Things to Do in Namur, België / Belgique / Belgien

Namur, the charming capital of Wallonia, sits at the strategic confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers in southern Belgium. This historic city combines medieval fortress architecture with vibrant cultural attractions, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking authentic Belgian experiences away from the busier tourist circuits of Brussels or Bruges. The imposing Citadel of Namur dominates the skyline, offering panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and serving as a testament to the city's strategic military importance throughout history. Beyond its fortress walls, Namur enchants visitors with its well-preserved old town, featuring cobblestone streets lined with traditional Belgian architecture, cozy cafés, and local boutiques. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Walloon region, including the nearby Ardennes forest and numerous castles dotting the Meuse Valley. With its rich history, excellent cuisine, and warm Walloon hospitality, Namur offers an intimate glimpse into Belgium's French-speaking culture while remaining easily accessible from major European cities.

Top Things to Do in Namur

Explore the Citadel of Namur

This massive fortress complex, one of Europe's largest, offers spectacular views over the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. Visitors can explore underground galleries, visit the museum, and learn about centuries of military history through interactive exhibits. The citadel's grounds also feature beautiful gardens and walking paths perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around €8-12 for adults, with guided tours available for an additional fee. Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and check for special evening events during summer months. The tourist train to the top costs extra but saves the steep climb.

Stroll Through Namur's Historic Old Town

The pedestrian-friendly city center features beautiful 17th and 18th-century architecture, charming squares, and the impressive Saint-Aubain Cathedral. The old town comes alive with weekly markets, street performers, and outdoor café terraces. Don't miss the Belfry and the ornate Meat Hall, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free, but consider purchasing a city tourist card (€15-20) for museum discounts and public transport. Tuesday and Saturday mornings offer the best market atmosphere. Most historic sites are free to view from outside, with modest entry fees for interiors.

Take a Meuse River Cruise

Scenic boat trips along the Meuse River provide unique perspectives of Namur's citadel and surrounding countryside dotted with castles and vineyards. These relaxing cruises often include commentary about local history and geology while passing through some of Belgium's most picturesque landscapes. Some operators offer dinner cruises or themed excursions.

Booking Tip: Standard cruises cost €12-18 per adult for 1-2 hour trips, with dinner cruises ranging €35-50. Book directly with operators like Compagnie des Bateaux for better prices. Spring through early fall offers the best weather, and afternoon departures provide optimal lighting for photos.

Discover Local Breweries and Beer Culture

Namur and its surroundings are home to several renowned breweries producing traditional Belgian ales, including the famous Maredsous Abbey beers. Brewery tours typically include tastings and insights into centuries-old brewing traditions. Many local pubs and beer cafés offer extensive selections of regional and national Belgian beers.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost €8-15 including tastings, often requiring advance booking especially on weekends. Look for combination packages that include transportation between multiple breweries. Local beer cafés offer flights for €15-25, perfect for comparing different styles without committing to full pints.

Visit Nearby Castles and Gardens

The Meuse Valley around Namur features numerous magnificent castles including Château de Freÿr with its formal French gardens and Château d'Annevoie known for its water gardens. These day trips offer insights into Belgian aristocratic life and feature some of the country's most beautiful landscaped grounds. Many castles host seasonal events and exhibitions.

Booking Tip: Individual castle entries range €8-15, with combination tickets available for multiple sites. Gardens are most spectacular from May through September. Consider renting a car or joining organized tours (€45-65) as public transport to remote castles can be limited.

Getting There

Namur is easily accessible by train from major Belgian cities, with direct connections from Brussels (1 hour), Antwerp (1.5 hours), and Liège (45 minutes). The city's central train station is within walking distance of most attractions. For international visitors, Brussels Airport is the closest major airport, offering direct train connections to Namur via Brussels. By car, Namur sits at the intersection of major highways E42 and E411, making it easily reachable from France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, so most visitors find public transport or walking sufficient once arrived.

Getting Around

Namur's compact city center is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The local TEC bus system connects outlying areas and provides access to regional attractions, with day passes available for around €6. For reaching the Citadel, visitors can take the seasonal tourist train, walk the steep paths, or drive up the winding road. Bicycle rentals are available from several shops near the train station for around €15-20 per day, and the city has been expanding its network of bike lanes. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available but generally unnecessary for sightseeing within the city center.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center

Near the Citadel

Jambes (across the river)

Train Station Area

Meuse Riverfront

Salzinnes District

Food & Dining

Namur's culinary scene celebrates traditional Walloon cuisine alongside modern Belgian gastronomy, with numerous restaurants specializing in game dishes, fresh river fish, and regional specialties like escavèche (pickled fish) and tarte al djote (chard tart). The city center offers everything from cozy bistros serving hearty Flemish stews to upscale establishments featuring contemporary interpretations of Belgian classics. Don't miss trying local Maredsous cheeses paired with regional beers, and be sure to sample pralines from traditional chocolatiers along Rue de l'Ange. Many restaurants offer excellent prix-fixe lunch menus (€15-25) making fine dining accessible, while the weekly markets provide opportunities to sample local produce, artisanal breads, and regional specialties directly from producers.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Namur is from late spring through early fall (May to September), when mild temperatures and longer daylight hours make exploring the citadel and riverside walks most enjoyable. Summer months bring outdoor festivals, river cruises, and the best weather for castle and garden visits, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring offers beautiful blooming gardens and fewer crowds, while early fall provides pleasant weather with the added bonus of harvest season at local breweries and vineyards. Winter can be charming with Christmas markets and cozy indoor attractions, though some outdoor activities and river cruises may be limited, and weather can be unpredictable with frequent rain.

Insider Tips

Visit the citadel at sunset for spectacular golden hour photography opportunities over the river valleys

Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, perfect for budget-conscious travelers

The local 'Namur Card' provides discounts at restaurants, shops, and attractions while supporting local businesses

Things to Do in Namur