Welcome to Liège, the vibrant capital city of the province bearing the same name. Founded in the 5th century, Liège boasts a rich history that is still evident in its stunning architecture and cultural heritage. Although French is the main language spoken here, you’ll find that many locals also understand English. This city is a must-visit destination in Belgium, offering a unique mix of old and new. Once known for its coal mines and steelworks, Liège is now a dynamic commercial centre with pedestrian shopping streets, public parks, and beautiful historical buildings waiting to be explored. Join us as we delve into the contrasts and wonders of Liège.
Why visit Liège City?
There are many reasons to visit Liège, including its stunning architecture, fascinating history, delicious food, and warm and welcoming people. Whether you are interested in art and culture, outdoor activities, or just relaxing and enjoying good food and drink, Liège has something for everyone. Plus, with its convenient location in the heart of Europe, it is easy to get to from other major cities
Travel to Liège
Flights to Liège
Liège has it’s own airport serving direct flights Spain, Turkey, Greece, Morokko, Tunis and Israël. Liège Airport is also an important gateway for Chinese Tourists visiting Europe. However, from most other destinations you’re most likely to land in Brussels Airport Zaventem or Brussels Charleroi Airport and take the train to Liège from there.
Trains to Liège
Liège Guillemins is the major trainstation in the city centre that serves as an international railway hub. There are international ICE Trains and Thalys High Speed trains connecting Liège with Brussels, Paris, Aachen, Cologne, and Frankfurt. Intercity trains are operated by NMBS/SNCB, offering and excellent connection between Liège and countless other towns and cities in Belgium.
- IC trains run several times per hour, connecting Brussels and Liège in less then 1 hour.
- Thalys runs op to 5 direct high speed trains a day, connecting Paris and Liège in 2h15.
- The ICE train to Frankfurt runs 7 times a day, connecting Frankfurt and Liège in 2h20.
For more information check Trains to Belgium.
Public transport in Liège
The busses in Liège are operated by TEC. A single ticket in Liège costs 2,10€ and is valid for 60 minutes. A day ticket costs 5€. For more information check the Belgium Public Transport Guide.
Discover Liège City
Liège city holds a lot of treasures for you to explore. You can easily spend several days, walking and exploring the city on foot. Or you can try to visit as much in 1-2 days, with the help of public transport. But no matter how long you plan to stay, Liège won’t fail to impress.
Best things to see and do in Liège City
- Place Saint Lambert
The area around Place Saint Lambert is the historical city centre of Liège. It’s packed with large historical buildings like the palace of the prins-bisschop, the city hall, the opera etc. This is the perfect area to get lost in the small alleys. - Montagne de Bueren
Montagne de Bueren is a famous staircase in Liège that leads up to the Citadel. With over 370 steps, it is a challenging climb, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. - Liège Guillemins
The trainstation of Liège Guillemins is a futuristic design by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava. Opposing to the main entrance of the trainstation is the new Paradis-Tower. - Visit Park de la Boverie:
Located on an island in the Meuse river, this parc is home to a beautiful museum of modern and fine arts. The building was once part of the world exhibit of 1905. - Go shopping at Mediacité
Mediacité is a long modern shopping mall in Liège.
Best budget-friendly things to do in Liège:
- Explore the city on foot
Liège is a very walkable city, with many of its top attractions located within easy walking distance of each other. Take a stroll through the streets, stopping to admire the beautiful architecture and historic landmarks. - Visit the parks and gardens
Liège is home to many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Botanical Garden and the Parc de la Boverie. Take a picnic and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the sunshine. - Enjoy the local food and drink
Liège is known for its delicious food and drink, and there are many budget-friendly options to enjoy. Try some of the local specialities, such as Liège waffles or boulets à la Liégeoise, and wash it down with a glass of local beer. - Visit the markets
Liège is home to many markets selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing. The Sunday morning market at the Batte is one of the most popular, offering a wide variety of goods at reasonable prices.
Museums in Liège
- Museum of modern and fine arts
- Aquarium Museum
- Blegny Mining Museum
- Public Transport Museum
Liège Tourist Map
This Liège Tourist Map contains all the popular things to see and do in Liège. Save it to use it on your smartphone as your Liège city travel guide.
Getting around in Liège
Liège is a relatively small city, and it is easy to get around on foot or by bike. There are also several public transport options available, including buses, trams, and trains. Here are some tips for getting around Liège:
- Walking is a great way to explore the city, and many of the top tourist attractions are located within easy walking distance of each other.
- Bikes can be rented from various locations throughout the city, including the V’Liège bike-sharing scheme.
- The TEC bus and tram network is a convenient way to get around Liège and the surrounding areas. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or from vending machines at bus stops.
Where to stay in Liège
Liège offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best areas to stay in:
- City Centre: The city centre is the most convenient place to stay, with easy access to all of the top tourist attractions.
- Outremeuse: The Outremeuse neighbourhood is a charming and affordable area, with plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options.
- Guillemins: The Guillemins neighbourhood is home to Liège’s main railway station and offers a wide variety of accommodation options, including hotels and serviced apartments.