Things to Do in Tienen, Belgium: Walking Guide

When planning your trip and looking for things to do in Tienen, you will discover a compact historic city in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant with a rich heritage and a relaxed pace. Whether you are interested in medieval architecture, ancient burial mounds, or unique local museums, this town offers plenty of rewarding experiences. Neywo features a free audio guide for Tienen covering 10 narrated places to help you explore.

What to See in Tienen

A visit to Tienen reveals centuries of history preserved in its squares, religious buildings, and former monasteries.

Het Toreke

Located right by the Grote Markt, Het Toreke is a small but memorable museum housed in the city’s former prison. Stepping inside takes you through a space that once held cells and locked doors, now repurposed to tell the story of the city.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Poelkerk

Also sitting on the Grote Markt, the Church of Our Lady of the Pond is a striking 13th-century Gothic landmark. The building was never actually finished, leaving a fascinating blend of Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture with a distinctive, poetic name that hints at the area’s ancient geography.

Sint-Germanus Church

Standing near the Veemarkt and Wolmarkt, the Sint-Germanus Church is a Roman Catholic building dating back to the 12th century. Its classic, soaring Gothic architecture has watched over the city’s markets and daily life for hundreds of years.

Paterskerk

Also known as the Begijnhofkerk, the Paterskerk is a striking early Gothic ruin and the second oldest Beguine church in Belgium. It once served as the heart of a community of religious women who lived a devout life without taking formal monastic vows.

Klooster van de Augustijnen

This historic complex dates back to the seventeenth century, when it served as a home for the Augustinian order in the city.

Bogaardenklooster

Tucked along the Beggardenstraat, this former monastery was once home to a religious community of women who lived a devout life in the heart of the town.

Kapel van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Steen

Situated in Grimde, a hamlet forming part of the municipality, this small chapel dates back to the 14th century.

Drie Tommen

Located in the quiet area of Grimde, the Drie Tommen consist of three ancient Gallo-Roman tumuli built in the later second century as a grave monument for Marcus Probius Burrus. These massive earthworks cover between 7 and 20 acres, rise 8 to 12 meters high, and have been recognized landmarks for centuries, appearing on the 1777 Ferraris maps.

Heilig Hartkerk

The Heilig Hartkerk is another notable church located within the town, offering a peaceful stop while exploring the surrounding area.

Poppentheatermuseum

This small and charming museum houses a collection of around 250 marionettes and hand puppets from around the world, alongside celebrating the local Tienen Puppet Theater known as Tijl, which has been active for over fifty years.

Explore Tienen with the Free Audio Guide

If you want to experience the city at your own pace, download Neywo and explore with a free audio guide offering 10 narrated places across 1 walking tour and 1 bike route.

The walking tour spans 1.4 km across 59 minutes and includes 6 stops: the Klooster van de Augustijnen, Het Toreke, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Poelkerk, Sint-Germanus church, Bogaardenklooster, and Paterskerk. For cyclists, the bike route covers 3.1 km in 16 minutes with 2 stops at the Drie Tommen and Heilig Hartkerk.

Each story plays automatically as you reach the place, moving at your own pace with no group and no schedule, and the narration is available in 11 languages.

When you continue your journey through Flanders and Belgium, you can also discover nearby destinations like Leuven, Tongeren, Mechelen, Lier, Ghent, Ypres, Ostend, and Nieuwpoort.