Join a guided walking tour of Mons or explore on your own, starting at the Grand Place, the city's central square where you’ll find the 15th-century Gothic town hall and the UNESCO-listed Mons Belfry. Then, walk to the landmark Mundaneum (an institution that’s considered a precursor to the Internet), pay a visit to Van Gogh’s former home, or admire the transparent architecture and exhibitions at the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts), also known as BAM.
Many tourists explore Mons via auto rickshaws. A hybrid of a Vespa and a tuk-tuk, they can navigate the narrow alleys with ease.
According to Mons folklore, stroking the head of the little monkey in the town hall brings good luck.
Mons is located in the Belgian region of Wallonia, where the official language is French. However, many people also speak Dutch and English as well.
To visit the town hall, you must be accompanied by a local guide, which you can arrange a tour with through the Mons tourist office.
Mons is located 40 miles (65 kilometers) southwest of Brussels. Two trains connect Brussels to Mons. The city center is a short walk from the railway station, about 15 minutes. Mons is also serviced by many bus lines, connecting it to neighboring cities. The city's main airport is the Brussels Airport (BRU), located in Zaventem, about a 50-minute drive from Mons.
The best time to visit Mons is from May to September when you’ll experience the warmest weather. The Ducasse de Mons happens every year around Trinity Sunday, which falls on the first Sunday after Pentecost. The festival pays tribute to Saint Waudru (or Waltrude), the city's patron saint.
Celebrated since the Middle Ages, when the plague disappeared from Mons as if by miracle, the Ducasse de Mons (or Doudou as it’s more commonly known) has two parts: a procession and a “fight” between Saint George (the good) and the dragon (the evil), which takes place on the Grand Place. Spectators try to snag some of the dragon’s mane off its tail, as it purportedly brings good luck.
