10 Unexpected Year-Round Things to Do in Charleroi Belgium

Key Takeaways:

• Charleroi blends gritty industrial charm with cultural rebirth, offering year-round attractions for adventurous travelers.

• From art museums to urban hikes and surprising nightlife, this Belgian underdog is full of hidden gems.

• It’s a great base for discovering post-industrial beauty, vibrant creativity, and a bold local spirit.

Once dubbed the ugliest city in Belgium, Charleroi has been quietly reinventing itself into a vibrant destination full of character, history, and creative edge. Located in the Walloon region, this former coal and steel powerhouse still wears its industrial past with pride—but adds a fresh layer of art, food, and alternative experiences. Today, people love Charleroi for its authenticity, its evolving cultural scene, and its ability to surprise those who give it a chance. Whether you’re exploring quirky museums, scenic slag heaps, or buzzing local cafés, Charleroi is a raw and real European city that rewards curiosity.

Table of Contents

1. Climb the Terril des Piges for Panoramic Urban Views

2. Explore Contemporary Art at BPS22

3. Stroll Through Charleroi’s Old Town and St. Christophe Church

4. Visit the Photography Museum in Mont-sur-Marchienne

5. Discover Street Art on the Charleroi Dans la Rue Trail

6. Tour the Musée de l’Industrie at Bois du Cazier

7. Catch a Live Show at Rockerill Factory

8. Walk the Sambre River Banks and Spot Industrial Heritage

9. Experience the Carnaval de Charleroi

10. Eat and Drink Like a Local at Quai10

1. Climb the Terril des Piges for Panoramic Urban Views

One of Charleroi’s most unique outdoor adventures is climbing a terril, or slag heap, left behind from the city’s mining days. The Terril des Piges, located near the Marcinelle district, is now a green, walkable hill that rewards visitors with sweeping views of Charleroi’s skyline. It’s especially popular at sunrise or sunset, when the city is bathed in golden light.

As you ascend, you’ll walk through surprising pockets of wildflowers and spot traces of nature reclaiming the industrial past. Locals come here for fresh air and photography, and it’s a great way to kick off your exploration with a dose of urban nature. Wear good shoes—it’s a bit rugged—but the view is more than worth it.

2. Explore Contemporary Art at BPS22

Housed in a beautifully repurposed glass and steel building, BPS22 is Charleroi’s leading museum for contemporary art. It features bold, thought-provoking exhibitions with a focus on social and political themes, often showcasing Belgian and international artists side by side. The architecture alone is worth the visit, blending industrial bones with minimalist design.

Inside, expect to find everything from installations and digital art to sculpture and protest posters. The museum frequently hosts film screenings, workshops, and discussions that keep the conversation going well beyond the walls. It’s a must-stop for culture lovers who enjoy art that challenges and engages.

3. Stroll Through Charleroi’s Old Town and St. Christophe Church

The Old Town of Charleroi may be compact, but it offers a charming mix of historic and modern vibes. The standout is St. Christophe Church, a Neoclassical structure with a stunning golden Byzantine-style mosaic that surprises most visitors. Originally built in the 17th century, the church blends eras and aesthetics in a uniquely Charleroi way.

The nearby Place Charles II and surrounding streets are lined with cafés, bookstores, and boutiques that reflect the city’s evolving personality. Street art and public sculptures add visual interest around every corner. It’s a great area to take a leisurely walk, grab a coffee, and observe everyday life unfold.

4. Visit the Photography Museum in Mont-sur-Marchienne

Just outside the city center, the Musée de la Photographie is one of the largest photography museums in Europe. Located in a former Carmelite convent, it houses an impressive collection of over 80,000 images from the 19th century to today. Exhibits range from documentary and fashion to experimental photography and visual storytelling.

The surrounding gardens and cloisters provide a peaceful setting for reflection and wandering. There’s also a café and bookshop on-site, making it a pleasant half-day outing. It’s perfect for lovers of both photography and architecture, and offers a slower, contemplative contrast to Charleroi’s urban energy.

5. Discover Street Art on the Charleroi Dans la Rue Trail

Charleroi is one of Belgium’s most underrated cities for street art, with large-scale murals and hidden pieces tucked throughout the city. The Charleroi Dans la Rue trail leads you on a self-guided journey to discover some of the most expressive walls in town—created by both local and international artists.

From abandoned buildings to alleyways, the artwork covers themes of resistance, humor, and social change. It’s a constantly evolving gallery that captures the city’s gritty creativity. Bring your camera and good walking shoes, and let the streets tell you their story in color and bold lines.

6. Tour the Musée de l’Industrie at Bois du Cazier

One of the most poignant and educational stops in Charleroi is the Bois du Cazier, a former coal mine and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Musée de l’Industrie, located on the grounds, takes visitors through the region’s industrial history, including engineering innovations, worker life, and the evolution of energy production.

The site also honors the memory of the 1956 mining disaster that claimed 262 lives, with a touching memorial and exhibits that capture both tragedy and resilience. It’s a powerful place to reflect on the city’s past and how it has shaped modern Charleroi. Combined with the surrounding museums and panoramic viewpoints, this stop is equal parts humbling and informative.

7. Catch a Live Show at Rockerill Factory

Located in a repurposed ironworks factory, Rockerill is Charleroi’s most iconic underground venue for music, art, and alternative culture. With a grungy-industrial aesthetic and a fearless programming style, it hosts everything from electro parties and punk concerts to art expos and techno nights.

It’s beloved by locals and visiting creatives alike for its authenticity and raw vibe. If your trip includes a weekend night, check the schedule—you might stumble into one of Belgium’s most unforgettable DIY raves or multicultural jams. It’s Charleroi at its most alive and rebellious.

8. Walk the Sambre River Banks and Spot Industrial Heritage

The Sambre River, which winds through the city, offers a scenic walking route filled with contrasts—bridges, former factories, boat docks, and new developments all sit side by side. The riverside is slowly being revitalized with bike paths, modern sculptures, and green spaces that make for a pleasant urban stroll.

You’ll also pass relics of the city’s industrial past, including cranes, warehouses, and train lines. The juxtaposition of decay and rebirth is what gives Charleroi its distinctive edge. It’s an excellent walk for photographers, urban explorers, or anyone interested in seeing how cities evolve in real time.

9. Experience the Carnaval de Charleroi

Held each spring, the Carnaval de Charleroi is a colorful burst of joy and satire. With costumes, masks, confetti, brass bands, and giant puppets called Gilles, the festival brings a quirky Belgian twist to traditional carnival celebrations. It’s rowdy, lighthearted, and absolutely local.

People from all walks of life join in, parading through the streets and dancing into the night. Whether you’re an observer or participant, you’ll feel swept up in the city’s playful energy. It’s one of the best times of year to see Charleroi laugh at itself and let loose.

10. Eat and Drink Like a Local at Quai10

Quai10 is more than a cinema or game center—it’s a vibrant cultural hub that includes a stylish restaurant and bar with outdoor seating overlooking the river. Locals come here for craft beers, fusion dishes, or simply a cozy coffee with a view.

During the day, you can catch an indie film, explore interactive exhibits, or attend a gaming workshop. At night, it transforms into a lively hangout with music and drinks. It’s a prime example of Charleroi’s creative reinvention—where old meets new in delicious and thoughtful ways.

What to Do if You Have Kids?

Charleroi may seem gritty at first glance, but it’s surprisingly family-friendly when you look closer. Kids will love exploring the Photography Museum’s interactive exhibits or walking up the Terril des Piges for an urban nature hike. Bois du Cazier offers hands-on learning for older kids, while Quai10 regularly hosts family movie screenings and game events. The city’s parks and riverside paths are ideal for burning off energy, and street art trails turn city walks into visual scavenger hunts. With a bit of planning, Charleroi can be a fun and educational stop for all ages.

Where Can I Find Free Events in Charleroi Belgium Taking Place This Weekend?

To discover free concerts, art expos, festivals, and family activities happening in Charleroi this weekend, head to PlanMyWeekend.ai. The site curates the best free things to do by city and date—whether you’re looking for cultural events, music, workshops, or something offbeat. Just enter “Charleroi” and let the platform show you what’s happening now. It’s your easiest tool for building a spontaneous, exciting itinerary—without spending a euro.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip Here

Charleroi may never be Belgium’s prettiest city, but that’s what makes it unforgettable. With its mix of raw history, underground creativity, and rising cultural energy, it offers something different—and real. It’s a city of contradictions: gritty yet soulful, industrial yet green, and overlooked yet overflowing with personality. Whether you’re climbing a slag heap, dancing at a factory rave, or discovering art in unexpected corners, Charleroi proves that beauty lies in boldness. Give it a chance—and it might just win you over.