Visit Tournai in 2 days

Where to Stay in Tournai

For a short, relaxed two-day visit to Tournai, location matters more than flashy facilities. The city is compact and largely built around its medieval heart, so choosing a base close to the sights saves time and reduces stress. Staying near the historic center means you can pop back to your room between museum visits, linger over a long lunch without rushing, and enjoy the atmosphere of the old streets after the daytime crowds have thinned.

Tournai is organized around a few easy-to-understand anchors: the elevated cathedral precinct around the Notre-Dame, the lively market area where the Grand-Place and Tournai City Hall sit, the intimate lanes that host the Maison Tournaisienne, and the greener belt toward Queen Astrid Park and the train approaches. The river adds a pleasant edge to walks but all the main attractions are within a short stroll of one another, which makes the city ideal for exploring on foot.

If you want to be in the thick of it, pick accommodation within a few minutes’ walk of the Cathedral or the Grand-Place: you’ll be able to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral of Tournai early in the morning or late in the day when light and quiet are at their best, and the museum circuit (including Maison Tournaisienne) is just around the corner. For a quieter stay with easy rail links, consider the area toward Queen Astrid Park and the train station, where green space and convenience meet — still close enough to return for a short rest between activities.

Practical transport tips: most visitors find everything reachable on foot — many of the attractions are within comfortable walking distance of each other — but Tournai also has a simple local bus network and regular regional trains to Brussels and Lille if you’re planning day trips. If you’re arriving by car, expect limited central parking; choosing a place near public transport or a hotel that offers a parking option can remove that hassle.

Finally, choose accommodation that matches how you like to travel: a cosy B&B or an apartment gives you flexibility and local charm, while smaller hotels often help with luggage and local tips. In historic buildings, check for practical features like lift access and a quiet room facing a courtyard. Book a little ahead for weekends or event dates, and otherwise relax — with a central, well-located base you’ll cover Tournai’s highlights easily and enjoy a calm, memorable stay.

Getting Around Tournai

Tournai is wonderfully compact, and public transport here feels friendly rather than intimidating — perfect for first-time visitors. The town center, with the Grand-Place, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the belfry within easy reach, is a pleasure to explore on foot, but when you need to stretch farther you'll find a simple network of regional trains and local buses. The main operators are SNCB for trains and TEC for buses, and both serve clear stops around the city, so you never feel lost even if this is your first trip. I love how the city blends walking routes with short, reliable rides — it makes sightseeing relaxed and efficient 🚇.

A practical tip about fares: you can usually buy single tickets from a ticket machine at the station, from drivers on buses (exact change sometimes required), or via the official apps for SNCB and TEC. If you plan a few journeys in a day, consider a day pass or a short-term regional pass — they simplify hopping on and off without thinking about every fare. For repeat visitors or longer stays, a reloadable card is handy; otherwise the apps and machines cover most needs easily 🎫.

Use Google Maps for real-time directions and to compare walking versus bus or train times. I rely on it to tell me whether it’s a pleasant 12-minute stroll between sights or better to catch the next bus. Maps will also show which bus stop to use and estimated arrivals, and when combined with the SNCB app for trains you can see platform information in advance. Downloading offline maps for a day or two gives extra peace of mind if your data is patchy.

If you want to save money, prioritise walking for short hops — many of Tournai’s highlights are clustered and strolling lets you discover hidden streets and cafés. Buy round-trip train tickets or multi-ride bus passes when available, and check for any regional discounts (student, senior, or group rates). Timing off-peak travel can also lower costs and keep crowded buses at bay; small changes in timing add up to big comfort and savings over a few days 💡.

I remember arriving at Tournai station with a suitcase and debating a bus versus a walk. We took a short TEC ride to the heart of town, then left our bags at the guesthouse and walked from the Maison Tournaisienne straight to the cathedral. It was only a ten-minute stroll to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and that mix — one short bus, then walking between the sights — became our rhythm for the weekend. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy and charming getting around Tournai can be 🗺️.

What to Pack for Tournai

Tournai is delightfully compact but rich — cathedral spires, small museums, cobbled streets and quiet squares where you’ll linger longer than you planned. I’ve done weekend trips where I covered the town on foot for 9–10 hours a day and another when I relaxed with just a few short strolls; packing light but smart makes both days enjoyable. Below are the essentials I actually use and why each one mattered on my trips.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (e.g., Merrell Moab 2 or Ecco Soft 7): I once walked roughly 8 miles in a day around the cathedral, the belfry and across the old town — my feet would have been ruined without supportive shoes. Choose shoes with good arches and a grippy sole for cobbles; you’ll thank yourself after staircases and uneven pavements.

2. Cross-body bag (zippered, anti-theft): I prefer a small cross-body with an internal zip pocket — I wore mine while exploring the cathedral and market and felt secure when the streets got crowded. Tournai is generally safe, but tourist areas attract pickpockets; a bag you can keep in front is both comfortable and practical for a day out.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing (layers + lightweight rain jacket): Belgian weather flips quickly. On one trip I started with a T-shirt and ended the day in a waterproof layer after a sudden shower. Pack a thin fleece or sweater and a packable rain jacket — layers let you adapt when it’s cool in the morning, mild by midday and damp later.

4. Power adapter (Type E/European plug) and phone charger: Belgium uses Type E (230V). I forgot my adapter once and borrowed one from my B&B host — a hassle I won’t repeat. A small EU adapter lets you charge your phone and camera in the hotel and keeps you ready for maps and photos.

5. Power bank (10,000 mAh recommended): I was out for 10+ hours taking photos of the cathedral and using maps; my phone hit 15% by late afternoon until I used a 10,000 mAh power bank to get through the evening. Compact but powerful keeps navigation and ticket apps alive.

6. Optional: compact umbrella + reusable water bottle: On rainy days a tiny umbrella saved me from soggy maps; on sunny strolls a refillable bottle saved money and kept me refreshed while wandering between sites. Both are small, low-weight additions that paid off when I needed them.