Liège Travel Guide

Introduction

Liège, Belgium's third-largest city (population 200,000, urban 630,000) and the economic capital of Wallonia, lies at the confluence of the Meuse and Ourthe rivers. Steeped in medieval history, it features architectural landmarks such as the Prince-Bishops' Palace, the 374-step Montagne de Bueren staircase, and the UNESCO-listed Collegiate Church of Saint Bartholomew. A hub of culture and transport, Liège boasts the Grand Curtius Museum, the contemporary Liège-Guillemins railway station designed by Santiago Calatrava, and a multicultural population representing 167 nationalities. Known for its industrial heritage and vibrant festivals, the city offers a blend of historic sites, culinary specialties like Liège waffles and pèkèt liqueur, and modern logistics infrastructure, including Europe's second-largest river port.

Liège has one of the longest continuous history of any Belgian cities and some fine examples of 17th- and 18th-century Mosan architecture. Birthplace of Charlemagne, home to Belgium's biggest palace, many of its oldest churches, Wallonia's only opera house, and an array of fine museums, Liège would have everything to please had it not been partly defaced by real estate speculations in the 1960's and 70's and the progressive dereliction caused by the abandonment of the historical centre to impoverished immigrants. More than anywhere else in the Benelux, Liège is a place where luxury meets deprivation in the next street.

Some local brands are ubiquitous in Belgium and often well-known abroad too, like Galler chocolate, Chaudfontaine mineral water, and Belgium's most popular beer, Jupiler, brewed in the suburb of Jupille. The city's local football club, the Royal Standard de Liège, is one of the country's most enthusiastically supported teams.

Interesting Facts about Liège

• Liège is nicknamed "The Fiery City" (La Cité Ardente) due to its vibrant nightlife and passionate festivals, inspired by a 1905 novel by Émile Severin.
• The city's historic centre features the Montagne de Bueren, a staircase with 374 steps built in 1881 to allow soldiers quick access to the citadel.
• Liège waffles, a beloved Belgian delicacy, originated here and are characterised by their pearl sugar chunks that caramelise when cooked.
• The Batte Market, Europe's oldest and largest Sunday market, stretches 1.5 km along the Meuse River, offering everything from local produce to antiques.
• Liège was once ruled by prince-bishops for over 800 years, with their palace, now a courthouse, showcasing Renaissance and Neo-Gothic architecture.
• The city's "Pèkèt", a juniper-based spirit, is traditionally enjoyed during the annual 15 August festivities in the Outremeuse district.
• Liège Guillemins Station, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is a striking modern landmark with a sweeping white steel and glass arched roof.
• The folklore character Tchantchès, a cheeky puppet symbolising Walloon resilience, is celebrated in Liège's museums and street performances.
• Liège is one of the world's few cities to have originally developed on large river islands (another notable example is Paris).

History

Attractions

Top 5 tourist attractions in Liège
The Palace of the Prince-Bishops The Archeoforum The Old Town & Medieval Churches The Grand Curtius Museum* The new TGV station*

Like Namur and Maastricht, the architectural style of Liège is characterised by traditional 16th- and 17th-century 'brick and greystone' buildings (the so-called "Mosan style"), as well as handsome maisons de maitre (townhouses) from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Unfortunately, a lot ugly concrete apartment and office buildings spoil the city's harmony on the big boulevards (that used to be waterways) and along the Meuse River. The suburbs are mostly made of unattractive, industrial-age, working-class houses.

The old political and religious heart of the city was Saint Lambert Square, to the north of the modern commercial centre. It is prolongated by Market Square (Place du Marché), where stands the town hall (completed in 1718) and the Perron (literally "front steps"), a column symbolising the municipal liberties. Most of the old houses are to be found east of St Lambert Square, between Hors Château and Quai de Maastricht.

To the east of St. Lambert Square is the so-called Ilot Saint Michel ("St Michael's Isle"), now a modern shopping centre. South-east, we find Opera Square (where stand the neoclassical Royal Opera of Wallonia and the statue of Grétry) and the Square of the French Republic. This latter reminds us that 14th July (France's National Day) is also celebrated in Liège and that quite a few locals wouldn't mind if Wallonia split from Flanders to join France. This is ironic considering the city's historical link with Germany, and the fact that the French (the Burgundians, Louis XIV) destroyed Liège several times.

Top Museums

Grand Curtius Museum

The Grand Curtius Museum is the crown jewel of Liège's cultural landscape. Housed in a magnificent 16th-century architectural complex, this museum showcases an extensive collection spanning 7,000 years of art and history. The museum's departments include:

• Archaeology: Featuring artifacts from prehistoric times to the Merovingian period
• Decorative Arts: Displaying furniture, ceramics, and other ornamental objects
• Religious and Mosan Art: Highlighting the region's rich religious heritage
• Arms and Armour: Boasting an impressive collection of civilian and military weapons
• Glass: Presenting a vast array of glassware from various periods

One of the museum's standout pieces is the exquisite Virgin and Child statue, known as the Virgin of Ponthoz, renowned for its delicate beauty.

La Boverie

La Boverie is Liège's premier fine arts museum and exhibition space. Located in a picturesque park, this museum houses the city's permanent fine arts collection, featuring works from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Visitors can admire pieces by local artists as well as world-renowned masters such as Ingres, Picasso, and Chagall.

Musée de la Vie Wallonne (Museum of Walloon Life)

This museum offers a comprehensive look at Walloon culture and history. Through its exhibits, it explores the question of Walloon identity in a global context. The museum is divided into five main themes:

• Wallonies: Telling the story of the region
• Technical (R)evolution: Showcasing technological advancements
• Everyday life: Depicting daily life in Wallonia
• Festivities and beliefs: Highlighting local traditions and customs
• Wallonia and the world: Examining the region's place in a global context

Ansembourg Museum

Housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, the Ansembourg Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Liège's aristocracy during the Enlightenment period. The museum features original interiors, including furniture, carpets, Venetian glass chandeliers, and ceramic works.

Aquarium-Museum

This unique institution combines an aquarium with a natural history museum. The aquarium section features 46 pools containing nearly 2,500 fish from around the world, while the museum portion is dedicated to showcasing the diversity of marine life.

Maison de la Métallurgie et de l'Industrie (House of Metallurgy and Industry)

Located in a former factory, this museum is dedicated to Liège's industrial heritage. It houses an extensive collection of machines, tools, and artifacts that tell the story of the region's metallurgical and industrial development.

Trésor de la Cathédrale de Liège (Treasury of Liège Cathedral)

Housed in the annexes of the Saint Paul Cathedral, this museum displays art and artifacts that illustrate the history of the former principality of Liège. Many of the treasures come from the now-defunct Saint-Lambert Cathedral, including rare 11th-century ivory sculptures.

Musée du Luminaire (MULUM - Museum of Lighting)

This unique museum focuses on the evolution of lighting techniques from ancient times to the present day. It offers a chronological and educational exhibition of lighting appliances, providing insight into the technological advancements in illumination throughout history.

These museums, along with several others not mentioned here, form the rich tapestry of Liège's cultural offerings, providing visitors with diverse experiences and insights into the city's art, history, and heritage.

Local Cuisine

Liège's culinary scene perfectly reflects the generosity of its people, offering a delightful mix of traditional Belgian fare and international cuisine. The city is world-famous for its Liège waffles, distinguished by their dense, chewy texture and caramelised pearl sugar that creates an irresistible crispy exterior. No visit would be complete without sampling the iconic 'boulets à la liégeoise', large, tender meatballs swimming in a sweet syrupy sauce made from local Liège syrup and onions, typically served with chips. The city's drinks are equally noteworthy, from the refreshing non-alcoholic Liegeois (a blend of Orangina and grenadine) to the local Curtius beer, known for its subtle bitter, floral and fruity notes, and the traditional pèkèt, a juniper-flavoured gin that flows freely during festivities. The restaurant scene is vibrant and diverse, ranging from cosy bistros in the historic heart serving traditional Belgian cuisine to sophisticated establishments along the Meuse River offering contemporary interpretations of local specialities.

Shopping

The vibrant 'La Batte' Sunday market is a highlight, where visitors can mingle with locals and explore colourful stalls brimming with fresh produce and artisanal goods. The city centre boasts over 1,200 shops, ranging from charming boutiques in the historic streets of Neuvice and Souverain-Pont to well-known high street brands. For those seeking unique souvenirs, the design shop Wattitude showcases products exclusively made in Wallonia, whilst chocolate lovers can indulge in the exquisite offerings at local chocolateries.

The area known as Le Carré ("the square"), comprised between the Boulevard de la Sauvenière, Rue Pont d'Avroy, Rue Vinave d'Ile and Rue de la Casquette and well known for its (mostly Italian) restaurants, cafés, pubs and nightlife. The pedestrian Vinâve d'Île, between St Paul Square and Opera Square, is the main shopping street in the city centre. The narrow Rue St Gilles and the broad Boulevard d'Avroy are other notable busy streets, with a lot of restaurants.

Nature in and around Liège

Liège offers a remarkable blend of urban and natural attractions. The city's crown jewel is the wood hills of the Citadel, an unexpected 80-hectare urban haven. This verdant space near the historic centre provides exceptional views of the city and Meuse valley, featuring the iconic 374-step Montagne de Bueren staircase and ruins from a 13th-century enclosure. Nature enthusiasts can explore the surrounding area through various hiking and trail-running routes, discovering picturesque paths that wind through the foothills of the fiery city.

Getting Around

Public transport in Liège is well-developed and primarily consists of a dense network of bus services operated by TEC Liège-Verviers. With over 75 bus lines, the system efficiently connects various parts of the city, including key locations such as the Liège-Guillemins train station and the city centre at Place Saint-Lambert. The buses are complemented by an upcoming tram line set to open in April 2025, which will further enhance connectivity. The public transport system is designed to be user-friendly, with many stops displaying real-time information about bus arrivals, making it a convenient option for both residents and visitors exploring the vibrant city of Liège.

Liège-Guillemins Railway Station

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Liège is between May and September when the weather is most favourable for exploring this charming Belgian city. During these months, temperatures range pleasantly from 14°C to 23°C, with July and August being the warmest and sunniest periods. The summer months are particularly lively as the city hosts numerous folk festivals, including the renowned "Le 15 août" celebration in August. Whilst rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, the summer months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) are especially appealing, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists compared to peak summer months, making it perfect for exploring the city's historic centre, enjoying outdoor cafés, and taking scenic walks along the Meuse River.