🇧🇪Belgium · Places to discover
What to see in Arlon?
24 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Arlon is Belgium's oldest city, founded in Gallo-Roman times, and this historical depth is still legible in the alleyways climbing towards the hill of Saint-Donat. The Archaeological Museum at Arlon holds one of the most substantial collections of Roman funeral stelae in northern Europe, giving it a seriousness that few cities of this size can claim. Capital of the Luxembourg province, it operates at its own rhythm, between Belgium and the Greater Region.
Two days are enough to take it in without rushing, ideally in spring or early autumn when the light on the old town is sharp. Getting there by train from Brussels via Luxembourg-City is straightforward. Avoid concentrating your visit solely on the Grand-Place on a Sunday: most shops and the museum are closed, and the city seems sleepier than it truly is.
Landmarks & heritage
5 places
- 1
Landmark
Landmark
Royal Theatre of Arlon
Small 19th-century Italian-style theatre, designated exceptional heritage of Wallonia, with an intimate auditorium and well-preserved period interior decor. An overlooked gem even to Belgians.
- 2
Landmark
Landmark
Medieval Ramparts of Arlon
Fragments of the former medieval fortifications still visible in the urban fabric, notably on Rue des Remparts. A discreet yet authentic testimony to the fortified city of the Middle Ages.
- 3
Landmark
Landmark
Town Hall of Arlon
A neoclassical building from the 19th century standing proudly on the Grand-Place, a symbol of civil architecture in Luxembourg Province. Its austere and elegant façade deserves close attention.
- 4
Landmark
Landmark
Arlon Grand Place
Historic heart of the town, surrounded by 18th and 19th-century façades, with the atmosphere of a small provincial capital. The Saturday morning market is a cherished local institution.
- 5
Landmark
Landmark
Roman Tower of Arlon
Imposing remnant from the Gallo-Roman era, this third-century tower testifies to the city's past as a strategic crossroads of the Roman Empire. A rare monument in the Walloon region, often overlooked by hurried visitors.
Museums
2 places
6Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Museum
Arlon Archaeological Museum
One of Belgium's richest Gallo-Roman museums, with an exceptional collection of funerary stelae and ancient sculptures. Essential to understanding why Arlon was a major Roman city.
7Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Museum
Gaspar Museum, Arlon
A museum dedicated to sculpture and visual arts, housed in a listed building in the town centre. The permanent collection of 19th-century sculptures is of surprising quality for a town of this size.
Religious sites
4 places
8Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Religious site
Saint-Donat Church, Arlon
Neo-classical church perched on the Grand Place, built on the ruins of a medieval fortress. Its elevated position affords commanding views over the old town and Luxembourg hills.
9Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Religious site
Saint-Martin Church in Arlon
Major religious building in Arlon whose foundations date back to the early Christian era, with a partially preserved Romanesque nave. The continuity of worship on this site since the fourth century makes it a place of exceptional memory.
- 10
Religious site
Religious site
Sainte-Anne Chapel, Arlon
A small Baroque chapel nestled in the street of the same name, a place of popular devotion since the 17th century. A haven of tranquillity just steps away from the bustle of the town centre.
- 11
Religious site
Religious site
Crypt of Saint-Martin Church in Arlon
Beneath Saint-Martin Church lie Merovingian and Carolingian remains rarely visited. A journey through the successive layers of the city's history, from the fourth century to the present day.
Nature
3 places
- 12
Nature
Nature
Vire Valley – Vire Path
Path running alongside the River Vire through woods and damp meadows on the outskirts of Arlon. A verdant and little-frequented walk, ideal in spring when the banks come alive with wildflowers.
- 13
Nature
Nature
Étang de Wérister
A peaceful body of water on the outskirts of Arlon, surrounded by meadows and woodland, frequented by local anglers and Sunday walkers. The perfect spot to unwind away from tourist routes.
- 14
Nature
Nature
Arlon Forest – Romans' Trail
Network of marked trails through Arlon's municipal forest, following ancient Roman road routes. Ideal for a two-hour walk in nature, less than ten minutes on foot from the town centre.
Parks & gardens
2 places
- 15
Park
Park
Gaume Natural Park – Arlon Gateway
Just outside Arlon, the first trails of the Gaume natural park open onto typical bocage landscapes of southern Belgium. A gentle transition between town and deep nature.
- 16
Park
Park
Gaspar d'Arlon Park
The green lung of the town centre, this 19th-century tree-lined park is where Arlonais come to recharge during the week. Its ancient century-old trees and pond create a timeless space.
Viewpoints
2 places
- 17
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Old Cemetery Viewpoint, Arlon
This historic cemetery perched on a hilltop offers an unexpected view over the rooftops of Arlon and the Gaume countryside. A place of memory and absolute tranquillity, with remarkable 19th-century burials.
- 18
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Knipp Viewpoint
The highest point of Arlon offering a 360° panorama over the town, the Gaume and the hills of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on clear days. Accessible on foot from the town centre, it is the locals' favourite viewpoint.
Activities
4 places
- 19
Activity
Activity
RAVeL Cycle Route – Arlon–Athus Section
A former railway line converted into a cycle path running through the Gaume countryside between Arlon and Athus. Ideal for a two to three-hour bike ride through hedgerows and picturesque villages.
- 20
Activity
Activity
Olympic Swimming Pool, Arlon
A quality sports facility open to the public, with an Olympic pool and wellness area. Locals come here with their families at weekends, away from tourist crowds.
- 21
Activity
Activity
Saturday Market, Arlon
One of the largest weekly markets in Luxembourg Province, overflowing the Grand-Place and its adjoining lanes. Local producers, Gaume cheeses, flowers and textiles: an immersion in Arlon life.
- 22
Activity
Activity
Arlon Cultural Centre – Rotonde
Venue and dynamic cultural centre offering an eclectic programme: theatre, concerts, temporary exhibitions. The cultural pulse of the city, frequented by a discerning local audience.
More to discover
2 places
23Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Place
Belgium–Luxembourg Border – Kleinbettingen Bridge
A few kilometres from Arlon, this historic border post marks the boundary with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. A geographical and historical curiosity, with the possibility of dining in two countries on the same day.
- 24
Place
Place
Neumünster District – Barracks Street
Former military quarter converted into residential and craft zone, with rehabilitated 19th-century barracks buildings. An architectural walk off the beaten path to grasp Arlon's military history.
Also 🇧🇪 in Belgium
