Is Durbuy Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium, Europe

You know that feeling in the song “And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it…”? That whole another version of me feeling?

That’s Durbuy for me.

Durbuy, Belgium, is small, cosy and ridiculously pretty, but there’s actually quite a lot to do once you get beyond simply walking around the old town.

It’s easily in my top five favourite places in Belgium, and probably my top three for a weekend getaway. Honestly, it might even be number one.

I come here at least twice a year, and I still enjoy it every time.

So, is Durbuy worth visiting?

Absolutely. Especially if you like a combination of picturesque towns, nature, good food and outdoor activities. What I love most about Durbuy is that you can make your trip whatever you want it to be.

You can have a relaxed weekend wandering through the historic centre, browsing cute independent shops, eating good food and sitting on a terrace. Or you can make it much more active with kayaking, hiking, climbing and other outdoor activities in the surrounding Ardennes.

And honestly, I think that combination is what makes Durbuy such a good destination for a weekend away.

In this guide, I’ll share what I love about Durbuy, what to see, how to spend your time and why I think it’s worth adding to your Belgium itinerary.

If you’re looking for practical information about the town, accommodation and activities, you can also check out my complete Durbuy Travel Guide.

Is Durbuy Worth Visiting?

Yes! Durbuy is one of my favourite places in Belgium, particularly if you’re looking for a weekend getaway rather than a big city break.

The historic centre is tiny, but that’s part of its charm. You can explore the cobbled streets, browse the independent shops, walk along the Ourthe River and stop for something to eat without needing a packed itinerary.

Beyond the town itself, the surrounding Ardennes offer hiking routes, kayaking, climbing and other outdoor activities. This means you can combine a little sightseeing with plenty of time in nature.

Durbuy is especially worth visiting if you:

  • Love small, picturesque towns.
  • Enjoy hiking and being outdoors.
  • Want to try kayaking or other adventure activities.
  • Like independent shops and local boutiques.
  • Enjoy good food, cafés and terraces.
  • Are looking for a weekend getaway in Belgium.
  • Are travelling with friends, a partner or family.

However, if you’re visiting Belgium for the first time and only have a few days, I’d probably prioritise cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp before adding Durbuy. It’s a different kind of Belgian experience, and I think it’s particularly good when you have a little more time to explore the countryside.

Outdoor terrace with string lights at La Manoir de Heyd near Durbuy, Belgium

What Makes Durbuy Worth Visiting?

1. Durbuy Is Small, but There’s More to Do Than You Might Expect

One thing I really like about Durbuy is that it doesn’t feel like a place where you need a massive itinerary.

The historic centre is tiny, so you can easily explore it on foot. Walk through the little streets, look around the shops, stop for an ice cream and grab a drink somewhere.

But then you also have the Ourthe River, the surrounding Ardennes and plenty of outdoor activities nearby.

You can go kayaking, try climbing or other activities at Adventure Valley, head out for a longer hike, walk along the river or explore some of the villages and countryside around Durbuy.

So even though Durbuy itself is small, the wider area gives you plenty to fill a weekend.

If you’re wondering what to see in Durbuy, my advice is to combine the old town with at least one activity outside the centre. That way, you’ll experience more than just the pretty streets.

Short on time?

Here are my top accommodation picks in Durbuy:

2. I Love the Combination of Town and Nature

This is probably one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back to Durbuy.

You can spend the morning doing something active outdoors and then spend your afternoon doing absolutely nothing productive except shopping, eating and sitting on a terrace.

And that is honestly my ideal weekend.

If you love hiking, there are plenty of walks in and around Durbuy. You can stroll along the Ourthe or head further into the Ardennes for a longer walk through the forests and hills.

If the weather is good, you can easily spend most of the day outside.

And if the weather isn’t great? There are still restaurants, cafés, shops and indoor activities to keep you busy.

For more ideas, I’ve put together a separate guide to the 15 Best Things to Do in Durbuy, including hiking, kayaking, Adventure Valley and more.

3. The Independent Shops Are Actually Really Cute

I also wouldn’t underestimate Durbuy if you’re someone who likes shopping.

I’m not talking about huge shopping streets or international chains. That’s not what Durbuy is about.

Instead, you’ll find small independent shops selling local products, decorations, gifts, food, wine and all kinds of random things you suddenly decide you need.

One of my personal favourites is L’Herbe Rouge, but honestly, half the fun is just wandering around and seeing what you find.

It’s very easy to spend an afternoon popping into shops without really having a plan.

This is one of those things that makes Durbuy feel different from a more traditional sightseeing destination. You don’t necessarily need to visit a specific attraction to enjoy yourself.

Shopping in the small boutiques of Durbuy

4. There’s Plenty of Good Food

For such a small place, Durbuy has quite a lot of restaurants and places to eat.

You can find everything from casual lunches and cafés to traditional Belgian food and nicer restaurants for dinner.

And after walking around all day, getting an ice cream or sitting down somewhere for a drink is basically part of the experience.

I wouldn’t visit Durbuy expecting a huge food scene with endless options, but there are enough places to make eating out part of the weekend.

My favourite approach is to leave some time to wander around the centre, check the menus and choose somewhere that looks good rather than planning every meal in advance.

5. Durbuy Is Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

If you’re looking for somewhere to escape for two or three days, Durbuy is one of my favourite options in Belgium.

It’s close enough that you don’t need to spend hours travelling from many parts of the country, but it feels like you’ve actually gone somewhere.

You can leave on Friday after work, arrive in the evening, have dinner and a drink, spend Saturday exploring and doing an activity, and then have a slower Sunday with the Bomal market and a walk before heading home.

That is basically my ideal Durbuy weekend.

I also think Durbuy works particularly well for groups. You can do different activities during the day and meet up again for dinner, drinks or a relaxed evening at your accommodation.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my guide to the Best Weekend Trips in Belgium.

6. Durbuy Is Extra Cosy Around Christmas

Durbuy is also one of those places that becomes extra cosy around Christmas.

The Christmas market brings even more atmosphere to the old town, with lights, stalls, food and plenty of people visiting for a festive weekend.

If you enjoy Christmas markets, I definitely think Durbuy is worth considering.

It can get busy, though, so don’t expect a quiet little winter village all to yourself. I’d plan to explore the streets in the evening, when the lights make the town feel particularly cosy, and check the current Christmas market dates before travelling.

Is Durbuy Worth Visiting as a Day Trip?

Yes, you can visit Durbuy as a day trip, especially if you’re already staying nearby or travelling through the Ardennes.

The historic centre is small enough to explore in a few hours. You can wander through the streets, browse the shops, walk along the Ourthe, stop for lunch and enjoy an ice cream before heading home.

However, I’d personally recommend staying longer if you can.

A day trip gives you time to see the town, but it doesn’t leave much room for outdoor activities or exploring the surrounding countryside.

If you want to go kayaking, spend time at Adventure Valley, hike in the Ardennes or simply enjoy a long dinner without watching the clock, an overnight stay makes much more sense.

For me, Durbuy is at its best when you treat it as a weekend getaway rather than somewhere to rush through.

If you only have one day, focus on the historic centre. If you have a full weekend, you can combine the town with the wider Durbuy region.

How Many Days Do You Need in Durbuy?

I’d recommend around two full days for a first visit to Durbuy.

That’s enough time to explore the old town, browse the shops, enjoy the restaurants, do an outdoor activity and go for a walk in the surrounding Ardennes.

You can visit Durbuy in one day, but I personally think an overnight stay makes the experience much more enjoyable.

There’s something about staying overnight, having dinner, waking up slowly and then having another full day to explore that makes Durbuy feel like a proper escape.

One Day in Durbuy

Morning: Explore the historic centre and browse the independent shops.

Afternoon: Walk along the Ourthe, enjoy lunch or choose a short hike nearby.

Evening: Have dinner in town before heading home or staying overnight.

A Weekend in Durbuy

Day 1: Explore the old town, go shopping, have an ice cream and enjoy dinner and drinks.

Day 2: Go kayaking, visit Adventure Valley or hike in the Ardennes. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you could also include the Bomal market.

For a more detailed plan, read my 3-Day Durbuy Weekend Itinerary.

If you’re planning a longer trip around the country, my guide to How Many Days in Belgium Do You Need? can help you decide how to divide your time between Belgian cities and regions.

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

Is Durbuy Worth Visiting for First-Time Visitors to Belgium?

If you’re coming to Belgium from abroad and only have a few days, I’d probably prioritise Bruges, Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp first.

Not because Durbuy isn’t worth visiting. Quite the opposite.

It’s because Durbuy offers a different kind of Belgian experience. The major cities are better starting points if you want historic architecture, museums, nightlife and a variety of urban attractions. Durbuy is more about a small picturesque town, nature and getting away for a few days.

If you’ve never been to Belgium before and have three or four days, I’d focus on the main cities first.

But if you have more time, are renting a car or specifically want to experience the Ardennes, absolutely add Durbuy to your itinerary.

And if you’re already in Belgium or nearby?

Just go.

If you’re not sure which destinations to prioritise, I’ve also compared the Best Cities in Belgium to help you decide which places are worth adding to your itinerary.

Planning Your Belgium Trip?

I created a Google Map with more than 540 saved places from my years living and travelling around Belgium, including towns, things to do, cafés, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and hidden gems.

It’s designed to help you find places beyond the usual tourist recommendations and plan your trip without spending hours saving everything yourself.

Explore my Belgium Google Map for €5.

You can also browse my Belgium Travel Guide for destination guides, things to do, local tips and personal experiences from travelling around the country.

My Honest Verdict: Is Durbuy Worth Visiting?

YES.

I genuinely love this place.

It’s small, but that’s part of the charm. You don’t need a huge list of attractions to have a good time here.

You can walk around the old town, discover cute shops, eat something good, go kayaking, hike through the Ardennes, visit the market in Bomal or simply sit somewhere with a drink and enjoy the weekend.

And because there are so many different ways to spend your time, I never feel like I’ve completely “done” Durbuy.

I’ve been coming here at least twice a year, and it’s still one of those places I happily return to.

Is Durbuy worth visiting for everyone? Probably not. If you want a big city packed with museums, nightlife and public transport connections, I’d choose somewhere else.

But if you’re looking for a Belgian weekend getaway with a mix of nature, outdoor activities, good food and a charming little town, I’d put Durbuy very high on your list.

Maybe even number one.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Durbuy

Is Durbuy worth visiting?

Yes! Durbuy is especially worth visiting if you enjoy picturesque towns, nature, hiking, outdoor activities, independent shops and good food. It’s one of my favourite places in Belgium and one of my favourite destinations for a weekend getaway.

What is there to see in Durbuy, Belgium?

The main things to see in Durbuy include the historic town centre, its cobbled streets and independent shops, the Ourthe River and the surrounding Ardennes. You can also explore nearby walking routes and add activities such as kayaking or Adventure Valley to your visit.

How many days do you need in Durbuy?

I’d recommend around two full days in Durbuy. A weekend gives you enough time to explore the old town, enjoy the restaurants and shops, try an outdoor activity and discover some of the surrounding countryside.

Is Durbuy worth visiting as a day trip?

Yes. Durbuy is small enough to explore as a day trip, particularly if you mainly want to see the historic centre. However, staying overnight gives you more time for hiking, kayaking and exploring the wider Ardennes.

What is Durbuy known for?

Durbuy is known for its picturesque historic centre, its location in the Belgian Ardennes, the Ourthe River and its outdoor activities. It’s also a popular destination for weekend getaways, with cosy accommodation, restaurants and independent shops.

Is Durbuy worth visiting in winter?

Yes, especially if you enjoy Christmas markets and cosy winter trips. Durbuy has a festive atmosphere around Christmas, although the town can get busy during the market period. Check the current dates and arrangements before travelling.

Is Durbuy good for a weekend getaway?

Absolutely. Durbuy is a great option for a weekend away with friends, a partner or family. You can combine exploring the old town with hiking, kayaking, good food and a relaxing stay in the surrounding Ardennes.

Is Durbuy good for first-time visitors to Belgium?

It depends on how much time you have. If you only have a few days, I’d prioritise Belgium’s major cities first. If you have more time or want to explore the Ardennes, Durbuy is a lovely addition to your itinerary.

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