Exploring Liege and Leuven in 2024: The Amazing Belgium
Exploring Liege and Leuven in 2024: The Amazing Belgium
Table of Contents
A map of Belgium
Informations
Liège is a city and municipality of Wallonia and the capital of the Belgian province of Liège. The city is situated in the valley of the Meuse, in the east of Belgium, not far from borders with the Netherlands and with Germany. In Liège, the Meuse meets the river Ourthe. The city is part of the sillon industriel, the former industrial backbone of Wallonia. It still is the principal economic and cultural centre of the region.
Temperature: The high season lasts from mid-April to mid-October. The tourist season reaches its peak in July and August.
Language: The official languages are Dutch, German and French.
Currency: Euro
Food Prices: Meal in a cheap restaurant=15 EUR, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant=65 EUR
You can find more information about the visa here.
Things to do
Montagne de Bueren
Montagne de Bueren is a 374-step staircase in Liège, Belgium. The staircase is named after Vincent de Bueren, who defended Liege against an attack by the Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold, in the 15th century. It was built in 1881 to honor the 600 soldiers who died in battle.
La Boverie
La Boverie is a museum in the city of Liège in Belgium. It opened in May 2016. It is housed in the former Palais des beaux-arts de Liège, built in the Parc de la Boverie for the Liège International in 1905. The building previously housed the engravings and drawings collections of the city’s Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège
Operas and concerts in a renovated 1818 building with Italianate auditorium and painted ceiling.
Saint Bartholomew's Church
The Collegiate Church of St. Bartholomew is a Roman Catholic collegiate church in Liège, Belgium. Founded outside the city walls, it was built of coal sandstone starting in the late 11th century and lasting until the late 12th century.
Aquarium-Museum of Liège
Aquarium and museum with small pools with live fish and many stuffed marine exhibits.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Liège Cathedral, otherwise St. Paul’s Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Liège, Belgium. Founded in the 10th century, it was rebuilt from the 13th to the 15th century and restored in the mid-19th century
Museum of Walloon Life
Interactivities, videos, sounds and noises…mark out the new museum course and let you discover life in Wallonia from the 19th century till today through a variety of themes and objects. Geography, history, revival , economy, daily life, consumption(s), religions and beliefs, holidays, rights, knowledges, crafts, Art, movies,…nothing has been left out! A puppet theatre/theater as the true conservatory of popular arts and traditions, passing on the repertory of the Liège puppet theatre/theater.
The Palace of the Prince Bishops
The Palace of the Prince-Bishops is a historic building located on Place Saint-Lambert in the center of Liège, Belgium. It was the residence of the former prince-bishops of Liège and once faced the monumental St. Lambert Cathedral.
Leuven's Groot
Leuven’s Groot Begijnhof is a well-preserved beguinage and fully restored historic quarter that contains a dozen streets in the south of central Leuven.
The Oude Markt
The Oude Markt is a rectangular square in the center of Leuven that largely consists of catering establishments. This is why it owes its nickname to the longest bar in the world. As the residence of the Counts of Leuven, the square was given market rights in 1150, when the first stone wall was built, allowing economic activities to be developed. The market was held up to three times a week. Parts of the market escaped the bombings of the two world wars, but reconstruction was still necessary.
City Hall of Leuven
The City Hall of Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, is an iconic building on the city’s Grote Markt, opposite the monumental St. Peter’s Church. Built in a late Brabant Gothic style between 1439 and 1469, it is famous for its ornate architecture, made in lace-like detail.
The Leuven Museum
The Leuven Museum or simply M is an art museum in the center of Leuven, Belgium, which was officially opened in 2009.
The Grote Markt
The Grote Markt is the central square of Louvain, Flemish Brabant, Belgium. It is located between Oude Markt and Rector De Somerplein and next to Bondgenotenlaan and Muntstraat.
Saint Peter's Church
Saint Peter’s Church in Leuven, Belgium, is a Roman Catholic church built in the 15th century in the Brabantine Gothic style. The church has a cruciform floor plan and a low bell tower that has never been completed. It is 93 meters (305 ft) long. It is located on the city’s Grote Markt (main square), opposite the Town Hall. In 1999, the belfry and bell tower of the church were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France site, in recognition of the civil importance and architecture of the belfries in the region.
Arenberg Castle
Arenberg Castle is a castle that belonged to a noble Arenberg family in the northern Eifel, Ahrweiler. This family left without descendants, the house became the property of the noble family Ligne.
Kruidtuin
Hortus Botanicus Lovaniensis is a botanical garden in Leuven, Belgium, dating back to 1738. It is located in the city center and covers an area of 2.2 hectares
Park Abbey
Park Abbey is a Belgian Premonstratensian monastery at Heverlee, south of Leuven in Flemish Brabant. The Annales Parchenses were written here in the 12th century.
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Belgium offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Belgium’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
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hotels we recommend in Liege: B&B HOTEL Liège Rocourt, Radisson Hotel Liege City Centre, Hotel Neuvice.
Mid-range hotels we recommend in Leuven: ibis budget Leuven Centrum, Hotel De Pastorij, The Fourth – Tafelrond.
What to eat
- Frites/frietjes- You’ll need at least a couple of servings of frites on any trip to Belgium.
- Mussels of Mosselen- found in the North Sea are more fleshy than those in France
- The Martino is a Belgian sandwich consisting of filet Americaine–that is, raw minced beef mixed with seasonings, mayonnaise, and egg yolk
- Belgian Endive and Ham Gratin
- Croquettes aux crevettes grises
- Waterzooi – It is a stew or soup made with chicken or fish, vegetables, cream, and egg.
- Meatballs are a Belgian favorite, on both sides of the language divide, and are usually a mixture of beef and pork.
- Flemish stew – stew meat
- Grey shrimp croquettes
- Eel in the green is exactly what it sounds like an eel is prepared in a highly green sauce that is colored that way because of the many green herbs that go into it, such as parsley, watercress, and basil.
- sausage and mashed potatoes
- Tomates aux Crevettes Grises
- Belgian waffles
- Speculaas- Gingerbread
- cannibale is served on slices of sweet white toast called pain de mie and cut into triangles.
- Shortcrust Biscuits
- Belgian Chocolates
- Sirop de Liege
Restaurants
- Enoteca is a restaurant with a stellar reputation that has quickly become the go-to spot for Mediterranean flavors in Liège. The chef is fully confident in his abilities and the kitchen is open, which allows diners to see how their food is made. The menu is limited, making it an indication of the chef’s skillfulness. Service here was pleasant and efficient.
- Maison Leblanc is a chophouse restaurant that specializes in beef. The food is of high quality and the atmosphere romantic, but it’s not all roses; there’s no romance here, just meat. Vegetarians will be happy to know that there are several vegetarian entrees available, as well as a vegetarian plat without meat
- La Cucinella is a classic Italian restaurant with a flashy, rock ‘n’ roll edge. On the inside, the decor is ornate and brightly coloured with a Art Nouveau frame. The menu features traditional Italian dishes with a hint of rock ‘n’ roll flavour, such as osso bucco (a beeftenderloin dish served with pappardelle pasta, seasonal vegetables and a tantalizing sauce).
- A hamburger restaurant with a large selection of burgers and beers, The Huggy’s Bar is popular with travellers in Liege. Vegetarian and vegan options are now available, making it a great choice for those dining out. The staff are friendly and prices are affordable. However, be sure to check the bill before paying as there have been reports of mistakes being made on this front.
- The Rossi Pasta Atelier, the Italian highlight of Leuven! Located in the Forge; a beautiful and unique piece of industrial heritage, where the Stella Artois brewery used to forge its brewing kettles. With an eye for its rustic charm, the Smidse has today been transformed into a covered, artisanal food market.
- At restaurant d’Artagnan, freshness, honesty and respect for products are central. On the menu you will find both classics and creative creations. Since 2000, catering couple Ernest and Sandra have been running restaurant d’Artagnan.
- You will find grand cafe De Hoorn in a former brewery from 1366. Today, this monumental building is an open, creative hotspot where you can eat, work and party. A quick bite or an extensive dinner, everything is possible!
- Zarza (blackberry in Spanish) has been a household name in culinary Leuven for years. Here, hospitality and quality are central, in a Scandinavian cozy atmosphere. The menu contains surprising dishes, with unique flavor explosions. And in the summer you can enjoy the city garden, so come by quickly!
Saving Tips
- In popular parts of the country, restaurants can be particularly expensive on weekends and in the evenings
- This country has so many breweries (the most per capita in the world!) that beer is the cheapest form of alcohol
- If you’re going to eat out, stick to things like sandwiches, kebabs, and frites. These meals cost between 5-7 EUR
- Every Thursday is “vegetarian day” in plant-based paradise Ghent
- Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap
- the museum of military history and touring the European Parliament are open to the public at no cost.
- Get a city tourist card
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Shopping
In the shopping streets of Leuven you will find a great mix of large shops and small boutiques, selling everything from trendy gear to respectable classics. New pop-ups take their place comfortably alongside the big names, and there are also a number of shops that have resolutely withstood the test of time. These shops have been a permanent fixture in Leuven’s shopping streets for more than 30 years. We would like to introduce you to some of these ‘Pearls of commerce’.
Find below the best shopping streets in Leuven:
Diestsestraat is a main shopping street in Leuven’s historic center, lined with shops, cafes, and St. Peter’s Church.
Bondgenotenlaan and parallel Diestsestraat are two main shopping streets in Leuven’s center, offering shops, cafes and restaurants.
Brusselsestraat is a lively, pedestrian shopping street in Leuven’s historic center with diverse shops and markets.
Tiensestraat, Muntstraat, Naamsestraat are shopping streets in Leuven’s historic center catering to students and lined with shops and eateries.
Oude Markt is Leuven’s social heart, a historic square ringed by lively cafes, bars and restaurants.
Parijsstraat and Pensstraat are small streets off Oude Markt packed with eclectic shops, cafes and nightlife.
Mechelsestraat and perpendicular Vismarkt are pedestrian streets filled with boutiques, markets, and food shops.
- Neuvice is one of the only streets in Liège to have retained its medieval route and is also the city’s oldest pedestrian thoroughfare. From chocolate makers to cheesemongers, from leather goods shops to tea rooms, or from small cafés to concept-stores, everybody will find their heart’s delight! Did you know that there was a renowned hotel in this street? The Hotel Neuvice, made up of three 18th century buildings set around a pretty courtyard, will enthral you with its architecture.
- With its lovely small restaurants and their flavours from around the world, its souvenir shops and concept stores, Rue Souverain-Pont is also a select address for shopping! If you love arty, fashion, design art and vintage shopping, it is the ideal place for you.
- The Saint-Paul district is home to the well-known major stores. The pedestrian district of Le Carré is a veritable paradise for luxury shopping. If you have a soft spot for the major brands of fashion or decoration, then this strategic site for window shopping in Liège is made for you!
- Built between 1836, this prestigious Passage Lemonnier is a covered gallery in the heart of Liège. It’s a leading and bustling hub proposing high-end clothes and accessories, but also hand crafted novelties and varied merchants including places to sit down for a drink or bite to eat. It’s a vast expanse of 168m long with around thirty stores which links the pedestrian part of Vinâve d’Ile to rue de l’Université. In the middle it’s also crossed by the rue Lulay-des-Fèbvres. An ideal spot to enjoy shopping when it’s raining!
- Whilst Sunday is indeed a day of rest, the Grand Léopold district is the exception to this rule. The ultimate tourist district has the La Batte market as its heartbeat. It is a veritable institution and is the oldest market in Belgium. Its colourful stalls propose fruit and vegetables, cheeses, clothes, flowers, books, etc.
- Fans of shopping centres will find their heart’s delight in Liège with its 3 shopping centres. The Saint Lambert gallery is located in the city centre whilst Médiacité is situated in the Vennes district and Belle-île can be found in Angleur.
Getting Around
Travelling around Belgium is almost always easy: it’s a small country, and there’s an extremely well-organized – and reasonably priced – public transport system in which an extensive train network is supplemented by (and tied in with) a plethora of local bus services.
Tram and metro are the ideal means to get around in the city. They encounter little or no hindrance from other forms of traffic and bring you safely and quickly to numerous destinations in the city. You can travel by tram in the cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Charleroi.
The bus is a convenient means of travel and the network covers a wide area not served by other forms of public transport. The bus routes in Belgium are handled by 3 different companies.
The car-free city center of Ghent is tailor-made for pedestrians and cyclists. With bus and tram, you can reach any part of the city quickly and easily (even on weekend evenings) and taxis are also readily available. Of course, you can also rent a car to explore the surroundings.
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Getting Here
Ghent does not have its own airport but can be easily reached from Belgium’s two main airports: Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is 14 km east of Brussels and has flights to hundreds of international destinations. Brussels South Airport is in Charleroi, 46 km from Brussels, with flights to 26 European destinations.
Flying is the easiest and most time-efficient way to travel to Belgium. The most popular option is to fly to the capital city, Brussels which has good rail and bus links with the rest of the country. Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is the country’s main international airport with flights to over 220 European and international destinations. Another option is to fly into Brussels South Airport in Charleroi – roughly 50 kilometres outside of Brussels – which connects Belgium with 190 destinations.
UK travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding how to get to Belgium. There are flights to Brussels from London and a string of regional airports; Eurostar trains direct from London to Brussels; ferries from Rosyth and Hull to Zeebrugge, near Bruges, and from Ramsgate to Ostend; Eurotunnel services from Folkestone to Calais, a short drive from the Belgian coast; and frequent international buses from London to Brussels and Antwerp. Buses are usually the least expensive means of transportation, but the train is faster and often not that much more expensive, and there are all sorts of great deals on flights too.
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