Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Arlon, Belgium

Arlon, the capital of Luxembourg Province, is the smallest capital in Belgium, with a population of approximately 29,000 residents. Historically, the Romans utilized this town as a trading post, and remnants of this period can be explored in the town’s ruins and at the Archaeological Museum. The primary motivation for visiting Arlon is the picturesque surrounding countryside.

The forests, hiking trails, undulating hills, and expansive fields provide excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling, making them essential elements of any Arlon itinerary. There is extensive information available regarding walking and cycling routes in the region, catering to both casual tourists seeking a leisurely bike ride and experienced cyclists. Moreover, the culinary offerings in the city meet the high standards associated with Belgian cuisine, providing ample opportunity to indulge in local dining experiences. The regional cuisine largely mirrors that of other Belgian foods, yet unique delights such as Arlon’s version of a pork pie can be found. Arlon offers a balanced selection of fine dining restaurants and casual gastropubs to suit various preferences and budgets.

In addition to these primary attractions, Arlon features a limited array of other activities and sites, including distinct churches, small museums, a war memorial, and a modern viewing platform. If one plans to pass through Arlon while touring the Low Countries, allocating a couple of days for the major attractions is advisable. For those wishing to unwind and enjoy culinary experiences, extending the visit to three or four days may be beneficial, whereas a longer stay is generally unnecessary. Nonetheless, Arlon deserves a place on any itinerary through Belgium or the Low Countries, as it offers something for every visitor.

Let us examine the best things to do in Arlon:

1. Visit the Eglise St Donat

This charming little church, located on the city’s central hill, may not be among the most magnificent in Europe, yet it possesses a unique appeal.

Eglise Saint Donat was constructed in 1626 by Capuchin monks and underwent restoration in 1851, resulting in the structure that stands today.

While the church has been closed for much of this year due to restoration efforts, the views from the hill remain spectacular, and the façade of the building is certainly worth a close examination.

2. Take a Walk to See the Other Church in Arlon

Eglise Saint Donat’s architectural counterpart is the nearby church of Saint Martin.

This church boasts a distinct Gothic architectural style and significantly influences Arlon’s skyline.

Constructed in 1905, it features various points of interest inside, including a dedicated area for Saint Martin, who visited Arlon during his lifetime.

3. Pop into the Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum located on Rue des Martyrs features a compact yet intriguing collection.

This museum delves into the buildings unearthed in the town, which is considered one of the oldest in Belgium.

Admission to the museum is 4 euros; however, it is important to note that the information available around the collection is primarily in French, necessitating the acquisition of an English guide to fully appreciate the exhibits.

4. Walk Around the Maison Gaspar

Situated just across from the Archaeological Museum, Maison Gaspar can be accessed for an additional 2 euros.

This 19th-century building appears appealing from the exterior, but its true treasures are found within.

Inside, visitors will discover an exquisite collection of furnishings, sculptures, and paintings.

The standout feature is undeniably the 15th-century altarpiece, which justifies the low entry fee.

5. Do Some Shopping

Arlon attracts shoppers from various regions, primarily due to its expansive shopping mall, Espace Shopping Hydrion.

Spanning 33,000 square meters, the mall hosts over 40 shops and brands.

Furthermore, it features a large parking area with free parking, providing convenient access for shoppers.

The mall operates from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.

6. Learn About the History of the Bicycle

The Bicycle Museum in Arlon provides an engaging opportunity to explore the evolution of the bicycle, from its inception in 1817 to its contemporary variants.

The museum showcases numerous artifacts and items that narrate the journey of the bicycle.

Visitors will encounter an array of unique bicycles, offering an exciting experience for enthusiasts.

The museum does not charge an entry fee and is open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM.

7. Drink Some Lambic Beer

Like other Belgian towns, Arlon boasts a variety of excellent pubs and a multitude of high-quality beers.

One noteworthy establishment is Taverne La Forum.

This stone-roofed tavern radiates a warm and welcoming atmosphere year-round and consistently features an impressive selection of beers on tap, alongside exceptional Lambic beers available by the bottle.

If you have yet to experience Lambic beer, this venue serves as an ideal introduction.

Believed to be the oldest style of beer globally, Lambic beer offers a distinctive aroma and flavor that differs markedly from standard brews.

8. Visit General Patton’s Memorial

General Patton, a prominent officer in the United States Army, was famously referred to as “Old Blood and Guts” for his military prowess.

He is particularly renowned for his decisive maneuvers through France into Belgium during World War II.

The memorial erected in his honor in Arlon marks the site where he gathered his troops prior to the Battle of the Bulge, a conflict resulting in approximately 175,000 casualties.

9. Eat at a Belgian Gastropub

Arlon features numerous excellent dining establishments, with Le Fils De Paul being a standout choice.

This venue enjoys a solid reputation, offering reasonably priced cuisine due to its more casual gastropub atmosphere.

The décor exemplifies the coziness typical of a Belgian pub, complete with wooden floorboards, a fireplace, and dark hardwood furnishings.

The menu is equally comforting, featuring delightful seafood dishes, hearty stews, and, of course, wine served by the carafe.

10. See Arlon’s Roman Towers

The two Roman towers located in Arlon, known as Jupiter and Neptune, can be found on the Grand Place and were once integral parts of the defensive ramparts.

The walls surrounding these towers were constructed from the remnants of dismantled sculptures, many of which are displayed in the nearby Archaeological Museum.

The sculpture representing Neptune remains relatively intact and can be seen at the base of the tower.

11. Take a Walk

The serene countryside surrounding Arlon is picturesque, making it ideal for leisurely walks.

The Arlon tourist board provides various trails suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

The scenic landscapes include hills, woodlands, and the Arboretum, which was established in 1991 and features a nature trail for wildlife observation.

12. Take in a Great View

For those wishing to absorb the entire beauty of Arlon’s countryside in a single view, the Visiorama is an ideal choice.

Recently installed on a tall hill in Arlon, the Visiorama offers vistas encompassing four different countries.

This interactive interface allows visitors to receive details about the landscapes they are observing, provided in three different languages for convenience.

13. Visit a Festival

From March to May, Arlon hosts numerous festivals to celebrate the transition of the seasons.

The pinnacle of the festival season is the event occurring midway through Lent.

This colorful celebration features music, parades, culinary delights, and various other festivities.

Be sure to witness the significant moment when the carnival prince is presented with the keys to the city.

This occasion provides an excellent opportunity to experience Arlon’s vibrant culture.

14. Sample Arlon’s Delicacies

Arlon, like many other Belgian cities, is a fantastic destination for culinary enthusiasts.

The regional specialties include pâté gaumis, a type of pork pie, and maitrank, a locally produced aperitif infused with sweet woodruff.

Dishes from the Ardennes region and Gaume are also prominent, with pig-based snacks featured on nearly every menu.

15. Ride Your Bicycle

Following a visit to the engaging Bicycle Museum, you may be inspired to embark on your own biking adventure.

Arlon presents numerous idyllic cycling routes, complemented by stunning scenery and winding roads to accommodate varying fitness levels and skills.

The tourism office in Arlon can assist in arranging bicycle rentals for the duration of your stay, along with guided routes depending on your desired level of challenge.

For passionate cyclists, ample challenges await in the scenic landscapes of Arlon.