Liège, Belgium
Liège is a vibrant city in eastern Belgium known for its lively nightlife, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture, including the impressive Liège-Guillemins train station and the Gothic-style St. Paul's Cathedral.
Trip to Liège, Belgium
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Upon your arrival in Liège, I recommend checking into your hotel and spending your first day getting oriented with the city. Take a stroll along the Meuse River and explore the beautiful architecture and charming streets of the historical city center. Also, visit the Place Saint-Lambert square, Museum of Walloon Life and the Cathedral of St. Paul. You can also opt for a boat trip in the city to see the main sites from the water. To wrap up the day, enjoy the local cuisine at one of the city’s Michelin starred restaurants.
Day 2: Liège Sunday Market and Beer Tasting
Begin your second day by visiting the Liège Bat Market which is held every Sunday on the quays along the Meuse River. This market is known for selling antiques, vintage goods, and a variety of unique wares. Following the market, you can visit the Curtius Museum which regularly hosts the history of Liège, beer brewing, and some amazing old artefacts. Then, head over to one of the many breweries in the city and taste the world-renowned craft Belgian beer such as Duvel, Chimay and La Chouffe and experience the brewing process and history of beer.
Day 3: Ardennes Forest and Spa
Take a day trip to the picturesque Ardennes forest to explore the natural beauty of the region. I recommend hiking in the High Fens, which is one of the most unique wetlands habitats in Europe. Following the hiking adventure, head over to the city of Spa which is famous in Europe for its natural spring water, then spend the afternoon relaxing at the thermal spa and sauna. You can also visit the Formula 1 Spa race circuit which is only a short drive from the city center.
Day 4: Liege Art Museums
Today, explore some of the best museums in Liege which bring to light the world-renowned artistic talent of the region. Start at the Grand Curtius Museum which houses a vast collection of local artwork, as well as furniture and other kinds of artefacts from the medieval period to the 19th century. Next, head over to the Museum of Fine Arts, where you will find European fine art over several centuries. Lastly, a trip to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a must-visit to see the contemporary Belgian art blended with a hint of international feel.
Day 5: Liège by Night
With this free evening, you can roam the city at your leisure and see some of the night attractions of Liege. Start with a beautiful sunset view of the city from Montagne de Bueren, which is a 374-step stair climb. Then, enjoy the night activities in the Place de la Cathedrale, which includes all the best bars and nightclubs in the city. You can also enjoy a show or performance of music and dance at the Opera de Liege or its adjacent Theatre de Liege.
Day 6: Maastricht, The Netherlands
Take a day trip to the neighboring city of Maastricht in the Netherlands which is about an hour away from Liege. Walk around the city which is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, historic landmarks, churches, and some amazing restaurants. The city is most famous for Boekhandel Dominicanen which is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world located in an 800-year-old church. In addition, do not miss the Vrijthof Square, Bonnefantenmuseum which is a museum of the best art collections in modern art, and the Basilica of Saint Servatius that dates back to the 5th century.
Day 7: Liège Food Culture
For your last day in Liège, enjoy the city’s delicious cuisine. Begin by sampling some of the local delicacies like Liège waffles, tartes al d’jote and boulets a la Liégeoise. In the afternoon, head over to the village of Olne, which is famous for its fine cheeses, ethically produced ham, and locally grown vegetables. Finally, spend the evening relaxing at one of the rooftop cocktail bars overlooking Place Saint-Lambert with beautiful panoramic views of the city.