The Perfect Durbuy Weekend Itinerary: 3 Days in Durbuy

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.

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.

This is basically how I would plan a perfect weekend in Durbuy, based on the kind of weekends I usually have there.

If you want a more complete overview of the area beyond this weekend 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

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Friday	Travel to Durbuy	Check in & settle in	Cook or dinner + drinks
Saturday	Kayaking or Adventure Valley	Durbuy town + shopping + ice cream	Dinner + bowling or laser tag
Sunday	Bomal Sunday market	Hike + picnic/lunch	Head home

The nice thing about this itinerary is that it combines 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.

Friday: Arrive & 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, so use this evening 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.

Go to 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

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, Durbuy & a Night Out

Saturday is your main activity day.

I’d keep the morning active, spend the afternoon exploring Durbuy itself and then have a proper dinner before deciding whether you want to go out again.

Morning: Kayaking or Adventure Valley

For Saturday morning, choose one big activity.

Don’t try to do everything.

My two favourite options would be:

Option 1: Go Kayaking

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.

Kayaking on the Ourthe River near Durbuy

Option 2: Go to Adventure Valley

If kayaking isn’t your thing, spend the morning at Adventure Valley Durbuy.

There are loads of different activities, so this works particularly well when you’re travelling with a group.

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 very personal.

The nice thing about Adventure Valley is that you can choose what suits your group best. You could go climbing, try one of the outdoor activities or choose something indoors if the weather isn’t great.

Don’t feel like you have to spend the entire day there, either. A morning is plenty if you also want time to explore Durbuy itself.

Friends taking a selfie at Adventure Valley Durbuy

Saturday Afternoon: Explore Durbuy

After your morning activity, head into Durbuy town centre.

This is when I’d do all the classic Durbuy things.

If you want more ideas for what to do during your weekend, I’ve also put together a detailed guide to the 15 Best Things to Do in Durbuy, including hiking, kayaking, Adventure Valley and more.

Walk Around the Old Town

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 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.

View from Roche à la Falize near Durbuy in the Belgian Ardennes

Go Shopping

This is also the perfect moment for some shopping in Durbuy.

The town has loads of 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.

Wine holders for sale in a shop in Durbuy, Belgium

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.

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.

La Gourmandine restaurant in Durbuy, Belgium

Saturday Late Afternoon: Have a Drink

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.

The point is not really where you go.

It’s more about slowing down after a busy morning.

Friends having drinks at Edouard Garden Café in Durbuy, Belgium

Saturday Evening: Dinner & Optional Night Activity

Go Out for Dinner

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 recommend checking out is Limoni e Tartufi.

If you’re travelling with a larger group, I’d definitely book your table ahead of time, especially for Saturday night.

Italian dinner at Limoni e Tartufi in Durbuy

Still Have Energy? Go Bowling or Play Laser Tag

After dinner, you have two options.

Option 1: Go Back to Your House

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 available at Adventure Valley, and there are also other places around the Durbuy area offering activities.

Laser tag is particularly 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: Market, Nature & 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.

Morning: Visit the Bomal Sunday Market

If you’re in Durbuy on a Sunday, go to Bomal in the morning.

Seriously.

The La Petite Batte market takes place every Sunday morning and is one of my favourite things to add 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 some 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.

Trying on clothes at La Petite Batte in Durbuy, Belgium

Sunday Afternoon: Go for a Walk

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.

Autumn walk in Durbuy, Belgium wearing a warm coat and hat

Sunday Afternoon: Head Home

After lunch, 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.

You’ve already:

Explored Durbuy
Gone kayaking or to Adventure Valley
Shopped in the old town
Walked along the Ourthe
Had an ice cream
Had drinks on a terrace
Gone out for dinner
Visited the Bomal market
Hiked in the Ardennes

That’s a pretty successful Durbuy weekend in my opinion.

Where to Stay for This Durbuy Itinerary

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, 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 Where to Stay in Durbuy guide.

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
Hiking in the surrounding villages

And 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.

Book Saturday dinner

Saturday evening is one of the busiest times for restaurants in Durbuy.

If there’s a specific restaurant you want to visit, book ahead.

Book kayaking

If you’re visiting during summer, I’d book kayaking in advance rather than arriving and hoping there is space.

Check Adventure Valley

If you’re planning to do a specific activity, check the current opening times, prices and availability before you go.

Check the Bomal market

The market is a regular Sunday event, but it’s still worth checking the current information if your trip falls on a holiday weekend or special event.

What to Pack for a Durbuy Weekend

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 for a more complete 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.

Explore the Belgium Map → €5

Durbuy Weekend Itinerary: Rainy-Day Alternative

Unfortunately, the Belgian weather doesn’t always cooperate.

If Saturday is rainy, don’t cancel your trip.

Instead of kayaking or a long hike, spend the morning at Adventure Valley doing indoor activities such as bowling, laser tag or Fast Tag.

Then head into Durbuy for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the shops and cafés.

You can also make the 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 2 nights and 3 days.

That’s enough time to experience the town without feeling like you’re constantly checking the clock.

Friday evening

Arrive → check in → cook or dinner → drinks

Saturday

Kayaking or Adventure Valley → Durbuy old town → shopping → ice cream → drinks → dinner → optional bowling/laser tag

Sunday

Bomal market → Ardennes walk → picnic or lunch → 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 on how many days you need in Belgium gives you ideas for planning a 3, 5 or 7-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

Durbuy town is tiny.

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.

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.

Take your time.

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.

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

FAQ: Durbuy Weekend Itinerary

Is Durbuy good for a weekend getaway?

Yes! Durbuy is particularly good for a weekend getaway with friends, couples or family. You can combine the picturesque old town with hiking, kayaking, adventure activities, restaurants and cosy accommodation.

How many days do you need in Durbuy?

I recommend 2 nights and 3 days for a relaxed Durbuy weekend. One day is enough to see the town, but two full days give you time to explore the surrounding Ardennes and do activities such as kayaking or Adventure Valley.

What should I do in Durbuy for 3 days?

For three days, I’d explore Durbuy on Saturday afternoon, go kayaking or to Adventure Valley in the morning, visit the Bomal Sunday market and spend Sunday afternoon hiking in the Ardennes.

Is Durbuy better for a weekend with friends or a romantic trip?

Both work, but I personally think Durbuy is particularly fun with friends. The area has lots of group activities, holiday homes and restaurants, while the Ardennes and historic centre also make it a lovely romantic destination.

Where should I 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 generally get more space and can find holiday homes with terraces, hot tubs and saunas. You’ll 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 much easier to visit Bomal, go hiking and get to activities such as kayaking and Adventure Valley.

What can you do in Durbuy when it rains?

Adventure Valley has several indoor activities, including bowling and laser tag. You can also spend time exploring the shops, cafés and restaurants in Durbuy or simply enjoy your holiday home.

What is the best time to visit Durbuy?

Summer is ideal if you want to combine kayaking, hiking and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn are beautiful for hiking and exploring the Ardennes, while winter gives Durbuy a particularly cosy atmosphere and the Christmas season can be very special.

Is one day enough for Durbuy?

One day is enough to explore the historic centre, but I would stay longer if you can. The best part of a Durbuy trip is being able to combine the town with nature and activities in the surrounding area.