Bezoek Luik in 2 dags

Where to Stay in Liège

Where you sleep in Liège shapes how much of the city you’ll soak in with minimal stress. The centre is compact and layered: historic sights, lively markets and narrow streets are often within easy walking distance, but the city’s hills and the river mean a well-chosen spot can save you steep climbs and long detours. Opting for a base that balances proximity to attractions with calm side streets makes your short stay far more relaxed.

Liège is organised around the river Meuse and a sequence of squares and promenades radiating from the hilltop cathedral and civic complex. The cluster around Place Saint-Lambert is where the Palace of the Prince-Bishops sits, offering immediate access to the main historic sites and museums. A short walk downhill will take you toward market life and nightlife, so it’s easy to mix culture with the city’s famed conviviality without relying heavily on transport.

For a two-day visit, consider three distinct location strategies. Staying in the compact heart near the Palace and Liège City Hall puts you within sight of the principal monuments and gives you the clearest orientation for walking tours. Choosing the Carré area—close to the meat market and buzzing cafés—keeps you in the centre of evening life and easy access to the shops and bars. If you prefer a more local pace, the island neighbourhood of Outremeuse offers traditional cafés and a strong sense of community while still being only a short bridge away from the main squares.

Transport in Liège is straightforward: the sleek Liège‑Guillemins station connects you to regional and international trains, while the local TEC buses cover the rest. Most short trips in the centre are easiest on foot, though be ready for cobbles and a few steep streets; a grab-and-go bike or occasional bus will fill any gaps. Taxis and rideshares are readily available if you have heavy luggage or arrive late.

Ultimately, choose a neighbourhood that matches your priorities—history within easy walking distance if you want museums and the Palace, lively streets if you want market and evening atmosphere, or a quieter riverside feel for restful nights. Whatever you pick, Liège’s compact layout and friendly scale mean you can see the highlights in two days without feeling rushed. Pick a central but calm street, and you’ll feel confident exploring from morning market to late-night péket tasting.

Getting Around Liège

Liège is delightfully easy to explore using public transport: the city center is compact, the stops are frequent and the network is run by TEC with handy connections to the national trains (SNCB) at the impressive Guillemins station. Most visitors find that between direct buses and short walks you can reach the main sights—Liège City Hall, the Meat Market and the Palace of the Prince-Bishops—without stress. Even if you arrive by train, the transition to buses or a foot stroll into the historic core feels intuitive, and the streets are well signed so getting your bearings is simple. 🚇

One practical tip: sort your fare before you hop on. You can buy single tickets from drivers or ticket machines, but using the official TEC app or a MOBIB-style card makes life smoother—tap or validate as required and you’re set. Keep a printed ticket or a screenshot until the trip is finished, and carry a couple of euros in cash as a backup because smaller drivers sometimes prefer it. A little prep saves time and keeps your outings flexible. 🎫

Use Google Maps (or the TEC app) as your travel ally: it gives real-time departures, bus stop names and the best walking route between closely spaced sites. If you want to go from Liège City Hall to the Palace of the Prince-Bishops the app will show whether it’s a pleasant 5–10 minute walk or a one-stop bus ride—so you can choose sunlight and photographs or a faster hop. The map also tells you which platform at Guillemins your regional train leaves from, which is a real comfort when you’re juggling luggage and a schedule. 🗺️

To save money, favor walking inside the central triangle of the old town where most attractions cluster, and pick a short day pass or a multi-trip ticket if you plan several bus rides; these usually work out cheaper than buying single fares every time. For day trips outside the city, compare a regional SNCB fare against a long TEC ticket—sometimes the train is both faster and wallet-friendly. Little choices like these add up over a weekend and leave you more for food and museums.

I remember landing at Guillemins, checking Google Maps, and stepping onto a friendly TEC bus that dropped us right by the City Hall; from there we walked past the Meat Market, admired the stalls, and climbed up to the Palace of the Prince-Bishops in under 15 minutes. The driver gave quick change, the route was obvious and by the end of the afternoon we felt completely at home—public transport made the whole city feel like ours to discover. 💡

What to Pack for Liège

Liège is a compact, lively city full of churches, monuments, and winding streets along the Meuse — perfect for short, intense exploring. I’ve spent full days wandering its historic center, out for 10+ hours and easily logging 12–15 miles on foot in a single day. Below are essentials I bring every time, with why each item saved me (and will help you enjoy those cobbled streets without fuss).

1. Comfortable walking shoes (required): I always wear broken-in trail runners or supportive leather sneakers (e.g., Salomon X Ultra or Ecco Soft 7). Why: the streets are cobbled and there’s a lot of uphill to churches and viewpoints; the last time I ignored this I had sore arches by noon and skipped a chapel I’d really wanted to see. Good shoes let you be out 10+ hours without hobbling back to the hotel.

2. Cross-body bag (anti-theft): I use a slim, zippered cross-body bag with RFID pockets. Why: Liège has busy spots — Guillemins station and La Batte market get crowded — and I’ve seen pickpocket attempts. With a bag across my chest I keep my passport, wallet, and phone safe and accessible, and I don’t have to worry when I stop to take photos of fountains or step into a church.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing (layers + light rain jacket): Belgian weather flips fast. I pack a merino T, a lightweight fleece, and a packable waterproof jacket. Why: once I started downpouring right after lunch at Place Saint-Lambert; my waterproof shell kept me warm and I stayed out exploring instead of hiding indoors. Layers help for chilly winds along the river in the evening.

4. Power adapter (Type E — Belgium, 230V) and a short cable: I never leave without a Type E adapter and a short USB-C cable. Why: I once arrived with only USB-A cables and my adapter was bulky — I could only charge one device slowly and missed photos later. A proper adapter keeps your camera and phone ready for cathedral interiors and monument shots.

5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): Bring a reliable power bank — I carry a 20,000 mAh so my phone and camera get a top-up midday. Why: between using maps, taking pictures of monuments, and checking train times, batteries drain fast. Having extra power meant I didn’t miss navigation or my final tram home.

6. Optional: Compact umbrella and/or a printed map: I always tuck a tiny umbrella in my bag and a printed map or screenshot of key stops. Why: the umbrella saved me during sudden showers at a fountain, and a paper map is a lifesaver where mobile signal or battery act up — especially near older churches with spotty reception.