Visit Liège: what are the best things to do and see in the Cité Ardente?
Liège, is a city bordered by the Meuse, located in Wallonia, the Francophone region of the Belgium . Often less known than its neighbors Brussels or Namur , however, she is full of wonders to discover. With a unique architectural and religious heritage, Liège has many medieval buildings. A multitude of cathedrals and imposing churches take place in its city centre. If you want to visit Liège, you must know that here, everything is on foot. However, you will need a good pair of sneakers, because the city is full of alleys.
Do you want to know what to do in Liège for a weekend or more? Don't miss these 6 essentials to visit Liège as it should be.
1. Downtown
Liege has a unique cultural heritage. By approaching its city centre, you can first discover the Palais des Princes-Évêques. Located on Place Saint Lambert, it was built in the 16th century and now houses the City’s Palace of Justice.
In addition, Liège was for centuries the capital of an ecclesiastical principality. Its city centre still bears witness to these days, which is why it is called “the city with a hundred bells”. Among these, you will find the Cathedral of Saint Paul, the Church of Saint James or the Collégiale de Saint Barthelemy.
2. The Bueren Mountain
You'll need a pinch of motivation when you're down those stairs... But crossing the 375 steps that separate you from the Bueren Mountain is the guarantee of a rewarded effort. This passage is the best way to enjoy the most beautiful views of Liège, with in addition the impression of an immersion in the countryside. The stairs of the Bueren mountain also allow you to reach the Coteaux promenade.
3. The Coteaux de la Citadelle
For an unprecedented walk, follow the path of the Coteaux de la Citadelle which begins at the Esplanade Saint Léonard. Located close to the city centre, this 2-hour walk will make you discover the history of the city through its religious and architectural heritage while taking a little height. If you’re eager for tranquillity, it’s a good way to visit Liege while shaking its green spaces. In particular, you are advised to try the night for a fairytale show.
4. Hors-Château district and alleys
In Liège, the charm of the city is multiplied when you cross certain streets, a little away from the animation. To discover it, visit the surroundings of Hors-Château Street. At the rendezvous: facades to the vegetation provided, paved floors, brick walls and to appreciate all the more this discovery, know that cats, which quietly lick at the bottom of the doors, often replace humans. If you are looking for what to do in Liège, the Hors-Château district is a real haven of peace.
5. The gastronomy of Liège
A visit to the city of Liège would not be complete without the tasting of an authentic Liège waffle. To make a lot of treats, go to one of the city’s artisanal bakeries and pastries like A Gaufrette Saperlipopette, located on the rue des Mineurs. How to melt for this sweet, mellow and crispy little pleasure at once.
During your visit to Liège, you can also succumb to a pint of artisanal beer in one of the city’s breweries or a Peket glass, the local drink. But of course, with moderation.
6 The contrasting architecture of the city
Liège is a clever mix of history and modernity. To give you an idea of its charm, the first thing to do in Liège is to go admire the Grand Curtius under all its seams. On the shores of the Meuse, this red-colored building is one of the most beautiful in the city. Built in the early 17th century, this ancient palace is today a huge museum with beautiful collections of art and history. The Cathedral of Saint Paul, a remarkable monument, is also worth a visit: it holds the Treasure of the Cathedral of Saint-Lambert with multiple medieval riches to be discovered during the visit.
A few steps further, prepare for a jump in the 21st century with the Liège train station. This building, designed by Santiago Calatrava, a Spanish architect, has a steel vault with circular lines. Often the first thing you will see in Liège, it is to be admired both from the outside and from the inside.
If you're wondering what to do in Liège for a longer stay, here are some additional activities to do in this city:
- His museums : The city has many museums: from the Cité-Miroir to the Museum of Ansembourg, to the Maison de la Science or its Aquarium-Museum, Liège offers numerous visits to be made alone or with a family. - Its typical houses : Visit Liège, it is also to admire its typical wood-panseed houses of Wallonia, the oldest of which date back to the 16th century. The rue du Carré and the dock of the Batte are perfectly suited to this activity. - The Boverie Park : This park is located on the edge of Meuse. With its lake, animals and vegetation, it is a space where time stops, leaving room for contemplation. It also has a museum recently.
How to get to Liège?
To reach Liège quickly, the aircraft remains the best way. Numerous flights compete in Paris and throughout France. To find a cheap flight, you can consult our partner's website Ulysses . The train is a good option from Paris. The journey takes 2h30 and takes you directly to the city centre. Otherwise, you can fly to Brussels, then train or bus to Liège. It is also possible to get there by car, although it does not then serve you to explore the city.
Where to stay in Liège?
Whether you have a heartburn for Hors Castle Street or prefer the animation of the historic centre, you will have a wide choice of places Where to stay in Liège. If you want to reduce your budget while finding a nice place to stay, you can find a cheap hotel in Liège looking for this Compare hotels . However, if you prefer to feel at home the time of your stay in Liège, you can also find a apartment on Airbnb for a reasonable budget.
Now you know a little more? All you have to do is prepare your stay and let yourself be overwhelmed by the charm of this little wallone city.
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