A September full of culture and colour
What makes Liège so special in autumn? Easy: its calendar of cultural events that brings the city to life. September is packed with things you shouldn’t miss. One highlight is Les Nuits de Septembre, where classical and medieval music fills Liège’s most beautiful churches. On the first weekend of the month, the Fête des Fous de Sainte-Walburge takes over with colourful parades, a flea market, and a torch-lit procession. If you’re around on 27 or 28 September, you can step straight into another world at Japan Day, which features live music, authentic street food and Japanese art. And don’t skip the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) on 13 and 14 September – your chance to peek behind normally closed doors, catch concerts and tours, and see the city from a fresh angle. A must for culture lovers.
Liège from above – sights with a view
Short on time? A great idea is to start with a view from the top. The Montagne de Bueren is Liège’s monumental staircase, and climbing its 374 steps rewards you with one of the best panoramas in town. A few more classics to add to your list are: the beautiful Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the lively Sunday market La Batte, the La Boverie art museum, the historic Palais des Princes-Évêques, and of course the cobbled streets of the old town.
October in lights
Heading to Liège in October? You’re in for a treat. From 4 October to 11 November, the Foire d’Octobre takes over – Belgium’s biggest fair, complete with rides, food stalls and a buzzing, feel-good atmosphere. For something more magical, don’t miss the Nocturne des Coteaux de la Citadelle on the first Saturday of October, when thousands of candles and lanterns transform the city’s streets, stairways and paths into a glowing spectacle. There’s also plenty of laughs on offer: from 12–22 October, Le Festival International du Rire brings a stacked comedy line-up to town.
Liège from the water – boat tours on the Meuse
Of course, it’s not all festivals and fireworks. Sometimes the best way to see Liège is at a slower pace. A boat trip along the Meuse is great for this – whether you rent your own or hop on a guided tour. Bridges, façades, river breeze... throw some Belgian waffles and a cold beer into the mix and you’ve got yourself a perfect autumn afternoon.
And if all this has you itching to get packing, here’s one last tip: make Pentahotel Liège your base. With stylish design, comfy rooms and the Pentalounge, it’s the ideal spot to wind down after a day of exploring – whether that means a drink, a good book, or catching up with friends.
