- Turnhout hosts the National Playing Card Museum, reflecting its 19th-century status as the global epicentre of card production.
- The city has an unusually high concentration of protected historical courtyards, known locally as 'Hofkes', which were originally built to provide housing for the elderly or poor.
- Turnhout functions as the primary economic hub for the Antwerp Kempen region, housing large-scale pharmaceutical and paper production industries.
- The 'Merksplas-kolonie' is part of the Colonies of Benevolence, a UNESCO World Heritage site representing unique 19th-century social reform experiments.
About Turnhout
Turnhout is the industrial and cultural heart of the Kempen region in Belgium, historically recognized as a global center for the playing card industry. The city features the significant Kasteel van de Hertogen van Brabant, a legacy of its medieval importance as a ducal residence. Visitors can explore local history at the Taxandriamuseum or enjoy the expansive, reclaimed landscapes of the Merksplas-kolonie. The area remains a key transit point for regional nature trails, anchored by the serenity of Caron's Hofke.
Highlights of Turnhout
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This castle serves as a preserved reminder of the city's medieval heritage as a residence for the Dukes of Brabant.
Parks
Explore the expansive grounds of this former agricultural colony, now a UNESCO-recognized site of social history.
Museums
This museum provides deep insight into the city's transformation from a textile town to a global playing card manufacturer.
Parks
This restored courtyard offers a quiet look at traditional Flemish urban architecture tucked away from the main streets.
Places of interest
The bridge provides a striking modern vantage point over the canal system that once fueled the local industry.
Parks
This site features a diverse collection of trees and shrubs designed for botanical study and peaceful walking.
Top things to do in Turnhout
The 92 highest-rated places in Turnhout, ranked by travellers.
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Amusement parks
Bobbejaanland is a major Belgian theme park located in Lichtaart, characterized by its mix of over 40 attractions includ...
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Amusement parks
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Natural attractions
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Parks
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Historical places
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Beaches and ponds
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Temples
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Venues
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Beaches and ponds
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Parks
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Venues
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Parks
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Museums
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Temples
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Museums
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Parks
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Historical places
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Venues
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Historical places
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Turnhout on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Turnhout
May to September, as the flat, forested terrain of the Kempen region is ideal for cycling and outdoor exploration during the warmer months.
2 days, which allows enough time to visit the central historical museums and explore the nearby park colonies by bike.
The city center is compact and walkable, while the surrounding forest areas and colonies are best accessed by bicycle through the extensive knot-point cycling network.
The city center near the Grote Markt offers the best access to dining and historical sites, while guesthouses near the outskirts provide better access to nature reserves.
Mid-range; standard Belgian pricing for accommodation and dining applies, with no significant tourist-trap premiums.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 92 curated attractions in and around Turnhout, ranked by traveller ratings.
Bobbejaanland is the highest-rated place to visit in Turnhout right now.
The largest category is parks, with 25 places to explore.
Travellers also explore City of Brussels, Antwerp, Liège.
Explore more of Belgium
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
