MileHacker Logo
Helpful Lige Resources

Helpful Lige Resources

Wallonia, Belgium

Essential Apps for Your Journey

Navigation & Transport

  • TEC App:

    Official app for public transport in Wallonia, use it for real-time bus and tram tracking, journey planning, and mobile tickets.

  • SNCB App:

    The official app for Belgian train travel, check train schedules and purchase tickets for national rail journeys to and from Liège.

  • Google Maps/Apple Maps:

    Indispensable for navigation. Download offline maps for Liège and its surroundings.

  • Google Translate:

    A powerful translation tool. Download the French language pack for offline use. It assists with real-time translation of spoken words, text, and images.

  • Booking.com/Airbnb:

    Useful apps for finding and managing accommodation reservations.

Communication & Dining

  • WhatsApp:

    Widely used in Europe for messaging. It is a communication method with tour operators, accommodation hosts, or new acquaintances.

  • HappyCow:

    For dietary preferences (vegetarian/vegan), this app restaurant and café locations.

  • Connectivity:

    Arrange for international roaming or research local SIM card options. Consider purchasing an eSIM for connectivity.

  • Power Adapters:

    Pack the correct power adapters for European outlets.

  • Charge Devices:

    Charge all your electronic devices (phone, camera, power bank) before departure.

Useful Websites for Planning

Visit Liège Official Site

Your main source for up-to-date information on attractions, events, tours, and local services. (Visitezliege.be)

Wallonia Belgium Tourism

This official site broader information on the region surrounding Liège, including the Ardennes, other cities, and rural attractions. (Walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk)

Belgian National Railways SNCB

The official website of the Belgian national railway company. Use this for booking and checking train schedules across Belgium. (Sncb.be/en)

Social Media and Local Info

Social Media Accounts to Follow

  • Follow official tourism accounts for Liège (e.g., Visit Liège) and Wallonia (e.g., Wallonia Belgium Tourism) on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). They often post updates on events, hidden gems, and beautiful photography.
  • Look for local food bloggers or cultural institutions' accounts for insider tips.
  • Search for podcasts on Belgian history, Walloon culture, or European travel that might feature Liège. Many travel podcasts offer destination-specific episodes or interviews.
  • Look for travel vlogs on YouTube that showcase Liège for visual inspiration and practical tips.

Local Publications Worth Picking Up

  • Free City Guides/Event Listings: The Liège Tourism Office often free city guides, brochures, and event listings upon arrival. These are valuable for discovering current happenings, temporary exhibitions, and local recommendations.
  • Local Newspapers/Magazines: For those who read French, picking up a local newspaper or magazine offers a glimpse into current events and local perspectives.
  • City Maps of Liège: Obtain a detailed city map from the Liège Tourism Office upon arrival. A physical map can be useful for orientation, especially in areas with limited phone signal.
  • Road Map of Belgium: If you plan extensive driving in Wallonia and beyond, a detailed road map of Belgium (or the Benelux region) is an useful item.

Print Resources for Liège

Guidebooks for Belgium

  • Comprehensive guidebooks (e.g., Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, Rough Guides) cover Liège and Wallonia.
  • These offer broader context and general travel advice.
  • Useful for planning broader Belgian travels.
  • Consider a physical copy for easy reference.

Books on the Destination

  • Read books on Belgian history, focusing on the Prince-Bishopric of Liège or Walloon identity.
  • This deepens your understanding of the city's unique past.
  • Explore novels by Georges Simenon, Liège's famous literary son.
  • Many of his works offer a culturally rich perspective.

Language Learning

  • For those interested in learning basic French, resources like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise offer accessible ways to learn common phrases.
  • Knowing a few phrases Liège interactions.
  • Even a small effort with French often welcomed by locals.
  • Practice common greetings and polite expressions.

Emergency & Medical Information for Liège

Emergency Numbers & Contacts

Essential Contacts

  • All emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 (Pan-European number)
  • Police (non-emergency): 101
  • Medical Assistance/Ambulance (direct): 100
  • These numbers connect you to emergency services throughout Belgium.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • CHU Liège (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège): A major university hospital offering comprehensive medical services.
  • In an emergency, this is likely where you would be directed.
  • Other private clinics and medical centers are available throughout the city.
  • For non-emergencies, inquire with your hotel reception for the nearest clinic or general practitioner.

Embassy and Consulate Information

  • Most foreign embassies and consulates to Belgium are in Brussels.
  • Before your trip, note down the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate in Brussels.
  • This information is for situations where you lose your passport or require consular assistance.
  • Carry digital and physical copies of this contact information.

Lost Document Procedures

Passport Loss or Theft

  • Report it to the local police immediately and obtain a police report. This is needed for travel insurance claims and replacement documents.
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Brussels for guidance on obtaining an emergency travel document or a new passport.
  • Keep photocopies and digital copies of your passport and visa separately from the originals.

Credit Card Loss or Theft

  • Call your bank's international fraud hotline immediately to report the loss or theft and block your card.
  • Have these international hotline numbers saved in your phone or written down separately.
  • Never write down your PIN. Only use secure ATMs, preferably inside banks.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Low Risk Destination

  • Liège has a low risk of major natural disasters.
  • In case of severe weather (e.g., heavy storms, flooding warnings), follow instructions from local emergency services.
  • Monitor local news for updates and advice provided by your accommodation.

General Safety Tips

  • Remain aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
  • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist-heavy areas.

Further Reading & Exploration for Liège

Documentaries and Films

  1. Search for documentaries on Belgian history, Walloon culture, or specific Liège landmarks.
  2. These visual resources valuable context and insights before or after your trip.
  3. Films set in Belgium, even if not specifically Liège, provide a sense of the country's atmosphere.
  4. Explore various online platforms for travel vlogs showing Liège.
  5. Look for series on European industrial heritage.

Music and Art

  1. Explore music by famous Belgian artists (e.g., Stromae, Jacques Brel).
  2. Seek out Walloon folk music to connect with the region's traditional sounds.
  3. Familiarize yourself with the "Mosan art" movement (medieval art from the Meuse Valley).
  4. Museums like the Grand Curtius and the Treasury of the Cathedral house important examples of Mosan art.
  5. This artistic understanding enriches your museum visits.

Online Communities and Language Learning

Travel Forums

Websites like TripAdvisor forums or subreddits like r/travel or r/Belgium peer advice, personal recommendations, and answers to specific questions from other travelers who visited Liège.

Expat Groups

If considering a longer stay, expat groups on social media practical advice on living in Liège and connecting with the local community.

Language Learning

Resources like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise accessible ways to learn common French phrases and vocabulary before your trip, supporting interaction with locals.

Stay Informed

Familiarize yourself with local emergency contacts and safe travel practices before departure. Keep important phone numbers accessible.

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Solo Traveler Safety and Social Opportunities

Safety Measures

  • General Safety:

    Liège is generally a safe city for solo travelers. Remain aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

  • Valuables:

    Keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive items.

  • Night-time:

    Exercise caution when out late. Plan your route, and consider taxis or ride-shares if returning late.

Social Connections

  • Hostels:

    Hostels often have communal areas that are good for meeting other travelers and sharing experiences.

  • Nightlife:

    Enjoy the nightlife in Le Carré, but be mindful of your personal belongings and do not overindulge.

  • Meet-up Groups:

    Look for local meet-up groups or events online that match your interests for social interaction.

Family-Friendly Adaptations and Kid-Specific Tips

Kid-Friendly Attractions

The Aquarium-Museum and the Maison de la Science engaging experiences for children. Parc de la Boverie green space for children to play. The puppet shows at Musée de la Vie Wallonne are also popular with kids.

Dining with Kids

Liège waffles an universal hit. Belgian fries are also popular. Many brasseries are family-friendly. Look for establishments with outdoor seating or more casual atmospheres.

Accommodation & Pacing

Consider vacation rentals (apartments) for more space and kitchen facilities, useful for preparing meals for children. Do not overschedule. Allow for downtime, playground visits, and flexibility in your daily plans. A stroller for younger children can be helpful.

Managing Group Logistics and Reservations

Advance Bookings

  • For groups, book accommodation and restaurant reservations well in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Dining: For group meals, call restaurants ahead to confirm they can accommodate your party size and make a reservation.
  • Splitting Bills: In Belgium, it is common to split the bill evenly among friends or for one person to pay and others reimburse. "Going Dutch" is not always common in every establishment, so clarify beforehand.
  • Public Transport: A TEC day pass can simplify group travel on public transport. For larger groups, a pre-booked shuttle or private bus might be more efficient for airport transfers.

Planning and Communication

  • Create a shared itinerary to keep everyone informed of daily plans and meeting points.
  • Designate a group leader or main contact for bookings and inquiries.
  • Establish clear communication methods within the group (e.g., a WhatsApp group).
  • Be flexible and compromise on activities to suit various interests within the group.

Accessibility Considerations for Different Travelers

Mobility & Strollers

  • Mobility Challenges: Plan routes carefully, considering cobblestones and hills. Utilize accessible public transport (new tram, newer buses).
  • Inquire about accessibility at specific attractions before your visit.
  • Family with Strollers: While Liège is walkable, cobblestones and hills present challenges for strollers. The tram is stroller-friendly.
  • Focus on flatter areas of the city for easier navigation with a stroller. Find a travel stroller here

Other Accessibility Needs

  • Visual/Hearing Impairments: Contact the Liège Tourism Office or individual attractions for information on specific services like audio guides, tactile exhibits, or assistance for guide dogs.
  • Elderly Travelers: Focus on flatter areas of the city, use public transport for longer distances, and choose comfortable footwear. Many museums have benches for resting.
  • Always check specific venue websites for the most up-to-date accessibility information before your visit.
  • Consider calling ahead to confirm any special accommodations you may need.

Tailored Travel Tips

Tailor your approach to Liège based on your travel companions and individual needs for a more pleasant and enjoyable trip.