Liege - Belgium

I hadn’t planned on visiting Liège. To be honest, the city wasn’t even on my radar when I started planning my itinerary between Luxembourg and Eindhoven, in the Netherlands. After all, Liège isn’t usually among the most popular tourist destinations in Belgium. Most people end up prioritizing places like Brussels, Bruges or Ghent. However, perhaps precisely for that reason, the city surprised me — and how!

While organizing my cross-country crossing, I realized that Liège was strategically positioned on the route. So I thought: why not stop there? It was like that, almost by chance, that I discovered a city full of personality, history and charm — and today I can safely say: it was one of the best decisions of this trip.

A striking start: Liège-Guillemins Station

As soon as I arrived, Liège gave me a visual shock — in the best sense of the word. The first impression was one that you never forget. The Liège-Guillemins train station is simply jaw-dropping. Designed by none other than Santiago Calatrava, it looks more like a futuristic spaceship in the middle of the city than a traditional train station.

In addition, made entirely of steel and glass, it completely contrasts with the classic image we have of European stations. Walking around there, observing the arches, curves and architectural details is an experience in itself. That’s why, even before I started exploring the city, I found myself taking photos from every angle.

From modern to ancient: exploring the historic center

After this initial impression, I decided to head to the historic center — and what a pleasant surprise! One of the advantages of Liège is that this area is super compact, which makes walking not only feasible, but extremely pleasant.

The ideal starting point is Place Saint-Lambert, a huge square that has been the scene of important historical events. In fact, it was exactly there that, until the French Revolution, there was an immense cathedral. Today, the same place is home to the Archaeofórum, a fascinating underground museum that reveals the foundations of the old church and several layers of the city’s history, from the Roman period to the Middle Ages.

But what really catches your eye in this square is the contrast: all around, modern administrative buildings share space with historical remains. This mix of old and new is one of Liège’s trademarks — and one of the reasons it captivated me so much.

A touch of power and grandeur: the Palace of the Prince-Bishops

Right next door, I found the imposing Palais des Princes-Évêques, or Palace of the Prince-Bishops. It is one of the symbols of the city’s powerful ecclesiastical past. Its Renaissance façade is impressive, as is the inner courtyard full of symmetrical columns. Although today the building functions as a court of justice, it is worth walking around it completely and admiring the arches, statues and details that have stood the test of time.

Alleys, impasses and small charms

Continuing the tour, I let myself get lost in the streets of the city center. One of the ones that left the biggest impression on me was Rue Hors-Château. This historic street is home to some of the most charming alleys I have ever seen — known locally as impasses. These narrow passages, often hidden between houses, are true time capsules.

Some end in secret gardens, others lead to little houses so photogenic that they look like they were built for a movie set. The most charming, without a doubt, is Impasse de l’Ange. Delicate graffiti, flower-filled windows and an almost magical silence transform the place into a poetic refuge within the city.

A break at Place du Marché

After so much walking, I decided to take a break at Place du Marché, one of the most charming squares in Liège. Surrounded by historic buildings and cafés with outdoor tables, it has that atmosphere that invites you to sit and watch life go by. In the center of the square is the Perron Fountain, one of the city’s great symbols. Representing freedom and independence, it made me reflect on the strong identity that Liège carries — even far from the tourist spotlight.

A touch of spirituality: St. Paul’s Cathedral

Before saying goodbye to the city, I made a point of visiting the Cathédrale Saint-Paul, or St. Paul’s Cathedral. This Gothic church is beautiful on the outside, but it was the inside that really impressed me. The colorful stained glass windows illuminated the space with a soft, vibrant light. The sacred works scattered throughout the corridors added even more depth to the environment.

Behind the church, I found a small cloister. Quiet, full of greenery and with stone benches, it was the ideal place for a last break — the one we take when we don’t want to leave so soon.

Liège or Brussels waffle? That is the question

Now, it is impossible to talk about Liège without touching on a controversial (and delicious) topic: waffles!

Of course I tried the famous Liège waffle. Warm, with a caramelized crust on the outside and dense dough on the inside… it was love at first bite. These waffles are sweeter, heavier and have that rustic charm of not being perfectly symmetrical. Perfect for those who, like me, love intense flavors.

But what about the Brussels waffle? I also tried it on another trip — it is lighter, airier and usually comes topped with fruit, whipped cream or ice cream. Delicious, without a doubt. But if I had to choose one to eat while walking through the streets of a charming and quiet city, I would choose the Liège one. Especially if it comes straight from the griddle.