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Belgium
Things to do in Waterloo, Belgium
88 attractions · Belgium
Walloon Brabant, Belgium · 50.717, 4.383
About Waterloo, Belgium
Waterloo is primarily defined by its global historical significance as the site of the 1815 defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, which ended the Napoleonic Wars. The town features vast memorial landscapes such as the Waterloo Battlefield [16891] and the iconic Lion's Mound [7753], which overlooks the site of the conflict. Beyond military history, the area contains extensive green spaces and cultural institutions, including the wooded grounds of the Domaine régional Solvay (Château de La Hulpe) [36623] and the artistic collection at the Folon Foundation [43587].
Good to know
- 1
Despite the famous battle bearing its name, most of the actual fighting occurred in the neighboring municipalities of Braine-l'Alleud and Lasne.
- 2
The Lion's Mound was constructed using earth excavated from the battlefield itself, which intentionally altered the original topography of the site.
- 3
Waterloo serves as a significant residential hub for international expatriates due to its proximity to Brussels and the presence of several large international schools.
- 4
The Duke of Wellington famously established his headquarters in the village of Waterloo on the eve of the battle, despite the front line being positioned further south.
Plan your visit to Waterloo, Belgium
Best time to visit
Late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September), when the weather is mild enough for extensive walking tours of the open-air battlefield sites.
How many days
2 days, allowing one full day for the expansive battlefield memorials and a second day for the surrounding natural parks and museums.
Getting around
A car is highly recommended for visiting the dispersed memorial sites and natural attractions, though local buses connect the central town to the main battlefield area.
Where to stay
Stay in the town center for easy access to restaurants and amenities, or look for boutique hotels near the Chaussée de Bruxelles for closer proximity to historical sites.
Budget
Mid-range; accommodation and dining prices are generally consistent with wider Belgian suburban standards.
Highlights of Waterloo, Belgium
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Lion's Mound
Climb the 226 steps to the top of the conical mound for a comprehensive view of the historic 1815 battlefield terrain.
Waterloo Battlefield
Explore the multi-media exhibits that detail the strategic movements and aftermath of the pivotal engagement.
Regionaal domein Solvay
Walk through the sprawling forested estate surrounding the Château de La Hulpe, known for its extensive network of trails.
Folon Foundation
View a vast collection of sculptures, paintings, and illustrations by the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon housed within a converted farm.
Hougoumont Farm
Visit this fortified farmstead, which served as a crucial defensive position during the battle and remains largely unchanged in layout.
Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo
Stand inside a circular painting measuring over 100 meters in circumference to experience an immersive 360-degree view of the combat.
Hallerbos
Observe the annual bluebell bloom that transforms the forest floor into a dense carpet of violet-blue flowers.
Arboretum of Groenendaal
Tour this historic botanical collection that hosts a diverse array of domestic and exotic tree species.
Top things to do in Waterloo, Belgium
The 88 most popular places in Waterloo, Belgium.
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1
Museums Popular
Waterloo Battlefield
The Waterloo Battlefield site is anchored by the Butte du Lion, a 40-meter high artificial hill constructed between 1823...
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2
Historical places Popular
Lion's Mound
Lion's Mound is a massive conical artificial hill standing 40 meters high, erected to mark the site of the 1815 Battle o...
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3
Parks Popular
Province domain Huizingen
Province domain Huizingen is a 91-hectare green space located in the Zenne Valley, managed by the province of Flemish Br...
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4
Parks Popular
Regionaal domein Solvay
The Domaine régional Solvay, located in La Hulpe, features a 19th-century French-style château surrounded by 227 hectare...
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5
Natural attractions Popular
Hallerbos
Hallerbos is a 552-hectare forest in Halle, Belgium, internationally recognized for its dense annual carpet of wild blue...
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6
Museums Popular
Folon Foundation
The Folon Foundation is a museum dedicated to the work of Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, housed within the restored 1...
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7
Museums Popular
Hougoumont Farm
Hougoumont Farm is the site of a pivotal defensive battle during the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, where Wellington's troops...
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8
Historical places Known locally
Beersel Castle
Kasteel van Beersel is one of the few remaining examples of late-medieval military architecture in Belgium. The site fea...
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9
Parks Known locally
Paradise Park
Paradise Park in Braine-l'Alleud is a landscaped urban green space situated just south of the Brussels-Capital Region. T...
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10
Museums Known locally
Musée Wellington Waterloo
The Musée Wellington occupies the former headquarters of the Duke of Wellington during the 1815 Battle of Waterloo. Loca...
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11
Historical places Known locally
Kasteel van Huizingen
Kasteel van Huizingen is a central attraction within the 30-hectare Provincial Domain of Huizingen in Beersel, Belgium....
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12
Historical places Known locally
Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo
The Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo is a monumental 1912 circular canvas measuring 110 meters in circumference and 12...
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13
Museums Known locally
Napoleon's Last Headquarters
Napoleon's Last Headquarters, known as Le Caillou, is the site where the French Emperor spent the night before the Battl...
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14
Parks Known locally
Arboretum of Groenendaal
The Arboretum of Groenendaal is a 27-hectare forest collection located within the Sonian Forest, specifically managed by...
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15
Temples Known locally
Wat Thaï Dhammaram
Wat Thaï Dhammaram serves as a primary Theravada Buddhist spiritual center in the Waterloo region of Belgium. The temple...
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16
Parks Known locally
Schaveyspark
Schaveyspark is a wooded public green space situated on the border of Linkebeek and the Uccle periphery, near the outski...
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17
Beaches and ponds Known locally
Piscine Nausicaa/Waterloo
Piscine Nausicaa is a municipal aquatic facility located in the heart of Waterloo, Belgium. It features a main 25-meter...
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18
Parks Known locally
Parc du Domaine Solvay
Parc du Domaine Solvay, also known as the Domaine de La Hulpe, covers 227 hectares of diverse landscape including forest...
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19
Playgrounds Known locally
Plaine de jeux du Paradis
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20
Museums Known locally
Papiermolen Herisem
Papiermolen Herisem is a rare surviving 19th-century paper mill located in the Zenne Valley, preserving industrial herit...
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21
Historical places Hidden gem
La Haye Sainte
La Haye Sainte is a pivotal fortified farmhouse that played a crucial role in the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815. L...
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22
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Joseph, Waterloo
The Church of Saint Joseph in Waterloo, Belgium, is a distinctive neoclassical parish church serving the local Catholic...
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23
Parks Hidden gem
Renbaan van Groenendaal
Renbaan van Groenendaal is a historic former horse racing track located on the edge of the Sonian Forest in Hoeilaart, B...
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24
Temples Hidden gem
Christian Center
The Christian Center in Sint-Genesius-Rode is a contemporary evangelical church situated on the southern outskirts of Br...
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25
Parks Hidden gem
Bruyères Woods
Bruyères Woods is a protected forested area located in Waterloo, Belgium, centered around the Sentier des Fosses des Moi...
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26
Temples Hidden gem
Église Saint-Nicolas de La Hulpe
Église Saint-Nicolas de La Hulpe is a Roman Catholic parish church situated in the town center of La Hulpe, near Waterlo...
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27
Historical places Hidden gem
Monument aux Forestiers
The Monument aux Forestiers, also known as the Monument voor de Boswachters, is a stone memorial located in the southern...
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28
Temples Hidden gem
Église Saint-Etienne
Église Saint-Etienne is a historic Catholic parish church located in the Braine-l'Alleud municipality adjacent to Waterl...
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29
Temples Hidden gem
Sint-Annakerk
Sint-Annakerk, also known as Église Sainte-Anne, is a Catholic parish church located in the municipality of Uccle in the...
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30
Museums Hidden gem
Bosmuseum Zoniën Woud
The Bosmuseum Jan van Ruusbroec is an interpretive center situated within the Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud) near Hoeilaart,...
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Waterloo, Belgium on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Waterloo, Belgium?
Aventuro lists 88 curated attractions in and around Waterloo, Belgium, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Waterloo, Belgium?
Waterloo Battlefield is the most popular place to visit in Waterloo, Belgium right now.
What kind of attractions does Waterloo, Belgium have?
The largest category is temples, with 25 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore City of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent.
