What to See & Do in Belgium – 2025 Belgian Grand Prix

The best things to do away from the track at the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix. Attractions near Circuit Spa-Francorchamps & the best of Brussels.

• The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix takes place from July 25-27.
• Tickets are now on sale via our trusted supplier
• Ticket packages from F1 Experiences are also recommended
• Join our Facebook group for Belgium to get advice & connect with fellow fans
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Known as the ‘Pearl of the Ardennes’, the Belgian town of Spa is a destination in itself. Henry VIII of England allegedly raved about the town’s healing waters and by the 1700s Spa was a fashionable pocket of Northern Europe, hosting visiting royals and politicians, writers, intellectuals and artists who hailed this chic town the ‘café of Europe.’ Make sure you book out some time to explore the area and its surroundings if at all possible. We’ve put together a handful of must-see attractions to fit in around your trip to the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

Le Thermes de Spa

You couldn’t visit Europe’s original health resort and not experience its hot springs and mineral water first hand. A visit to the ‘original’ spa is the perfect antidote to a weekend of high octane hedonism, or a great way to unwind before the weekend kicks off. Book specific treatments or just spend some time drifting between cloudy saunas, outdoor baths and hammams. A three hour pass costs €32. More info here.

Parc de Sept Heures

Back in the eighteenth century, this beautifully leafy corner of Spa was the place to see and be seen. Lying conveniently close to the town baths, here you can sit with a coffee and a book, partake in some mini golf or peruse its Sunday morning flea market if you can fit it in before heading to the track. Check out the pavilion and its lakes and fountains.

Spa Circuit Museum

Located at Stavelot Abbey some ten kilometres from the circuit, the Musee De Circuit De Spa Francorchamps is a must-see exhibition. Found in the Abbey’s warren-like vaults and charting the history of the circuit as well as the origins of Le Mans 24h, this is a real gem and packed full of motor racing vehicles as well as an original 1912 taxi! Adult tickets cost €11.

Casino de Spa

Bring your passport if you fancy a wander around this neoclassical marvel, built originally in 1770 as part of a complex including the town’s original bath house and exhibition halls. Remember to look up at its ceiling murals, and bring some cash if you fancy a flutter: this is still very much a working Casino! Visit the website (French language only).

Hiking in the Spa Region

Want to get away from the busy attractions? Spa is surrounded by beautiful nature, which makes it perfect for hikes. Whether you want to quickly stretch your legs or go for a long hike, it’s all possible. Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) is the largest nature reserve in Belgium, and the views are stunning. Plus, it’s only a 30-minute drive from Spa! Inspiration for more trails to visit in the region can be found here.

Remouchamps Caves

One of the most beautiful cave systems of Belgium, the caves of Remouchamps are a 15-minute drive away from Spa. Here you can enjoy a short walk through the cave system, and a boat tour back to the entrance! You’ll have a guide with you to tell you all about the wonders you’re seeing. Make sure to bring a jacket, as it can get quite cold in the caves! More information can be found on the official website (French language only).

Where to Eat & Drink Near Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

If you’re hungry after a full day of on-track action, you’re in luck: there’s plenty of good restaurants in and around Spa. For fine dining, head to Le Roannay in Francorchamps, L’Art de Vivre in Spa, or ¡Toma! in Liège. Please keep in mind that you’ll probably need to make a reservation at ¡Toma! several months in advance. 

For more casual and affordable dining, check out Le Coin des Saveurs and Au Dos de la Cuillère in Verviers, Le Grand Maur and Linéa in Spa, A la Truite Argentée in Malmedy or Magma and Le Cabochon in Liège.

Just want a quick bite to eat? No worries! These restaurants are good local options: La Taverne Saint-Pierre, Chez Remy and Mama Mia in Malmedy, Chez Bertrand and Acqua Rossa in Stavelot (near the circuit), La Storia and Cafe du Theatre in Verviers, and Lazeez, Les Cuistots and L’entre-d2ux in Liège.  

Best of Brussels

Around a 90-120 minute drive away from the Circuit Spa-Francorchamps is Belgium’s capital, Brussels. A politically important place – which is home to the headquarters of NATO – the historic city is a vibrant destination to visit, with an abundance of stunning buildings. Among the main sights you’ll want to see are the Brussels Town Hall and the Museum of the City of Brussels, located on the Grand Place. The museum is open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday – Sunday, with admission costing €10 for adults. Other historic buildings to check out include the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, the Royal Palace of Brussels and the striking 47-metre tall Congress Column.

If you’re looking for a real slice of culture, get to the Mont des Arts – the ‘hill of the arts’, an urban complex home to the Royal Library of Belgium, the Musical Instrument Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and many other interesting places. As you can see, there are many great things to do in Brussels and the Mont des Arts Gardens also offer some of the best views of the city; be sure to take your camera! Meanwhile, the Northern Quarter is home to Brussels’ business district, reminiscent of London’s dockland area with imposing modern high-rise buildings.

Visit Luxembourg

Luxembourg is around 2 hours from Spa by road or rail and definitely worth a visit if you fancy venturing further afield before or after the race weekend. Wealthy and pristine, the city state has a distinctly fairy-tale feel about it: emerging from dense forest and towering with medieval architecture and dramatic views. Be sure to check out Notre Dame cathedral, take one of its many free walking tours, or treat yourself in one of its many Michelin-starred restaurants. This city has more Michelin stars per head than anywhere else in the world!

Other Cities Near Spa Worth Visiting

There’s plenty of other pretty towns and cities within a reasonable distance of the Spa Francorchamps circuit, many of which provide a great base for your weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix. Here’s some of the best known:

• Liege, Belgium: Located 60km northwest of the circuit, Liege is a pretty, historic student town of around 200,000 inhabitants.
• Aachen, Germany: Over the border in Germany (around 60km north of Spa), Aachen is another historic mid-sized city with a population of approximately 250,000. It boasts an impressive old town and famous cathedral.
• Maastricht, Netherlands: Like Liege, Maastricht is also situated on the Maas river (hence the name), but over the border in the Netherlands and around 70km north of the circuit. Home to 120,000 inhabitants, Maastricht boasts a beautiful old town and is known for its cuisine, good shopping and multicultural atmosphere.

Beer, Frites, Waffles

Belgium produces over 500 varieties of beer, so look out for brewery tours and beer festivals if this is your kind of thing, and maybe check out the Belgian Beer World museum in Brussels or head over to Delirium Café – they’ve got over 2,000 beers! Also, don’t leave the country without enjoying at least one cone of frites – you’ll find it impossible not to. They do chips differently here: twice baked for sublime crunchiness, and served with mayonnaise or tartare sauce, but, beware: never with tomato ketchup! Waffles are another staple food synonymous with Belgium: the Brussels waffle is rectangular and typically served with a dusting of icing sugar or whipped cream whilst the Liège waffle has a caramelized sugar coating. No matter what your waffle is served with, it’s sure to be absolutely delicious.