Huy Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, where to stay, and things to do in Huy, Belgium. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


A Complete Tour Guide to Huy, Belgium

Nestled in the province of Liege in Wallonia, Huy is a quaint town in Belgium that will charm you with its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From scenic hiking trails to cultural attractions, Huy has something to offer for everyone. Discover the best places to visit, food to try, where to stay, and things to do in Huy with our comprehensive travel guide.

Introduction to Huy

Huy is a small town in Belgium that sits on the banks of the river Meuse. It is a medieval town that dates back to the 7th century, with many historic buildings and landmarks still standing today. The town is surrounded by lush green hills and breathtaking scenery, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Huy

Whether you’re interested in learning about local history or soaking up the natural beauty of the town, there are plenty of things to do and see in Huy.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are interested in history or culture, Huy has several attractions that you shouldn’t miss:

  • The Citadel of Huy: A 19th-century fort that sits atop a hill overlooking the town.
  • The Main Square: Huy’s main square is surrounded by stunning old buildings and is where you’ll find the town hall and many cafes and restaurants.
  • Notre-Dame Collegiate Church: A 14th-century gothic church with an impressive interior and an exceptional collection of religious art.
  • The Grand Curtius Museum: A museum that showcases the history and heritage of Liege, with over 7000 works of art and artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Huy: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Huy is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, making it a popular destination for those who love hiking or just enjoying scenic views:

  • The Fort de Huy Hiking Trail: This trail takes hikers along the fortifications and trenches of the Citadel of Huy.
  • The RAVeL Route between Huy and Ciney: This 29-kilometer trail is perfect for biking, walking, or running and leads visitors through some of the most stunning natural scenery of the Meuse Valley.
  • Mount Falhize: A great place to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings from the top of this hill.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Huy

With its stunning natural landscapes, Huy offers many hiking and biking trails that visitors can explore.

  • The GR 57 Trail: This 130-kilometer trail takes hikers from Liege to La-Roche-en-Ardenne and passes through Huy.
  • The RAVeL Route between Huy and Ciney: This 29-kilometer trail offers a wide and picturesque view of the Meuse Valley.

Best Things to Do in Huy: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking trails, there are many other activities and tours available for those visiting Huy:

  • Kayaking on the Meuse: Rent a kayak or join a guided tour to explore the scenic Meuse River.
  • Visit the local brewery: Brewery Grain d’Orge offers brewery tours and tastings.
  • Attend a local festival: Huy has many festivals and events throughout the year, with the most famous being the Festivities of Saint-Quentin (Fêtes de Saint-Quentin) in August.

Week-Long Itinerary for Huy

If you have planned a trip to Huy for a week, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrive in Huy and take a walk around the Old Town including the Grand Curtius Museum and Notre-Dame Collegiate Church.
Day 2 Take a bike ride along RAVeL Route between Huy and Ciney.
Day 3 Hike to the top of Mount Falhize to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings.
Day 4 Visit the Citadel of Huy and take the Fort de Huy Hiking Trail.
Day 5 Kayaking on the Meuse River or visit the local brewery - Grain d’Orge.
Day 6 Attend a local festival or event.
Day 7 Spend a relaxed day exploring Huy at leisure and buy some souvenirs to take back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Huy

When it comes to food and drink, Huy has plenty of options for foodies to explore.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Boulets a la Liegeoise: Meatballs prepared with Liège sauce and served with fries.
  • Gaufres de Liège: Waffles served with a variety of toppings, such as chocolate or whipped cream.
  • Cheese from Herve: A soft-ripened cheese made from cow’s milk.

Local Beverages

  • Beer: Huy has several breweries, and Grain d’Orge is the most famous for its craft beer.
  • Coffee: Huy has many cafes with great coffee and pastries.

Where to Stay in Huy: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, Huy has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.

  • Les Jardins de la Molignée: A charming guesthouse surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Chateau de la Motte: A beautiful castle that has been converted into a hotel and spa.
  • Hôtel du Fort: A modern hotel near the Citadel of Huy.

What to Buy in Huy: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Huy is famous for its local products, and some souvenirs to bring back home include:

  • Handcrafted ceramics and pottery from Atelier du Soleil
  • Local beer from Grain d’Orge brewery.
  • Artisanal chocolate and candy from local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Huy

When visiting Huy, it is good to keep a few things in mind about the local culture and customs:

  • The locals are friendly and hospitable. Striking up a conversation is a great way to get to know the town.
  • French is the official language, although many people in Huy also speak German and Dutch.
  • Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated.

Best Time to Visit Huy

The best time to visit Huy is in the summer (June-August) when the weather is warm and many festivals and events are held throughout the town.

Do’s and Don’ts of Huy

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beer.
  • Explore the scenic hiking and biking trails.
  • Learn about the local history and culture.

Don’t:

  • Carry large amounts of cash or valuable items in public areas.
  • Be disrespectful towards local customs or beliefs.
  • Litter or damage any historical or cultural sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Huy

Huy is a safe town, and violent crime is rare. However, it is always important to exercise the same caution as you would in any other city. Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Health in Huy

Huy has good health facilities, and visitors can access medical services in case of an emergency. European Union citizens can avail of free emergency health care, but it is best to invest in travel insurance for non-European Union citizens.

Getting to Huy: Transportation Options and Logistics

Huy is well-connected to various parts of Belgium and Europe.

Airports Near Huy

The nearest airports to Huy are the Brussels Airport and Liege Airport.

Bus Stations Near Huy

There are several bus stations in Huy, including the Huy Station and the Huy Rue Rys de Mosbeux.

Other Options

Another popular way to get to Huy is by train. From major cities like Brussels, the train journey takes around an hour and a half.

How to Get Around in Huy

Huy is a small town that can be explored on foot, but there are also several public transportation options available, such as buses and taxi services.

Where to Go Next from Huy: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you still have time in your Belgium itinerary, Huy is a great base for exploring other nearby destinations:

  • Liege: A historic city that is home to the famous Montagne de Bueren steps and the Saint Paul Cathedral, is just a short drive away.
  • Namur: A charming town that is just half an hour drive from Huy, with stunning castles and museums.

Conclusion

Huy is cute, charming, and full of character, it won’t take long to fall in love with this little town. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or just want to experience the local culture, Huy has something to offer for everyone. Plan your trip to Huy with our comprehensive guide, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.