestone caverns just outside town. A guided tour is the best way to experience the underground stalactites and rock formations.

Saxophone Museum (Maison de Monsieur Sax) – A tiny but fascinating museum honoring Adolphe Sax, the town’s most famous son.

Cruise the Meuse – For a different angle on the cliffs and town, take a boat trip along the Meuse River. Croisières Mosanes offers several cruises from 45 minutes to 2 hours in duration. You can also purchase a combined ticket that includes the Citadel and the Cable Car.

Food & Drink

Dinant may be small, but it’s full of delicious food.

• Try a local specialty, the couque de Dinant. It’s a rock-hard honey cookie that’s more of a souvenir than a snack.
• For traditional Belgian fare, grab a riverside table and enjoy moules-frites or a steaming pot of beef stew.
• Beer lovers shouldn’t miss a tasting at Maison Leffe.

Wrapping up a visit to Dinant

Dinant is one of Belgium’s most picturesque riverside towns and a perfect day trip from Brussels.

Between the dramatic citadel of Dinant, the story of Adolphe Sax, and the caves, cruises, and beer tastings, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in this colorful Belgian town.

Whether you come for a day itinerary or decide to stay overnight, Dinant is a great spot to slow down and soak up Belgian history, scenery, and charm.