Looking for a hidden gem in Belgium? Liège is a lively city with a rich history, from medieval times to its industrial heyday. Just an hour by train from Brussels, it’s packed with unique attractions, stunning architecture, and local charm. Discover 10 unmissable things to do in Liège!
Located in the heart of Belgium’s Wallonia region, Liège is a city that is often overlooked by travelers exploring Belgium. As a Belgian, who travels for work, even I made the mistake of relegating Liège to the “will-visit if I ever have time” pile. Thankfully an invite was sent my way by a local friend and off I went to explore Liège.
Little did I know that this small city was once a powerful medieval prince-bishopric and evolved into one of Europe’s leading industrial hubs in the 19th century, thanks to its strategic location along the Meuse River and its thriving coal, steel, and armaments industries. Today remnants of bygone glory can be found in the vibrant mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and contemporary architecture that is the skyline of Liège.
Easily accessible by train, Liège is just an hour from the capital, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Brussels. From ancient landmarks and bustling markets to unique museums and lively nightlife, there are countless things to do in Liège. Time to discover what is on offer!
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10 Wonderful Things to Do in Liège
READ BEFORE YOU GO | 3 to 5 Day Belgium Itinerary
1. Get lost in the Impasse
The absolute highlight of my trip to Liège was going on a veritable treasure hunt through the myriad of cobblestone lanes smack in the historical center of the city. These nine dead-end alleys, known as Impasse, run off the bustling Rue Hors-Château and are a far cry from the otherwise chaotic city. Below mentioned are a few of my favorites, but they are all worth wandering through.
Wedged inside you will find half-timbered houses, little courtyards, a surprising amount of friendly cats, and a smattering of religious iconography. Streets like Impasse de l’Ange, Impasse de la Vignette, and Impasse des Ursulines date back to the Middle Ages when they served as access points to artisan workshops, private courtyards, and small communities within the bustling city.
Impasse de l’Ange: This little alley leads to a small courtyard surrounded by former worker’s houses. The courtyard is now a lush urban garden. At the start of the alley, a small bench with a street sign (fake) that reads Places des Amoureux (square of lovers) was placed.
Impasse de la Couronne: Runs parallel to Impasse de la Couronne and is lined with the prettiest half-timbered houses in the city. Its name is derived from an old tavern that once stood here around the 16th century.
Impasse de la Chaine: A narrow alley of about 80 meters that runs between two whitewashed walls. It has one of the prettiest shrines to the Virgin Mary).
Impasse des Ursulines: Narrow cobblestone stairs that run parallel to the Montagne de Bueren and lead to the Coteaux de la Citadelle.
2. Huff and puff your way up Montagne de Bueren
The Montagne de Bueren is one of Liège’s most iconic landmarks, offering visitors a grueling glutes workout. This impressive staircase, built in 1881, features a daunting 374 steps at a whopping 30% incline, leading to the Citadel of Liège, once a strategic military site. Now a great place to see the city from up top! Named after Vincent de Bueren, a 15th-century leader who defended the city from invaders.
When we visited on a sunny weekday, the stairs were positively crawling with runners zooming up and down the stairs. If you are not planning on running, count on at least a solid 15 minutes to hike up. My bad knee buckled at the thought of clambering up, so we opted for the gradual ascent described below.
FUN FACT | Each year, the staircase transforms during the “Nocturne des Coteaux de la Citadelle” event, when the steps are illuminated with thousands of candles, creating a magical atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike.
GRADUAL ASCENT | Along the lefthand side of the staircase you will find a small passage (Impasse des Ursulines) which leads you to a route offering a more gradual walk up. On the way up stop for a drink at the microbrewery Brasserie C. This path will also lead you to the Coteaux de la Citadelle which offers some of the best views over Liège.
3. Marvel at the Liège Cathedral ( St. Paul’s Cathedral)
An absolute must-do in Liège is to pop into the main cathedral, known as St. Paul’s Cathedral. This beautiful is Gothic masterpiece was originally built in the 10th century and later reconstructed in the 13th century. The soaring spires, detailed stone carvings, and beautiful stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes are magnificent, as is the intricate painting on the ceiling right as you walk in.
Make sure to keep time and visit the adjoining cloister. The entrance to the cloister is opposite the main entrance of the church. While the rooms of the cloister hold no real treasures of note, the hallways with their pointed arches were probably my favorite place to visit in Liège. But a fraction of the visitors inside of the church actually made it to the cloister, making it wonderfully calm.
The cathedral houses the relic of Saint-Lambert, Liège’s patron saint, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Throughout the year, Liège Cathedral hosts classical concerts, organ recitals, and religious festivals, drawing visitors for both its spiritual and cultural offerings.
ADDRESS | Pl. de la Cathédrale, 4000 Liège
FEES | Free
OPENING HOURS | Daily 08:00 am to 5:00 pm
4. Visit the many museums
Compared to other similar-sized cities in Belgium such as Ghent and Namur, Liège has a smaller offering of museums. If your visit coincides with a bout of rain, exploring the smattering of little museums is one of the most fun things to do in Liège and will soon have you forgetting all about the weather. Here is a handful of museums I have visited over the years.
LA BOVERIE: Located on the opposite bank of the Meuse River, a 30-minute walk from the Liège Cathedral lies the beautiful Fine Arts Museum of Liège. The building and park are remnants of the Liege International Exposition held in 1905.
MUSEUM OF WALLOON LIFE: Set in the former monastery of the Franciscans, in the heart of historical Liège. The museum showcases life in Wallonia from the 19th century until now. Both the collection and info panels are in dire need of a bit of a spruce up but the museum does hold an unbeatable wealth of information.
CITE MIRROIR: Housed in a bauhaus inspired former urban swimming pool and sports complex of Liège. Snapped up in 2004 and gradually turned into a cultural space hosting exhibitions, conferences, and workshops. The exhibitions shown focus on the European values of open-mindedness.
PRACTICAL TIP | If you are planning on visiting multiple museums check out the Liège Visit Pass. For €18 it grants access to 13 museums inside of the city.
5. Eat a famous Liège waffle (or two)
In general, we have two types of waffles in Belgium: The Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle. The former is a large rectangle, crispy textured, and eaten with powdered sugar. The latter is oval shaped, made with dense batter and contains little nuggets of sugar inside.
As a Belgian, it always makes me laugh whenever I hear people say they “have to try a Belgian waffle”. I always fobbed off the idea as a smart marketing ploy because in Flanders we do not eat waffles. Unbeknownst to me my fellow Belgians in Wallonia do actually have a tradition of eating waffles. Chances are high that you walk into a bakery and are welcomed by the fragrant aroma of freshly baked waffles.
PATISSERIE EGGENOLS | Located a 5-minute walk from the Liège Guillemins Station, this patisserie serves my favorite Liège waffles in the city. Address: Rue des guillemins 92, Liège
UNE GAUFRETTE SAPERLIPOPETTE | A close second are the waffles from Saperlipopette which have three little bakeries scattered throughout the historical center. They usually have a couple of varieties to choose from. Address: Place du Marché, Liège.
POLLUX | A small sandwich store/café that also happens to serve some of the best waffles in Liège according to many locals. Waffles here come with chocolate inside. Address: Pl. de la Cathédrale 2, 4000 Liège.
6. Take a cruise on the river Meuse
From the 8th of April to the 5th of November it is possible to glide across the glistening Meuse river atop a little river cruise called Liège Croisieres. The cruise runs from the Foire Internationale de Liège (F.I.L) all the way to Belle-Ile, effectively traversing the entirety of the city.
Along the way, the boat makes 5 stops, which are easily recognizable by the blue rectangular arch (see above right). I really like hopping on this river cruise and it allows you to get a feel for the former glory of Liège as you sail past some of the most breathtaking mansions facing the waterfront.
FARES | First stop €2, subsequent stops + €1 per stop // Day Pass €8. To be purchased on board (cash or card).
OPENING HOURS | Does not run daily. Check online for the time schedule.
LOCATION | Between Foire Internationale de Liège and Belle-Ile.
7. Explore the Palace of the Prince-Bishops
The Palace of the Prince Bishops is my personal highlight of Liège. The Palace of the Prince-Bishops was built in Liège due to the city’s significant religious and political status during the Middle Ages. Liège was the heart of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège, a powerful ecclesiastical state within the Holy Roman Empire.
Established in the 10th century, this larger-than-life Gothic palace served as both the residence and administrative center for the Prince-Bishops, who wielded both spiritual and temporal power over the region. Back in the day, Liège was a major religious hub, renowned for its numerous churches and its role as a center of learning and art.
The city’s wealth, largely derived from trade and its strategic position along the Meuse River, further solidified its importance. Thus, the palace was built not only as a symbol of the Prince-Bishops’ authority but also as a reflection of Liège’s prosperity and pivotal role in the religious and political landscape of medieval Europe.
These days the building houses the Provincial Palace of Liège and the Law Courts and unfortunately you cannot simply swing by to check it out. What is open to the public however is the inner courtyard, accessible from the Place Saint-Lambert (pictured above right).
8. Take some time for a wander around the Marché de la Batte
Marché de la Batte is THE place to be on Sunday morning. Dating back to the 16th century, it is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Belgium stretching well over 3 kilometers. Expect to find everything
from fresh produce to little trinkets you never knew you needed. It is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, stretch your legs or soak up some of the local life.
Unfortunately, I have never made it to Liège on Sunday morning (it is a bit far from Brussels) to get there in time I must admit. If you do happen to go, let me know what you thought of it!
ADDRESS | Sprawled out between Quai Paul van Hoegaerden and Quai Saint Léonard.
DAY OF THE MARKET | Sunday
OPENING HOURS | Weekly 08.00 am – 02.00 pm
9. Try the local brew: Peket
Peket is a traditional Liègeois spirit made from juniper berries, similar to gin, and has been enjoyed in Liège for centuries. This clear, distilled drink is typically served as a shot and comes in various flavors, including fruity options like lemon, apple, and cherry, alongside the classic juniper taste. As a teenager, my friends and I used to love getting tipsy on the fruity peket flavors as they tasted like a spicy lemonade.
Us Belgians often consume peket during festivals (mainly Christmas) and social gatherings, with a customary toast “Santé!” before downing the shot in one go. Peket is usually served chilled or at room temperature and enjoyed neat. Prices typically range from €2 to €5 per shot, depending on the venue and the flavor chosen, making it an affordable local indulgence.
FUN FACT | For those who have been to the northern part of Belgium (Flanders) or the Netherlands you might have heard locals talk about Jenever. This is the same drink, just by a different name.
LA MAISON DU PEQUET | If there is one place in the city you can be sure to find Peket it is here. Set in a traditional deco, they have around 30 different flavors of Peket to choose from. Enjoy!
10. Spend some time wandering around Liège-Guillemins station
It is rare that I recommend my readers to hang around a station, in fact usually the advice is to get out as fast as possible. But this station, together with the Antwerp Central Station is the most impressive Belgium has to offer. The station was designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.
Completed in 2009, the station’s design is a stunning fusion of glass, steel, and white concrete, characterized by sweeping, organic curves and an impressive vaulted roof that allows natural light to flood the interior. I distinctly remember the station being inaugurated and it absolutely took the country by storm.
When I visited last time, the station had temporary sheets of colored glass. When the sun was at its highest point the light trickled in creating a kaleidoscope of colors and different shapes. This art installation will no longer be there as of 2025 though.
WORD OF WARNING | The station and the area surrounding it are not the best parts of town to hang out it. If you are planning on taking the train in and out of Liège make sure to keep that in mind. It is perfectly safe during the day, you might just want to avoid the rowdy crowd hanging out on the front steps of the station.
Additional Places to Visit in Liège
OPERA OF LIEGE: The Liège Opera, officially called Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège, was built in 1820 and showcases neoclassical architecture with elegant columns and a grand façade. It is renowned for its diverse opera and ballet performances and it is such a beautiful building. If you can, get tickets to see a show!
COINTE OBSERVATORY: The Cointe Observatory located on the Cointe hill was built in 1881. This bright pink building was a key astronomical research center before relocating in 1928. The Observatory is technically not open to the public although it has become a popular URBEX spot in recent years.
LE CARRE: This lively area is one of the oldest districts of Liège and is located right in the city center. The pedestrian zone is made up of about ten streets including Rue de la Casquette, rue des Célestines, rue Saint-Jean-en-Isle, rue Saint-Adalbert, rue du Pot d’Or, rue Tête-de-Bœuf, rue d’Amay, rue du Mouton Blanc, rue Pont d’Avroy, all bordered by the boulevard de la Sauvenière. This part of town is where the large student population flocks once the sun has settled. Be very careful of your personal belongings as it is a hotbed for pickpockets.
Where to Stay in Liège
WHERE WE STAYED: B&B The Street Lodge
We stayed in this lovely locally run B&B within walking distance from the Liège-Guillemins train station. The breakfast selection is superb and the host knew every single nook and cranny of Liège ensuring we had the best time exploring.
SUSTAINABLE CHOICE: YUST LIEGE
The YUST hotel is located in the historical center of Liège and comes with all the bells and whistles: Fitness room, private parking, large shared lounge, garden area, and a buffet breakfast. They are Green Key certified and have a charging station for EVs, work with seasonal and locally sourced produce as well as support local artists.
BOUTIQUE B&B: Chez Mamy
This quaint B&B is located in the heart of Liège in a historical 18th-century building. It has but one room and is usually booked out many months in advance. Book here if you are looking for central location and quirky design.
How to Visit Liège More Sustainably
TAKE THE TRAIN: Liège is very well connected to other cities in Belgium and easily reachable via train. Make sure to get off in Liège-Guillemins if you want to see the beautiful architecture. This train station is a solid 30-minute walk from the city center. However, the city is currently walking on a tram line that will connect both.
LOCAL SOUVENIRS: Looking to bring home a souvenir? Head to Wattitude to find products that are 100% made in Wallonia. Les petites producteurs runs a coöperative of local farmers who sell their produce in select stores.
FARM TO TABLE: We had dinner in Magma (delicious!). This restaurant uses organic, farm-to-table, and seasonal ingrediënts. Works with a set menu, vegetarian options are available but need to be mentioned upon reserving.
TAP WATER: Tap water everywhere in Belgium is drinkable. Ditch the single-use plastic bottles and bring along a reusable water bottle.
MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING BELGIUM
Belgium: Beautiful places in Belgium to add to your bucket list
Belgium: 16 Castles you can actually stay in Belgium
Brussels: Local guide on which areas to stay, and which ones to avoid!
Brussels: Two-day itinerary for the perfect weekend in Brussels
Ghent: Sustainable things to do in Ghent, Belgium
Bruges: One day guide to Bruges
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