Liège, the Walloon city in eastern Belgium nicknamed the Cité Ardente, is a destination full of surprises and charm. More discreet than Brussels, Bruges or Ghent, it nonetheless boasts an impressive historical heritage and captivating cultural sites. Liège stands out for its warm atmosphere, gastronomy, festive spirit and creativity, making it an ideal destination for a city trip in Europe, combining tradition and modernity. What to see and do in Liège? Here are 15 must-sees to help you plan your stay.
1. Getting to the Grand Curtius
The Grand Curtius, located on the banks of the Meuse, is one of Liège's most beautiful monuments. Built in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, it was the palace of one of the city's wealthiest figures, Jean de Corte. Today, it's a museum whose collections retrace 7,000 years of Liège history over more than 5,000 m². Prestigious collections from the former Museums of Arms, Glass, Archaeology and Decorative Arts, as well as Religious Art and Mosan Art. The Grand Curtius also organizes numerous temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Discover Liege's rich history, stroll through the medieval old town and savor its culture by booking this guided city tour !
2. Contemplating Liège station
Travelers arriving by train - and it's worth noting that the city is only a 1-hour train ride from Brussels- must take the time to admire Liège-Guillemins station. Designed by the famous Catalan architect Santiago Calatrava, it is a true architectural feat, with a vaulted roof combining glass and metal. It features a central gallery with cafés, stores and information points dedicated to tourismand urban and regional transport. The station also hosts temporary exhibitions. Liège-Guillemins station is well worth a visit.
3. Discover Liège's religious heritage
Liège is home to many religious buildings. It was the capital of an ecclesiastical principality between the 10th and 18th centuries. St. Paul's Cathedral is a marvel of flamboyant Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the collegiate church of Saint-Denis, built into the city's surrounding wall and boasting the oldest Romanesque nave in Liège. The collegiate church of Saint-Barthélémy, meanwhile, is an outstanding example of Rheno-Mosan architecture. Visitors can follow the "Circuit des Collégiales" to discover the 7 superb churches that bear this name.
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4. Stroll through La Boverie, another Liège museum
Housed in a palace built for the 1905 Universal Exhibition in Liège, La Boverie houses the permanent collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It features works from the Renaissance to the 20th century, by both local and international artists. Among the names on display are Monet, Ingres, Picasso, Delvaux, Chagall and Lambert Lombard. La Boverie also hosts temporary exhibitions in collaboration with major museums, such as the Louvre in Paris. The museum is set in a beautiful park.
5. Climb the steps of Bueren Mountain
This enormous staircase comprises 374 steps! It's one of Liège's most famous landmarks. Dating back to the 19th century, it was built to give the citadel garrison quick access to the city center. Today, it's a popular spot for sports enthusiasts, who have found it the perfect place to step up their efforts. As a visitor, we can't recommend going to the top of the steps for a breathtaking view of the city. The steps are also lined with sublime brick facades.
6. The Cité Miroir, a cultural space
Located in the former Sauvenière baths and spa complex, the Cité Miroir is a wonderful place for education and civic reflection. It's a space dedicated to culture, critical thinking and remembering. Two permanent exhibitions are dedicated to the deportations during the Second World War, as well as to social struggles and the legacy of the workers' struggle. The Cité Miroir offers a wide range of cultural activities, including exhibitions, shows and conferences. The building is also worth a look. It's a masterpiece of interwar architecture.
What's more, if you're a culture buff, plan a trip in July to attend the Festival Les Ardentes, undoubtedly one of Belgium's must-see music festivals!
7. Stroll through the Hors-Château district
Right in the heart of the city, rue Hors-Château is a must-see thoroughfare in Liège. While you're taking your time admiring the beautiful facades, don't hesitate to take a stroll down the little cobblestone cul-de-sacs. Here, you'll discover charming houses adorned with greenery, small courtyards and gardens. These are bucolic streets where silence is the order of the day, as people live here year-round. And that's just as well, since the atmosphere is a gentle invitation to contemplative strolling.
8. A stroll on the Coteaux de la Citadelle
The Coteaux de la Citadelle is a green lung located just a stone's throw from the historic center of Liège. It's a wonderful place to stroll, combining nature and heritage. There are several trails, and a map is available from the Tourist Office. For example, you can follow the remains of the 13th-century city walls, or head towards Favechamps and in just a few minutes you'll feel like you're in the middle of the countryside, with lush green spaces, donkeys and cows. The Coteaux de la Citadelle, a local favorite, offer magnificent views over Liège.
9. The Museum of Walloon Life
Museum enthusiasts should definitely pay a visit to the Musée de la Vie wallonne, housed in the convent of the Friars Minor. The architectural ensemble is well worth a visit, and offers a fascinating look at Wallonia from the 19th century to the present day. The objects on display illustrate the lives of Walloons past and present, social history, crafts and popular festivals and beliefs. A Liège puppet theater also presents traditional shows. A place to discover with the whole family, with a wide range of activities and temporary exhibitions.
10. Follow the Liège street art trail
ThePaliss'Art operation organized the creation of numerous frescoes all over Liège. Today, visitors can follow a circuit leading them to the foot of these works, which were created by international artists in a variety of styles. They have worked on supports such as hoardings, gable walls and blind facades. Some of the works pay tribute to great personalities such as Nelson Mandela, Andy Warhol and René Magritte. A colorful tour not to be missed, with new creations added every year.
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11. A moment at the Archéoforum
TheArchéoforum is an exceptional 3,725 m² archaeological site located beneath Place Saint-Lambert, where Notre-Dame and Saint-Lambert Cathedral once stood before it was destroyed during the French Revolution. The tour retraces 9,000 years of history in a modern, didactic setting. Remains of the cathedral and earlier churches, a Gallo-Roman villa and traces of prehistoric occupation can be admired. A tablet or booklet is available to guide visitors back to the origins of the city.
12. What to do in Liège? Eat a waffle!
It's impossible to stroll through the city without stopping for a Liège waffle. The best address is "Une Gaufrette Saperlipopette", an institution! Granted, there's often a queue, but it's worth the wait - they're delicious. The Liège waffle is smaller than the Brussels waffle. Above all, it's much softer and sprinkled with little sugar cubes. Gourmets are invited to visit the Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Liège website to find out which establishments have been awarded the "L'authentique gaufre de Liège" label.
13. Drink a coffee on the Place du Marché
Place du Marché is a must-see spot in Liège. It's a place where locals love to gather on the terrace in fine weather for a coffee or a drink. The square is surrounded by attractive 17th-century buildings. The square is also home to two of the city's most important monuments: the Hôtel de Ville, commonly known as "la Violette" and built in the classical style, and the Perron, a fountain-topped symbol of communal freedoms. The architectural unity of the square is remarkable, offering the opportunity to take some great photos before settling down in one of the cafés.
14. Getting lost in the Outremeuse district
This district of Liège lies on the right bank of the Meuse. Native writer Georges Simenon used it as the setting for several of his novels. The contrast of its heritage is striking, with narrow streets housing buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, and wide avenues ringed by Art Nouveau facades. It's a lively area, with a wealth of shops, world-famous restaurants, trendy bars and concert halls. One of the best places to have a good time, in what remains one of the top 10 party cities in Europe!
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15. Marvel at the Palace of the Prince-Bishops
This monument, one of the most impressive in Liège, houses the Palace of Justice and the seat of the provincial government. It is billed as one of the largest Gothic civil buildings in the world. You can start by marvelling at its exterior architecture, then enter the first courtyard, surrounded by galleries with Gothic vaults. For the rest, the Palace of the Prince-Bishops can only be visited during Heritage Days. In fact, the interior has preserved many rooms dating back to the time of the prince-bishops.
Discover also the most popular things to do in Liège:
Where to stay in Liège?
Here's a selection of three hotels to make the most of Liège and its attractions. There's something to suit every budget.
- Hotel Neuvice, close to the historic center
TheHotel Neuvice, ideally located and bookable right here, awaits travelers near the Hôtel de Ville. The building is magnificent, with a contemporary, harmonious interior. A buffet breakfast is served every morning. You can also meet in the inner courtyard at lunchtime for an aperitif, or at teatime for tea in the library. You'll immediately feel at home.
- L'Hôtel de l'Univers, practical and friendly
This family-run establishment, which you can book here, is located near Liège-Guillemins station. It also has its own brasserie-restaurant. Rooms at theHôtel de l'Univers are decorated in a modern style, with double and family rooms. To reach the center, you can walk 20 minutes or take the public transport available in front of the station.
- Hotel Hors-Château, for the typical
An ideal base for enjoying Liège's historic center and discovering the magnificent cul-de-sacs of the Hors-Château district. TheHôtel Hors-Château is an 18th-century brick and half-timbered building. The rooms are modern and very comfortable, and can be booked in just a few clicks here. You'll quickly fall in love with this cosy, typical atmosphere, while still being within easy reach of many places of interest.
What to do in Liège for two?
Liège is a destination well worth considering for a romantic weekend in Europe, and one of the best places to go for Valentine's Day, for example. The banks of the Meuse river are ideal for a stroll hand-in-hand, with a variety of views over the city. From April to November, the river shuttle offers romantic rides on the river. You can also take advantage of your getaway for two to discover the superb Boverie, Cité Miroir or Grand Curtius museums, and then relax in one of the spas. Other great walks include the impasses of Rue Hors-Château and the Coteaux de la Citadelle, the countryside in the city!
Family activities in Liège
A city on a human scale, Liège can also be discovered by the whole family. The Maison du Tourisme offers booklets for treasure hunts at the Coteaux de la Citadelle or family mini-investigations along the Simenon trail. Children are always keen to spend time at the Aquarium-Muséum de Liège, with its many aquatic species and remarkable heritage objects. At the Archéoforum, youngsters can discover the history of the Cité Ardente in a playful way, thanks to a game book. And then there's , where you can let off steam in lush green spaces like Parc de la Boverie.
Have you fallen under Liège's spell? You'll love our top picks for the most beautiful places in Belgium, as well as our must-sees for Brussels and Bruges.
