15 Best Things to Do in Durbuy, Belgium (2026)

If you’re planning a trip to Durbuy, you’re probably expecting a tiny fairytale town surrounded by the Ardennes.

And honestly, that’s pretty much what you get.

Durbuy’s historic centre is full of cobbled streets, stone buildings, little shops and cafés, with the Ourthe River and green hills surrounding the town. But there is actually more to do in Durbuy than just walk around the old town.

You can go kayaking, explore the Ardennes, visit Adventure Valley, browse local markets, stop for coffee and drinks, or simply spend the day wandering from one little street to another.

I’ve visited the Durbuy area many times, and these are 15 of the best things to do in Durbuy and the surrounding area.

If you’re planning a full trip to Durbuy, my Durbuy Travel Guide covers more than just things to do, including where to eat, where to stay and my practical tips for visiting the area.

Things to Do in Durbuy at a Glance

Activity	Best for
Explore Durbuy on foot	First-time visitors
Walk in the Ardennes	Nature lovers
Walk along the Ourthe	Relaxed walks
See La Roche à la Falize	Geology & views
See Durbuy Castle	History & photos
Visit Adventure Valley	Families & groups
Play laser game	Friends & rainy days
Go kayaking	Summer
Go shopping	Boutiques & souvenirs
Try a wine tasting	Food & wine lovers
Visit Bomal market	Local atmosphere
Take a longer hike	Nature lovers
Visit the Christmas market	Winter
Have a drink at Edouard Garden Café	Cafés & atmosphere
Get ice cream	Sunny days

1. Explore Durbuy on Foot

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

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

Because Durbuy is small, you don’t really need a strict itinerary for the centre.

Just wander through the little streets, look inside the independent shops and stop whenever you see a café or terrace that looks inviting.

The town is also one of those places where I think it’s worth not rushing. You can see the main sights fairly quickly, but sitting down for a drink or lunch and enjoying the atmosphere is part of the experience.

If it’s your first time in Durbuy, I’d start your day here before heading into the surrounding countryside.

Exploring the old streets of Durbuy on foot

2. Go for a Walk in the Ardennes

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

The area around Durbuy is part of the Ardennes and there are plenty of walking routes through forests, hills and countryside.

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.

There are shorter walks if you only have a few hours, but the surrounding villages also offer longer hikes if you want to spend most of the day outside.

3. Walk Along the Ourthe

The Ourthe River runs 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, the stone buildings and the surrounding hills.

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

Even if you’re not interested in kayaking, I would still make time for a walk along the Ourthe. It’s one of the easiest ways to see Durbuy from a different perspective.

4. See La Roche à la Falize

One of Durbuy’s most recognisable natural features is La Roche à la Falize, also known as the Roche d’Omalius.

This large limestone rock formation is located right in the centre of Durbuy and is part of the Famenne-Ardenne Geopark. It is particularly interesting if you enjoy geology, but you definitely don’t need to be a geology expert to appreciate it.

It’s very easy to include when you’re already exploring the old town, so there’s really no reason to skip it.

The rock, the water and the surrounding historic buildings make for one of those classic Durbuy views.

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

5. See Durbuy Castle

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

The castle sits on a rocky promontory above the old town and the Ourthe, making it one of the main features of the Durbuy skyline.

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.

I’d especially recommend looking back towards the castle while walking along the Ourthe.

6. Spend a Few Hours at 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 area and is particularly popular with families and groups of friends.

There are both indoor and outdoor activities, including things such as:

Bowling
Climbing
Laser game
Fast Tag
Adventure activities
Outdoor activities
Kayaking

The indoor section is particularly useful when the weather isn’t cooperating. Current indoor activities include Fast Tag, laser game, bowling and Kidzone.

My personal experience

I tried the Fast Tag here.

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

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

If you’re travelling with friends, I’d personally look at the different activities available rather than going specifically for Fast Tag.

Friends taking a selfie at Adventure Valley Durbuy

7. Play Laser Game

If you’re travelling with friends, laser game is another fun option at Adventure Valley.

The game takes place in an illuminated maze, with robots and dinosaurs that can give you bonus points. A session currently lasts around 25 minutes.

It’s especially useful as a rainy-day activity, since you can combine it with bowling or Fast Tag in the indoor section.

You can also book it separately rather than spending the entire day at Adventure Valley.

8. Go Kayaking on the Ourthe

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

It’s a completely different way of experiencing the area. Instead of walking through the Ardennes, you’re surrounded by the river, forests and hills from the water.

There are different routes and starting points around Durbuy and Barvaux, and the exact options can depend on current water conditions.

I’d definitely check the current route and conditions before booking, especially outside the main summer season.

Kayaking on the Ourthe River near Durbuy

9. Go Shopping in Durbuy

Durbuy is surprisingly good for shopping.

The old town is full of little independent shops selling everything from clothes and jewellery to homeware, food, gifts and local products.

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.

And because most of the shops are concentrated around the old town, it’s easy to combine shopping with sightseeing, coffee or lunch.

Shopping in the small boutiques of Durbuy — Exploring the independent shops and boutiques in the historic centre of Durbuy.

10. Try a Wine Tasting in Durbuy

If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also book a wine tasting in Durbuy.

There are currently guided wine experiences where you taste five wines with a wine expert and learn more about things such as terroir, grape selection and winemaking.

One current experience takes around 1.5 hours and includes five wines, with both red, white and sparkling wines.

This is a particularly nice option if you’re visiting Durbuy with your partner or a group of friends and want something more relaxed than an outdoor activity.

11. Visit the Sunday Market in Bomal

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

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.

The market is also a good excuse to explore a little beyond Durbuy itself. The Durbuy municipality is much larger than just the famous old town, and places such as Bomal have their own atmosphere.

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 the town itself.

Because I visit the area regularly, I would definitely recommend looking beyond the 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 and villages are spread throughout the surrounding area.

If you’ve 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.

If you’re staying for a few nights, choosing the right area can make a big difference. I’ve put together a guide to Where to Stay in Durbuy, including the best areas and hotels.

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

13. Visit the Christmas Market

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

The Christmas market takes over parts of the old town with wooden stalls, decorations, lights, food and drinks.

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

If you’re 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 market is a popular time to visit, though, so expect Durbuy to be considerably busier than during a normal winter weekend.

The exact dates and opening arrangements change each year, so check the current programme before planning your trip. The Christmas market is generally held from late November through the winter holiday period.

Christmas market in Durbuy with festive lights and decorations

14. Have a Drink at Edouard Garden Café

If you want to take a break from sightseeing, head to Edouard Garden Café in the old town.

It’s not just a place to grab a quick coffee. The café offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, cocktails and specialty coffee, with a garden and winter-garden setting.

I especially like it as a place to slow down for a while after walking around the centre.

Depending on when you visit, you can have anything from coffee and cake to brunch, lunch or an aperitif.

Good to know: Edouard Garden Café currently doesn’t take reservations, so you simply walk in. Their busiest period is around late morning, so if you’re visiting with a larger group, going earlier can make it easier to find a table.

15. Get an Ice Cream at La Gourmandine or Durbuy Ice Cream

And finally: get an ice cream.

If you’re visiting Durbuy on a sunny day, this is basically mandatory.

Two places to look out for are La Gourmandine and Durbuy Ice Cream.

La Gourmandine

La Gourmandine is a lovely place to stop for something sweet while exploring the old town.

They serve ice cream as well as other sweet treats, and it’s located on Rue Jean de Bohème, right in the centre of Durbuy.

It is also listed as one of the ice cream shops in the historic centre, so it’s an easy stop to add while you’re already walking around.

La Gourmandine restaurant in Durbuy, Belgium

Durbuy Ice Cream

If you’re specifically craving an ice cream, Durbuy Ice Cream is another option to look out for in the centre.

Honestly, after walking around the little streets or along the Ourthe, sitting down with an ice cream is exactly the kind of activity that makes sense in Durbuy.

You don’t always need another attraction, sometimes coffee, ice cream and a pretty street are enough.

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How Many Days Do You Need in Durbuy?

For the old town itself, one day is enough to see the main sights.

But if you want to combine Durbuy with hiking, kayaking, Adventure Valley or some of the surrounding villages, I’d stay for 2 nights.

I’d personally recommend:

1 day:
Explore the old town, walk along the Ourthe, shop, have lunch and stop for coffee or ice cream.

2 days:
Add a longer Ardennes walk, kayaking, Adventure Valley or a visit to Bomal.

3+ days:
Use Durbuy as a base to explore more of the surrounding Ardennes and villages.

If you’re planning a weekend rather than just looking for individual activities, check out my 3-Day Durbuy Weekend Itinerary for a complete day-by-day plan.

Durbuy is one of my favourite options for a weekend away, but if you’re looking for more Belgian getaways, check out my guide to the Best Weekend Trips in Belgium.

My Tip for Visiting Durbuy

Don’t make the mistake of thinking Durbuy = only the tiny old town.

Yes, the old town is beautiful and is definitely the reason most people come here. But the surrounding area is where you can find some of the best walks, outdoor activities and quieter Ardennes landscapes.

If you have a car, I’d take advantage of it and explore beyond the centre.

And if you only have one day? Don’t overplan it.

Walk around Durbuy, have something good to eat, get an ice cream, walk along the Ourthe and enjoy the atmosphere.

That’s honestly a pretty perfect Durbuy day.

If you’re planning to visit multiple places in Belgium, my guide to Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport explains when public transport is enough and when having a car is much more useful.

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
The Perfect Weekend in Durbuy, Belgium: 3-Day Itinerary

FAQ: Things to Do in Durbuy

What is Durbuy best known for?

Durbuy is best known for its picturesque medieval old town, cobbled streets, stone buildings, the Ourthe River and its location in the Ardennes.

Is Durbuy worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy small historic towns, nature, hiking, food and outdoor activities. Durbuy is particularly good for a weekend getaway from Belgium or nearby countries.

Is one day enough for Durbuy?

Yes. One day is enough to explore the old town and see the main sights. However, staying two nights gives you more time for hiking, kayaking and exploring the surrounding area.

What are the best outdoor activities in Durbuy?

Some of the most popular outdoor activities include hiking, kayaking on the Ourthe and the various activities at Adventure Valley Durbuy.

What can you do in Durbuy when it rains?

Adventure Valley has several indoor activities, including bowling, laser game, Fast Tag and Kidzone. You can also spend the day exploring the cafés, shops and restaurants in the old town.

Is Durbuy good for a weekend trip?

Definitely. Durbuy is particularly well suited to a weekend because you can combine the old town with nature, hiking, food and activities in the surrounding area.

Do you need a car in Durbuy?

You don’t need a car to explore the old town, but I would recommend having one if you want to explore the wider area. Villages such as Heyd and Bomal, hiking routes and other attractions are spread throughout the Durbuy region.

What is there to do around Durbuy?

The area around Durbuy has hiking trails, villages, markets, kayaking, outdoor activities and attractions such as Adventure Valley. Bomal’s Sunday market, La Petite Batte, is also worth adding to a weekend itinerary.