Attractions

Visitors continue to gather in Spa both for the healing treatments and for its lively action at the Casino de Spa, rue Royale 4 (tel. 087/77-20-52; www.casinodespa.be), in the center of town. The casino is open Monday to Friday from 11am to 4am, and weekends from 11am to 5am.

Another attraction in town is the Pouhon Pierre le Grand (Peter the Great Spring), place Pierre le Grand (tel. 087/79-53-53), in what was formerly a winter garden and is now a small art gallery. The pavilion was constructed in the elegant Belle Epoque style, with lots of wrought iron and windows combining to give it a light, airy feel. The pavilion usually hosts small-scale exhibits and is open April to October daily from 10am to noon and 1:30 to 5pm; November to March, hours are Monday to Friday from 1:30 to 5pm, weekends from 10am to noon and 1:30 to 5pm.

There are numerous springs in the countryside around Spa, and at some of them you can draw as much water as you like for free (bring your own container). The water is said to be very healthy and full of iron, but most of it smells remarkably bad. To visit these springs, get a free description of the Route des Fontaines from the tourist office.

On Sunday, there's a flea market (8am-2pm) in the wrought-iron Galerie Léopold II arcade, behind the tourist office.