Is Durbuy Really the Smallest City in the World? Exploring Belgium’s Cutest Hidden Gem

There’s something magical about tiny places — the kind of towns you can explore in under an hour, where the streets are made of cobblestones, the houses are older than your great-great-grandparents, and time feels like it’s on pause. That’s exactly what I found in Durbuy, Belgium, a little fairytale town nestled in the Ardennes that proudly calls itself “the smallest city in the world.”

But is that really true?

As someone who’s been lucky enough to wander Durbuy’s winding alleys (and who’s from Croatia — home to another town that claims that title!), I decided to dig into the history, the facts, and the charm of this tiny Belgian gem.

Morning coffee in the heart of the world’s smallest city — Durbuy, Belgium.

🏰 A City Smaller Than Most Villages?

Durbuy’s claim to fame dates all the way back to 1331, when John I, Count of Luxembourg and King of Bohemia, officially granted it city rights. At the time, becoming a city had little to do with how big you were. It was about prestige — a political or economic honor that gave you permission to hold markets, build walls, and self-govern.

Fast forward to today, and while Durbuy’s historic center has fewer than 400 residents, it still retains its city status thanks to those medieval rights.

So while bigger cities have grown around it, Durbuy stayed small — and proud.

My First Impressions of Durbuy

I arrived in Durbuy on a sunny afternoon during a road trip through southern Belgium, and I immediately saw the sign:“Bienvenue à Durbuy – La Plus Petite Ville du Monde”(Welcome to Durbuy – The Smallest City in the World)

I parked my car, crossed a tiny stone bridge, and stepped into a world that felt like a fairytale village — cobbled streets, ivy-covered stone buildings, and flower boxes on every window.

What struck me most was the atmosphere: calm, cozy, and incredibly photogenic. There were no crowds, no traffic — just the soft clinking of glasses on café terraces, the sound of the river, and the occasional giggle of tourists discovering the town’s quirky shops.

📖 The History of Durbuy: How a Tiny Town Became a City

Before Durbuy became a postcard-perfect destination for travelers, it played a surprisingly important role in the economic and political life of medieval Wallonia. Its location along the Ourthe River made it a natural hub for trade and craftsmanship. By the 12th and 13th centuries, the area had developed into a center for blacksmiths, tanners, and merchants, all of whom relied on the river for transport and the surrounding Ardennes forests for materials.

Then, in 1331, the turning point came: John I of Bohemia, Count of Luxembourg, officially granted Durbuy city rights. This wasn’t just a ceremonial title — it was a legal and economic upgrade. With city status came privileges like:

• Hosting markets and fairs

• Building fortifications

• Collecting tolls

• Self-governance under a local court

  
  

Despite its tiny size, Durbuy suddenly had power and recognition — and it took full advantage of that for centuries.

Over the years, the town shifted between various rulers, including the Duchy of Luxembourg, the Prince-Bishopric of Liège, and later, Napoleonic France. In 1830, Durbuy became part of the newly formed Belgian state.

Throughout all these changes, one thing remained constant: Durbuy kept its city status, even as other towns with larger populations lost theirs. The reason? Those medieval city rights were never revoked.

Today, that legal legacy is still visible. Walk around Durbuy and you’ll see traces of its trading past, its fortified layout, and its enduring civic pride. While much of the medieval infrastructure has been adapted for tourism, the core of the city has stayed remarkably intact — cobblestone streets, limestone facades, and centuries-old buildings all around.

In a world of sprawling cities and fast-paced growth, Durbuy is a rare case of a place that chose to stay small — and still made history doing it.

🧭 What to Do in Durbuy

For such a small place, Durbuy packs in a lot of personality. Here are the top things to do when you visit:

1. Wander the Old Town Without a Map

Durbuy’s entire historic center feels like it belongs in a storybook. There’s no need for a plan — just follow your instincts through narrow alleys, past charming doorways, cozy cafés, and boutiques selling everything from handmade candles to Belgian liqueurs.

If you do want a few landmarks to look out for, start in the town square and make your way to the Église Saint-Nicolas, a peaceful 15th-century stone church with a beautiful simplicity that mirrors the town’s modest elegance. You’ll also pass the old corn exchange, now housing shops, and several preserved noble residences that have been transformed into small inns or galleries.

One of the most photographed streets is Rue Daufresne de la Chevalerie, lined with ivy-covered facades and the kind of old-world charm that feels untouched by time. Every stone here seems to have a story — and getting a little lost is part of the fun.

Wandering through Durbuy’s fairytale cobblestone streets

2. Marvel at the Castle of Durbuy

Perched on a rocky ledge, Château des Comtes d’Ursel looks like something out of a movie. Although the castle is privately owned and not open to the public, it dominates the skyline and makes for a stunning photo, especially from across the river or the Topiary Garden.

Durbuy Castle peeking above the trees, perched on a rocky cliff like something out of a fairytale.

3. Visit the Topiary Park

One of Durbuy’s quirkiest attractions, the Parc des Topiaires is home to over 250 sculpted boxwood figures — including elephants, dancers, and a life-sized saxophone player. It’s unexpected, artistic, and a great spot for photos (and a few laughs).

4. Kayak on the Ourthe River

In the warmer months, you can rent a kayak and float peacefully down the Ourthe River, passing forested banks, limestone cliffs, and quiet countryside. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the Ardennes’ natural beauty — and yes, I went solo, and yes, I loved it.

5. Hike to the Belvédère Viewpoint

For panoramic views of Durbuy and the surrounding forested hills, head up to Le Belvédère. You can walk or drive up. I went at golden hour and caught the most dreamy light washing over the rooftops and the river below.

6. Try Local Ardennes Cuisine

Belgian food is already amazing, but in Durbuy, you’ll find a special focus on hearty Ardennes dishes like wild boar, local trout, duck, and creamy cheeses.

Try:

• Le Fou du Roy – For romantic dinners and regional specialties.

• Le Grand Café – A great terrace and relaxed atmosphere.

  
  

Wash it all down with a beer from Brasserie Marckloff, brewed just outside the city.

7. A City of Secret Shops and Local Legends

Durbuy has fully leaned into its identity as a charming escape. One of my favorite stops? La Renardière—an ivy-covered home and lifestyle store that looks like it was designed for Instagram, filled with rustic candles, ceramics, and little pieces of French country magic. Out front sits a bronze statue of a boy reading, adding to the whimsical vibe.

La Renardière is one of Durbuy’s most iconic shopfronts — and the statue outside is just as charming

I also stumbled across a lavender-themed shop that smelled so heavenly I couldn’t resist grabbing handmade soaps and linen sprays. You’ll find several of these tucked away in tiny nooks, many specializing in Belgian goods you won’t find anywhere else.

One of my favorite finds — this little shop had the most beautiful handmade lavender soaps

And let’s talk about the ice cream. I didn’t catch the name, but it may have been one of the best I’ve had in Europe. Creamy, rich, and the perfect antidote to a summer heatwave.

You’ll also find artisan chocolatiers, candle makers, wine cellars, and soap boutiques nestled into buildings that haven’t changed in centuries. Each one feels like part of a film set, but it’s real life—and it smells like lavender and waffle cones.

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Durbuy’s hidden shops. Just don’t expect to leave empty-handed.

I didn’t catch the name of the place… but this was easily one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Durbuy

Despite its size, Durbuy offers beautiful accommodations for every budget:

• Hotel Sanglier – Stylish, luxurious, and newly renovated. Perfect if you’re looking to splurge and wake up right in the heart of the city.

  
  

• Azur en Ardenne – A peaceful retreat just a few minutes from the center of Durbuy, with forest views, a wellness center, and great walking trails right outside your door.

  
  

• La Librairie Hotel – Quaint, cozy, and perfectly located by the river. Ideal if you're after something budget-friendly but full of charm.

  
  

Note: This section contains affiliate links — booking through them supports my blog at no extra cost to you.

🪨 A Bonus Surprise: Belgium’s “Stonehenge” Just Outside Durbuy

As if medieval castles and topiary gardens weren’t enough, just a 10-minute drive from Durbuy hides something completely unexpected: a prehistoric megalithic site, often called “Belgium’s Stonehenge.”

Welcome to Wéris, a tiny village that’s home to one of the largest and most well-preserved Neolithic stone alignments in northern Europe.

The site includes dolmens (stone tombs) and menhirs (standing stones) that date back more than 5,000 years. That’s older than the pyramids. These massive stones were arranged by prehistoric communities, and to this day, their exact purpose remains a mystery — though theories range from burial sites to astronomical markers to sacred ceremonial grounds.

Just a few minutes from Durbuy, this ancient dolmen in Wéris feels like stepping into prehistoric mystery.

You’ll also find local legends woven into the landscape, like the Devil’s Bed and the Witches’ Chair, with stories of witches and spirits tied to specific stones. There’s even a small museum — the Maison des Mégalithes — where you can dive into the site’s history and pick up a walking trail map.

Whether you’re into archaeology or just love mysterious places with atmosphere, Wéris is a must-see side trip from Durbuy.

🌍 What Other Places Claim to Be the Smallest City in the World?

Durbuy might be famous for it, but it’s not the only one making the claim:

🇭🇷 Hum, Croatia

With only 20–30 residents, Hum is officially recognized by Guinness as the world’s smallest city. And as a Croatian myself, I plan to visit soon!

🇬🇧 St. Davids, Wales

This UK city has about 1,600 residents — small by British standards. Its city status comes from its historic cathedral.

🇻🇦 Vatican City

Technically the smallest country and city-state in the world — but not quite the walkable town vibe of Durbuy.

What Actually Makes a City the “Smallest in the World”?

Here’s where things get complicated: there’s no universal definition of what a “city” is — and even less agreement on what makes one the smallest.

Getting delightfully lost in Durbuy’s labyrinth of stone alleyways

Different countries use different criteria, and they don’t always depend on size or population.

⚖️ 1. Legal or Historical City Status

In places like Belgium and Croatia, the title of “city” is often based on historical charters granted during medieval times — not on population or land area.

• Durbuy became a city in 1331 by decree of John I of Bohemia.

• Hum in Croatia has had city status for centuries, dating back to medieval times.

  
  

So even if only a handful of people live there today, they’re still legally considered cities because they never lost that title.

👥 2. Population Size

If we go by population, then Hum in Croatia is the clear winner, with just 20 to 30 residents.Durbuy has around 400 in the historic center, but over 10,000 in the larger commune.

Meanwhile, St. Davids in Wales has 1,600 people — yet it’s a city because of its cathedral, not its size.

🗺️ 3. Administrative or Religious Significance

In the UK, for example, having a cathedral traditionally made a settlement a city — which is why places like St. Davids qualify.

In other cases, cities are designated by modern governments based on administrative needs, not size (like many cities in the U.S.).

🎯 Bottom Line

There’s no single way to define a city across the world. It depends on:

• Historical charters

• Local laws

• Cultural or religious traditions

• Sometimes... tourism branding 😉

  
  

So while Durbuy calls itself “the smallest city in the world,” and Hum holds the Guinness title, both are valid in their own way — depending on how you define city.

If you’re into “world’s smallest” places like I am, don’t miss:

• The Smallest Post Office in the U.S.

• The World’s Smallest Police Office

• The Smallest and Narrowest Church in Croatia

  
  

Final Thoughts

Durbuy may not be the smallest city in the world on paper, but it’s definitely one of the most enchanting. Add in prehistoric stones, riverside walks, and forest views — and this little place becomes unforgettable.

If you ever find yourself in Belgium — especially if you’re road-tripping through the Ardennes — don’t skip it. Some of the tiniest places truly hold the biggest surprises.

Even the butcher shops in Durbuy are camera-ready — complete with a giant vintage clock and a pig statue 🐖