Location: Tongeren
Top Things to do in Tongeren
Top Restaurants in Tongeren
10 Things to Do in Tongeren That You Shouldn't Miss
Tongeren (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈtɔŋərə(n)], French: Tongres [tɔ̃gʁ], German: Tongern [ˈtɔŋɐn]) is a city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg, in the southeastern corner of the Flemish region of Belgium. Tongeren is the oldest town in Belgium, as the only Roman administrative capital within the country's borders. As a Roman city, it was inhabited by the Tungri, and known as Atuatuca Tungrorum, it was the administrative centre of the Civitas Tungrorum district. The city is a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network.
Restaurants in Tongeren
1. Tongeren Flea Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By Tabby42 - Illinois
We have bought many items from this wonderful city that opens its doors EVERY SUNDAY (except for Christmas, and possibly other official holidays that fall on Sunday). You will find antiques from vendors from various countries: England, France, Germany, and Belgium--probably others as well! Depends on what you are looking for, but we have bought GREAT wood furniture pieces: tables, Minty bookcase, French chest of drawers, nesting tables, chest-similar to cedar chest--without the cedar; unique traveling writing box (see one that Alexander Hamilton used at Ft. Ticonderoga), or wooden stationary desk organizer, holds paper, pens/pencils & has the date cards--possible used by stationary salesmen (the last two were from England). Today first Sunday of August 2017 we have returned with garden items to use for flowers (or such is my plan); from zinc washtub, to enamel pots - old chamber pot, or washstand with wash pan, a cute bicycle to hold three flower pots. As others wrote the haggling is part of the fun of getting the best deal, but don't go too low to insult the dealer! I had a total blast today and came home with more than expected to include a milk can with strainer & lid! Color me exuberant!! I even found an oil painting from a dealer that also sells on E-Bay - what a wonderful and fun day!!
They do this rain or shine, they have a large building for inside vendors, as well as in a parking garage lower level for those bad weather days. Otherwise the vendors sets up on the streets and square of town from 0600-1400, but you had better get there early, because many do start packing up around noon! There local antique shops in town, that are open during this time as well--check them out too!
2. Reading Between the Lines Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By Emily M - United States
We parked in a small lot on the corner of the N79 and Grootloonstraat (north of the N79). Walked across the street and followed the sign/path to the Doorkijkkerk (5-10 minute walk). When you get to the big sign with info on it, follow the path to the right (it's a little tricky to see depending on the weather). At around 0930 on a Saturday morning in November, it was quiet and peaceful and we were the only ones there. Great to see it; unlike anything else we've seen.
3. Bilzen Mysteries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Bilzen Mysteries is located at The Grand Commandery Alden Biesen. You can discover this brand new attraction after sundown. With a tablet in your hand and headphones on your ears, you make an unprecedented multimedia journey through 800 years of history of the Teutonic Order. From the Brethren Knights on crusade, over dancing nymphs in the romantic Temple of Minerva, to a devastating fire... Immerse yourself in the enchanting scenery of Alden Biesen and a fascinating story based on true events. A virtual guide will show you the way. This guide is the Lord Biesen (interpreted by famous actor Jan Decleir). Duration of the atraction: aprox. 70 minutes. Opening times From sunset to midnight (last admission at 11 pm), during the summer months until 1 am (last admission at midnight). Opening days During (Belgian) holiday periods: daily Outside (Belgian) holiday periods: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
Reviewed By Sam S
A great evening walk around the castle of Alden Biesen, led by the Belgian actor Jan Decleir as the last habitant of the castle. He explains the history of the castle. Very nice story with cool light and sound effects in and around the castle....MoreThank you for your great review Sam! Hope to welcome you again at Bilzen Mysteries.
4. Wijnkasteel Genoels-Elderen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Cl0verfields - Belgium
We enjoyed a tour at this vineyard. The guide was very experienced and told us lots about the castle, its history and the whole process from turning grapes into wine and all that comes with it. There is a small shop and a cafe where you can enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles. For those who are into wine, this vineyard is worth a visit.
5. Gallo-Romeins Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
Permanent exhibition: 'From neanderthal to Gallo-Roman' Discover the multifaceted story of man in the Limburg region: from prehistory to the end of the Roman period. Familiarize yourself with the major transition points and marvel at more than 2,000 objects from the museum’s own collection, beautifully presented in a highly-original set by Niek Kortekaas and De Gregorio & Partners. Temporary exhibition: 'Timeless Beauty' This exhibition signals a departure from what you usually expect from the Gallo-Roman Museum. An evocative interplay of images of sensual nakedness by the art photographer Marc Lagrange, intriguing texts by Roman authors and authentic objects leading you deeper into the mysteries of feminine beauty.
Reviewed By René S - Skive, Denmark
This archaeological museum is telling the story about the life around Tongeren, from the first human ancestors to the time just after the roman empire left the area.
It could have been so fantastic, but they managed to make this fantastic story pretty dull and ordinary. To much tekst and they didn't make the story come to life.
6. Alden Biesen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Alden Biesen, so much in one castle! Historical monument, tourist draw, setting for events and Exhibitions, centre for European operation, congress centre, ... Alden Biesen is all of these things and more!Originally built by the Teutonic Order, it is now one of the largest castle estates of the Euregion. Young and old, small and tall, culture and nature lovers: everyone loves it here. Come visit our castle and discover all that Alden-Biesen has to offer. Alden Biesen caters to both culture and nature lovers. Discover the historic building and Gardens and visit an exhibition in the moated castle. Or make the Grand Commandery your point of departure for a hearty walk or a brisk bike ride through the Haspengouw region and the Demer valley. Afterwards you can enjoy one of the many events for which the Grand Commandery sets the stage.
Reviewed By RHAHJ - Nijmegen, The Netherlands
I was the only participant in the guided tour, which is strange for such an exceptional complex. The main attraction are the many buildings - besides the castle there is a church and farm buildings, a former riding school, and down the road the gate building. Up the hill there is another nice building.The complex was a commandery, and it was the main complex of the Teutonic order in this region (the order owned other complexes as far north as Gemert and as far east as Bonn). The interior of the church is one of the highlights. Unfortunately much of the original interior was lost in a fire in 1972 or so, and that's why I don't rate 5 stars. But some paintings in the ceilings were saved and these can still be admired these days. I was too early to see the garden in bloom, but it looks like it must be marvellous in spring. It is interesting to hear the story of the Teutonic order and to learn something about the various commanders of the place. The environment also looks nice, and good for a walk.
7. Basilique Notre-Dame de Tongres
8. Thermen Sane
Overall Ratings
4 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By BartS26 - Bilzen, Belgium
Sane Thermen is a well renowned Spa with over 25 years of experience. A few years ago the entire Spa was modernised to a pleasant, mind-easing oasis where lots of different saunas, steambaths, jacuzzis (indoor and outdoor) and relax areas can be used in a relaxing atmosphere.
The restaurant offers surprising meals, with an honest price setting.
It is quite unique among the many Spas in the area, since bathing clothes are mandatory.
9. Antiek- en Brocantemarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By huguettebelgium - Belgium
If ever you visit Tongeren you will know that Tongeren is the oldest town in Belgium. So, as a sequel of visiting the oldest town, you must see the market Antiek/Brocante. Here you will find lots of things you wont find anywhere else. If you're interessted in buying something, you must leave early, otherwise the best things will be sold out.
10. Standbeeld Ambiorix
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By hendrik_vankets - Ghent, Belgium
Ambiorix was the chief of the Eburons,a local tribe in the region, then called Gallia. He led fierce battles against the Roman invaders and after so many centuries Ambiorix still stands as an example of courage. His statue is really the center of the small town of Tongeren and is worth a visit. Of course nobody is certain that Ambiorix looked like the man in the statue but that is often the case with historical personalities.
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