Liège-Guillemins Station, Liège - Image 1
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Liège-Guillemins Station

4.2
·2k reviews·Liège, Belgium

A stunning architectural marvel by Santiago Calatrava, this modern station boasts a breathtaking glass and steel roof, serving as a vital Belgian tran...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

See the station glow like a spaceship

CrowdMedium
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Liège-Guillemins Station, Liège - Image 1

Liège-Guillemins Station

Best Time

Evenings

See the station glow like a spaceship

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning architectural marvel by Santiago Calatrava, this modern station boasts a breathtaking glass and steel roof, serving as a vital Belgian transit hub.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"It's not just a train station, it's truly a piece of art."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Architecture

Don't miss the chance to photograph the station's unique design, especially the stunning roof structure.

🚆 Seamless Connections

The station is a major hub for trains across Belgium and Europe. Plan your onward journeys easily.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Santiago Calatrava's Masterpiece

Santiago Calatrava's Masterpiece

Experience the breathtaking vaulted steel and glass roof, a modern architectural marvel that defines the station's futuristic aesthetic.

The Grand Concourse

The Grand Concourse

Wander through the expansive main hall, a bright and open space that showcases the station's impressive scale and design.

Nighttime Illumination

Nighttime Illumination

Witness the station transform into a luminous spectacle after dark, with its lights creating an almost 'spaceship-like' ambiance.

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Planning Your Visit

Architectural Marvel & Transit Hub

Liège-Guillemins Station is a stunning architectural feat by Santiago Calatrava, blending modern design with its function as a major Belgian transit hub. Plan your visit to appreciate its unique structure and efficient transport links.

Navigating the Station & City

While the station is a masterpiece, some visitors note issues with beggars and homeless individuals. Be aware of your surroundings. The station also serves as a gateway to exploring Liège's historic streets and scenic views.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
See the station glow like a spaceship
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Less crowded for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Et Si la Belgique disparaissait ? #belgique #bruxelles
@jacquesadittiktok
68.8K likes • 673.4K views

📸 Capture the Architecture

Don't miss the chance to photograph the station's unique design, especially the stunning roof structure. TikTokInstagram

🚆 Seamless Connections

The station is a major hub for trains across Belgium and Europe. Plan your onward journeys easily. Reddit

Si tu passes à côté de la Gare des Guillemins à Liège #liege #belgique
@bunkibuns
22.9K likes • 427.9K views
Have you been to Liège - Guillemins train station? It is quite impressive modern building 🤩 Any train fans here? What is your favorite train station in Belgium? 🇧🇪 @myprettybelgium #belgium #belgique #belgie #trains #trainspotting train station | trains in Belgium | railway station | belgian rail
myprettybelgium
146 likes • 6.1K views

💡 Evening Ambiance

Visit after dark to see the station illuminated, creating a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Beyond

Use the station as a starting point to explore Liège's historic city center and attractions. Reddit

Liège-Guillemins railway station 😍 #World#Europe#Belgium#Liege#City#Travel#Travelgram#Video#Wanderlust#Explore#Visitbelgium#Reeloftheday#Instamood#Inspire#Symmetry#Beautiful#Reels#Travelblogger#Happiness#Instatravel#Srs_buildings#Architecture#Voyaged#Building#Gay#Thisbelgium#Belphenomenal#Roamtheworld#Travelguide#Exploretheworld
mior.travel
78 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Architecture

Don't miss the chance to photograph the station's unique design, especially the stunning roof structure. TikTokInstagram

🚆 Seamless Connections

The station is a major hub for trains across Belgium and Europe. Plan your onward journeys easily. Reddit

💡 Evening Ambiance

Visit after dark to see the station illuminated, creating a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Beyond

Use the station as a starting point to explore Liège's historic city center and attractions. Reddit

⚠️ Platform Awareness

Be mindful of platform changes and potential blockages, especially during busy travel times. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Liège-Guillemins Station is widely praised for its stunning, futuristic architecture, often described as a work of art and a spaceship. Visitors appreciate the bright, open design and its efficiency as a transport hub. However, some reviews mention concerns about beggars and homeless individuals, which can detract from the overall experience.

"A visually impressive train station, which looks incredible at night, almost like a spaceship. However, it is full of beggars, inside and out, which makes it feel very unsafe. There are also lots of homeless people sleeping inside the station building.

I found some of the staff at the ticket office to be a little unfriendly, but overall, the train station served its purpose, with platforms which were easy to access, and trains which arrived and departed on time."

Tintin

"I visited Liege city two years ago during a trip from Maastricht. The distance was short, and the train ride was quick and comfortable. When I arrived, I was amazed by the station’s(Liege Guillemins) breathtaking architecture. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the sweeping glass and steel structure felt open, modern, and futuristic. It’s not just a train station it’s truly a piece of art. Everything was very clean, organized, and easy to navigate. It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates modern design.

After exploring the station, I spent some time visiting the city of Liege. The city is full of history, culture, and lively streets. I walked around the old town, visited beautiful churches like the Liege Cathedral, and enjoyed the view from the top of the Montagne de Bueren, a long staircase with amazing city views. Liege has a friendly atmosphere with scenic spots along the Meuse River. Whether you love architecture, history, or just relaxing walks, Liege is definitely worth a visit."

Dr. Anam Joardar

"I love the architecture of this station. The design just pops and it is very bright. Easy access to all platforms. The bus station is right out in front of the station. Few restaurants and food stands in the station. More outside of the station across the street. I really enjoyed my visit to this station. It is beautiful."

Michael Mack

What People Like

Breathtaking architecture
Modern and futuristic design
Bright and open space

What People Dislike

Presence of beggars
Homeless individuals
Occasional platform blockages

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Liège-Guillemins Station is a major railway hub and is easily accessible by train from various cities in Belgium and neighboring countries. It's also connected to the city's tram network, making it convenient to reach from different parts of Liège. TikTokInstagram+1

While the station is primarily a transit point, there are parking facilities available nearby. However, using public transport or trains is generally recommended for ease of access and to avoid parking hassles. TikTok

The station serves as a key junction for high-speed trains (like Thalys and ICE) and regional trains, connecting to major cities such as Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne. InstagramReddit

Yes, Liège-Guillemins Station is a significant stop on the recently reopened Liège tram network, allowing for easy travel within the city. Instagram+1

Liège-Guillemins Station is a prominent landmark and is well-signposted. Its distinctive modern architecture makes it easily recognizable. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the main concourse and public areas of Liège-Guillemins Station are free to enter and explore. Tickets are only required for train travel. TikTok

Train tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices within the station, or conveniently online through the SNCB/NMBS website or app. Reddit

As a major railway station, Liège-Guillemins operates for train services throughout the day and into the night. Specific shop and service hours may vary. TikTok

Occasionally, the station hosts events or exhibitions. For example, there have been art installations and pop-up experiences. TikTokInstagram

The architectural viewing of the station is free. It's a public space designed to be admired by all visitors. Instagram+1

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The station offers various amenities including restrooms, shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can also find information desks and ticket services. TikTokReddit

The station is generally designed to be accessible, with elevators and ramps available. However, specific platform access might require attention. Reddit

Yes, there are several food and drink options within the station, ranging from quick snacks to more substantial meals. TikTokReddit

While the architecture is impressive, some visitors have reported issues with beggars and homeless individuals, which can affect the perceived safety. Reddit

Information on public Wi-Fi availability can vary. It's advisable to check with station services or rely on your mobile data for connectivity. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The best photographic opportunities are from the main concourse looking up at the roof, from the platforms, and from the exterior viewpoints that capture its sweeping lines. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the station. However, commercial photography might require special permission. Instagram

Early mornings or late evenings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the station's architectural details. The evening illumination is particularly striking. Reddit

The iconic vaulted roof, the interplay of light and shadow through the glass, and the sweeping curves of the structure are prime subjects. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around transportation hubs for safety and security reasons. Check local regulations before attempting. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Liège-Guillemins Station offers a visually stimulating environment for children, with its vast, open spaces and futuristic design. The sheer scale of the architecture can be awe-inspiring for younger visitors. While there aren't specific play areas, the station's brightness and the excitement of train travel can make it an engaging stop. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and allow children more freedom to explore the concourse safely. TikTok

📸 Architecture Enthusiasts

For architecture buffs, Liège-Guillemins is a must-visit. Santiago Calatrava's signature style is on full display, from the sweeping glass roof to the elegant structural elements. Dedicate ample time to wander through the station, observing the interplay of light and shadow, and appreciating the engineering marvel. Early morning or late evening visits are recommended for the best photographic light and fewer crowds. TikTokInstagram+1

🚆 Train Spotters & Travelers

As a major railway hub, Liège-Guillemins is a prime location for train spotting. You can observe a variety of trains, including high-speed ICE and Thalys services, as well as regional trains. The platforms offer good vantage points, though it's wise to be aware of potential platform blockages. The station's efficient layout makes navigating between platforms straightforward for onward journeys. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Vision of Santiago Calatrava

Liège-Guillemins Station is a testament to the visionary work of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Completed in 2009, the station is renowned for its dramatic, wave-like roof structure made of steel and glass, which spans over the platforms and concourse. This design creates a sense of openness and light, transforming a functional transit space into a work of art. The flowing lines and soaring arches are characteristic of Calatrava's style, often described as 'biomorphic' or 'organic.' TikTokInstagram

The station's construction was a significant undertaking, replacing an older, less efficient facility. The modern design not only enhances the passenger experience with its brightness and spaciousness but also serves as a striking landmark for the city of Liège. Visitors often marvel at how the structure seems to float, with minimal visible support, creating an ethereal quality. Instagram+1

Many travelers are captivated by the station's aesthetic, comparing it to a spaceship or a giant bird's wings. The interplay of natural light filtering through the glass roof creates dynamic patterns throughout the day, making it a photographer's dream. It's a prime example of how modern infrastructure can be both highly functional and visually spectacular. Instagram+1

Liège-Guillemins as a Transportation Hub

Beyond its architectural fame, Liège-Guillemins Station is a vital nexus for rail travel in Belgium and beyond. It serves as a crucial stop for high-speed trains, including the Thalys and German ICE services, connecting passengers to major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne. This makes it an excellent gateway for international travelers exploring Belgium or continuing their journey across the continent. InstagramReddit

The station also plays a key role in domestic travel, with frequent regional and intercity trains operated by SNCB/NMBS linking Liège to other Belgian cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Charleroi. The integration with the city's public transport system, particularly the recently revived tram line, further enhances its connectivity, allowing seamless transitions for commuters and tourists alike. Instagram+1

While the station is praised for its efficiency and punctuality by many, some travelers have noted challenges with platform accessibility during peak times, with occasional blockages causing missed connections. Despite these minor issues, Liège-Guillemins remains a highly functional and important transportation hub, facilitating millions of journeys each year. Reddit

Exploring Liège from the Station

Liège-Guillemins Station is ideally situated for exploring the vibrant city of Liège. Just a short walk from the station, you can immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture. The station itself is a gateway to discovering Liège's charming old town, its numerous churches, and the scenic Montagne de Bueren staircase for panoramic city views. Reddit

For those interested in art and culture, the Europa Expo Da Vinci exhibition has been hosted within the station premises, offering a convenient cultural stop for travelers. Instagram Additionally, the station's proximity to various dining options, both within its walls and across the street, makes it easy to grab a bite before or after exploring. TikTokReddit

The station's location also provides easy access to the Meuse River, offering pleasant walks and views. With the tram line now operational, reaching further-flung attractions or simply enjoying a scenic ride through the city has become even more convenient. Instagram+1