Set on the banks of the Meuse River, this Belgian city has a 15th-century cathedral, a 374-step staircase, and a famous Sunday market with 400+ vendors selling local specialties.
Liège spreads along both banks of the Meuse River in French-speaking Wallonia, Belgium's third-largest city. Walk through its center to see the 15th-century Saint Paul Cathedral, climb the 374 steps of Montagne de Bueren, or explore Santiago Calatrava's striking Liège-Guillemins railway station. Stop at a local café for a warm Liège waffle, then join locals at the Sunday La Batte market, where hundreds of vendors line the riverbank.
Getting Around Liège
Walk from the Meuse River to the Montagne de Bueren stairs in about 20 minutes - this covers most of central Liège. The Liège-Guillemins railway station runs direct trains to Brussels (40 minutes), Paris (2 hours), Cologne, and Aachen. Local buses connect all major points in the city, with day passes available at station kiosks.
Art Collections in Historic Buildings
Step into the red sandstone Grand Curtius mansion from 1600 to see archaeological finds, decorative arts, and religious art from the Meuse Valley. Cross the river to La Boverie museum, housed in a former 1905 exhibition hall. Its galleries display paintings by Picasso, Gauguin, and Meuse Valley artists spanning from the 15th to 20th centuries.
Gothic Architecture and Churches
The 15th-century Saint Paul Cathedral holds medieval religious art and an ornate baroque pulpit. Walk ten minutes north to find the Church of Saint Bartholomew, dating from 1015, with its distinctive red and white sandstone walls. Look for the bronze baptismal font from 1108 inside, which shows five detailed baptismal scenes in relief.
Local Food Scene
Try boulets à la liégeoise at neighborhood restaurants - these meatballs come in a rich sauce made with pears, onions, and apple syrup. Street vendors and cafés make Liège waffles with sugar pearls that caramelize during baking. Sample peket, a local juniper spirit, in over 30 varieties including lemon, apple, and violet at traditional bars.
Markets and Shopping Areas
Join locals at La Batte market on Sunday mornings (8am-2:30pm), where more than 400 vendors sell Herve cheese, Ardennes ham, fresh produce, and flowers along the Meuse. The streets around Place Saint-Lambert have both international shops and small stores selling Belgian chocolates and local crafts.
Evening in Le Carré
Le Carré's four blocks come alive with over 40 bars and cafes each evening. Students gather at spots like Le Point de Vue after 10pm for hip-hop and pop music, while Le Notger draws an older crowd with its Belgian beer selection. In summer, Place du Marché square fills with people sitting at outdoor tables until midnight.
