Namur is a city in the Wallonia region of Belgium. The city sits at the confluence of rivers Sambre and Meuse. It is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. The majority of the best things to do in Namur, Belgium revolves around exploring medieval castles and pre-historic archeological sites.
The city is home to some of the best-preserved medieval castles in Belgium. The largest among these is the Citadel. This magnificent defensive structure is one of the best places to visit in Namur. It sits atop the hill overlooking the city like a guardian.
Besides the Citadel, Namur tourist attractions also include several other forts, defensive walls, towers, chateaus, palaces, and more. You can have an entire day of Namur sightseeing just by exploring these historical structures. The majority of these military structures and royal residences were built during the middle ages and onwards. But, many of these Namur attractions were built on Roman military structures.
Owing to its place as a major trading settlement, the city boasted a lot of wealth. But it was also often attacked. Hence, these defensive structures played a major role in the city’s survival and evolution.
The wealth also contributed to the construction of beautiful public buildings, squares, parks, gardens, and churches. The cathedrals are especially some of the wonderful things to see in Namur. The exteriors feature a variety of architectural styles decorated with sculptures and intricate carvings. While the interiors feature an even more opulent scene adorned with incredible artwork and treasures.
Aside from history, pre-history is also an important part of Namur travel. The city is surrounded by caves that were once walked by our ancestors. These caves are important archeological sites showing evidence of early human activity dating beyond 36,000 BCE. You can also explore these caves when you visit Namur to see skeletons of several pre-historic animals including mammoth and wooly rhinoceros.
Your trip to Namur will have you tour through several ages of human history exploring culture, art, architecture, traditions, warfare, and more.
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Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Namur, Belgium
1. Terra Nova
This museum is held in 17th-century barracks in the Citadel. The collection includes several artifacts from different periods of history. These are some of the interesting places to visit in Namur, Belgium.
Exploring this museum first helps you better understand the history and architecture of the Citadel as well as the town.
You can also take a guided tour of the tunnels underneath the fortress. This also includes a toy train ride, one of the best things to do in Namur, Belgium. You will be touring through various stages of the Citadel’s development.
It takes about 2 hours to tour the museum and the underground tunnels.
2. Citadel of Namur
The Citadel sits atop a hill close to the convergence of rivers Sambre and Meuse. It is an incredible structure, one of the most magnificent things to see in Namur, Belgium.
The citadel dates back to 937. However, the current structure was built between 1631 and 1675. You can also explore the older part of the fortification which was built in 1542.
It is only when you tour the Citadel that you can admire the size and scale of the fortification. The tour tells you about the defensive structure and its military purpose. You will need at least an hour to explore the entire Citadel.
3. Musée Provincial Félicien Rops
This museum is dedicated to renowned artist Felician Rops. He is considered the pioneer of comics in Belgium. The museum exhibits artifacts from his life as well as his artworks.
It is one of the most interesting Namur attractions. Rops is known for his bold themes revolving around dark, erotic, and satanic subjects. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this museum.
4. Belfry of Namur
Also known as the St. Jacob’s Tower, this structure was first built in 1388 and used to be a part of the city’s defensive wall. In 1746, it was turned into a Belfry. It is one of the most important historical Namur tourist attractions.
The tower played an important role in the defensive and civil history of the town. You will need about half an hour or so to explore this historical monument.
5. Pont de Jambes
This bridge connects Jambes and the foot of the citadel. The bridge was rebuilt several times over the years. Its history dates back to the 2nd century BCE. It was also a part of the city’s defenses and used to hold cannons at one point. Take a few minutes from Namur sightseeing to admire the role this bridge played in the history of the town.
6. Halle al’Chair Archaeology Museum
This museum is housed in a wonderful Mosan Renaissance building that dates back to the 16th century. Inside the building is the museum that traces the history of the town. It is one of the first places to visit in Namur as it puts the rest of the trip into perspective.
You will learn about the evolution of the town over the ages. You will learn about the culture, wars, events, people, and more. You will need an hour to tour this museum when you visit Namur, Belgium.
7. St Aubin’s Cathedral
This cathedral is unlike any other building in the town. Designed in the Late Baroque style, the church’s architecture is one of the most wonderful things to see in Namur, Belgium.
The church was built in 1559 and was the only cathedral built in the Low Countries. The interior of the church is also beautiful. It is decorated with ornate carvings and amazing artwork. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Namur travel to explore this church.
8. Musée Africain de Namur
This museum exhibits several artifacts that were brought from the European colonization of Africa. The collection showcases various aspects of the African culture. The majority of them hail from Congolese culture.
It is one of the most interesting Namur tourist attractions. Alongside African culture, the museum also sheds light on the dark side of colonization including wars and slave trade. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum when you visit Namur in Belgium.
9. Fort de Malonne
This fort was built in the 19th century and is one of the nine forts that were built for the city’s protection during that period. The fort lies mostly in ruins but is still a fascinating Namur tourist attraction owing to the history of the stones.
The fort was once a thriving military establishment that saw many battles. It was also bombarded by German artillery in 1914.
Learn about these stories through the scars in the stone. You will need about an hour from Namur travel to tour this fort.
10. Spy Cave
This cave was not actually used by spies, it’s just located in the municipality named Spy. This cave has great archeological significance. It is one of the most important Paleolithic sites in Europe.
The cave has evidence of human activity dating 36,000 BCE and beyond. It is one of the most fascinating things to do in Namur in Belgium. The cave also had skeletons of various animals such as horses, hyenas, cave bears, reindeer, mammoths, and wooly rhinoceros.
The site is about 20 to 30 minutes away from the city. So you will need to take 2 hours from Namur sightseeing to explore the cave and historical treasures within.
11. Château de Corroy-le-Château
This castle was built during the early 1200s. It is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country. It is located about 30 minutes drive away from the town and is one of the most interesting places to visit near Namur in Belgium.
It looks exactly as you would imagine a medieval castle to be. A strong stone structure with a moat around it. There is a bridge that takes you inside the castle. The tour shows you how the castle was built and the history of the people that lived here. You will need about 2 hours to make a trip to explore this attraction near Namur.
12. TreM.a – Musée des Arts anciens
The Museum of Ancient Arts of Namurois focuses on the artworks created between the 12th and 16th centuries. Although it also houses many historical artifacts as well.
The museum specifically focuses on the arts of Namur and Burgundian Netherlands. It is one of the best Namur attractions to understand regional history and culture. You will need an hour to tour this museum.
13. Cable Car Ride
The cable car ride takes you to the top of the Citadel. It is a ride between two historical sites. The ride begins in the historical square Place Maurice Servais and culminates with the Citadel.
It is one of the top things to do in Namur, Belgium. You get an amazing view of the historical old town and the site of the confluence of two rivers. You will need an hour for this journey.
14. Rue de Fer
This street in the old town is one of the best routes to pick for Namur sightseeing. You will be surrounded on both sides by historical buildings. You will see a variety of architectural styles including Baroque and Renaissance.
The street is also popular for shopping and dining. It is one of the best places to visit in Namur to shop for souvenirs. You can buy traditional items, high-end fashion, food products, local goods, and more. Rue de Fer also has fine cafes and restaurants. You can easily spend an hour or so strolling this street.
15. Spontin Castle (Château de Spontin)
This is yet another moated castle that you can visit during Namur travel. It was first built in the 12th century and then was expanded in the 14th, 16th, and 19th centuries.
Hence it shows a blend of different architectural sites hailing from different periods. It sits about 20 minutes away from the city, so you need at least 2 hours to make a trip to explore this castle.
16. Sambre River Cruise
The river cruise takes you through rivers Meuse and Sambre. You can take a regular ferry or a guided boat tour. This cruise ride shows you riverside Namur tourist attractions. The tours are usually an hour long and the guide gives you great insights about the city and its history.
17. Church of Saint Loup (Église catholique Saint-Loup)
This Baroque-style church was built during the 1600s. It is known for its beautiful architecture, especially the Stucco facade. The facade stands on 12 Doric pillars.
It also has beautiful ornate decor featuring paintings, sculptures, frescoes, stone carvings, carved furniture, and more. The interior is one of the most ornate Namur attractions and you need about 30 minutes to tour the church.
18. Strawberry Museum (Musée de la Fraise)
This museum is housed in a villa on the banks of River Meuse and is dedicated to Strawberries. It’s a fun museum that sheds light on the properties of the fruit and how it is cultivated in the region. You can also buy a variety of food and handicraft products made from strawberries. It is one of the most interesting museums to explore when you visit Namur.
19. Place d’Armes
This public square is known for exhibiting Belgian humour in the form of statues. These are the most intriguing things to see in Namur, Belgium. The statues depict popular cartoon characters Francwes and Djoseph with two snails.
It is supposed to be a satire on the pace of life in the city. This is one of the most photographed attractions in Namur and you can take a few minutes during Namur sightseeing to click one yourself.
20. Maredsous Abbey (Abbaye de Maredsous)
This Benedictine monastery is known for the famous Maredsous Beer. This famous beverage was once brewed in the monastery. It is a riveting place to visit near Namur, Belgium for those interested in historic breweries.
The monastery does not brew the beer anymore, but you can tour the place to see how it was historically made. You can also see how the monks make their unique brand of cheese.
People can also sample the cheese and buy it from the monastery. You need an hour from Namur travel to tour this monastery.
If you are looking for more things to see in Namur, check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of attractions and activities to enjoy in the city and around it.
Things to do in Namur, Belgium
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Namur, Belgium
- Citadel of Namur
- Museo provincial Felician Rops
- TreM.a – Museo de Arte Antiguo
- Eglise Catholique Saint – Loup
- Namur Cathedral
- Crupet Castle
- Castle of Corroy le Chateau
- Bioul Castle
- Scladina Cave
- Abbaye Notre Dame du Vivier
- Strawberry Museum
- Spy Cave
- Museum of Decorative Arts of Namur
- Annevoie Castle
- Goyet Cave
- NAM-IP Computer Museum
- Fort St. Heribert
- Musee African de Namur
- Terra Nova
- Musee Diocesain – Tresor de la Cathedrale
- Galerie du Beffroi
- Castle of Fernelmont
- Le Chateau de Faulx les Tomes
- Belfry of Namur
- Chateau de Goyet
- Le Pavillion
- Chateau de Haltinne
- Fort d’Emines
- Les Bateliers Musee Archeologique de Namur
- Siegneurie d’Anhaive
- Grotte de Floreffe
- Musee Archeologique de la Haute Meuse
- Chateau de Dave
- Samson Fortress
- Fort d’Andoy
- Chateau de Courriere
- Ciudadela de Namur
- Fort de Marchovelette
- Regare sur Fosses la Ville
- Chateau de Flawinne
- Domaine de Mielmont
- Fort de Maizeret
- Fort de Suarlee
- Gery Art Gallery
- Grotte Saint Antoine de Padoue
- Mont Sainte Marie
- Le Delta
- Societe Archeologique de Namur
- Chateau de Bonneville
- Belfry of Gembloux
- Chateau Marteau Longe
- Les Anciens Moulins de Beez
- Falnuee Castle
- Chateau de Balatre
- Abbaye d’Argenton
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Namur, Belgium
- Bocq river
- Reserve Naturelle de Sclaigneaux
- Escaile Nature Reserve
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Namur, Belgium
- Les Jardins d’Annevoie
- Circus Casino Resort
- Parc Attractif Reine Fabiola
- Federations des Parcs Naturels de Wallonie
- Parc Louise Marie
- Isla de Yvoir
- Xtreme Fun Park
- Le NID
- Isla de Dave
- Jardin des Petits Fruits
- Hotel de Gaiffier d’Hestroy
- Isla Vas T’y Frotte
Shopping in Namur, Belgium
- Rue de Fer
- INNO Namur
- Galeries Saint Joseph
- C&A Mall
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Namur, Belgium
- Hiking
- Boat Cruise
- Cave Exploration
Sightseeing in Namur, Belgium
- Puente de Jambes
- Djoseph & Francwes Sculpture
- Esplanade de la Citadelle
- Passerelle I’Enjambee
- Point de Vue de la Couleuvrine
- Pont des Ardennes
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Namur, Belgium
- Brasserie Francois
- Le Ponti 2
- L’essentiel
- Les Sens du Gout
- L’air du Temps
- Michel
- Le Plage d’Amee
- Limoni
- Le Grill des Tanneurs
- Farfalle
- L’Espieglerie
- Cavo
- Le D’Arville
- Chateau de Namur
- Attablez Vous
- San Marino
- Le Patanthrope
- Le Roma
- Brasserie Edgard
- La Cantina
- Chez Chen Wepion
- Parfums de Cuisine
- Mykonos
- Bistro Belgo Belge
- Les Mimosas
- L’Huile Sur le Fue
- Le Val 9
- Le Brasserie du Quai
Where to Stay in Namur?
Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Namur. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Namur.
- NE5T Hotel & Spa
- Chateau de Namur
- Mercure Namur Hotel
- The Royal Snail Hotel
- Hotel Ibis Namur Centre
- Les tanneurs de Namur
- Grand Hotel de Flandre
- Hotel Villa Gracia
- La Bergerie de Lives
- B&B HOTEL Namur
Custom Tours Package in Namur
How to Reach Namur, Belgium?
By Air
Charleroi Airport is the closest one to Namur. It sits about 30 km away from the town. Although Brussels airport is far away either. It is 60 km away. Both of these towns have direct train connectivity to reach Namur. You can also get buses and rental cars from these airports to visit Namur.
By Road
You can get to Namur from several cities and towns in Belgium by train. Some of the important destinations include Brussels, Charleroi, Liege, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Goes, and so on. The bus network is even more widespread. However, if you are traveling from a significant distance, trains are far more convenient.
If you are planning for Namur travel by road, you should head for routes E411 or E42. These two routes intersect at the north edge of Namur.
By Water
There are no direct water routes to reach Namur.
Image Reference
- Terra Nova – Jmh2o / Wikimedia Commons
- Citadel of Namur – Calonne Marcel / Wikimedia Commons
- Musée Provincial Félicien Rops – Desaparecido / Wikimedia Commons
- Belfry of Namur – Damien Tournay / Flickr
- Pont de Jambes – Stephane Mignon / Flickr
- Halle al’Chair Archaeology Museum – QuanahZ / Wikimedia Commons
- St Aubin’s Cathedral – Tichon Samuel / Wikimedia Commons
- Musée Africain de Namur – Mortier.Daniel / Wikimedia Commons
- Fort de Malonne – Caemir / Wikimedia Commons
- Spy Cave – A. Waroquier / Wikimedia Commons
- Château de Corroy-le-Château – Johan Bakker / Wikimedia Commons
- TreM.a – Musée des Arts anciens – Kotomi_ / Flickr
- Cable Car Ride – Rutger van der Maar / Flickr
- Rue de Fer – Jorge Franganillo / Flickr
- Spontin Castle (Château de Spontin) – James Stringer / Flickr
- Sambre River Cruise – Pierre-Paul Daneels / PixaBay
- Church of Saint Loup (Église catholique Saint-Loup) – Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
- Strawberry Museum (Musée de la Fraise) – Aurélien Huysentruyt / Wikimedia Commons
- Place d’Armes – ms2855a / Flickr
- Maredsous Abbey (Abbaye de Maredsous) – Julien Willem / Wikimedia Commons
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