Tongeren is the oldest city in Belgium (founded as Atuatuca Tungrorum, 15 BC) and a surprisingly accessible day out for wheelchair users. The Gallo-Roman Museum is among the most adapted museums in Flanders, the Grote Markt has been redesigned, and the Sunday antiques market is a cultural highlight. Below is a realistic timeline for one full day.
Beforehand: practical starting points
- Train journey: from Antwerpen-Centraal or Hasselt you can reach Tongeren in 50-70 minutes. From Brussels via Hasselt. Reserve at least 3 hours in advance via NMBS Assistance.
- Parking: if you come by car, park on the Veemarkt or in the underground car park on Maastrichterstraat. Both have disabled parking spaces.
- Hotel: for those staying overnight, Hotel Ambiotel Tongeren has adapted rooms, within rolling distance of the centre.
- Topography: Tongeren's centre is largely flat. The oldest part of town around the basilica has a few gently sloping streets and stretches of cobblestones.
Day 1: Centre, Gallo-Roman Museum and antiques market (Sunday)
9:30 — Arrival and first coffee
Arrival at Tongeren Station. The station has step-free platforms. From the station to the Grote Markt: 10 min along flat pavements. First coffee on the terrace on the Grote Markt under the statue of Ambiorix — the Gallic hero who defeated the Romans in 54 BC.
10:30 — Gallo-Roman Museum (highlight!)
The Gallo-Roman Museum is Tongeren's flagship — completely step-free, all halls accessible by lift, wide corridors, accessible toilets on multiple floors. The collection includes prehistoric tools, Gallo-Roman grave goods, Roman mosaics and interactive reconstructions of Roman Atuatuca.
Important tip: a wheelchair can be borrowed at reception. Display cases and information tables are placed at seated height.
Allow 2-2.5 hours.
13:00 — Lunch on the Grote Markt
Time for lunch. The Grote Markt of Tongeren has been completely redesigned with bluestone paving between the cobblestones. Step-free addresses: Brasserie Ambiorix (ground floor, terrace with view of the statue), Bistro Magnus (contemporary), or for a quick bite: 't Pleintje with Limburg vlaai.
14:30 — Basilica of Our Lady
Five minutes from the Grote Markt stands the imposing Basilica of Our Lady — a Gothic highlight from the 13th to 16th centuries. Step-free entrance via the side portal. The nave is at ground level; the choir lies a few steps higher but is clearly visible. Important reality: the treasury can only be reached by stairs — not accessible to wheelchair users.
15:30 — Beguinage or Ambiorixpark
Two options:
- Beguinage Tongeren — UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Flat paved paths, serene historical character.
- Ambiorixpark — city park with flat paved paths, views of the Roman city wall, an ideal rest stop.
16:30 — Antiques market (Sundays only!)
On Sundays, Tongeren's iconic antiques market takes place on the Veemarkt and surrounding streets — Belgium's largest antiques market. Step-free access via flat streets. Important tip: the market is intensely busy between 10:00-14:00; come on Sunday around 8-9 or after 15:00 for a quieter experience.
For those visiting on a weekday: skip this and instead take a walk along the Roman city wall (partly redesigned).
17:30 — Aperitif and town hall
Time for a final drink. Tongeren Town Hall (1737) has an accessible inner courtyard, but the upper floors are only reachable by stairs. For an aperitif: terrace on the Grote Markt with a view of the statue.
19:00 — Dinner or train back
For a highlight: Restaurant Magis (ground floor, starred level). For those who prefer to head back early: the station is 10 minutes' rolling distance away via a flat route.
What we don't recommend for wheelchair users in Tongeren
- Treasury of the Basilica of Our Lady: stairs only.
- Town Hall stairs: not reachable by lift.
- Antiques market peak (Sunday 10:00-14:00): extremely busy, avoid or come very early/late.
- Narrow medieval streets in the centre: choose main streets with redesigned pavements.
In closing
Tongeren is a surprisingly high-quality city trip — flat enough, with a world-class museum and a unique antiques market. For an extended weekend, combine with a day in Hasselt (25 min by train) or a trip to Liège.
Did you discover something during your Tongeren visit that's missing here? Let us know.