Charleroi is the fifth most populated city in Belgium, in the Walloon province of Hainaut. Get to Brussels in under an hour or enjoy the sights and sounds of this lesser-visited Belgian city.

First thing's first: how to get to Charleroi? The city is just ten kilometres from Brussels South Charleroi Airport, with busses, taxis and rental cars getting you there in under half an hour. When you're there, public transport includes metro lines and busses stretching to every part of the city. There are lots of things to see and do in Charleroi. The city is an excellent example of typical Belgian city life, boasting historical landmarks and natural beauty.

Charleroi's Photography Museum is among the most important in Europe, home to 80,000 photographs, with 800 on show in the permanent galleries. Be sure to visit the shop after you tour the museum, where you can browse and buy books, prints and homeware. This is one of the top cultural things to do in Charleroi. Don't miss it if you're interested in art or enjoy visiting galleries wherever you go.

Aulne Abbey is a must-see attraction in Charleroi. It's less than a 20-minute drive from the city or around 30 minutes using public transport. The ruins of this Cistercian monastery are in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Sambre. The area is charmingly called Vallée de la Paix (Valley of Peace), and it's easy to see why. When you're done exploring the historical remains, why not stop by the brasserie for a refreshing bite to eat or to drink some local beer? Or enjoy a game of mini golf beside the ruins? Visiting the Aulne Abbey is a perfect family day out in Charleroi.

The stunning Saint Christophe Church was built in 1722 and then beautifully renovated in 1957. The basilica is as beautiful inside as out, commissioned by Louis XIV and dedicated to Saint Louis. It's set in the centre of Charleroi, next to the town hall on Charles II Square, combining elements of Baroque and Byzantine architectural styles. Look out for frescos and colourful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the bible.

The Passage de la Bourse(Passage of the Stock Exchange) is a stunning three-level covered gallery in Charleroi. The unique passageway was built during the Belle Epoque in neo-classical style. Explore various unique shops along the ground level, with traditional wooden fronts concealing all kinds of treasures. The Rive Gauche is a stone's throw from the impressive shopping arcade, so why not make a day of your retail therapy?