Things to Do in Liège, België / Belgique / Belgien

Liège, Belgium's third-largest city, is a vibrant cultural hub nestled in the French-speaking Wallonia region along the Meuse River. Known as 'La Cité Ardente' (The Ardent City), Liège boasts a rich industrial heritage, stunning architecture, and a passionate local culture that's evident in everything from its bustling markets to its legendary nightlife. The city seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern innovation, featuring impressive Gothic churches, contemporary museums, and a thriving arts scene. As the birthplace of several notable figures including Georges Simenon and home to one of Europe's oldest universities, Liège offers visitors an authentic Belgian experience away from the tourist crowds of Brussels or Bruges. The city's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Ardennes region, while its compact historic center can be easily explored on foot, revealing hidden courtyards, traditional brasseries, and architectural gems at every turn.

Top Things to Do in Liège

Historic Walking Tour

Explore Liège's fascinating 1,000-year history through its medieval streets, Gothic churches, and Renaissance palaces. Visit the impressive Prince-Bishops' Palace, climb the 374 steps of Montagne de Bueren, and discover the city's unique architectural blend. The tour covers major landmarks including Saint-Paul Cathedral, Place du Marché, and the historic Curtius Museum.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours are available through the tourist office, or join guided tours (€10-15) that run April-October on weekends. Book walking tours 24 hours in advance during summer months for guaranteed English-language guides.

Sunday Market Experience

Immerse yourself in one of Europe's largest and most atmospheric Sunday markets, La Batte, stretching 2km along the Meuse River. Browse through antiques, local produce, vintage clothing, and regional specialties while mingling with locals. The market has been operating since 1199 and offers an authentic glimpse into Liège's commercial heritage and contemporary culture.

Booking Tip: The market runs every Sunday from 8am-2pm year-round, free to explore. Arrive early (9-10am) for best selection and bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards. Consider combining with a food tour for €25-35.

Belgian Beer Tasting

Discover Belgium's renowned beer culture through guided tastings at local breweries and traditional cafés. Sample regional specialties including Jupiler (brewed locally), Trappist beers, and unique Liège varieties while learning about brewing techniques and beer history. Many venues offer pairings with local cheeses and charcuterie.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost €8-15 including 2-3 tastings, book online for weekend slots. Private tastings at specialty bars run €20-30 per person. Look for tours that include transportation between multiple venues.

Meuse River Cruise

Enjoy scenic boat trips along the Meuse River, offering unique perspectives of Liège's industrial heritage and natural beauty. Cruises pass historic bridges, former industrial sites, and green riverbanks while providing commentary about the city's development. Evening cruises during summer months offer particularly romantic views of the illuminated cityscape.

Booking Tip: Standard 1-hour cruises cost €12-18, with dinner cruises at €45-65. Book online for 10% discounts, and check weather conditions as services may be cancelled during high winds. Best times are late afternoon for photography.

Culinary Food Tour

Taste authentic Walloon cuisine and local specialties including boulets à la liégeoise (meatballs), Liège waffles, and regional cheeses. Food tours typically include visits to traditional restaurants, local markets, and specialty shops while learning about the city's culinary traditions. Many tours also incorporate visits to chocolate makers and local bakeries.

Booking Tip: Group food tours cost €35-50 per person for 3-4 hours including 6-8 tastings. Private tours run €80-120 per person. Book tours that avoid Sunday afternoons when many specialty shops are closed.

Getting There

Liège is excellently connected by rail, with Liège-Guillemins station serving as a major European hub for high-speed trains. Direct Thalys services connect to Paris (3.5 hours), Amsterdam (2.5 hours), and Cologne (2 hours), while regular trains reach Brussels in 1 hour. The station, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is an architectural marvel itself. Brussels Airport is 100km away with direct bus connections (€15, 2 hours), while Liège Airport handles mainly cargo but some passenger flights. By car, Liège sits at the intersection of major European highways A3, A4, and A25, making it easily accessible from neighboring countries.

Getting Around

Liège's compact historic center is best explored on foot, with most attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The TEC bus network provides comprehensive coverage (€2.50 single journey, €5 day pass) with frequent services to outlying areas and neighboring towns. Consider purchasing a Liège City Pass (€15) which includes public transport and museum entries. Taxis are readily available but expensive for short distances. Bike rentals are available through Li Bia Vélo system (€1 per 30 minutes) with stations throughout the city, though the hilly terrain can be challenging. The funicular at Montagne de Bueren offers a scenic alternative to climbing the famous stairs.

Where to Stay

Historic Center (Carré)

Guillemins Station Area

Outremeuse District

Sart-Tilman University Area

Angleur Riverside

Chênée Suburban

Food & Dining

Liège's culinary scene celebrates hearty Walloon cuisine alongside innovative contemporary dining. The Carré district buzzes with traditional brasseries serving local specialties like boulets à la liégeoise, carbonnade flamande, and the famous Liège waffle (different from Brussels waffles). Rue du Pot d'Or and Place du Marché offer concentrations of excellent restaurants ranging from casual bistros to upscale establishments. Don't miss trying local game dishes, regional cheeses like Herve, and the city's connection to Belgian chocolate. The Sunday market provides excellent street food, while the Outremeuse district offers authentic neighborhood restaurants favored by locals. Many establishments close Sunday evenings and Mondays, so plan accordingly.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Liège is from May to September when weather is warmest and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Summer months (June-August) offer the best weather for river cruises and exploring on foot, plus extended daylight hours and outdoor café culture. Spring (April-May) brings pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while autumn (September-October) offers beautiful colors along the Meuse River and comfortable walking weather. Winter can be quite cold and grey, but the city's indoor attractions, cozy cafés, and Christmas markets (December) create a charming atmosphere. Note that many attractions have reduced hours or close entirely in January-February.

Insider Tips

Visit the Montagne de Bueren stairs early morning or late afternoon for the best photos and fewer crowds - locals often use them for exercise

Try a 'peket' (local juniper berry gin) at a traditional café in Outremeuse district, especially during the August 15th folklore festival

The Curtius Museum offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month, and its café has one of the city's best views over the Meuse River

Things to Do in Liège