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Spa

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City
—°16
Spa (Belgium)
ℹ️

Practical info — Spa

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Use the modern funicular to travel easily between the town center and the hilltop Thermes de Spa.
  • Bring an empty bottle to fill up with naturally sparkling iron-rich water at the Pouhon Pierre le Grand.
  • Parking near the center is paid, but you can find free spots if you walk about 10-15 minutes outwards.
  • Take time to peek into the Casino de Spa; even if you don't play, it's considered the oldest casino in the world.

🍽 Food

🍽
Salade Liégeoise

A warm salad made with green beans, potatoes, and bacon, a comforting staple found in local bistros.

🍽
Eau de Spa

Don't miss tasting the famous mineral water directly from the natural springs scattered around the town.

🍽
Bobeline Beer

A local craft beer that pays homage to the historical visitors of the town, best enjoyed at a terrace.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Thermal Bath Products

Buy locally made bath salts and wellness products derived from the town's thermal waters.

🛍
Flea Market (Brocante)

Visit the Parc de Sept Heures on Sunday mornings for an appealing local flea market full of antiques.

🧘
Promenade Meyerbeer

Follow the wooded trails just behind the town for a peaceful walk under the canopy of the Ardennes.

🧘
Lac de Warfaaz

A scenic lake just a couple of kilometers outside the city center, well-suited for a quiet stroll or paddle boating.

Spa is located in a forested valley of the Ardennes and has been renowned for its carbonated mineral springs since the 16th century. The town's name became a generic term in English for wellness facilities worldwide. In the 18th century, Spa was known as the 'Café of Europe,' where royalty and intellectuals like Tsar Peter the Great frequently gathered. The historical townscape is defined by grand thermal bath buildings and the local casino, which is among the oldest in the world. The modern thermal center atop the hill is accessible via funicular and features state-of-the-art wellness treatments. Beyond the springs, the region is famous for the nearby Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 circuit. Visitors can sample the famous mineral water directly at the Pouhon Pierre le Grand spring. The surrounding landscape gives numerous hiking trails through the High Fens. The town is well-connected by rail and is first-rate for a relaxing weekend getaway. The area is particularly lively in August during the Belgian Grand Prix.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C00481215171713951
Rain mm867672537779849166707890

Geography

Population
10,756
Coordinates
50.49228, 5.86221

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage Spa Town
  • World's oldest casino (founded 1763)
  • Pouhon Pierre le Grand spring
  • Home of the Spa mineral water brand
  • Funicular access to thermal baths
  • Close to Spa-Francorchamps circuit
  • Historic covered promenade
  • Museum of the Town of Waters

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Amblève ValleyAmblève Valley4 km · SExplore →
Fort TancrémontFort Tancrémont7 km · WExplore →
HoëgneHoëgne8 km · NEExplore →
Ninglinspo ValleyNinglinspo Valley9 km · WExplore →
Amblève RiverAmblève River11 km · SWExplore →
Remouchamps CavesRemouchamps Caves11 km · WExplore →
Cascade de CooCascade de Coo11 km · SExplore →
VerviersVerviers11 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Spa (16)

Source Barisart📍 landmark

Source Barisart is a natural spring located in Spa. It is one of the many renowned mineral water sources in the region.

L'Eaudyssée de Spa📍 landmark

L'Eaudyssée de Spa is an engaging attraction in Spa dedicated to the city's relationship with water. It provides an immersive experience into the local spring history.

💶

Musée de la lessive🏛 museum

The Musée de la lessive is a unique museum in Spa. It exhibits the history and techniques of laundry and washing through the ages.

Galerie Azur🏛 museum

Galerie Azur is a contemporary art gallery situated in Spa. It displays a variety of artworks from local and international artists.

Aux Createurs📍 landmark

Aux Createurs is a local attraction located in the city of Spa. It is a point of interest for visitors exploring the town's cultural offerings.

♿

Reserve Naturelle du Chawion🌿 nature

The Reserve Naturelle du Chawion is a beautiful nature reserve in Spa. It provides a peaceful environment for walking and enjoying local biodiversity.

Musée Spadois du Cheval🏛 museum

The Musée Spadois du Cheval is an equestrian museum located in Spa. It is dedicated to the history of horses and equestrian activities in the region.

Carrière Canul🌿 nature

Carrière Canul is a scenic viewpoint located in Spa. It features visitors an excellent vantage point over the city's natural surroundings.

Carrière Pirosson🌿 nature

Carrière Pirosson is a notable viewpoint in Spa. It provides sweeping vistas of the lush landscapes surrounding the spa town.

♿

Perron🏺 historical

The Perron is a historic monument in the city of Spa. It traditionally symbolizes the city's municipal freedoms and civic justice.

Amédée HESSE🏺 historical

The Amédée HESSE monument is a notable memorial situated in Spa. It stands to commemorate an important figure in local history.

Église protestante⛪ religious

The Église protestante is a historic Protestant church in the city of Spa. Built to accommodate foreign spa visitors, it features notable architectural design.

Grande Salle🎭 culture

The Grande Salle is a premier theatre venue located in Spa. It hosts a variety of performances and cultural events for the city.

Château Roseraie🏰 castle

Château Roseraie is a striking historic castle situated in Spa. The property is characterized by its distinct architectural style and beautiful grounds.

Foyer de charité de Spa🏰 castle

A castle from 1902, now a charity retreat in Spa.

Château de la Fraineuse🏰 castle

A protected castle in the spa town of Spa.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the city of Spa get its name?
The name is derived from the healing springs, which made the term 'spa' famous worldwide.
Can you visit the thermal baths in Spa?
Yes, the 'Thermes de Spa' offer modern wellness facilities in a historical setting.
What is the most famous racetrack nearby?
The Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 racetrack is located just a few kilometers from the city.
Is there a casino in Spa?
Yes, Spa has one of the oldest casinos in the world that is still in operation today.
Can you go hiking in the surroundings of Spa?
Yes, the wooded hilly landscape of the Ardennes has numerous hiking trails.
Spa: where is it located?
Spa is located in Belgium.
Spa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Source Barisart, L'Eaudyssée de Spa, Musée de la lessive.
Spa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Spa: why is it worth visiting?
Spa is located in a forested valley of the Ardennes and has been renowned for its carbonated mineral springs since the 16th century.
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