Visit Namur in 2 days

Where to Stay in Namur

Where you sleep in Namur shapes how much of the city you can enjoy without rushing. The town is compact and best explored on foot, so choosing a base close to the historic center will let you pop between the Belfry of Namur, the charming lanes where the Walloons Fresco surprises you, and evening options like the Cameo Cinema without wasting time on transfers. For a two-day visit, prioritize location over frills — being near sights means more relaxed wandering and unexpected discoveries.

Namur is organized around the meeting of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, with the old city and its market squares sitting under the commanding Citadel and a quieter, residential feel across the water in Jambes. The compact lower town contains most museums, cafes and the Jardins du Maïeur, while the higher ground rewards you with viewpoints and the Angel Statue perched in vistas. This vertical layout matters: some neighborhoods are flat and walkable, others demand climbs up steep streets to reach the citadel.

If you want to be within easy reach of the Cameo Cinema and the leafy Jardins du Maïeur, aim for the area around the central squares and streets of the old town — you’ll be a short stroll from the Belfry, the frescoes and the Angel Statue. For quieter riverside mornings and pleasant walks along the Meuse, consider Jambes or the promenade by the riverbank. If arrival and departure convenience is a priority, staying near the Gare de Namur puts regional trains and bus connections a short taxi or tram hop away without sacrificing access to central sights.

Getting around is straightforward: much is walkable, local buses (TEC) cover the neighborhoods, and taxis are easy to find from the station. There is also a cable-car/funicular option and well-signposted paths up to the Citadel if you’d rather avoid steep staircases; if mobility is a concern, pick a lower-town room and plan a short, scenic ascent rather than a hotel on steep slopes.

Finally, relax about the choice: for two days, a centrally placed room gives you the most flexibility to visit the Belfry, enjoy an evening at the Cameo Cinema, and take tranquil moments in the Jardins du Maïeur. If you prefer calm mornings, riverside accommodations across the water are restorative and still within easy reach of the Angel Statue and the city’s highlights — Namur is small enough that thoughtful placement makes the whole trip feel effortless.

Getting Around Namur

Namur is delightfully approachable by public transport, even if you're visiting for the first time: the city is compact, signage is clear, and services are frequent. The backbone for getting around is the regional TEC bus network and the national SNCB trains from Namur station, and between them you can reach the riverfront, the citadel and neighbourhoods beyond without a car. Vehicles are clean, drivers are used to tourists, and many stops are within a short walk of the main sights, so navigating feels more like exploring than commuting. 🚇

A practical tip: before you hop on, decide whether you want single tickets or a pass. You can buy paper tickets on board many buses, use the local mobile app to buy and validate tickets, or pay by contactless card on some services. Keep a small stash of change or a digital option ready, and always validate when you board—inspectors do spot checks. For train travel, purchases through the SNCB website or app are straightforward, and you can usually pick up tickets at the station machines.

For route planning, I rely on Google Maps and the TEC journey planner interchangeably; both give live departures, platform numbers and walking times so you never end up guessing. Type your destination—Cameo Cinema, Jardins du Maïeur or Angel Statue—and the app will propose bus numbers, walking routes and estimated arrival times. If you're unsure at a stop, most drivers and locals are friendly and will point you in the right direction, but the apps keep you confident and punctual. 🗺️

To save money, think about how many trips you'll make each day: if you plan three or more short journeys, a day ticket or a multi-ride carnet often pays off compared with single fares. Also check for discounts: youths, seniors and families often get reduced rates, and off-peak train tickets can be noticeably cheaper. Walking between close sights is free and pleasant in Namur, so mix walking with public transport to keep costs down and your schedule flexible.

On a personal note, I once wanted to go from the Cameo Cinema to the Jardins du Maïeur and then on to the Angel Statue in one afternoon. We walked from the cinema across the river—beautiful views—and then used the TEC bus for the short uphill leg to the gardens, validating our tickets on the app. From the gardens, Google Maps recommended a quick 10-minute stroll to the Angel Statue, and we discovered a lovely side street café en route. Little hops like that make Namur feel intimate and effortless to explore; once you try one route, the rest fall into place. 💡

What to Pack for Namur

I’ve spent long, lazy days wandering Namur’s winding streets and climbing the citadel ramps—one day I logged close to 12 miles on cobbles and steps—so I pack deliberately. Below are the essentials I actually use on a 48‑hour city break here: practical, compact, and chosen for cobblestones, sudden showers, and long theatre or cinema evenings.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (REQUIRED — e.g., Merrell Moab 2): I learned the hard way that slick soles and pretty flats don’t cut it on Namur’s steep, cobbled lanes. With the Merrell Moab 2 I climbed the citadel and ambled riverside markets without sore feet; they handled uneven stone and kept my ankles stable during an unexpected 10+ hour roaming day. Why: you’ll be on your feet a lot and good tread + cushioning prevents blisters and fatigue.

2. Cross‑body bag (secure, anti‑slash preferred): I carry a compact cross‑body every time I go into small cafés, theatres, or crowded viewpoints—once I was in a busy film screening and needed both hands free for popcorn and a camera. It sits close to your body, deters casual snatches, and keeps tickets/passport handy. Why: easy access, hands‑free comfort, and better security in busy areas.

3. Weather‑appropriate layers and a lightweight rain jacket: Namur’s weather flips quickly; I once started under a sweater in the morning and needed a rain jacket by noon. I pack a thin merino top, a light fleece, and a packable waterproof (I’ve used a 200‑gram shell). Why: layers let you adapt between chilly citadel breezes and warm indoor theatres without lugging heavy coats.

4. Power adapter (Type E for Belgium) and small multi‑USB charger: I always bring a Type E adapter so my charger fits Belgian sockets and a small 4‑port USB block to keep phone, camera, and headphones topped up in one outlet at a hotel. Why: Belgian plug type and 230V mean you’ll need the right adapter to avoid hunting for replacements.

5. Power bank (10,000 mAh like Anker PowerCore 10000): On a day filled with photos of bell towers and maps to the citadel I drained my phone fast—my 10,000 mAh power bank gave two full charges. Why: long days out, photos, and e‑tickets demand reliable backup so you’re not cut off mid‑plan.

6. Optional: compact travel umbrella & a slim printed map/notes: I tuck a tiny umbrella into my bag for sudden rains and a folded paper map with a few theatre/cinema addresses; my phone once lost battery and the paper map saved me a panicked detour. Why: small physical backups are lightweight and rescue you when tech falters or weather surprises you.