Spa Spa Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Restaurants & Experiences

This small Walloon town gave its name to the entire concept of wellness retreats — a linguistic legacy that speaks to its centuries-old reputation for therapeutic waters. The thermal springs here have drawn visitors since the sixteenth century, when European aristocracy began arriving to take the cure. Today, the town center retains its belle époque character: wrought-iron balconies, colonnaded galleries, and the grand Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand pavilion where visitors still sample the iron-rich mineral water.

The dining scene reflects Spa's position as a weekend escape for Belgians and nearby Germans. Local establishments tend toward hearty Ardennes cooking — game in autumn, trout from nearby streams, and the region's excellent charcuterie. The compact town center clusters around Rue Royale and Place Pierre-le-Grand, where café terraces fill on market days. Beyond the center, the forested hills of the Fagnes plateau provide the backdrop, with hiking trails leading to natural springs still used by locals filling bottles for home.