13 best things to do in Namur, Belgium

We’re both born and raised in Belgium, yet it took us far too long to visit Namur. Living in Flanders, we often overlook Wallonia, even though it is right there. That changed when we booked a spontaneous Christmas trip to Namur in 2025. With no real expectations, the city caught us off guard in the best way. It is a historic city where two rivers meet, with atmospheric streets, viewpoints worth the short climbs, interesting museums, and plenty of good food. In this guide, we share our favorite things to do in Namur, based on our own visit.

How to get to Namur

Most international trips to Namur start at Brussels Airport. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Namur in little over one hour. This is usually the easiest option. Renting a car also works well, especially if Namur is part of a longer road trip through Belgium or nearby countries like France or the Netherlands.

If you are coming from neighboring countries such as France, the Netherlands, or Germany, driving is often the most flexible choice. It is convenient when traveling with others or if you want to make stops along the way. Trains are also an option, with a direct connection from Lille and routes from Amsterdam or Rotterdam that usually require one change.

Within Belgium, the train is the most straightforward way to get there. From cities like Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, you can reach Namur with one change in Brussels. If you are already in Wallonia, there are plenty of direct train connections. Driving is also an option, especially for a weekend trip, but with frequent trains and simple routes, we usually find the train easiest. It is also how we traveled to Namur. We took the train to Brussels first and then continued to Namur, reaching the city in just under two hours!

How to get around Namur

Namur is compact and easy to explore on foot. Most sights are close to each other, and walking is honestly the best way to see the city. We loved wandering through the cobblestone streets and walking along the river. To reach the Citadel of Namur, you can take the cable car if you do not feel like walking all the way up, but we will get to that later. Uber, regular taxis, and buses are available, but in practice, walking covers almost everything most travelers need.

Things to do in Namur

1. Explore the Citadel of Namur

The Citadel of Namur is easily one of the best things to do in the city. It sits on a hill above the center, which means you get great views over Namur and the rivers below almost everywhere you walk. The site itself is massive and has a long history that goes back around 2,000 years. It started in Roman times, later became the residence of the Counts of Namur, and was rebuilt and expanded many times over the years. The version you see today is largely shaped by military architects from the 17th century. 

You can explore the citadel in different ways, depending on how much time you have, how much money you want to spend, and how much background information you want.

Walk around freely

You can simply wander around the grounds at your own pace. This already gives you great views of Namur and a good sense of the scale of the place.

Terra Nova Visitor Center

A small museum that explains 2,000 years of urban and military history linked to Namur and the citadel. Tickets are EUR 6 and most people spend around an hour here. Audio guides are included in the price and available in French, Dutch, English, German, Spanish, and Chinese.

Made in Namur

Next to the Visitor Center, you will find Made in Namur, a small shop focused on local products and souvenirs. Here you can buy things made in and around the city, such as local beer, sweets, and other regional products. There is also space to sit down for a drink or a small snack. Kelvin tried avisance here, a puff pastry filled with minced meat. He really liked it! Make sure to ask for some local mustard to go with it.

Underground tour

This is a guided walk through around 500 meters of restored underground tunnels. The tour uses light, sound effects, and projections to tell the story. It lasts about 90 minutes and costs EUR 14. Tickets can be bought directly at the Visitor Center. We went on this guided underground tour, and really enjoyed it. The tour is very engaging and immersive, and brings the history to life in a clear and interesting way. Tours are available in English, French, and Dutch. 

Tourist train

A 20-minute train ride around the site with commentary along the way. This is a good option if you do not want to walk too much. A ticket costs EUR 6 and can be bought at the Visitor Center.

Immersive guided tour: “The Citadel in the Middle Ages”

A 105-minute guided tour that takes you to key spots like the old residence, wells, and towers. Visual and audio elements focus on daily life, defense, food, hygiene, and religion in medieval times. A ticket costs EUR 14 and can be bought at the Visitor Center.

You can also combine several of these options into one ticket, or choose the full package if you want to experience everything the Citadel of Namur has to offer. For practical details and opening hours, we recommend checking the official website before your visit.

2. Ride the cable car

The cable car is one of Namur’s most recognizable sights and you can spot it from many places in the city. It connects the city centre at Place Maurice Servais with the top of the Citadel in about seven minutes, with great views along the way. We took the cable car up to avoid the uphill walk and walked back down after visiting the citadel, which felt like the perfect combination. Riding it is worth it for both the views and the experience itself, even though Thysia was not entirely relaxed with the height. At the halfway mark, the cable car almost makes a full stop so that you can enjoy the view. Don’t be like us and think there’s a defect, this is actually on purpose to give you a bit more bang for your buck!

A one-way ticket costs EUR 5.5, while a return ticket is EUR 8. There are reduced prices for seniors, children, and students. For current timetables, it is best to check the official website before your visit.

3. Do a self-guided street art tour

One of our favorite things to do on a city trip is looking for street art. It is free, fun, and it makes you slow down and really pay attention to your surroundings. In Namur, there is plenty to discover. We used this dedicated street art map (in French) to guide us through different parts of the city. It turned the walk into a small route rather than just wandering aimlessly.

What we enjoyed most was searching for the tiny sculptures by Spanish Galician artist Isaac Cordal, scattered all over the city. There is a separate map for these, but even with the locations marked, finding them is not easy since they are so small. That challenge is part of the fun, and it is a great way to explore Namur from a different angle.

4. Explore the historic center of Namur

The historic center of Namur is compact and easy to explore on foot, which makes it perfect for a relaxed walk through the city. We started at Place d’Armes, where a small Christmas market was set up during our visit. This square is also home to the Djoseph & Françwès statues, better known as Joe and Frank. The two figures are shown negotiating while keeping their snails on a leash and in a cage, so they do not “run” away. Apparently, the statues refer to the stereotype of the Namurois being rather slow, though we will leave that up to interpretation. 😉

From there, it is nice to wander through the surrounding streets. Rue Haute Marcelle is a good stop if you feel like something sweet. You can grab cupcakes at Les Cup’inn or try the local candy Biétrumé at La Maison des Desserts. There are plenty of small shops, cafés, and restaurants along the way, making it easy to spend some time in the area. We love that Namur is quite compact, so you’re bound to come across something you’ll like fairly quickly.

5. Museum of Decorative Arts of Namur

The Museum of Decorative Arts of Namur was our favorite museum in the city. It is located in Les Bateliers, a cultural complex that also houses the Archaeological Museum. The museum is set inside a beautiful former private mansion and gives you a clear picture of daily life in an 18th century townhouse in Namur, where an aristocratic family and their servants lived side by side.

Listed as an exceptional heritage site in Wallonia, the building has been carefully restored over the years and still feels very authentic. Inside, you will find rooms filled with authentic furniture, glasswork, ceramics, chandeliers, paintings, and many small details that make each space feel lived in. We absolutely loved the grand wooden staircase, the main drawing room, and the garden, but honestly, every room is worth taking your time to explore.

We visited right at opening time and had the place entirely to ourselves. Since we were there during the Christmas period, every room was decorated with Christmas trees and festive decorations, which made the visit feel even more special. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free.

6. Archaeological Museum

Since the Archaeological Museum is located in the same building as the Museum of Decorative Arts of Namur, it makes sense to visit both together. The Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest museums in Belgium and one of the largest in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation when it comes to archaeology.

Inside, you will find collections with objects ranging from the prehistoric period all the way to more recent times. Most of the pieces come from the Province of Namur and the surrounding area, and there’s a lot of information displayed right next to the objects. However, if you don’t speak French, it’s a good idea to ask the information desk for a flyer or translation.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. If you plan to visit both museums, we recommend starting with the Museum of Decorative Arts of Namur, as that one tends to get busier later in the day.

Our favourite hotels in Namur 😴

B&B HOTEL Namur

BUDGET

8.6

Mercure Namur Hotel

MID-RANGE

8.5

Le Chateau de Namur

LUXURY

8.5

7. Félicien Rops Museum

The Félicien Rops Museum is one of the museums you should not miss in Namur. The museum is dedicated to Félicien Rops, a 19th century artist from Namur whose work spans painting, illustration, and caricature. We have to admit we did not know much about him before our visit, which actually made the museum more interesting to explore. The museum focuses on both his life and his work and gives a good sense of how provocative and ahead of his time he was. They also include works of some of his friends, so there’s definitely plenty to see.

The permanent collection covers a wide range of themes and styles. You will see his early satirical and political work, lithography, influences from Parisian life, strong literary connections, and recurring themes such as women, death, and eroticism. Some works are quite bold, we’re not going to lie, but that is also what makes the visit so engaging and different from other museums in the city.

When we visited, there was also a temporary exhibition called Japoniaiseries, which explored Japanese influences and fantasies during Rops’ time. It runs from October 18, 2025, to February 15, 2026. If you know us, you know we have a soft spot for anything Japan related, so this exhibition was an easy yes for us and well worth the visit.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tickets cost EUR 5 for the permanent collection or EUR 8 if you also want to see the temporary exhibition.

8. The NID (Namur Intelligente et Durable)

The NID is a modern and interactive space focused on the future of Namur. Short for Namur Intelligente et Durable (Smart and Sustainable Namur), it looks at how the city is evolving and how cities in general deal with current and future challenges. The visit is less about looking at objects and more about ideas, with a strong focus on sustainability, smart technology, and how citizens are involved in shaping the city of tomorrow. It is an interesting stop if you want to see a different side of Namur, especially beyond its historic streets and museums.

The NID is open from Wednesday to Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM. A visit takes around one hour, and entry is completely free.

Pro tip
Combine your visit with a stop at The Confluence, a restaurant overlooking the meeting point of the Sambre and Meuse rivers.

9. St. Aubin’s Cathedral

Visiting St. Aubin’s Cathedral is one of the best things to do in Namur if you want to see an important part of the city’s history. It is the only cathedral in Belgium built in an academic Late Baroque style. The building became a cathedral in the 16th century and was rebuilt in its current form in the 18th century after the Sambre River had a major flooding.

You can spot the dome from many places around the city, but it is also worth stepping inside. The interior feels open and bright, with a calm and simple atmosphere. Unlike many darker churches, this one is quite minimalist, with white walls and wood as the main materials, while the altars, sculptures, and paintings add just enough detail. Entry is free, and the cathedral is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and on Sunday from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

10. Saint-Loup Church

The Saint-Loup Church is located in the historic centre of Namur and is listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia. Built in the 17th century, it is a remarkable example of Baroque architecture and easily one of the most impressive churches we have seen. Compared to St. Aubin’s Cathedral, the interior here feels much darker and far more detailed. The marble elements, elaborate ceiling, beautifully carved wooden confessionals, and impressive organs create a very distinctive interior.

The church is not open daily, so timing matters. From October to March, it is open on Saturdays from 11 AM to 4 PM. From April to September, opening hours extend until 6 PM on Saturdays. Between July and September it also opens on Wednesdays and Sundays from 2 PM to 6 PM. Guided tours are available on Saturdays at 3 PM for EUR 3, but you can also visit on your own for free during opening hours.

11. See Namur from the water

Since Namur sits at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, seeing the city from the water is a great option. We visited in December, so it was not really the right season for us, but we can easily imagine how enjoyable this would be in summer. You can join a river cruise, take a ride on a Namourette (a small retro-style boat that takes you from one riverbank to the other), or rent a kayak or stand-up paddle to explore at your own pace. Or if being on the water is not your thing, we’re sure you can find a quiet spot on the river banks and have a romantic picnic!

12. Have dinner at La Rue de Demain

La Rue de Demain is one of our favorite places to eat in Namur. The concept is similar to a food court, with several food options under one roof, which makes it a good choice if you are feeling indecisive. You will find everything from pasta and burgers to salads and sweets. Kelvin really loved the hot dog (the brioche bun was so yummy!), while Thysia was a big fan of the burrata pasta. We can also recommend ordering a Blanche de Namur Rosée, a high quality wheat beer with a slightly sweet taste. The interior of La Rue de Demain is cozy and laid-back, ideal for an evening with your partner or friends. La Rue de Demain is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10 PM.

13. Sip cocktails at Botanical by Alfonse

We love discovering good cocktail bars, and Botanical by Alfonse became one of our favorites in Namur. This award-winning bar was named Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2019 and is also included in the 50 Best Discovery list. That sure says something! The setting is small and intimate, and the focus is very much on creative cocktails made with local and seasonal ingredients. The menu changes every two months, with new recipes developed in the bar’s own lab, allowing the team to experiment with flavors and aromas. Alongside the house creations, you will also find classic cocktails with a subtle twist.

We could instantly tell that the people at Botanical by Alfonse love their job and the concept. The passion they shared while telling us about the place and how they work truly shone through in the drinks! Since the bar is not very large, it is a good idea to arrive early if you want a spot. Botanical by Alfonse is open Tuesday to Friday from 5 PM to 1 AM, and on Saturday from 3:30 PM to 1 AM.

Best time to visit Namur

Like many places in Belgium, the best time to visit Namur is between May and September. During these months, temperatures are milder and the days are longer. Late spring and early autumn are often a good balance, with comfortable weather and fewer people compared to the peak summer months.

We visited Namur during the Christmas period and had a great time as well. The city was very quiet, the weather was cold but sunny, and the Christmas markets gave the city a festive feel. It felt relaxed and unrushed, and we found December to be a surprisingly nice time to visit. Just make sure to wear layers. 😉

How long to stay in Namur

Namur is a fairly compact city, so you do not need a lot of time to see the main sights. We think two to three full days is a good amount of time to explore the city at a relaxed pace. This gives you enough time to visit the Citadel, see a few museums and churches, and spend time walking around and enjoying good food in between.

We stayed in Namur for four days, but since everything was closed on Christmas Day, we effectively had two to three full days, with our last day ending around noon when we took the train home. Even with that limited time, we felt we were able to see and do a lot without rushing.