Durbuy Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & Stay

Looking for a weekend getaway in Belgium surrounded by nature, cute little streets, good food and plenty of activities? Durbuy is one of my favourite places to escape to.

I’ve been coming to Durbuy with my family at least twice a year for many years, so I know the area quite well. This also means I’ve had plenty of time to discover different activities, restaurants, shops and places around Durbuy, rather than just visiting once as a tourist.

Often called one of the smallest cities in the world, Durbuy is a tiny, picturesque town in the Belgian Ardennes. The town itself is small enough to explore on foot in just a few hours, but the Durbuy area has so much more to offer.

Think beautiful walks through the Ardennes, kayaking on the Ourthe, adventure activities, cosy restaurants, cute shops and plenty of places to have a drink with friends.

Durbuy is also one of my favourite options for a Belgian getaway, and if you’re looking for more ideas, check out my guide to the Best Weekend Trips in Belgium.

And honestly, I think Durbuy is at its best as a weekend trip with friends. Rent a beautiful house somewhere in the surrounding villages, spend the day exploring and doing activities, cook or go out for dinner, and end the evening with drinks together.

In this Durbuy travel guide, I’ll share where to stay, how to get around, the best things to do, where to eat and my personal tips for making the most of a trip to Durbuy.

Practical Info

Where to Stay in Durbuy

If you’re travelling to Durbuy with a group of friends, my biggest recommendation is actually not to stay in the centre of Durbuy itself.

Instead, look for one of the beautiful holiday homes in the surrounding villages. You’ll usually get much more space, and having a house with a hot tub, sauna or terrace makes a Durbuy weekend even better.

La Manoir de Heyd

If you are travelling with a bigger group, La Manoir de Heyd is an absolute recommendation from me.

It is located in Heyd, around a 15-minute drive from Durbuy, so you’ll definitely want a car, but the location is perfect if you are looking for a group getaway.

The house is made for up to 14 people and honestly has everything you could want for a weekend away with friends.

There is a beautiful terrace with little lights, a hot tub, sauna, pool table, a great outdoor area and even way too many TVs.

What I especially loved is that so much of the house was made by the owners themselves. You can really see the amount of work and personality that went into the place.

And the owners themselves were absolutely lovely.

If you’re looking for a place where you can spend as much time together at the accommodation as you do exploring the Ardennes, this is definitely one I’d recommend.

My tip: If you’re going with a big group, stay here and use it as your base to explore Durbuy and the surrounding area.

If you’re looking for more specific recommendations on where to stay, I’ve also put together a guide to Where to Stay in Durbuy, including the best areas and accommodation options for different types of trips.

Short on time?

Here are my top accommodation picks in Durbuy:

Durbuy Historic Centre: Hotel des Comtes Durbuy
Barvaux-sur-Ourthe: Azur en Ardenne
Surrounding Villages & Countryside: La Manoir de Heyd

How to Get Around Durbuy

By Car

My number one recommendation for Durbuy is: come by car.

Technically, you can get to the area by train and bus, but public transport in this part of Wallonia can be quite inconvenient, especially if you want to visit several different places.

The problem is that many of the activities you will probably want to do aren’t actually in the tiny centre of Durbuy.

For example, Adventure Valley, kayaking and many hiking spots are spread around the surrounding villages.

Having a car gives you much more freedom to explore the region at your own pace.

If you’re travelling around Belgium and planning to combine Durbuy with other destinations, my guide to Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport explains how to get between Belgian cities and regions.

By Train

You can get to the Durbuy area by train, but it is not the easiest option.

The nearest useful station is Bomal, from where you can continue towards Durbuy by bus or another form of transport. The bus connection between Bomal and Durbuy is possible, but services are limited compared with what you might be used to in Flanders.

So if you’re planning to do several activities around Durbuy, I would definitely choose a car if possible.

Getting Around Durbuy Centre

Once you’re actually in Durbuy itself, you don’t need a car.

The historic centre is tiny and very walkable.

Park your car and explore the old streets, shops, cafés and riverfront on foot.

Activities & Sights

I’ve covered the main activities below, but if you want a more detailed breakdown of what to do in Durbuy, including what each activity is like, who it’s best for and how to fit everything into your trip, check out my guide to the 15 Best Things to Do in Durbuy.

1. Explore Durbuy on Foot

The number one thing to do in Durbuy is simply walk around.

The old town is incredibly picturesque, with cobbled streets, stone buildings, little shops and cosy cafés.

Because Durbuy is so small, you can easily wander around without following a strict itinerary.

Take your time, explore the little streets and stop whenever you see a shop or café that catches your eye.

2. Go for a Walk in the Ardennes

If you’re visiting Durbuy, you absolutely need to get into nature.

There are plenty of walking routes in and around Durbuy, ranging from shorter walks to longer hikes through the Ardennes.

This is actually one of my favourite things about visiting the area.

You don’t necessarily need an expensive activity or a packed itinerary. Sometimes just walking through the forest and ending with a drink somewhere is the perfect Durbuy day.

3. Walk Along the Ourthe

The Ourthe River runs right through Durbuy and is one of the most beautiful parts of the town.

Take a walk along the river and enjoy the views of the old town and surrounding hills.

It is also the river you’ll be kayaking on if you decide to try one of the area’s most popular activities.

4. Visit La Roche à la Falize

For beautiful views over the Ardennes, check out La Roche à la Falize.

It is a great place to combine with a walk and gives you a different perspective of the surrounding landscape.

If you’re visiting Durbuy mainly for nature, add viewpoints like this to your itinerary rather than spending the entire day in the town centre.

5. Discover the Castle

Durbuy’s castle is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.

You can’t simply walk into every part of the castle, but seeing it from the town and river is part of what makes Durbuy so picturesque.

It’s especially beautiful when walking along the Ourthe.

6. Adventure Valley Durbuy

If you’re looking for something more active, head to Adventure Valley Durbuy.

This is one of the biggest activity parks in the region and is a great option for families, groups of friends or anyone who gets bored just walking around cute little towns.

There are loads of activities, including:

Bowling
Climbing
Laser game
Fast Tag
Adventure activities
Outdoor activities
Kayaking

The indoor section is especially useful when the weather isn’t cooperating.

My personal experience

I tried the Fast Tag here.

Honestly? It wasn’t really my favourite activity and I thought it was a little disappointing.

But there are so many other things to do at Adventure Valley that I would still recommend going, especially if you’re visiting with a group.

The indoor pass currently includes activities such as Fast Tag, laser game, bowling and the Kidzone, although exact activities and prices can change.

7. Play Laser Game

If you’re travelling with friends, laser game is a fun option.

Adventure Valley has an indoor laser game through an illuminated maze, with robots and dinosaurs adding bonus points to the game. A session lasts around 25 minutes.

It is especially useful as a rainy-day activity.

8. Go Kayaking on the Ourthe

One of the best summer activities around Durbuy is kayaking on the Ourthe.

Adventure Valley offers several routes, including routes between Durbuy and Barvaux and other sections depending on water levels.

It’s a great way to see the Ardennes from a completely different perspective.

Kayaking is generally available from spring through autumn, but routes can change depending on the water level, so always check the conditions before you go.

9. Go Shopping in Durbuy

Durbuy is surprisingly good for shopping.

The centre is full of little independent shops selling everything from clothes and jewellery to homeware, food and gifts.

One of my personal favourites is L’Herbe Rouge.

I honestly love this shop and almost always end up buying something there.

The quality-to-price ratio is really good, so even if you’re not normally someone who shops while travelling, I’d still have a look inside.

10. Guided Wine Tasting in Durbuy

Taste five wines with a wine expert and learn more about Belgian wine in a relaxed setting.

11. Visit the Sunday Market in Bomal

If you’re in the Durbuy area on a Sunday morning, make your way to Bomal for the La Petite Batte market.

The market takes place every Sunday morning and combines food, local products, clothing, flowers, second-hand goods and a brocante atmosphere.

It’s a nice little addition to a weekend in the Ardennes, especially if you’re staying in a holiday home and want to buy some local products for an aperitif.

Sunday market in Bomal near Durbuy, Belgium

12. Go for a Longer Walk Outside Durbuy

While the centre of Durbuy is perfect for a short walk, some of the best hikes are actually outside Durbuy itself.

Because I visit the area regularly with my family, I would definitely recommend looking beyond the town centre and exploring places such as Heyd, Bomal and the surrounding Ardennes.

There are longer walking routes through forests, hills and small villages, and this is where you really get to experience the peaceful side of the region.

You can, for example, make a day out of it by starting a longer hike around Heyd or Bomal, stopping somewhere for lunch or a drink and then heading back to your accommodation.

This is also one of the reasons I recommend having a car in Durbuy. The region is much bigger than the town itself, and some of the most beautiful walks are scattered around the surrounding villages.

If you have already explored Durbuy’s old town, don’t be afraid to spend a day outside Durbuy itself. The surrounding Ardennes are arguably one of the best parts of the trip.

13. Christmas Market in Durbuy

Durbuy is also a beautiful place to visit during the Christmas season.

The Christmas market transforms the tiny old town into a cosy winter destination, with decorated streets, Christmas lights, wooden stalls and plenty of food and drinks.

It’s especially nice in the evening when the lights are on and the whole town feels extra magical.

If you are visiting Durbuy around Christmas, I would definitely plan some time to simply walk through the old town after dark, grab a warm drink and enjoy the atmosphere.

The Christmas market is also a popular time to visit, so expect it to be busier than during a normal winter weekend.

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Food & Drinks

Durbuy might be tiny, but there are plenty of places to eat and drink.

Most restaurants and cafés are concentrated around the centre, especially around Place aux Foires and Avenue Hubert Philippart. If you don’t have a specific place in mind, these are good areas to simply walk around, check the menus and see what catches your eye.

Eduard Garden Café

For lunch or brunch, check out Eduard Garden Café.

It’s a lovely place to slow down and enjoy something to eat before continuing your day.

Limoni e Tartufi

For dinner, Limoni e Tartufi is one of my recommendations.

If you’re looking for a nice evening meal after a day of hiking or activities, this is a great option.

La Gourmandine & Durbuy Ice Cream

If you’re looking for something sweet while exploring Durbuy, La Gourmandine and Durbuy Ice Cream are two places to check out.

La Gourmandine is a lovely spot to stop for a coffee, dessert or something sweet while wandering through the old town.

And of course, you can’t visit Durbuy on a sunny day without getting an ice cream. Durbuy Ice Cream makes its ice cream fresh on the spot, which makes it extra delicious. After walking around the little streets or along the Ourthe, grabbing an ice cream is basically mandatory.

A Local Tip

If you’re looking for somewhere to have a drink or an aperitif, stick around Place aux Foires and Avenue Hubert Philippart. These areas have plenty of terraces and cafés, making them perfect for sitting down after a day of exploring.

Social & Connections

Durbuy has a much more laid-back atmosphere than some of Belgium’s bigger tourist destinations.

Don’t come here expecting a huge nightlife scene or endless things to do after 10 PM.

Instead, Durbuy is perfect for:

Friends’ weekends
Hiking trips
Aperitifs
Long dinners
Outdoor activities
Relaxing in a holiday home
Spending time together

And something I always find funny about Durbuy is that, even though you’re technically in Wallonia, you’ll meet so many Flemish and Dutch visitors that sometimes it feels like you’ve barely left Flanders.

Especially around the tourist centre, you’ll hear plenty of Dutch.

Tips & Tricks

Stay in a Holiday Home

My biggest tip is to stay in a holiday home rather than a hotel, especially if you’re travelling with friends.

Something like La Manoir de Heyd gives you a completely different experience.

Having your own kitchen, living room, outdoor space, hot tub and sauna means the accommodation becomes part of the trip rather than somewhere you simply sleep.

Bring a Car

If you want to get the most out of the region, bring a car.

Durbuy itself is tiny, but the Durbuy region is much bigger.

Many activities and villages are spread out, and public transport connections aren’t always convenient.

Don’t Plan Every Minute

Durbuy is one of those places where you don’t need a packed itinerary.

Do a hike, explore the town, have lunch, go for an aperitif and enjoy your accommodation.

Sometimes the best part of a Durbuy weekend is simply sitting outside with your friends and doing absolutely nothing.

Visit Durbuy Early

The centre can get busy, particularly during weekends and holidays.

If you want to experience the little streets without huge crowds, go earlier in the day.

You can then explore the town before settling down for lunch or heading into nature.

Check the Weather

A lot of the best things to do around Durbuy are outdoors.

Hiking, kayaking and many Adventure Valley activities are much more enjoyable with good weather.

That said, having an indoor activity like laser game or bowling as a backup is a great idea.

Reflection & Notes

What I love about Durbuy is that it doesn’t try to be something it isn’t.

It is a tiny town surrounded by a huge amount of nature and activities.

You can spend the morning walking through the old streets, go kayaking or to Adventure Valley in the afternoon, have dinner together and then head back to your holiday home for drinks.

For me, it is especially the kind of place I would recommend for a group of friends.

You’re not coming here for a crazy nightlife weekend. You’re coming for the combination of nature, activities, food, beautiful accommodation and quality time together.

And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

How Long Do You Need in Durbuy?

I would recommend 2–3 days for a Durbuy weekend.

One day is enough to explore the town itself, but you’ll miss out on many of the activities and beautiful places surrounding it.

One day in Durbuy

Morning: Explore the old town + shopping

Afternoon: Walk along the Ourthe + hike

Evening: Dinner + drinks

Two days in Durbuy

Day 1: Durbuy town + shopping + hiking + dinner

Day 2: Adventure Valley or kayaking + drinks + relaxing at your accommodation

Three days in Durbuy

With three days, you can slow everything down and combine several activities.

Day 1: Durbuy town + hiking + dinner

Day 2: Adventure Valley + aperitif + evening at your holiday home

Day 3: Bomal Sunday market + kayaking or another hike + lunch

If you’re planning a weekend in Durbuy, I’ve also put together a 3-Day Durbuy Itinerary with a more detailed day-by-day plan for the perfect weekend in the Ardennes.

Day Trips from Durbuy

Durbuy is a great base for exploring more of Belgium. If you have extra time, you can visit several Belgian cities on a day trip, although some journeys are longer and may require a combination of bus and train.

Hasselt

Around 1 hour 30 minutes by car or around 2 hours by public transport
Relaxed city known for shopping, cosy streets, food and a lively atmosphere
→ Find my Hasselt Travel Guide

Leuven

Around 1h30 by car or around 2h30 by public transport
Lively student city with beautiful architecture, cosy bars and a relaxed atmosphere
→ Find my Leuven Travel Guide

Brussels

Around 1h30 by car or around 2h30 by public transport
Belgium’s capital, with historic architecture, museums, food, nightlife and plenty to explore
→ Find my Brussels Travel Guide

Antwerp

Around 2 hours by car or around 2h30–3h by public transport
Fashion, art, shopping and trendy cafés, perfect for a day of urban exploring
→ Find my Antwerp Travel Guide

Ghent

Around 2 hours by car or around 3h by public transport
Medieval streets, canals, cosy cafés and a lively student atmosphere
→ Find my Ghent Travel Guide

Bruges

Around 2h15 by car or around 3h30 by public transport
Cobblestone streets, canals, chocolate shops and fairytale-like architecture
→ Find my Bruges Travel Guide

Ostend

Around 2h30 by car or around 3h30–4h by public transport
Belgium’s coast, with sandy beaches, fresh sea air and seafood by the sea
→ Find my Ostend Travel Guide

Final Thoughts: Is Durbuy Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

But I think the key is to understand what kind of trip Durbuy is best for.

If you’re looking for a huge city with endless museums, nightlife and public transport, Durbuy probably isn’t for you.

But if you’re looking for a beautiful Ardennes getaway with friends, it is hard to beat.

You get a cute historic town, beautiful nature, hiking, kayaking, adventure activities, good food and some amazing holiday homes.

My biggest recommendation? Don’t just visit Durbuy for a day. Stay somewhere beautiful nearby, rent a car and explore the wider area.

That way, you get the best of both worlds: the charm of Durbuy itself and everything the surrounding Ardennes has to offer.

Still deciding whether Durbuy is worth adding to your Belgium trip? I’ve also shared my honest opinion on whether Durbuy is worth visiting, including who I think will love it, and who might prefer somewhere else.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

Durbuy Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & Weekend Tips
Is Durbuy Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion
Where to Stay in Durbuy: Best Areas & Hotels
Things to do Durbuy: 15 Best Things to Do in Durbuy, Belgium
The Perfect Weekend in Durbuy, Belgium: 3-Day Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions About Durbuy

What are the best things to do in Durbuy?
Some of the best things to do in Durbuy include exploring the old town, hiking in the Ardennes, walking along the Ourthe, visiting Adventure Valley, kayaking, shopping in the local boutiques and enjoying the area’s restaurants and cafés.

Is Durbuy worth visiting for a weekend?
Yes! Durbuy is perfect for a weekend getaway, especially with friends. While the town itself is small, the surrounding area offers plenty of activities, including hiking, kayaking and Adventure Valley. Staying in a holiday home also makes it easy to enjoy a more relaxed weekend.

Do you need a car to visit Durbuy?
A car is highly recommended if you want to explore more than just the town centre. Durbuy itself is easy to walk around, but many activities and attractions are located outside the centre and public transport connections in the Ardennes can be limited.

What is Durbuy known for?
Durbuy is known for its picturesque medieval town centre, its location in the Belgian Ardennes and its reputation as one of the smallest cities in the world. It is also popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and adventure sports.