Waterloo, Belgium: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Visiting Waterloo offers a fascinating experience in the Walloon Brabant province of Belgium, blending open countryside with a well-developed urban setting. The town is surrounded by gently rolling hills and farmland, making it an appealing destination for those who enjoy walking and exploring at a leisurely pace. The atmosphere is calm yet steeped in historical character, with plenty of signage and local tours to help orient visitors and guide them through the area's significance.

Beyond the battlefield, Waterloo boasts a pleasant town center with restaurants, cafés, and shops. It's a great place to enjoy Belgian cuisine or take a quiet stroll after a day of sightseeing. The local markets and bakeries give a taste of daily life in the region, and there are several green spaces where you can pause and soak up the slower pace of life. The mix of heritage sites and modern amenities ensures there's something for every kind of traveler.

The area also serves as a convenient base for exploring more of Walloon Brabant and even Brussels, which is just a short drive or train ride away. Whether you're coming for a weekend break or including Waterloo as a stop on a longer journey, the town's blend of historical importance and easy-going charm makes it well worth a visit. The nearby countryside is perfect for cycling or taking scenic drives, making the broader region enjoyable to explore as well.

History of Waterloo

Waterloo in the Middle Ages

Waterloo’s early history traces back to the medieval period, when it emerged as a small rural settlement. The area was part of the Duchy of Brabant and consisted of modest farmlands and forested regions used by local lords and monastic orders. A chapel was founded in the 13th century, around which the village slowly grew. The name “Waterloo” is believed to derive from Old Dutch, referencing a wet clearing in the forest. During this period, the community’s life centered on agriculture, trade routes, and religious devotion, with little to foreshadow the town’s future fame.

Waterloo during the Early Modern Period

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Waterloo remained a quiet agricultural community, though it experienced the effects of broader European conflicts, including skirmishes tied to the Eighty Years’ War and the War of the Spanish Succession. While not a strategic center, its position along key roads made it a waypoint for armies and traders alike. During this time, religious buildings and farms were gradually expanded, and the village began to develop a stronger local identity. By the 18th century, it was a modest but established parish.

Waterloo and the Napoleonic Era (Best Known)

The defining moment in Waterloo’s history came in June 1815, when it gave its name to one of the most famous battles in European history. The Battle of Waterloo marked the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte by the allied armies under the Duke of Wellington and Prussian Field Marshal Blücher. Although the main combat took place on fields slightly south of the town, “Waterloo” became the symbolic name of the conflict. After the battle, the town saw a steady stream of pilgrims, tourists, and military historians, forever linking its name to the fate of Europe.

Waterloo in the 19th and 20th Centuries

In the years following the battle, Waterloo grew in size and importance due to its association with the historical event. Monuments were erected, most notably the Lion’s Mound in 1826, and new roads and rail connections helped bring in visitors. Throughout the 19th century, the town developed modestly, serving both as a residential community and as a heritage site. During both World Wars, it escaped major destruction but remained affected by military occupations and refugee movements. In the post-war era, Waterloo evolved into a suburban area with a high quality of life and an enduring place in global historical memory.

Visiting Waterloo for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Waterloo on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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1. Waterloo Lion’s Mound

One of the most iconic sites in Waterloo, the Lion’s Mound marks the spot where William II of the Netherlands was wounded during the Battle of Waterloo. The artificial hill rises 40 meters above the battlefield and provides panoramic views over the historic site. A steep climb up 226 steps rewards visitors with a breathtaking perspective of where the pivotal conflict unfolded on 18 June 1815.

Admission is included in the combined battlefield ticket, which also covers the museum and Panorama. The site is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. It’s the symbolic heart of the area’s historical heritage and is not to be missed by anyone visiting Waterloo.

2. Waterloo Memorial 1815 and Museum

Adjacent to the Lion’s Mound is the Memorial 1815 museum complex, offering a deep dive into the Napoleonic era and the events of the Battle of Waterloo. The immersive exhibition uses multimedia, artefacts, and reconstructions to explain the military tactics and human stories behind the battle. A 3D film and a vast circular painting—the Panorama—bring the conflict vividly to life.

The museum is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, and admission is €17 for adults with discounts for children, students, and families. It’s an excellent introduction to the battle and the geopolitical forces that shaped modern Europe.

3. Hougoumont Farm (Ferme d’Hougoumont)

Within walking distance of the main battlefield, Hougoumont Farm was the site of fierce fighting and a turning point in the battle. The restored farm now hosts a compelling multimedia experience within its preserved walls. Visitors can explore the chapel, orchard, and walls that saw some of the day’s most intense combat.

Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and included in the standard battlefield ticket, this site offers a more personal and tangible understanding of the human cost of war. Interpretive panels and reconstructed settings help bring the past into sharp focus.

4. St. Joseph’s Church, Waterloo

Built between 1687 and 1690, this handsome Baroque-style church was used as a military hospital after the battle. It contains memorials to fallen soldiers and is a peaceful place of reflection amidst the town’s historic landmarks. Its interior is modest but moving, with plaques commemorating soldiers from across Europe.

The church remains active and is usually open during daylight hours. Entry is free, and visitors are welcome to explore quietly outside of service times. Its location in the heart of Waterloo makes it an easy and worthwhile stop.

5. Wellington Museum

Located in the former headquarters of the Duke of Wellington, this museum preserves rooms used during the battle and showcases a unique collection of documents, weapons, and uniforms. The museum tells the story of the campaign from the Allied perspective and includes the bed where the Prince of Orange lay wounded.

The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission is around €8, with guided tours available for a small additional cost. It provides a more intimate counterpoint to the larger Memorial 1815 complex.

6. Mont-Saint-Jean Farm

Originally a brewery and hospital during the battle, Mont-Saint-Jean Farm is now a working brewery and museum. It offers visitors a chance to sample local beer brewed on-site and explore a small but informative museum about battlefield medicine. A restaurant and shop make it a convenient stop for lunch or a rest.

The farm is open from 10:00 to 18:00. Entry to the brewery and museum is around €7, though access to the café and shop is free. It’s a great blend of historical exploration and local culture.

7. Château d’Argenteuil Park

Located just 6 km northeast of Waterloo, this former royal estate offers a serene escape into nature. The château itself is not open to the public, but the surrounding parklands and forests provide lovely walking paths and opportunities for birdwatching. The estate sits at the edge of Soignes Forest, one of the largest beech forests in Europe.

Open year-round with no entry fee, the park is ideal for a peaceful afternoon. While less well known than the battlefield sites, it gives a different dimension to the area—highlighting its natural as well as historical richness.

8. Napoleon’s Last Headquarters – Le Caillou

Just over the border into Braine-l’Alleud but within 6 km of Waterloo, this small farmhouse served as Napoleon’s final HQ before the battle. Now a museum, it contains personal items, weapons, and documents that give insight into Napoleon’s final campaign.

The museum is open from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00. Admission is €5. It’s a fascinating visit for anyone interested in military history or Napoleonic lore.

9. Domaine du Chenois

This wooded estate in Waterloo offers walking trails and a more residential glimpse of the local lifestyle. While not a major tourist attraction, its well-maintained paths are popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a quieter, less curated experience close to nature.

There’s no fee or fixed opening time, and the area is accessible via various paths and small roads from central Waterloo. Bring a picnic or use it as a jogging route while enjoying a calm, leafy environment.

10. Braine-l’Alleud Town Centre

Just south of Waterloo, the town of Braine-l’Alleud blends Flemish and Walloon culture and offers charming streets, local restaurants, and smaller museums. Its central square and pedestrian streets are pleasant to explore, and it serves as a nice extension to a day in Waterloo.

The town is free to explore at any time, and it’s especially lively during local markets or festivals. It’s well connected to Waterloo by local bus and a short car ride.