Hasselt is the capital of Limburg — a vibrant city in the Flemish region of Belgium, famous for its fashion, its jenever (gin), and its position as one of the most dynamic small cities in the Benelux. It is a city of extraordinary contrasts — the historic city centre with its cobbled streets and cafes, the modern shopping district with international brands, and the surrounding Haspengouw region with its orchards and castles. Hasselt is also the jenever capital of Belgium, with a museum dedicated to the spirit and a tradition of distilling that dates back centuries. Hiring a car here lets you explore the city, the fruit region, the historic towns of Limburg, and the neighbouring Netherlands and Germany.

We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators in Hasselt. Compact cars start around €18/day. The city is 80 kilometres east of Brussels.

Why Hire a Car in Hasselt

• The Jenever Museum: A museum dedicated to Belgium’s national spirit, housed in a former distillery. The museum tells the story of jenever production, with tastings and a shop.
• The Fashion: Hasselt is a fashion capital, with the Modemuseum (a museum of fashion), designer boutiques, and the annual Hasselt Fashion Week.
• The Japanese Garden: The largest Japanese garden in Europe, with 2.5 hectares of ponds, bridges, tea houses, and over 250 species of plants. It is a peaceful oasis in the city.
• The Historic Centre: The old town of Hasselt has cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the Grote Markt (the main square) with the St. Quintinus Cathedral.
• The Haspengouw: The region around Hasselt is known as the “Tuscany of the North,” with rolling hills, orchards, castles, and fruit farms. In spring, the blossom is spectacular.
• Maastricht: 30 minutes east. The oldest city in the Netherlands, with a historic centre, the Vrijthof square, and the caves of St. Pietersberg.
• Tongeren: 30 minutes south. The oldest city in Belgium, with Roman walls, a basilica, and a weekly antique market.
• Bokrijk: 20 minutes west. An open-air museum of traditional Flemish village life, with historic buildings, crafts demonstrations, and a beautiful park.
• Brussels: 1.5 hours west. The capital of Belgium and the EU, with the Grand Place, the Atomium, and the EU institutions.
• The Food: Limburg is famous for its cuisine, including “Limburgse vlaai” (a fruit tart), “speculoos” (spiced biscuits), and jenever-based cocktails.

Driving in Hasselt and Belgium

Belgium drives on the right. The E313 and E314 connect Hasselt to Antwerp, Brussels, and the rest of the Benelux. The roads are excellent. Speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in towns.

Parking in Hasselt is in multi-storey car parks — expect €5–€10 per day. In the historic centre, parking is limited.

Booking Tips for Hasselt

• Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer.
• If visiting the Haspengouw, check the blossom forecast in spring.
• Book jenever tastings in advance.
• If combining with Maastricht, the drive is 30 minutes east.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire in Hasselt

Is Hasselt worth visiting? Yes — it is a vibrant, fashionable city with a unique jenever heritage, beautiful gardens, and easy access to the Haspengouw and Maastricht.

Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine for Belgium.

Can I use my EU driving licence? Yes — EU licences are valid in Belgium.