Tongeren surprised me! That's why I want to show it to you. I have to be honest. Before we arrived, I wasn't expecting a lot. But once we were there, the magic started to happen.
THE HOTEL
If you're looking for a nice hotel with a host sweeter than honey, I got just the perfect one: 'Boutique Hotel Caelus VII.' It is in the city center, next to the Basilica of Tongeren. An ideal spot to start from!
PS: The breakfast is excellent!
WHAT TO DO
Too much! There is an endless list of things to do in Tongeren. But for now, I'll show you how we passed the time.
Mijlpaal route
When the weather is sweet, this walk is a fun thing to do. You must follow the letters 'M' to learn more about Belgium's oldest city. You need nothing more than your feet and some practical shoes to put them in ;p
Gallo - Romeins musuem
When you are, unlike me, a history freak, go to this museum. You learn much about our species and how they lived here thousands of years ago. I went there to please my boyfriend, but I have to admit, it was pretty amusing. So big!
Moerenpoort
I can definitely recommend this! When you're on top of the Moerentoren, you have a fantastic view all over Tongeren. This tower is part of the ancient city wall.
Antiekmarkt
By far my favorite thing to do in Tongeren! Every Sunday from 'very early' till 1 pm, you can find some cool stuff to sparkle up your house decoration!
Good to know: even on a rainy Sunday, the antique market goes on. Because 60% of the market is indoors, you wouldn't even notice. Isn't that great?
Wijnkasteel
In case you have a good nose for wine (or love to drink it). Go to the Wine Castle of Genoels-Elderen. If you're lucky, you get a guided tour of the owner himself. He started the winery many years ago. Now he's retired but still lives in the Castle with his wife. This man is such a cutie pie. If he was younger, I would marry him straight away! (: He's so passionate about his work and will explain everything!
FOOD
Okay, I saved the best for last! (: Tongeren is known for its prime restaurants. If you're not a 'foodie' or even a 'food addict' like me, you have to pretend you are for one day.
I went to 2 restaurants, and it was amazing!
Bistro Bis (unfortunately, permanently closed)
If you don't want to spend too much on food, visit this place. They serve you delicious quality meals for a reasonable price. Oh boy, I get goosebumps just thinking about this food again (in a good way)!
This place is different than a 'normal' bistro. Maybe that's why I love it so much. You will discover new things here! The sourdough bread with salmon was my fave for sure.
De Mijlpaal
When you're fine on budget, or you like to spend all your money on food (like us), go to 'de mijlpaal.' I had several food orgasms!
There are so many options in Tongeren—for example, Magis (also one of our favorites), Altermezzo, Lucy & Jummy, etc. So if the restaurants above didn't warm you up, you have plenty of options left!
This was Tongeren in a nutshell. I hope you like it and give it a try as well.
Love,
Mimi
PS. Our trip to Tongeren was in 2017. That's why all the pictures are a bit blurry and old. (;
Comments