Best things to do in Wallonia

Gain a better understanding of World War II in Belgium at Bastogne War Museum, where artifacts are laid out like artwork in large galleries. A modern building houses the remnants of battles, such as weapons and uniforms, as well as photos and documents. Other displays recreate areas where battles, press conferences, speeches, and even espionage took place. These theatrical spaces include lighting and sound, helping to immerse you in the history. Multimedia film and mixed audio that reconstructs that sounds of war bring the stories to life. The attraction is next to the Mardasson Memorial, so consider stopping there as part of your tour of the area. Buy tickets when you arrive and take your time with each exhibit; the musuem is rarely crowded.

A fortress that watches over the city, Citadelle de Dinant stands on the site of a fort that was constructed in 1051. The citadel blends with the cliff face on which it sits, complete with a grassy roof, so, from a distance, it's difficult to see. However, once inside, a huge interior courtyard and a museum offer visitors a glimpse back in time. Climb the 400-plus steps leading to the entrance, or save your energy and ride a cable car to the top. In the museum, learn about the fortress' history with life-size figurines in dioramas, as well as traditional museum exhibits. Go up the stairs to the upper walls of the citadel for a view over the Meuse Valley. Purchase your tickets when you arrive; the attraction is rarely crowded.

Witness the site of Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat at Memorial Waterloo 1815, which commemorates one of the world's most famous battles. In the center is the Lion Mount, where a proud lion sculpture watches over the hill's peak. Walk up to the top for a view of the entire battlefield. Enter the museum, where you'll find a panorama of the battle representing the soldiers from all sides facing off across the open space. Video presentations give you an overview of the history behind the Napoleonic Wars. Purchase your tickets on arrival and wear comfortable walking shoes for the walk up the hill.

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Get your thrills, wet or dry, at Walibi Belgium, a traditional amusement and water park. Although many of the roller coasters are on dry land, the entire park is built around bodies of water, so be ready to get wet. Store your belongings in a locker guarded by security at the check-in area so you can roam the rides unburdened. The water park provides changing rooms and showers, first aid, wheelchair rental, and even pet kennels. These amenities, as well as nearby lodging and restaurants, make your visit convenient and entertaining. Consider using a train to reach the attraction and avoid a parking fee. The Bierges-Walibi train station gives you direct access to the amusement park's entrance.

Montagne de Bueren is a 374-step staircase in Liège, Belgium. The staircase is named after Vincent de Bueren, who defended Liège against an attack by the Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold in the 15th century. It was built in 1881 to honour the 600 soldiers who died in the battle.
In 2013, Montagne de Bueren was ranked as #1 on The Huffington Post's list of Most Extreme Staircases.
In July 2020, in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium, Belgian explorer and adventurer Louis-Philippe Loncke ascended and descended the staircase 135 times carrying a 15 kg backpack, simulating an ascent of Mount Everest. The 9000m climb, which took 65 hours 30 minutes, was meant to show that one could still "trouver des défis physiques près de chez soi" (find physical challenges close to home).

Get a taste of medieval history at Chateau fort de Bouillon, a castle with origins dating back to 988. Enter by way of one of the three drawbridges, and then explore the castle while learning about its rich history. Don't forget to head down to the basement to see the dungeons and torture chambers. Finish off with a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape by climbing the 16th-century tower. Check online for the times of the free falconry show, performed three times a day. You can park for free next to the castle.

The futuristic Gare de Liege-Guillemins sees 15,000 passengers pass through its station every day. One of the main railway stations in Belgium, it serves both domestic and international travelers. High-speed trains on their way to Paris and Brussels stop at the station daily. The station reopened in 2009 with Santiago Calatrava's design, featuring an arched ceiling that lets in plenty of natural light. Facilities and cafes are known for their cleanliness, so arrive early to enjoy a coffee and watch travelers come and go. Tickets can be purchased at the station on your day of travel, or book your spot ahead of time on the online portal.

Distinctive for its pentagram shape and its interior gallery, Mardasson Memorial commemorates the over 76,000 American soldiers who fell in the Battle of the Bulge. Go inside the atrium to see 10 paintings that depict the battle; around the exterior you'll see engravings of the names of the 50 U.S. states and the battalions that fought in the battle. The Latin inscription on the memorial stone translates as, "The Belgian people remember their American liberators--July 4, 1946." Walk down into the crypt below the memorial to see three altars, each representing a prominent religion in the battalions: Protestant, Catholic, and Judaism. Consider a visit to the history museum near the memorial to learn more about the World War II era.

On the site of the ruins of Cistercian Cambron Abbey, Pairi Daiza is a privately owned botanical garden and zoo. Across 55 hectares (140 acres), several themed gardens represent different parts of the world. Wander through the Chinese-themed buildings and plants of the Chinese garden, home to cranes, red pandas, and muntjak. In the Kingdom of Ganesha, discover Indonesian plant life, temples, and Sumatran elephants. Catch sightings of giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and bison from aboard the garden's train. Visit the oasis greenhouse full of tropical plants, such as bamboo, banana trees, and hibiscus, as well as meerkats, giant turtles, and crocodiles.

Dating all the way back to the Roman era, Citadelle (Citadel), also known as "Castle of Namur," serves as one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Originally a protective space for military postings, the castle today is a tourist attraction and occasionally is rented out for events. Walk through the premises of the castle and explore the original rugged structure of the fortress walls. Next, go through the underground passageways, or "The Termite Nest of Europe," below the castle's grounds. Walking through the outdoor gardens is a great way to end your tour and gain some magnificent views of the surrounding city. If you don't want to walk the grounds, sign up for a Segway tour with a guide.

Explore narrow cobbled streets of Old Town of Durbuy, a picturesque settlement in the valley created by the River Ourthe. The town boasts preserved 17th-century architecture and urban core with old stone houses and flowered alleys lined with shops, cafes, and a variety of eateries. Visit a large topiary park with some 250 clipped box trees in the shape of animals and humans, or tour the town's jam factory and brewery. A tourist train will take you to a vantage point above the town for magnificent panoramas and great photo opps.

Embrace the tranquility of a healing retreat with a city view at Les Thermes de Spa. A park surrounds the spa, allowing you to immerse yourself in a natural setting. An indoor area protected by a glass dome offers tiered circular pools where visitors can soak and swim. Both the indoor and outdoor pools are heated, so no matter what weather's like outside, you'll be cozy in the water. Visit the fitness center and then relax your muscles in the saunas, hammams, and heating lamps. Treatments are available the day of your visit, but book in advance to guarantee your treatment type and time of choice.

Shop, eat, and people-watch at Grand-Place de Mons, the main square of Mons. It is marked by a belfry whose copper has turned green with oxidation. The buildings touch each other and form a barrier around the perimeter of the cobbled square. Sit down at one of the many restaurants and cafes; see if you can find an open table on one of the terraces, which is a good spot to take in the buzz of activity. You'll also find a variety of chocolate shops and boutiques filling the ground floors of the buildings.