Arlon, Belgium Travel Guide

Discover Arlon: A captivating blend of history, culture, and nature in the heart of the Ardennes, Belgium's hidden gem.

Nestled in the picturesque Ardennes region, Arlon is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As one of the oldest cities in Belgium, Arlon is steeped in rich history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can explore the remnants of this ancient past at the Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, or take a stroll through the city to admire the well-preserved medieval architecture. Arlon's charming old town is perfect for leisurely walks, with cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops, cafes, and historical landmarks. The Saint Donatus Church, perched on a hill, offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Don't miss the Grand Place, the heart of the city, where you can relax and enjoy local delicacies at one of the many outdoor terraces. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the lush landscapes surrounding Arlon. The nearby forested hills and valleys provide ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The Semois River, with its meandering course, is ideal for peaceful canoe trips and picnics along its banks. Arlon's blend of historical intrigue and natural splendor makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a serene and enriching experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Arlon.

Visit the Archaeological Museum to explore Arlon's rich Roman history.
Take a walk to the Saint Donatus Church for panoramic views of the city.
Enjoy local cuisine at the outdoor terraces in the Grand Place.
Explore the lush landscapes surrounding Arlon for hiking and cycling.
Plan a canoe trip on the Semois River for a peaceful experience.

Explore Arlon: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Arlon

Top-rated picks

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Panoramic Elevator of the Pfaffenthal

Discover breathtaking views of Luxembourg City aboard the Panoramic Elevator of the Pfaffenthal, a must-visit landmark for every traveler.

4.7

Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Explore the breathtaking Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Luxembourg City, a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture rich in history and spiritual significance.

4.6

Palais Grand-Ducal

Discover the grandeur of Palais Grand-Ducal, a historical landmark in Luxembourg showcasing royal heritage and stunning architecture.

4.5

Schiessentümpel Waterfall

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Schiessentümpel Waterfall, a natural gem in Luxembourg's enchanting Mullerthal region, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

4.5

Best landmarks in Arlon

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Medieval Castle Beaufort

Discover the medieval charm and historical significance of Medieval Castle Beaufort, a captivating landmark in the heart of Luxembourg’s stunning landscape.

4.4

Van der Valk Hotel Luxembourg-Arlon

Experience luxury and convenience at Van der Valk Hotel Luxembourg-Arlon, your perfect base for exploring Belgium and beyond.

4.2

Espace Shopping Hydrion

Discover Espace Shopping Hydrion, Arlon's vibrant shopping mall featuring diverse retail, dining options, and a lively atmosphere for all visitors.

4.1

Court of Justice of the European Union

Explore the Court of Justice of the European Union in Kirchberg, Luxembourg, and discover the architecture and significance behind European law.

4.4

Best restaurants in Arlon

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Pizza Hut Weyler

Experience the joy of delicious pizzas at Pizza Hut Weyler in Arlon, where family-friendly dining meets fast food convenience.

3.5

Lunch Garden Arlon

Experience authentic Belgian flavors at Lunch Garden Arlon – a delightful buffet restaurant perfect for families and travelers alike.

3.7

Royal Wok

Discover authentic Asian cuisine at Royal Wok in Arlon - a haven for food lovers seeking delightful Chinese, Japanese & Thai dishes.

3.7

Pinocchio

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Pinocchio in Arlon – a cozy pizza haven for every food lover.

4.1

Best bars in Arlon

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Le Capucin

Experience the authentic taste of Belgium at Le Capucin, Arlon's favorite frituur, known for its crispy fries and delicious fast food delights.

4.5

Soho English Pub

Discover Soho English Pub in Arlon - a charming Irish pub offering delightful drinks and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.

4.3

Coconuts

Discover Coconuts, a vibrant bar and café in Arlon, where delicious flavors and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.

3.9

L'Insol!te

Discover Arlon's vibrant nightlife at L'Insol!te, a bar offering a delightful selection of drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Arlon

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Gatsby

Discover Gatsby in Messancy: where culinary excellence meets a vibrant nightlife in a cozy atmosphere, perfect for any occasion.

4.4

Club

Discover Arlon's Club, a vibrant bookstore offering books, music, crafts, and unique gifts in a cozy atmosphere.

4.2

Soho English Pub

Experience the authentic charm of an Irish pub at Soho English Pub in Arlon, where great drinks and hearty food await you.

4.3

L'Entrepôt

Experience the thrill of live music at L'Entrepôt, Arlon's premier concert hall, where every night is a celebration of sound and creativity.

4.6

Best shops in Arlon

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Auchan Kirchberg

Experience the ultimate shopping destination at Auchan Kirchberg, where local flavors meet international variety in Luxembourg.

4.4

Designer Outlet Luxembourg

Discover unbeatable deals on designer brands at Designer Outlet Luxembourg, a must-visit shopping paradise for fashion lovers.

4.2

Espace Shopping Hydrion

Discover a vibrant shopping experience at Espace Shopping Hydrion in Arlon, offering diverse retail, dining, and entertainment options for every traveler.

4.1

Club

Explore Club in Arlon for an eclectic mix of gifts, books, and games, where every corner holds a delightful surprise.

4.2

Explore Arlon on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Arlon, mapped for you.

Arlon Essentials

Arlon, located in the Belgian province of Luxembourg, is accessible by various means of transport. The closest major airport is Luxembourg Airport, about 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Arlon, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, Brussels Airport is about 200 kilometers from Arlon, and you can reach Arlon by train in around 2.5 hours. The city is well-connected by train with regular services from Brussels, Luxembourg, and other major cities. If you're driving, Arlon is accessible via the E411 motorway.
Within Arlon, public transportation includes buses operated by TEC (Transport En Commun). Buses are an efficient way to navigate the city and its outskirts. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, renting a bicycle or car is an option. The city is pedestrian-friendly, and many of its attractions are within walking distance.
Belgium's official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Arlon for cash withdrawals.
Arlon is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Arlon does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying alert and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Arlon has a local police station and medical facilities available to assist tourists. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for over-the-counter medications and minor health concerns.
Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out. Avoid overly casual attire in more formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly when visiting churches. Dress modestly and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A simple 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' is appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'Tarte au Riz'. Don’t rush your meals; dining is a social activity here.
To experience Arlon like a local, visit the weekly Saturday market at Place Léopold, where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and keen to share their culture. Explore the Gallo-Roman Museum for a deep dive into the local history. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike in the nearby Ardennes forest, offering beautiful landscapes and a peek into Belgium’s natural beauty.

When is the best time to visit Arlon?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Arlon

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Arlon. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryehn]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skyoo-zay mwa/day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar lah kart, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyand]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh seck-oohr]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-sheh...]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde simplement
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd sahm-pluh-mahn]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo beh-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr ay-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kat]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [set]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nuff]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Arlon

Arlon, known in ancient times as Orolaunum, boasts a rich Roman heritage. The Romans recognized the strategic importance of this location and established a settlement here in the 1st century AD. Visitors can explore the remnants of Roman baths and villas, showcasing the classical architecture that once flourished in this region.
During the Middle Ages, Arlon became a fortified town and the seat of the County of Arlon. The construction of the medieval castle in the 9th century marked an era of defense and power. The county played a crucial role in regional politics, often caught in the power struggles between the Duchy of Luxembourg and the Kingdom of France.
Arlon's strategic significance continued through the Spanish and Austrian Netherlands periods. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the town saw the construction of impressive Baroque buildings and churches, reflecting the prosperity brought by its advantageous position in European trade routes.
The French Revolutionary Wars brought significant change to Arlon as it was incorporated into the French Republic. The Napoleonic era left its mark with the construction of new administrative buildings and the introduction of the Napoleonic Code, which reformed the local legal framework.
The 19th century witnessed the Industrial Revolution transforming Arlon into a hub of economic activity. The development of the railway network connected the town to major industrial centers, fostering growth in manufacturing and commerce. The period also saw the emergence of new educational institutions and cultural landmarks.
Arlon experienced the turmoil of both World Wars, with significant impacts on its population and infrastructure. Post-World War II reconstruction efforts led to modernization and urban development. Today, Arlon is a vibrant town that harmoniously blends its historical legacy with contemporary life.
Arlon is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals such as the Maitrank Festival, celebrating the local drink made from the sweet woodruff plant. The town's museums, such as the Gaspar Museum, offer insights into its artistic and historical journey, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.