🇧🇪Belgium · Places to discover
What to see in Spa?
21 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Spa gave its name to every spa town in the world, which says plenty about its history. Nestled in the Liège Ardennes, this town of 10,000 inhabitants has lived to the rhythm of its iron-rich springs since the sixteenth century, frequented by crowned heads and philosophers. Today it combines thermal heritage, dense forests and the Francorchamps circuit just a few kilometres away, giving it a dual identity that's quite rare.
Spring and autumn offer the best conditions: crowds remain manageable and the surrounding woods take on colour. Allow a full weekend to visit the Thermes de Spa, stroll around the Géronstère spring and explore the Sept Heures park. From Liège, the train drops you straight into the town centre. Avoid Grand Prix weekends: prices double and accommodation books months ahead.
Landmarks & heritage
7 places
1WikipediaLandmark
Géronstère Spring
Historic mineral spring accessible by a forest path from Spa, set among centuries-old beech trees. One of the region's oldest known springs, already documented in the 16th century.
2Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Spa Thermal Baths
The historic spa of the city that gave its name to the word 'spa' worldwide. Baths, treatments and Belle Époque architecture in the heart of the thermal resort.
3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Landmark
Casino de Spa
The world's oldest continuously operating casino, founded in 1763. The Belle Époque building overlooks the town and deserves a visit for its architecture and history as much as for gaming.
4Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand
An emblematic iron-rich spring housed under a 19th-century neoclassical building, dedicated to Tsar Peter the Great who came to take the waters in 1717. The naturally sparkling water can be tasted on site.
- 5
Landmark
Landmark
Spa Town Hall
Neoclassical building from the 19th century adorned with frescoes recalling the town's thermal heyday. The surrounding square is the beating heart of authentic Spa, away from tourist circuits.
- 6
Landmark
Landmark
Barisart Bath
A former iron-rich spring set in peaceful woodland away from the town centre. A favourite walking spot for locals for centuries, far removed from the crowds.
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Landmark
Landmark
Royal Villa of Spa
Former rest residence of Belgian sovereigns, today a luxury hotel. The façade and gardens bear witness to the era when Spa was nicknamed 'the café of Europe'.
Museums
1 place
8Wikimedia CommonsMuseum
Spa Water Town Museum
Traces the history of Spa as the European capital of thermal tourism from the 17th to 19th centuries. Collections of fine lacquered wooden objects known as 'Spa trinkets', a unique local craft specialty.
Religious sites
2 places
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Religious site
Religious site
Chapel of Our Lady of Spa
Small votive chapel nestled in a verdant setting overlooking the town, a quiet pilgrimage site for locals. Clear views over Spa's rooftops and surrounding wooded hills.
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Religious site
Religious site
Saint-Remacle Church, Spa
An 18th-century baroque building in the heart of the town, with richly decorated interior. A testament to Spa's prestige during the era when the town welcomed European aristocracy.
Nature
5 places
11Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Nature
Malchamps Bog
Extensive peatland on the flanks of the Ardennes plateau at the edge of Spa, with heather and sphagnum moss vegetation unique in Belgium. Wild and exotic landscape just 10 minutes from the town centre.
12Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Nature
Artists' Promenade
A marked forest trail winding through the woods above Spa, dotted with outdoor sculptures. A 3 km route blending contemporary art and Ardenne nature.
13Wikimedia CommonsNature
Barisart Fountain
Spring captured in the middle of Spa's woods, accessible on foot from the town centre. A quiet, authentic spot where locals still fill their bottles with iron-rich water.
14Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 2.0Nature
Warfaaz Lake
An artificial lake just a stone's throw from Spa's centre, surrounded by Ardenne forests. Ideal for an early morning jog, a boat trip or simply sitting by the water.
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Nature
Nature
Tonnelet – Tonnelet Spring
Isolated iron-rich spring in a wooded valley, with a small historic pavilion. Regulars come here to stock up on naturally carbonated mineral water directly from the source.
Viewpoints
2 places
- 16
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Balmoral Plateau
Wooded plateau overlooking Spa, accessible by cable car or on foot, where Belgian royal families once had holiday villas. Calm atmosphere and breathtaking greenery.
- 17
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Sauvenière Viewpoint
Viewpoint overlooking the Vesdre valley and the Ardennes hills, accessible on foot from Spa town centre. Spectacular sunset over the surrounding forests.
Activities
4 places
18Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Activity
Spa Cable Car
Aerial tramway connecting Spa town centre to Balmoral plateau, offering sweeping views over the town and forests. An original and local way to discover the Ardennes landscape.
19Wikimedia CommonsActivity
GR 5 Long-Distance Trail - Spa Section
The GR 5 traverses the woods and moorlands around Spa, offering wild Ardennes landscapes accessible from the town centre. Ideal for a half-day hike through deep forest.
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Activity
Activity
Spa Thermal Baths (excursion from Eupen)
Located 25 km from Eupen, Spa Thermal Baths offer hot spring bathing, saunas and treatments in a renovated Art Deco setting. Local residents from Eupen regularly visit for a day of relaxation, enjoying the iron-rich water from Ardennes springs.
- 21
Activity
Activity
Spa Swimming Pool - Aqua Sana
Modern aquatic centre adjoining the thermal spa, with heated outdoor pools and views over the forest. A very different experience from standard urban swimming pools.
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