Cultural and Networking tours
Welcome to Hasselt, the charming capital of Belgian Limburg!
During the IMA Conference 2025, we invite you to explore the city through the unique blend of culture, history, and hospitality that Hasselt has to offer.
Please find below the arranged tours for which you can sign up in the registration form.
Thursday 16 October - Hasselt City Tour
Timing 15:00 – 16:30
Meeting point and drop-off Radisson Blu Hasselt
Start your conference experience with a guided city walk, organized by Visit Hasselt.
Dive into Hasselt’s rich history and the experienced guides will lead you through the city’s historical landmarks, and hidden gems.
The historical city walk leads you – from rivet to rivet – past striking buildings, monuments, and works of art.
What’s the deal with the hazelnut on the rivets? Not only is the hazelnut the symbol of Hasselt, but it also indicates the direction you need to go. Signs on the façades explain the sights as you go…
• 10 Euro per person
• Groups of 15-20 people per guide
18 October 2025 14.00 - 16.30 - The Japanese Garden
Timing 14.00 – 16.30
14.00 Pick up by bus at the conference hotel
14.30-16.00 Guided tour of the Gardens
16.00 Return by bus from the garden to the Conference hotel (16:30 arrival back)
Meeting point and drop-off: Radisson Blu Hasselt
The Japanese Garden in Hasselt is the largest of its kind in Europe and a true oasis of tranquility and beauty. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and learn about the symbolism behind the carefully designed landscapes.
Guided tour with a limit of 40 people per group
Minimum number of participants is 20, if less than 20 registrations the tour will be cancelled and refunded.
Fee: 15 Euro per person
More information can be found here.
Explore Hasselt at Your Own Pace
In addition to our scheduled tours, Hasselt offers a variety of must-visit locations for those who want to explore on their own. Whether you are passionate about history, fashion, nature, or urban culture, there is something for everyone of us!
Fashion Museum Hasselt – A Journey Through Style
The Fashion Museum Hasselt takes you on a fascinating journey through the evolution of fashion, from historical garments to modern couture. The museum regularly hosts themed exhibitions that showcase the influence of fashion on society and culture. If you have a keen eye for design or simply love stylish inspiration, this museum is a must-see!
In the museum, you can also visit Rococo Reboot!, an immersive exhibition exploring fashion from 1750 to 1830. Challenging the pastel-hued, opulent images popularized by media like Marie Antoinette and Bridgerton, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the Rococo era's fashion.
It also showcases modern designers like Meryll Rogge, Ester Manas, Dries Van Noten, Raf Simons, Simone Rocha, Molly Goddard, Elena Velez, Comme des Garçons, and Manolo Blahnik, highlighting the Rococo period's lasting influence on contemporary fashion.
Opening hours and tickets: check the website.
Location: Gasthuisstraat 11, Hasselt
Jenever Festival – Discover the Spirit of Hasselt
Timing: 18-19 October 2025
Location: Hasselt city center
If you want to experience the true spirit of Hasselt - both figuratively and literally- then you cannot miss the Jenever Festival!
This annual event transforms the city center into a lively celebration of Belgium’s most famous grain-based spirit, jenever. Taking place on the same weekend as our conference, the festival is the perfect opportunity to taste traditional and innovative jenever flavors and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
For more details and the full event schedule of the festival, follow us on Social Media a few weeks before the Conference.
Jenever Museum
The Jenever Museum offers a deep dive into this traditional drink’s history, production, and cultural significance. Visit the interactive exhibits, witness the distillation process, and sample different flavors of this iconic spirit.
Opening hours and tickets: Check the website for details. The entrance is for free on Saturday and Sunday during the Jenever Festival.
Location: Witte Nonnenstraat 19, Hasselt.
Cycling Through Water – A Unique Experience in Nature
Praised by Time Magazine as one of the most beautiful places in the world and known as one of the most famous cycling experiences in the world, Cycling Through Water is a spectacular route that takes you straight through a lake in the beautiful Bokrijk nature reserve. As you pedal along the submerged pathway, the water rises on both sides, creating an almost surreal effect. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to connect with nature, this experience is highly recommended. Bike rentals are available in Hasselt or at Bokrijk.
Bikes can be rented through Visit Hasselt (day fee of 30 Euro).
Opening hours: Accessible year-round, more info can be found here.
Location: Bokrijk (15-20 min from Hasselt by bike or car).
Taste of Hasselt
No visit to Hasselt is complete without trying some of its delicious local specialties!
Hasseltse Speculaas – A spiced biscuit with a rich history, made according to traditional recipes.
Hasselt Jenever – The city’s most famous spirit, available in many flavors.
Limburgse Vlaai – A traditional pie with various fruit fillings, popular throughout Limburg.
Hasselt Chocolates – Artisan chocolates and pralines crafted by local chocolatiers.
We look forward to discovering Hasselt together with you all!