Mons is a city that offers a rich mix of history, culture, and art, making it an excellent place for exploring through guided and self-guided tours. The city’s compact size means you can easily combine several experiences in one trip. We especially love tours like the Mons : The Doudou Museum for its lively look into local traditions and the Mons Memorial Museum for a moving tribute to wartime lives. Whether you’re interested in folklore, history, or art, Mons provides a variety of tours to deepen your understanding of its unique character.
For this list, we’ve gathered some of the best options, including museums, historical sites, a UNESCO-listed belfry, a bike rental experience, and even a guided art tour. Each offers something different — whether it’s an in-depth look at local legends, a reflection on wartime, or immersive art encounters. Now, let’s explore these tours in detail so you can pick the perfect fit for your visit.
1. Mons : The Doudou Museum
At number 1 on our list, the Mons : The Doudou Museum offers an intimate look into one of Mons’ most vibrant traditions, the Ducasse Rituelle. This museum, located right in the heart of the city, is dedicated to the annual Ducasse de Mons, a UNESCO-listed event that features lively processions, costumes, and folklore centered around St. George and the Dragon legend. The museum is small but packed with colorful exhibits, costumes, photographs, and stories that bring the celebration to life.
The experience is particularly engaging because it provides context about Mons’ folklore throughout the year, not just during the festival. The museum’s interactive displays help visitors understand the significance of the Ducasse Rituelle and its deep roots in local culture. The entry fee of $10 makes it an affordable introduction to Mons’ most famous event, perfect for history and culture lovers. The museum is open for one day at a time, so check availability before planning your visit.
Key highlights include the legend of St. George and the Dragon, detailed explanations of the festival’s origins, and colorful photos of past celebrations. Visitors walk away with a richer appreciation for Mons’ vibrant identity. This tour is ideal for those wanting a compact, informative experience that captures Mons’ lively spirit.
Bottom line: For a vivid, accessible glimpse into local festivals, this museum offers excellent value and a memorable look at Mons’ folklore.
2. Mons : the Mons Memorial Museum
Next up on our list, the Mons Memorial Museum takes you through the fates of those who witnessed the tragedy of war. For $10, you gain entry into a museum that covers everything from the Middle Ages to WWII, with a special focus on military artifacts, veterans’ interviews, and civilian stories. The museum excels at personalizing history, with displays that include diaries, letters, and preserved objects like German bombs and WWI bread rations.
What makes this museum stand out is its ability to immerse visitors into the day-to-day lives of soldiers and civilians during wartime. The interviews with veterans provide touching insights, making history tangible and immediate. The staff, described as very friendly, adds a personal touch to the visit. Many visitors mention feeling a profound connection, with one review praising the museum as an “extraordinary” and relatively little-known gem.
The museum’s exhibits are thoughtfully curated, making it suitable for history buffs and those interested in military history. Its one-day validity means you should plan to visit in the morning or early afternoon, especially if you want to explore other sites afterward.
Bottom line: This museum offers a deeply personal perspective on war, with compelling artifacts and stories that resonate long after your visit.
3. Mons : The Belfry
At number 3, the Mons : The Belfry is a must-see for lovers of architecture and panoramic views. It’s Belgium’s only baroque belfry listed by UNESCO — and it’s well worth the visit. For $10, you can ride the panoramic lift and enjoy fantastic views over the city and surrounding region. The Belfry’s impressive architecture is a photographic highlight, with intricate detailing and a commanding presence in Mons’ skyline.
The tour offers a chance to learn about the UNESCO World Heritage designation and the history of this historic bell tower. Climbing to the top provides sweeping vistas that help you orient yourself within the city, making it easier to appreciate Mons’ layout and key sites. The interior features historical exhibits that shed light on the Belfry’s role over the centuries.
What sets this experience apart is its combination of cultural significance and stunning scenery. It’s ideal for visitors who enjoy architecture, history, or simply want to see Mons from above. The views are especially striking during clear weather, making it a memorable highlight.
Bottom line: The Belfry is a compact but impressive site that celebrates Mons’ architectural and cultural heritage while offering breathtaking views.
4. Mons : City Center Bike Rental for Sightseeing & Exploring
For the active traveler, the City Center Bike Rental provides an excellent way to see Mons on your own terms. With a $10 per day rental fee, you can pedal around the city and easily access key sights without relying on walking or public transport. Bikes are modern and well-maintained, and the rental process is straightforward.
This option is perfect for those wanting to explore Mons and its surroundings at a relaxed pace. You can stop at iconic sites like the UNESCO-listed Belfry, the historic squares, and the charming streets. Plus, biking offers great views of the city skyline and the chance to discover quieter neighborhoods or green spaces outside the main tourist spots.
The flexibility of this tour makes it ideal for families, solo travelers, or anyone looking to maximize their sightseeing time. It’s also a budget-friendly alternative to guided tours, with the added bonus of freedom to linger or skip certain areas.
Keep in mind, cycling is suitable for most fitness levels, but check the weather forecast as Mons’ cobbled streets can be a little tricky after rain. Besides, it’s a fantastic way to see the city as locals do.
Bottom line: For independence and flexibility, renting a bike offers a fun, efficient way to explore Mons at your own pace.
5. Mons : Guided tour of the “David Hockney. The Song of the Earth”
Art lovers will appreciate the Guided tour of “David Hockney. The Song of the Earth”, an immersive 1.5-hour journey into Hockney’s luminous works inspired by nature. This experience is ideal for those wanting a deeper connection to contemporary art. The tour explores Hockney’s dialogue with masters like Van Gogh, Munch, and the Symbolists, emphasizing how landscape influences his vibrant palette.
During the tour, you’ll enjoy insights into the diversity of landscapes depicted in Hockney’s paintings, and you’ll experience a dynamic scenography that brings his art to life. The guide, passionate and knowledgeable, helps visitors understand the universal themes that underpin Hockney’s work, with references to Mahler’s compositions adding a poetic layer to the experience.
While the tour doesn’t specify a price, it’s an excellent option for those seeking a cultural and artistic encounter that’s both educational and inspiring. It’s suited for art enthusiasts wanting a more personal and detailed exploration of a contemporary master.
Bottom line: This guided art tour offers an engaging and visually stunning experience, perfect for those interested in modern art and its connection to nature.
6. Mons : The Van Gogh House
Finally, the Van Gogh House, where Vincent van Gogh lived from 1879 to 1880, is a must-visit for fans of the painter. For only about $4.54, you get a glimpse into Van Gogh’s early years and the environment that shaped his artistic development. This authentic setting allows you to see the daily life, early influences, and the Borinage region, which inspired much of his work at the time.
The house offers exhibits on Van Gogh’s artistic evolution before he became famous, providing context for his later masterpieces. Visitors find the atmosphere evocative — you can almost imagine Van Gogh walking these streets, feeling the raw inspiration that pushed him toward his iconic style.
This tour is ideal for those interested in Van Gogh’s origins or looking to connect with the artist’s personal history. Its affordability makes it accessible, though the site is relatively small, so plan on a quick but meaningful visit.
Bottom line: For Van Gogh enthusiasts, this house provides an intimate look at the artist’s early days and regional influences, enriching your understanding of his journey.
How to Choose
When selecting a tour in Mons, consider your interests, budget, and time. If you’re passionate about local traditions, start with the Doudou Museum. For a historical perspective on war, the Mons Memorial Museum is compelling. Art lovers should check out the David Hockney guided tour, while those wanting a flexible itinerary will enjoy bike rentals.
If you prefer learning about local architecture and panoramic views, the Belfry is ideal. Meanwhile, history enthusiasts curious about Van Gogh’s early years should visit the Van Gogh House. Keep in mind that some tours, like the art and museum experiences, are best booked early, especially during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Mons offers a diverse array of tours that appeal to different interests — from lively festivals to poignant wartime stories and inspiring art experiences. For a well-rounded visit, we recommend combining a historical tour like the Mons Memorial Museum with a cultural highlight such as the Belfry or an art-focused tour. If you’re short on time, the Doudou Museum offers a quick yet vibrant glimpse into local traditions.
For travelers seeking active exploration, the bike rental provides freedom and fun at a low cost. Meanwhile, Van Gogh fans should not miss the Van Gogh House, which adds a personal touch to your artistic journey.
Booking early is wise, especially for guided tours and popular museum visits. Mons’ compact size and rich heritage make it a city best explored with a blend of self-guided freedom and curated experiences. Whichever tours you choose, you’ll leave with fresh stories and a deeper appreciation for this Belgian town’s character.
