Friendly, bubbling with life, filled with plenty of history, and set to the dramatic background of the River Meuse, Liège is definitely a city worth keeping an eye on. There is plenty to see and do in the Belgian city of Liège. Liège grew rapidly on the back of industrialization, so it presents a gritty front in places, but as it rapidly modernizes, culture and world-class museums are moving in. A great example of the modern alongside the old is the Grand Curtius, a collection of four museums housed in the former home and warehouses of a 16th-century arms dealer! The main train station in the city is Liège-Guillemins. Although a station has been on the site since 1838, the present station is a soaring modern architectural gem of steel, glass, and white concrete designed by Santiago Calatrava. It opened in 2009. From Liège-Guillemins, trains run to cities across Belgium as well as to France, Germany, and The Netherlands.
The train station Liège-Guillemins is located just under two miles (three kilometers) to the southwest of the city center. Many of the historic attractions of Liège can be found along the banks of the River Meuse, and from these, it is a pleasant walk to the station, especially if the weather is being kind. The journey can also be made by bus. From the Grand Curtius Museums to the station, visitors should walk along the Boulevard Frere-Orban keeping the river to their left. At the end of the Boulevard, bear right then left onto the Rue de Vingt-Deux. At the roundabout take a left onto the Rue de Serbie and then at the next roundabout cross the Place de Guillemins to the station entrance. If starting at attractions such as the Aquarium-Muséum Universitaire de Liège, cross one of the river bridges and join the same route.
A leisurely walk from the Grand Curtius group of museums to the train station Liège-Guillemins takes approximately 40 minutes, while walking from the Boverie Park, which is home to La Boverie Museum and the Congress Palace, takes just 15 minutes. The Cathedral of St-Paul de Liège, further north of the river and in the heart of the historic city, is a walk of around 25 minutes from the station taking in the Parc d'Avroy on the way. The bus journey to the station from Grand Curtius takes 25 minutes, from Boverie Park it takes 10 minutes (numbers 2, 3, and 17), and from the cathedral, 1two minutes (numbers 9, 27, 48, and 64). Buses and local trains also link Liège-Guillemins to other city stations such as Bressoux, Gare de l'Angleur, and Liège-Carré.
Because Liège-Guillemins train station was totally rebuilt just 10 years ago, it has good accessibility for those with limited mobility. All areas of the station have step-free access via ramps, elevators, and escalators. This includes the ticket office, waiting rooms, and platforms. There are a number of adapted restrooms throughout the station, wheelchairs can be borrowed, and mobile ramps are available to help passengers board and disembark from trains. There is also a dedicated assistance service available seven days a week from early morning to mid-evening. This can be pre-booked by either calling +32 25 28 28 28 or online via the Belgian-Europe website. When possible, bookings should be made at least 48 hours before travel. There is disabled parking both adjacent to and under the station while station cafes, shops, and the tourist office are also accessible to those with limited mobility. Service animals are welcome throughout the station.
Passengers with some time to spare before their train departs can take advantage of the luggage storage at the train station Liège-Guillemins and explore some city sights just a short walk away. La Boverie Museum, just 15 minutes away, has a good collection of masterpieces from the 16th-century to the modern. A little further away is the St-Jacques Church with its mix of architecture from the Gothic through to the Romanesque. The Aquarium-Muséum Universitaire de Liège with its man-eating shark is a gentle stroll away along the river. And, of course, the train station Liège-Guillemins is a destination in itself with its gleaming photogenic lines. From platform 1 in particular, there is an excellent photo-opportunity with a good view of the tall sail-shaped glass skyscraper, the Tour Paradis.