Planning a weekend in Durbuy, Belgium? If you’re looking for a combination of outdoor activities, beautiful countryside, cute shops, good food and cosy evenings with friends, Durbuy is one of my favourite places for a short getaway.
Often called one of the smallest cities in the world, Durbuy is a tiny, picturesque town in the Belgian Ardennes. The historic centre is small enough to explore on foot in just a few hours, but the surrounding Durbuy area has so much more to offer.
Think beautiful walks through the Ardennes, kayaking on the Ourthe River, adventure activities, cosy restaurants, independent shops and plenty of places to have a drink with friends.
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 together or go out for dinner, and end the evening with drinks. This is basically how I would plan a perfect weekend in Durbuy, based on the kind of weekends I usually have there.
In this 3-day Durbuy weekend itinerary, I’ll share what to do from Friday to Sunday, where to stay, which activities I’d choose and how to explore the area without rushing from one attraction to another.
If you want a more complete overview beyond this itinerary, check out my Durbuy Travel Guide for more things to do, places to eat, where to stay and practical tips.
Your Durbuy Weekend at a Glance
If you only have a weekend in Durbuy, this is how I’d organise your three days.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Travel to Durbuy | Check in and settle in | Cook together or have dinner and drinks |
| Saturday | Kayaking or Adventure Valley | Explore Durbuy, shop and get ice cream | Dinner and optional bowling or laser tag |
| Sunday | Visit the Bomal Sunday market | Hike, walk or have a picnic | Head home |
The nice thing about this Durbuy itinerary is that it combines outdoor activities, nature, the town itself and plenty of time to actually enjoy your weekend.
You won’t be running from one attraction to another all day. And that’s exactly how I think a weekend away should be.
Friday: Arrive in Durbuy and Settle In
Evening: Check In and Take It Easy
I wouldn’t plan anything major for Friday.
If you’re travelling to Durbuy after work, you’ll probably arrive in the late afternoon or evening anyway. Use this time to check into your accommodation, unpack and settle in.
And this is one of the reasons I love staying in a holiday home when visiting Durbuy with friends.
Instead of immediately having to go somewhere, you can put some music on, open a bottle of wine, make dinner together and actually enjoy the house.
If you’re staying somewhere with a terrace, hot tub or sauna, even better.
Cook Together or Go Out for Dinner
If you’ve rented a house, I’d honestly recommend cooking together on Friday evening.
Stop at a supermarket on the way to Durbuy, buy everything you need for dinner and make it part of the weekend.
It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Pasta, pizza, tacos, a big salad, snacks and drinks — whatever works for your group.
Alternatively, if you arrive early enough and don’t feel like cooking, book a restaurant in Durbuy and start your weekend with dinner in town.
Have a Drink in Durbuy
After dinner, you can head into Durbuy for a drink at one of the cafés or terraces.
Don’t expect a huge nightlife scene here. Durbuy isn’t really a party destination.
Instead, think wine, cocktails, beer, sitting outside and talking for hours.
And honestly, for a weekend with friends, that’s exactly the vibe I want.
Saturday: Adventure, Exploring Durbuy and Dinner
Saturday is your main activity day during this Durbuy weekend itinerary.
I’d keep the morning active, spend the afternoon exploring Durbuy itself and then have a proper dinner before deciding whether you want to do another activity.
Saturday Morning: Go Kayaking on the Ourthe River
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, kayaking on the Ourthe is such a fun way to spend the morning.
You’re out on the water, surrounded by the Ardennes landscape, and you’re doing something active without it feeling like a workout.
There are different kayaking routes around Durbuy and Barvaux, with the exact options depending on the season and water conditions.
I’d book in advance during busy summer weekends and check the current conditions before you go.
My tip: Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and don’t forget sunscreen on sunny days.
If you’re planning to spend more time outdoors, you can find additional ideas in my guide to the 15 Best Things to Do in Durbuy.
Alternative: Spend the Morning at Adventure Valley Durbuy
If kayaking isn’t your thing, spend the morning at Adventure Valley Durbuy instead.
There are plenty of different activities, making it a good option for a group weekend in Durbuy. Everyone can choose something that suits them, whether that’s climbing, an outdoor activity or something indoors if the weather isn’t great.
I’ve personally tried climbing and Fast Tag here, and I would definitely recommend climbing. I actually really enjoyed it and would happily do it again.
Fast Tag, on the other hand, wasn’t really my thing. I found it a little disappointing, but that’s obviously personal.
The nice thing about Adventure Valley is that you can choose what suits your group best. You also don’t need to spend the entire day there. A morning is plenty if you want time to explore Durbuy itself afterwards.
Check the official Adventure Valley website for current activities, opening times, prices and availability before visiting.
Saturday Afternoon: Explore Durbuy Old Town
After your morning activity, head into Durbuy town centre.
This is when I’d do all the classic Durbuy things: walking through the old streets, browsing the shops, stopping for an ice cream and enjoying a drink on a terrace.
Walk Around the Historic Centre
Start by simply walking around.
The historic centre is tiny, so you don’t need a detailed route. Wander through the cobbled streets, look at the old stone buildings and explore the little streets around the centre.
You’ll come across views of the Ourthe River, Durbuy Castle and La Roche à la Falize along the way.
Take your time rather than trying to tick everything off a list.
If you’d like more inspiration for your afternoon, my Durbuy Travel Guide covers more places to see and practical tips for exploring the town.
Go Shopping in Durbuy
This is also the perfect moment for some shopping in Durbuy.
The town has independent shops selling clothes, jewellery, homeware, gifts, food and other little things.
One of my personal favourites is L’Herbe Rouge.
I honestly love this shop and almost always end up buying something there.
Even if you’re not normally someone who shops while travelling, I’d still have a look around the little boutiques because they’re part of the charm of Durbuy.
Get an Ice Cream
And obviously…
Get an ice cream.
After kayaking, climbing and walking around town, you’ve earned it.
Two places to check out are La Gourmandine and Durbuy Ice Cream. Check their current opening times before visiting, especially outside the main tourist season.
Especially on a sunny day, sitting down with an ice cream while wandering through Durbuy is basically mandatory.
You could also stop for coffee or cake if ice cream isn’t your thing.
Late Afternoon: Have a Drink on a Terrace
After shopping and your ice cream, don’t immediately move on to the next activity.
Sit down somewhere and have a drink.
This is one of my favourite parts of a Durbuy weekend. Find a terrace in the centre, order a drink and just relax for a while.
If you’re with friends, this is also the perfect moment for an aperitif before dinner.
You could check out places such as Edouard Garden Café for coffee, drinks or something to eat. Check current opening information before you go.
The point is not really where you go. It’s more about slowing down after a busy morning.
Saturday Evening: Dinner and an Optional Night Activity
Go Out for Dinner in Durbuy
For Saturday evening, I’d definitely go out for dinner.
You’ve spent the day being active, so this is the moment for a proper Belgian Ardennes dinner.
Durbuy has quite a few restaurants packed into the centre, ranging from casual places to more special dinner spots.
One restaurant I’d recommend checking out is Limoni e Tartufi.
If you’re travelling with a larger group, I’d book your table ahead of time, especially for Saturday night. That way, you can relax and enjoy dinner without having to find somewhere that can accommodate everyone at the last minute.
Still Have Energy? Go Bowling or Play Laser Tag
After dinner, you have two options.
Option 1: Head back to your holiday home.
Honestly, this is what I’d probably do most of the time.
Head back to your accommodation, put on some music, open some drinks and spend the rest of the evening together. If you’ve rented a house with a hot tub or sauna, this is the perfect time to use it.
Option 2: Do another activity.
If your group still has energy, you can do something more active.
Bowling and laser tag are both options to look into around Adventure Valley, alongside other activities in the Durbuy area. Laser tag can be fun with a group of friends, while bowling is a little more relaxed.
Just make sure you check opening times and book ahead if necessary.
Sunday: Bomal Market, Nature and a Slow Finish
Sunday should be a little more relaxed.
You’ve already had your big activity day, so I’d spend the morning exploring another part of the Durbuy area and the afternoon outside in nature.
Sunday Morning: Visit the Bomal Sunday Market
If you’re in Durbuy on a Sunday, go to Bomal in the morning.
Seriously.
La Petite Batte market takes place on Sunday mornings and is a lovely addition to a weekend in the area. You’ll find food, local products, clothes, flowers, second-hand items and plenty of random things you probably weren’t planning to buy.
It’s got a bit of a brocante atmosphere, which makes it fun to walk around even if you don’t actually need anything.
And if you’re staying in a holiday home, it’s the perfect place to pick up a few things for an aperitif or lunch.
I’d go relatively early, walk around the market, grab something to eat or drink and then head off for your final activity.
Check local information before travelling in case opening arrangements change on public holidays or during special events.
Sunday Afternoon: Go for a Walk in the Ardennes
After the market, it’s time for one last walk before heading home.
You have a few options depending on how you feel.
Option 1: Walk along the Ourthe.
If you don’t want anything too strenuous, go for a relaxed walk along the Ourthe River. This is a great option if you’ve already done plenty of walking and activities on Saturday.
Option 2: Hike in the Ardennes.
If you want something more active, choose a longer walking route through the Ardennes.
You could explore around Heyd, Bomal or another surrounding village.
This is actually one of my favourite things about the Durbuy area. The famous town is beautiful, but the surrounding countryside is arguably the best part.
You get forests, hills, small villages and much more peace than you’ll find in the centre of Durbuy.
Sunday Afternoon: Have Lunch and Head Home
After your walk, find somewhere for lunch or pack a picnic if the weather is good.
Then slowly pack your things, clean up your accommodation and head home.
Don’t try to squeeze in another major attraction just because you technically have a few hours left.
The whole point of this itinerary is that your weekend doesn’t feel rushed.
By Sunday afternoon, you’ve explored Durbuy, done an outdoor activity, browsed the shops, had an ice cream, enjoyed drinks on a terrace, eaten out, visited the Bomal market and explored the Ardennes.
That’s a pretty successful Durbuy weekend in my opinion.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in Durbuy
For this particular itinerary, I’d stay outside the centre of Durbuy.
Durbuy itself is beautiful, but if you’re travelling with friends, a holiday home in one of the surrounding villages gives you much more space.
You can cook together, have drinks at home, use a hot tub or sauna and actually spend time together instead of just sleeping in separate hotel rooms.
La Manoir de Heyd
If you’re travelling with a larger group, La Manoir de Heyd is one of my favourite recommendations.
It’s located in Heyd, around a 15-minute drive from Durbuy, so you’ll need a car.
The house sleeps up to 14 people and has a terrace with lights, a hot tub, sauna, pool table and a large outdoor area.
What I particularly like is that the house has so much personality. A lot of it was made by the owners themselves, so it feels much more personal than a standard holiday rental.
If you’re travelling with a big group and want the accommodation to be part of the weekend rather than just somewhere to sleep, this is exactly the kind of place I’d look for.
For more accommodation options and different areas, check out my full guide to Where to Stay in Durbuy.
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
Do You Need a Car for a Durbuy Weekend?
Yes, I would strongly recommend it.
You don’t need a car once you’re in Durbuy’s historic centre because the town is tiny and very walkable.
But this itinerary includes Durbuy, Bomal, Adventure Valley, kayaking and hiking in the surrounding villages. These places aren’t all within easy walking distance of each other.
Having a car means you can easily drive from your accommodation to Durbuy, Bomal or your hiking starting point without having to plan your entire weekend around public transport.
This is particularly important if you’re staying in Heyd, Bomal or another surrounding village.
If you’re planning to travel around Belgium as well, my guide to Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport explains when public transport works well and when having a car is a better option.
What to Book Before Your Durbuy Weekend
You don’t necessarily need to book everything, but I would organise a few things in advance.
Book Your Accommodation
Especially if you’re travelling with a larger group.
Popular holiday homes can fill up quickly, particularly for weekends and school holidays. If you’re looking for a house with a hot tub, sauna or space for a large group, start searching early.
Book Saturday Dinner
Saturday evening can be busy in Durbuy.
If there’s a specific restaurant you want to visit, book ahead. This is particularly useful if your group has several people or you’re travelling during a popular weekend.
Check Kayaking Availability
If you’re visiting during summer, I’d check kayaking availability in advance rather than arriving and hoping there’s space.
Routes and operating arrangements can depend on the season and water conditions, so confirm the details with the provider.
Check Adventure Valley
If you’re planning to do a specific activity, check the current opening times, prices and availability before you go.
Not every activity necessarily operates every day or in every season.
Check the Bomal Market
The Sunday market is a regular event, but it’s still worth checking the latest information if your trip falls on a public holiday or special event weekend.
What to Pack for a Weekend in Durbuy
You don’t need anything particularly fancy, but I’d definitely bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Clothes you can hike in.
- A rain jacket.
- Swimwear if your accommodation has a hot tub.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Sunscreen.
- Clothes you don’t mind getting wet if you’re kayaking.
- A small backpack for day activities.
- Something a little nicer for Saturday dinner.
And check the weather before you leave.
The perfect Durbuy weekend looks very different when it’s 25°C and sunny compared with 10°C and raining.
If you’re travelling around Belgium and want to know what else to pack depending on the season, check out my Belgium Packing List.
Planning your Belgium trip?
I created a Google Map with 540+ saved places from my years living and travelling around Belgium, including towns, things to do, cafés, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and hidden gems.
Durbuy Weekend Itinerary: What to Do If It Rains
Unfortunately, the Belgian weather doesn’t always cooperate.
If Saturday is rainy, don’t cancel your trip. Instead of kayaking or going on a long hike, look into indoor activities at Adventure Valley, such as bowling or laser tag, depending on current availability.
Then head into Durbuy for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the shops and cafés.
You can also make your accommodation part of the experience.
Cook together, use the sauna or hot tub if you have one, play games and have drinks.
Honestly, a rainy weekend in a cosy Ardennes house with friends can be just as good.
How Much Time Do You Need in Durbuy?
For this itinerary, I’d recommend two nights and three days.
That’s enough time to experience the town without feeling like you’re constantly checking the clock.
Here’s the simple version:
Friday evening: Arrive, check in, cook or go out for dinner, and have drinks.
Saturday: Go kayaking or visit Adventure Valley, explore Durbuy old town, shop, get ice cream, enjoy drinks and dinner, and optionally go bowling or play laser tag.
Sunday: Visit the Bomal market, go for an Ardennes walk, have a picnic or lunch, and drive home.
You could absolutely stay longer if you want to explore more of the region, but a weekend is the perfect amount of time for a first trip.
If you’re planning a longer trip around Belgium and aren’t sure how much time to spend in each destination, my guide to How Many Days in Belgium Do You Need? gives you ideas for planning a three-, five- or seven-day trip.
My Tips for the Perfect Durbuy Weekend
Don’t overplan. You don’t need to visit every attraction. Pick one big activity on Saturday morning, explore the town in the afternoon and leave plenty of time for food and drinks.
Stay outside the centre. Especially with friends. A house in the Ardennes with a terrace and hot tub can make the weekend much more memorable than a standard hotel room.
Explore beyond Durbuy itself. The town is tiny, so don’t spend your entire weekend there. Bomal, Heyd and the surrounding Ardennes are worth exploring too.
Bring a car. It makes the entire weekend much easier, especially if you’re staying outside the town centre.
Make dinner part of the experience. Whether you’re cooking together at your house or going out to a restaurant, don’t treat dinner as something you need to squeeze between activities.
Leave some empty time. This is probably my biggest tip. Don’t plan every minute. Some of my favourite Durbuy moments are literally just sitting on a terrace with friends, having a drink and talking.
Final Thoughts: My Perfect Weekend in Durbuy
If I had to plan a perfect weekend in Durbuy with friends, this is pretty much exactly how I’d do it.
I’d arrive on Friday evening, settle into a beautiful holiday home, cook dinner together and have a few drinks.
On Saturday, I’d start with something active: kayaking if the weather is good, or Adventure Valley if we want something different.
Then I’d spend the afternoon in Durbuy itself: walking through the old town, going into all the little shops, seeing the rock formation, getting an ice cream and eventually finding a terrace for a drink.
Saturday evening is for a proper dinner, followed by either drinks back at the house or one last activity like bowling or laser tag.
Then on Sunday, I’d absolutely go to the Bomal market before spending the afternoon walking through the Ardennes.
If the weather is good, I’d pack a picnic. If it’s raining, we’d have lunch back at the house and then slowly make our way home.
And that’s exactly why I love Durbuy.
You don’t have to fill every minute with sightseeing. It’s the combination of nature, activities, food, drinks, cute streets and spending time together that makes it such a good weekend getaway.
If you’re planning a trip, start with my Durbuy Travel Guide, browse my guide to Where to Stay in Durbuy and save my 15 Best Things to Do in Durbuy for more ideas.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions About a Weekend in Durbuy
Is Durbuy good for a weekend getaway?
Yes! Durbuy is a great destination for a weekend getaway with friends, a partner or family. You can combine the picturesque old town with hiking, kayaking, adventure activities, restaurants and cosy accommodation in the Belgian Ardennes.
How many days do you need in Durbuy?
I’d recommend two nights and three days for a relaxed Durbuy weekend. One day is enough to see the town, but a full weekend gives you time to explore the surrounding Ardennes and enjoy activities such as kayaking or Adventure Valley.
What should I do in Durbuy for three days?
For three days, I’d explore Durbuy’s old town on Saturday afternoon, go kayaking or visit Adventure Valley in the morning, visit the Bomal Sunday market and spend Sunday afternoon hiking in the Ardennes.
Is Durbuy good for a group weekend?
Absolutely. Durbuy is a great option for a group weekend because there are outdoor activities, restaurants and holiday homes with space for everyone. Staying in a house in the surrounding villages can make the weekend especially enjoyable.
Where should you stay for a weekend in Durbuy?
If you’re travelling with friends, I’d consider staying in one of the surrounding villages rather than directly in Durbuy centre. You may find more space and holiday homes with terraces, hot tubs and saunas. You’ll generally want a car if you stay outside the centre.
Do you need a car for a weekend in Durbuy?
I strongly recommend one. Durbuy centre is very walkable, but activities and villages around Durbuy are spread out. A car makes it easier to visit Bomal, go hiking and reach activities such as kayaking and Adventure Valley.
What can you do in Durbuy when it rains?
Look into indoor activities at Adventure Valley, such as bowling or laser tag, depending on availability. You can also explore the shops, cafés and restaurants in Durbuy or simply enjoy your holiday home.
Is one day enough for Durbuy?
One day is enough to explore the historic centre, but I’d stay longer if you can. A weekend gives you time to combine the town with nature and outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
What is the best time to visit Durbuy for outdoor activities?
The warmer months are generally a good choice if you want to combine kayaking, hiking and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn can also be lovely for walking in the Ardennes. Check seasonal opening times and weather conditions before planning specific activities.
