Last Updated on 11th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Namur lies alongside the confluence of the rivers Sambre and Meuse and is often compared with nearby Dinant thanks to its impressive citadel which rises high above the rest of the city, not to mention the abundance of pastel-hued houses in the area.
A cosy and charming Belgian city that’s absolutely worth visiting, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Namur!
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What is Namur known for?
Steeped in history, the city of Namur has actually been a place where a number of battles and sieges have taken place because of its strategic position at the confluence of the rivers.
Famed for its enormous citadel that sits atop of the city, Napoleon and his armies conquered the fortress and annexed the town below in 1794. Upon inspecting its citadel, it was then that Napoleon named Namur ‘the ant-hill of Europe’ because of the large network of underground passages that lie below.
Also a city of industrial and commercial importance, Namur is known for the production of machinery, leather goods, metals, porcelain, glassware and plenty more.
Where is Namur?
At the heart of southern Belgium, Namur is just an hours train journey from the capital city, Brussels.
Namur, is the capital of the Wallonia province and is situated alongside the confluence of the rivers Sambre and Meuse.
How long do you need in Namur?
As always, it really depends on what kind of experience you want from the city! If you’re deciding between Namur and Dinant, then we have a full comparison of Namur vs Dinant on the site.
I’d say that you can easily see the majority of the city and all of its major sights in a day. But to fully experience Namur and what it has to offer, it’s worth staying up to 2 days here. You could easily fit a day trip to one of the nearby towns too.
Best things to do in Namur
Take the cable car to the citadel
One of the best ways to get to Namur’s impressive citadel is via cable car. Enjoy panoramic views as you take to the skies and slowly ascend towards the historic fortress of the city!
The starting price one-way is €5, then you can either walk down the hill from the citadel or purchase a return ticket. Find out more about the prices and timetable for the cable car here.
If you have a fear of heights, not to worry as you can also get to the citadel either by walking or driving up.
Visit the citadel
Impossible to miss when visiting, the shining star of the city has to be that of the Citadel of Namur. This impressive fortress is originally from the Roman era, although it has since been rebuilt upon many times and it stands high above offering a gorgeous viewpoint of the city below and its surroundings.
Sat at the crucial crossroads of several communication points, historically the fortress was used to defend and monitor thanks to its strategic hilltop vantage point at the confluence of the two rivers.
Lying directly underneath the citadel is a fascinating network of underground tunnels that run around 7km, making this one of the biggest fortresses in all of Europe!
Today there are various different options for visiting the citadel, whether its taking a guided tour (possible by train) or simply wandering around and uncovering the history at your own pace. Find out more about ticket admissions and opening times here.
Enjoy the views
Of course one of the best viewpoints of the city is to view it from up above, taking in the panoramic views from both the cable car on the way up and the vantage point of the citadel.
Another great viewpoint is from the bridge that sits below the barracks area, here you can see across the water and admire the city’s colourful array of buildings and the various domes of the church and cathedral that poke out of the skyline.
Visit St. Aubin’s Cathedral
Dating back with history as far as 1046, (but rebuilt/reshaped many times since) this is Belgium’s only cathedral built in the academic Late Baroque style.
St Aubin’s cathedral is characterised by its curved limestone facade, showing a mix of classical and baroque design. It’s bright inside thanks to its huge dome and has a rich and elegant interior adorned with intricate patterns and designs of fruits and flowers.
Open daily from 8:30am-5:30pm, the cathedral is free to visit and definitely a beauty you won’t want to miss out on when visiting Namur!
Eglise Saint-Loup
Another beautiful sacred place of the city is that of the 17th century Catholic church, Saint-Loup. A true architectural wonder, it’s interior is richly decorated in Baroque style and it has impressive Dorian columns that line the aisle.
If you get a chance I definitely recommend popping in to this gorgeously decorated church as it’s one of the most beautiful examples of baroque buildings in all of Belgium!
Stroll through the city
Simply strolling through the quaint cobbled streets of Namur can be magical, especially considering how well preserved the Art Deco streets are. It’s an enchanting city filled with magnificent architecture, so losing yourself down the narrow winding streets is definitely one of the best ways to truly experience Namur.
Lined with cute and cosy cafes that make for the perfect spot to grab a snack, you can have a quick rest from exploring and watch the world go by while sipping on a coffee.
Take a river cruise
Discover Namur from the water! Take a guided tour down the Meuse and Sambre rivers and experience the history of the city from a different perspective. There are various boat tours and cruises available, find out how to enjoy a river cruise in Namur here.
Or if you are looking for something a little more adventurous, you could rent your own canoe, kayak or paddle board and take yourself out on your own water excursion. Learn more about water activities in Namur here.
Marvel at the architecture
As mentioned, simply strolling through is the best way to experience Namur, and this is particularly true thanks to the city’s interesting blend of Art Nouveau and modernist buildings.
Colourful and abundant in a variety of style and decor, the buildings are all so unique and beautiful in their own way and you could spend a couple hours (especially if you are an architecture enthusiast) simply taking the time to admire them!
Felicien Rops Museum
Discover arguably one of Belgium’s most controversial artists, Felicien Rops! Working in the 19th century, Rops was an artist who depicted sex, nudity, and sometimes morbid and Satanistic themes. In a time where sex was synonymous with scandal, he definitely pushed boundaries with his practice.
Let this hidden gem of a museum surprise you and learn about Rops and his works in all its diversity! Located in the heart of the historic quarters of Namur, in a former hotel de maître (period house) it’s also not too far from the birthplace of the artist, Saint-Loup Church.
Dine at the Brasserie François
Dine in a 200 year old building! Serving delicious traditional homemade cuisine seven days a week, this 19th century building is a gorgeous eatery to dine in and it exudes almost a feel of stepping into Paris.
The timeless decor gives a romantic feel and the brasserie pride themselves on quality, favouring that of local produce. It’s also super popular during the warmer months as it has an outside terrace which is perfect for having a drink and soaking up the sunshine.
Day trip to Dinant
Just 30km (around a 45 minute drive) south of the city lies the city of Dinant. Equally as picturesque and abundant with things to do, this makes for the perfect day trip away from the city if you have time to spare!
A charming town steeped in history, it’s definitely worth visiting! It’s also the hometown of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone which adds to the intrigue of this wonderful destination. To make things easier, we’ve put together a guide of the best things to do in Dinant, so that you can make the most out of your trip when visiting.
Where to stay in Namur
It must be said that Namur has quite a few more accommodation options than nearby Dinant and so we personally based ourselves there during our stay because of the wider range of dinner options as well as places to stay. Namur is also typically cheaper (though unfortunately not quite as charming as its neighbour). Here’s where to stay in Namur (based on location and web-reviews):
Les Cabanes Urbaines Namur: This hotel is conveniently located in the city centre, steps away from many of the major attractions. Highlights include tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge, and air conditioning. Check prices and availability now.
Mercure Namur Hotel: Though a little bit out of town (meaning that Jambes would be your closest station for a day trip to Dinant), this quiet retreat boasts amenities such as a spa, hot tub, and room service. Check prices and availability now.
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!