Liège, Belgium’s 3rd largest city, well deserves its nickname of “Cité Ardente“. Indeed, it’s bursting with plans. Dynamic, lively, festive and rich in a unique cultural heritage… Just 1h15 by car from Brussels, it’s the perfect weekend getaway. From must-sees to hidden treasures, discover our list of things to do in Liège.
Must-sees in Liège
The Boverie Museum
The Musée de la Boverie is an absolute must-see in Liège. Housed in a former palace built for the 1905 Liège World Fair, it is a real gem for architecture enthusiasts. It also houses the extremely rich permanent collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts. From the Renaissance to the 20th century, it showcases both great local artists and world-renowned artists such as Ingres, Picasso, Chagall, Lambert Lombard, Delvaux, Monet… The museum’s programming is also punctuated by high-quality temporary exhibitions, some in collaboration with the Louvre.
The Outremeuse district, between Art Nouveau and street art
Bueren Mountain
The Bueren mountain links the citadel barracks to the city center via a breathtaking staircase. But its 374 steps are well worth the climb for an equally breathtaking view, one of the finest vistas of Liège. Once you’re up there, you feel as if you’re in the middle of the countryside. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the surrounding area and take the Coteaux walk.
Liège specialities
Liège is also the perfect place to make an infidelity to the Brussels waffle. Less airy, crispier thanks to its caramelized sugar cubes, it’s sure to delight the palate of even the greediest among you. How to recognize it? Thanks to its round, compact shape, as opposed to the soft rectangle we know from Brussels. And for those who prefer something savory, there’s boulets à la liégeoise or “boulets with rabbit sauce”, meatballs topped with Aubel syrup, made from apples and pears in nearby Pays de Herve. Enjoy them with… Belgian fries!
Original outings in Antwerp
The Saint-Pholien church and its immersive experience dedicated to Van Gogh
The Église Saint-Pholien, a neo-Gothic architectural gem in Liège, is located in the vibrant Outremeuse district. In addition to its exterior architecture, the church houses a number of precious ornaments, including a 14th-century statue from the Val des Écoliers abbey and a silver statue of the Virgin of the Tanners. But it is also the stage for impressive digital projections, such as the one dedicated to the painter Vincent Van Gogh, recognized as one of the 12 best immersive experiences in the world by CNN. Yes, because this isn’t a regular exhibition, but a 360-degree experience. Indeed, the latest state-of-the-art technology invites visitors to immerse themselves in the artist’s work as if they were part of a painting, comfortably seated in deckchairs, or moving freely through the room, giving them the opportunity to virtually walk through La Nuit Étoilée or Les Tournesols . In all, over 200 masterpieces are represented in the form of interactive tableaux thanks to 10 high-definition digital projectors, while the chronology of the stages in the artist’s life is followed. Discover 2 cultural jewels in 1! More info and reservations here.