Small European town loved by kings and celebs has the world’s oldest casino… and you might spot some F1 drivers
A world-famous sporting event is held in a small European town every year, which makes it an ideal place for some celeb spotting.
Located in eastern Belgium, Spa is known for its mineral-rich thermal waters.
In the 16th century, the Belgian town played a key role in recognising the wellness benefits of water thanks to its many springs.
The springs, which are commonly known as pouhons, can be freely accessed by visitors.
Spa’s golden age was thought to be in the 18th century when Russian king Tsar Peter stayed in Spa in 1717.
After a holiday in the Belgian town, the monarch returned to Russia with the hope of opening a thermal centre in the country.
After his visit, the main fountain in the town was renamed Pouhon Pierre le Grand as a tribute to him.
Meanwhile, Belgian Queen Marie-Henriette described Spa as a “perfect haven” as she lived out her final days in the city.
More recently, Belgian celebrities like tennis player Marlène de Wouters and Miss Belgium from 2008, Alizée Poulicek, both visited the European town.
Spa is also the longest circuit in Formula 1.
And after returning to the calendar in 1983, it quickly became a legendary track, with a race taking place in Spa almost every year.
Spa is reigning champion Verstappen’s home race, so you will find a sea of orange t-shirts supporting him – and lots of other famous drivers too.
Away from the Formula 1, spa is home to the oldest casino in the world.
Built in 1763, Casino de Spa was routinely frequented by European royals and other personalities.
The casino was renovated back in 2010 with a new slot-machine room installed.
Other nearby attractions in Spa include Domain of Bérinzenne, a huge state park with walking routes.
Sun Online Travel have found overnight stays in Spa from £73 per night, based on two people sharing a room.
Luxembourg Airport is one of the nearest airports to Spa with direct UK flights.
Direct services operate from London with return fares from £31 per person in January.
Spa is also a 90-minute drive from Brussels, where direct UK flights operate from Manchester and Edinburgh.
Find out more about Belgium's bizarre free attraction
THE WORLD’S best free tourist attraction has been named – and it’s probably not what you’d expect.
Called Luc Vanlaere Harpist, the bizarre attraction is a museum in Bruges, Belgium dedicated to mini harps.
The visitor hotspot, run by harpist and composer Luc Vanlaere, was named the best free attraction in the world.
The study was conducted by Casago a holiday home rental company that based its findings on TripAdvisor reviews.
The firm researches which free tourist spots have the most five-star ratings and found that the Mini Harp Museum holds the top spot with 94.5 per cent of its reviews being five-star.
With more than 2,200 reviews, nearly all of them are 5* with most raving about the amazing free concert.
One previous visitor wrote: “Can’t even describe how cool this experience was, recommend to everyone in Belgium.”
Another person agreed: “This is a hidden gem and an absolute MUST if you are in Bruge!”
Someone simply said it was the “best experience in Bruges”.
Those visiting the museum can expect to see a collection of mini harps as well as a short, intimate harp concert performed by Vanlaere himself.
And there’s a tiny European town that looks like it’s in a fairytale with a medieval castle and a huge summer festival
Meanwhile, these six European holiday hotspots are yet to be discovered by Brits.