5. Liège (Luik)
Although Liège may not be the most picturesque of Belgian cities thanks to an industrial heritage that promoted function over flourish, it has plenty to offer tourists.
The city’s most famous landmark is Montagne de Bueren (Bueren Mountain), a series of 374 steps, which are set at a staggering 30-percent incline. The steps once provided the soldiers with a direct route from the Coteaux de la Citadelle to the city center, and today they provide tourists with spectacular views if they can make it to the top. Tourists visiting during October should be sure to check it out at night, when the entire stairway is lined with candles.
Liège is home to many beautiful public spaces, its largest being Parc Boverie. In addition to spectacular gardens and expansive lawns along the Meuse and Dérivation rivers, the park is home to La Boverie, a museum of fine arts.
Several more museums can be found on the Quai de Maestricht, at the northern edge of the city center. The Curtius Museum (Musée Curtius) displays a variety of artifacts and decorative arts spanning from prehistory through the 19th century, and the Glass Museum (Musée du Verre) exhibits glassware from as early at the 5th century BCE.
Tourists in search of historic churches have several to choose from. The most centrally located are St. Paul’s Cathedral on the Place de la Cathédrale, founded in 971, and the 11th-century Church of Saint-Barthélemy, which sits near the Quai de Maestricht. The Basilique Saint-Martin sits on a hill overlooking the old town center, rebuilt in the 16th century and featuring stained glass dating from as early as 1526.
6. Leuven (Louvain)
Despite a great deal of destruction during both World Wars, a good number of Leuven’s most impressive historic buildings still stand. Tourists will want to start in the center of the old town at the Grote Markt, an area that is still the hub of the city’s social activity. Towering above the head of the square is St. Peter’s Church (Sint-Pieterskerk), an impressive example of Brabant Gothic architecture that houses the Museum of Religious Art (Stedelijk Museum voor Religieuze Kunst). The old City Hall (Stadhuis) also sits on the square, showcasing its ornate facades complete with 236 figures.
Since the 15th century, Leuven’s university has had a reputation for being one of the most respected institutions in Europe. It is here on the expansive campus, along the Naamsestraat, that tourists can find more examples of early buildings that have been constructed throughout the ages. Another fascinating group of historic homes can be found at the Groot Begijnhof, a community that was founded in the 13th century.
An excellent collection of local crafts and art is housed at the M-Museum Leuven, as well as exhibits that include art from around the world, dating from classical times to the present and encompassing all artistic media.
