leuven tourist information

12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Leuven

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Belgium's most famous university town, Leuven (in French Louvain) has a charming position beside the banks of the Dijle, east of Brussels . The Catholic university here was founded in 1425 and rose to prominence as one of Europe's most highly regarded places of learning.

The great humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam and Justus Lipsius both taught here, the geographer Gerhard Mercator studied here, and one of the university's chancellors became Pope Adrian VI in 1459.

Leuven has also been lucky enough to hang on to much of its early architecture, despite suffering heavy bombardment in both world wars. With its illustrious university college buildings and fine Gothic buildings in the city center, Leuven is one of the best places in the country to get to grips with Belgium's architectural heritage.

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Leuven.

1. St. Peter's Church (Sint-Pieterskerk)

2. tour leuven's town hall, 3. visit the groot begijnhof, 4. stroll through botanical garden kruidtuin, 5. explore the art collection at m-museum leuven, 6. visit naamsestraat and the university buildings, 7. climb the belfry of the university library, 8. stop at a café in oude markt, 9. take the kids to kessel-lo's park, 10. explore abbey park, 11. day trip to chateau de merode, 12. visit louvain-la-neuve, where to stay in leuven for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in leuven.

Standing in the middle of the Grote Markt is St. Peter's Church, one of the best examples of Brabant Gothic architecture in Belgium.

The main nave's notable features are its straight line of sheaf pillars and high-pointed arch windows. Among the treasures in this part of the church are the late Gothic brass font in the chapel, to the left of west gate, and the splendidly carved Baroque pulpit of 1742.

The choir and ambulatory have been converted into a Museum of Religious Art (Stedelijk Museum voor Religieuze Kunst), which is operated by the M-Museum Leuven.

Here, you can see the outstanding Last Supper by Dirk Bouts, painted from 1464 to 1468. The supper takes place in a Gothic hall, and the figures are arranged around Christ; unlike many representations, the betrayal of Judas is not in the foreground, instead it is the symbolic Eucharist, as also portrayed in the side panels.

Address: Grote Markt, central Leuven

Leuven's over-the-top, ornate Town Hall (Stadhuis) is the city's most distinguishing landmark and one of its most famous architectural tourist attractions.

Three rows of sculpture adorn the main facade and both side facades, showcasing 236 figures, added in the 19th century, which represent eminent personalities throughout the town's history.

The roof, meanwhile, is richly decorated with small turrets, while along the niche bases, you can see biblical reliefs that date from the original medieval building of the hall.

You can visit the interior on a guided tour. Inside, it is no less decadent in style. In particular the Great Gothic Council Chamber with its carved beamed ceiling dating from the 15th century and the Small Gothic Hall with a Gothic vaulted wooden ceiling are both noteworthy.

Address: Grote Markt, Brusselsestraat 63, Leuven

Leuven's beautiful béguinage (known as the Groot Begijnhof), where hundreds of béguines once lived a simple, nun-like existence, is the town's most enchanting area.

This romantic complex, traversed by a tributary of the Dijle, was founded in the 13th century, and today comprises more than 1,000 houses and a church; earlier it encompassed a hospital and a farmhouse.

In the 18th century, when 300 béguines were still living in the béguinage, the houses were renovated with stepped gables, mullions, and transoms, but the French Revolution brought a temporary halt to life here, and only a few béguines returned afterwards.

In 1962, the site was bought by the university and underwent extensive restoration to create student residences and lecture halls. Only the second cottage on the right past the entrance is still furnished as it was when the last béguine died in 1988.

The early Gothic béguinage church Sint-Jan-de-Doper, built in the 13th to 14th centuries, today serves the university community as a place of worship

Address: Schapenstraat, central Leuven

The oldest botanical garden in Belgium, this beautiful natural space was first created in 1738 for the students of the University of Leuven as a medicinal plant garden for their school of medicine. Its name, Krudituin, translates to "herb garden," and visitors will still find many medicinal herbs present today.

The large greenhouse is now home to a variety of plants, including exotic subtropical and tropical species, as well as aquatic plants and cacti.

The outdoor gardens feature flowers and plants that thrive in Leuven's climate, and are also home to bees and chickens, which help the ecosystem to thrive naturally.

The gardens and greenhouse are open daily, free of charge.

Address: Kapucijnenvoer 30, 3000 Leuven

Built on the site of the former Vanderkelen Museum, the M-Museum includes the contents of this municipal art and craft collection, as well as a wide range of classical and contemporary art from around the world.

The museum's collections include over 52,000 objects, including sculpture, paintings, photography, video, ceramics, glasswork, engravings, textiles, and metalwork. The museum also hosts performances throughout the year including dance, theater, and music, as well as temporary visual arts exhibitions.

The M-Museum's roof terrace is the ideal place to visit for panoramic views of the city, and there is a lovely central courtyard.

Address: Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, 3000 Leuven

Official site: https://www.mleuven.be/en/home

To the right of Leuven's Town Hall is Naamsestraat, where many university buildings are found, either on this street or nearby. In particular, the most notable are college buildings funded by various patrons from the 15th to the 18th centuries.

Look out for King's College (Koningscollege No. 59), founded by Philip II of Spain in 1579; the Premonstratensian College (College van Promonstreit No. 61), founded in 1571; and Arras College (No. 63), founded in 1508 by the future Bishop of Arras.

St. Michael's Church (Sint-Michielskerk), built 1650-1666 by Willem Hesius, is also worth a look for its splendid Baroque facade, renowned as one of the finest of its kind in Belgium.

Another spectacular building that is now part of the university is Arenberg Castle (Kasteel van Arenberg), a magnificent building built between the 14th and 16th centuries. It is located just outside the main campus at Heverlee, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens right on the Dijle. The château itself has two striking corner towers with gabled roofs and was built in traditional late Gothic style with Renaissance features.

Address: Naamsestraat, central Leuven

Leuven's University Library building is one of the city's finest buildings. Originally the library was located in the town's Cloth Hall, but during World War I, German soldiers burnt the building down, and this new building, with a belfry, was built after the war to replace it.

In World War II, the building was yet again destroyed by the occupying German forces, and the building you see before you today is an exact replica of the post-World War I library, rebuilt as a symbol of Leuven's resilience after World War II.

Today it is home to the university's Humanities library, and visitors can tour the library by audio-guide and climb to the top of the belfry tower.

In the belfry tower, there are exhibits on the building's history, and there are excellent views of central Leuven from the balcony at the top of the belfry.

Address: Ladeuzeplein 21

Not far to the west of Naamsestraat is the Oude Markt, the bustling old square of the city, which is still the center of Leuven. The entire plaza hums with energy. If you are looking for things to do on a summer evening, this is the place to come.

Although its historic brick gabled houses were almost completely burned down in 1914, they have been beautifully rebuilt and now accommodate many cafés and restaurants, which are the perfect pit stop for a coffee break while exploring the central city.

A bronze sculpture here commemorates the "Kottmadams" of Leuven, the landladies of the student rooms.

On the narrow south side of the square is the Holy Trinity College (Collegium Vauxianum (Heilig Drievuldigheidscollege) with a glorious Baroque facade dating to 1657.

Address: Oude Markt, central Leuven

The borough of Kessel-Lo, about four kilometers northeast of central Leuven, is best known for its expansive Kessel-Lo Provincial Domain park, open free of charge and full of outdoor activities for all ages.

Highlights include a small zoo with a petting area, swimming pools, adventure playgrounds, and a museum dedicated to water conservation.

Visitors can also enjoy the lakes, and paddle boats are available for rent.

The town of Kessel-Lo is also noted for its wonderfully preserved Benedictine Abbey (Vlierbeek Abbey) built in 1125. The abbey was destroyed by the troops of William of Orange in 1572, and it was several decades later before it was rebuilt and the Benedictine community once again lived here.

The main and adjoining buildings you see today were built from 1642 to 1730, while the abbey church followed later being built between 1776 and 1794.

About 4.5. kilometers southeast of Leuven lies the gloriously peaceful Abbey Park (Abdij t' Park), founded by Gottfried the Bearded in 1129 and once home to a monastic community. Most of the buildings standing today date from the much later 16th to 18th centuries.

You enter through a grand gateway, passing a windmill on the way to the prelate's house. From here, you can explore the former abbot's palace and the chapter house, with its mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

The library building and the refectory, which both have fine stucco reliefs, are also worth checking out. The monastery church is of 12th- to 13th-century origin, being redesigned in the 17th to 18th centuries.

The township of Rixensart, 31 kilometers southwest of Leuven, is worth a visit for the pretty red brick Château de Mérode that was built between 1631 and 1632.

The building, with its four corner towers, is open to the public, and a tour through the interior reveals an eclectic range of furnishings, including Gobelin tapestries, Louis XV pieces, pictures (including some by Nattier and Tischbein), as well as a collection of weapons that the French mathematician Monge brought back from Napoleon's Egyptian campaign.

A little outside Rixensart lies the Lac de Genval, renowned for its lakeside restaurants and good fishing. It's a favorite rendezvous at weekends for locals from Brussels, as well as Leuven.

The surrounding countryside here is the stuff of picture-perfect, old-fashioned bucolic landscapes – the perfect respite to time spent amid the architectural finery of Belgium's towns and cities.

The university town of Louvain-la-Neuve is a product of the conflict between the Walloons and the Flemish, which reached its zenith in 1968 when the Flemish expelled their Walloon colleagues from the Catholic University of Leuven. The Walloons then founded this university town here in the French part of Belgium, naming it Louvain-la-Neuve ("New Leuven").

Although there aren't many tourist attractions, it's interesting to see how architects tackled the project for the first newly set up town in Belgium since the foundation of Charleroi in 1666. Their vision to recreate the intimate character of a medieval town hasn't been quite achieved, and today this town, which was conceived for 35,000 people, has a population of about 4,500 permanent residents and 18,000 students.

The main square holds the university hall, the Church of Staint-Francois d'Assise and the Museum of the Archaeological and Art History Institute displaying sculpture from the 12th to the 18th centuries.

Louvain-la-Neuve is about 48 kilometers south of Leuven.

Luxury Hotels :

• Housed in a former 16 th -century convent, Martin's Klooster Hotel is a four-star facility located close to the Botanical Garden, Old Market Square, and Leuven's Town Hall. Many rooms retain the historic building's original features, and all include a desk and safe. Hotel amenities include breakfast, laundry service, free internet, and bicycle rentals.
• Novotel Leuven Centrum is a four-star hotel that sits on the outer edge of the city near the train station, close to Kessel-lo. This modern hotel is an excellent choice for families, where kids under 15 stay free and there are on-site activities, including a kids' club and game room. Four-footed family members also welcome, and family rooms and suites are available. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, a buffet breakfast, and a fitness center with a sauna.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• The bright and modern Park Inn by Radisson Leuven is located next to Central Station, conveniently connected via a pedestrian bridge. In-room amenities include coffee & tea, safes, desks, and soundproofing to ensure that the nearby train station doesn't disturb guests. This non-smoking hotel has a fitness center, a restaurant with room service, and a concierge.
• Pentahotel Leuven is an excellent mid-range hotel for families, offering kid-friendly TV networks, a game room, and babysitting services. This quirky, trendy hotel also has a billiards room, coffee shop, and restaurant, and offers walking tours and bike tours of the city; it is located close to the University Library and Bell Tower, as well as a huge variety of restaurants.

Budget Hotels :

• Leuven's most dependable budget hotel is the Ibis Leuven Heverlee , situated just outside of the city near Arenberg Castle and an excellent choice for tourists who have a vehicle. This non-smoking hotel is housed in a beautiful modern building and offers free parking and Wi-Fi, as well as breakfast; the in-house restaurant has a spacious outdoor seating area.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Belgium's Hidden Gems : Like Leuven, the city of Mons (or Bergen, in Flemish) may not be as well-known as some of the more touristy cities but it is well worth a visit for those interested in architecture and history. Tourists who want to explore another lesser-known Flemish city will enjoy exploring the historic attractions in Namur (Namen) , like the old Citadel , Central Old Town , and its numerous historic churches.

Romantic Ghent : The old Flemish city of Ghent is known best for its beautiful architecture and laid-back atmosphere. Free from droves of tourists, couples and seclusion-seekers can enjoy exploring via canal boat, admiring the historic buildings from the water.

More on Belgium

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3 By train
• 2.5 By taxi
• 3.1 Public transportation
• 3.2 On foot
• 3.3 By bike
• 3.4 By thumb
• 3.5 By taxi
• 5.1 Culture and landmarks
• 5.4 Markets
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 9.1 Festivals
• 9.2 Bars and Clubs
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe
• 12 Stay healthy

Leuven (French: Louvain ) is a flourishing and lively city of about 100,000 inhabitants (2018). It is the capital of the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant . It's a genuine university city which reflects in the streets. During the academic year (end of September until end of June) the city is full of young people, especially on weekdays. Sometimes it may seem that there are no other people living in the city. Summer in Leuven in general is calmer, although a lot of summer events are organised. The university that was founded in 1425 and has more than 40,000 students is the oldest Catholic university in the world. The historic centre is one of the most beautiful in Belgium.

Leuven has a very central location in Flanders, which makes it the ideal starting point to discover the other parts of the nation: Brussels is practically just around the corner, the coast is only a 1½-hour train ride away and Antwerp , Bruges , Ghent , Liège , Mechelen and Hasselt are nearby.

Leuven has everything to appeal to both young and not-so-young: buzzing nightlife, intriguing and sometimes stunning historic sites, the important and worldwide respected university and two seemingly unending shopping streets are sure to be to your liking.

Understand [ edit ]

The city has a long and interesting history, being founded probably in the 9th century. It was particularly interesting because of the location, at the river Dijle and close to Brussels. Most of the city was thrashed and burned to the ground by the German invasion in World War I, and was again damaged during World War II. The historic centre however has been preserved and historic buildings like the University Library have been restored, partly with foreign relief funds.

Leuven is located just east of Brussels (20 km). It is the capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium . This means it houses a lot of administrative services and the Province Building, where the province council is located. Its main industries are technology (due to the University) and beer. Important companies such as InBev and Imec have their home bases in Leuven.

Leuven has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Groot Begijnhof (Grand Beguinage) is part of the Flemish Beguinages. The Belfry on St Peter's Church is a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France. The University buildings and the Historic Centre are also on Belgium's tentative list to become a World Heritage site in its own right.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Brussels Airport in Zaventem is the main international airport in Belgium and has many direct international connections from North America, Asia and especially Africa. Brussels has flights from all European capitals and most other major cities.

To get to Leuven from Zaventem, you may take a train to Leuven (13 minutes) for €11,20. It runs every half hour on weekdays and three times per hour on weekends. You may also take a De Lijn bus from the airport to Leuven (1 hr , €2,50). Taxis wait at the arrivals area (about 20 min, depending on traffic, ±€70, ±€45 for pre-booked taxis).

More low-cost carriers arrive at Brussels South Charleroi Airport but travel time to Leuven is considerably longer (approx. 1½ hr). You can purchase a combined bus+train ticket for €17.40 that will enable you to take the A2 bus from Charleroi airport to Fleurus, and from there on to Leuven or Heverlee train station. It is cheaper to buy the ticket for the TEC bus and the train separately, especially if you are younger than 26 years old. There is a direct train between Leuven and Charleroi; you do not have to change trains in Brussels. Pre-booked taxis cost approximately €90. More information on the airport's website.

By car [ edit ]

Leuven can be conveniently reached by car. The E40 highway runs from Brussels via Leuven to Liège , whereas the E314 highway links Leuven with the province of Limburg and with Maastricht and Aachen , at about 1 hour distance. The city has installed a Parking Guidance System that guides you to the larger parkings in the city centre. Look for the electronic signs on the city ring road.

Don't bother looking for a free parking spot on the street, since it's expensive and the many one-way streets can be a real maze when you're driving.

The speed limit around the city is 50 km/h, or 30 km/h inside the ring road and in certain other areas. Your chances of getting a ticket when crossing the speed limit, even slightly, are close to 100%, especially on the ring road.

By train [ edit ]

50.881454 4.716 1 Leuven Railway Station is one of the busiest of Belgium. There are frequent direct trains from:

• Brussels Airport (13 minutes)
• Brussels (Brussels North: 18 minutes; Brussels Central: 24 minutes; Brussels Zuid/Midi: 30 minutes)
• Mechelen (20 minutes), Lier and Antwerp (50 minutes)
• Ghent (1 hour) and Bruges (1 hour 20 minutes)
• The Flemish Coast , with trains from Ostend , Knokke and Blankenberge (1 hour 30 minutes) and De Panne (2 hours and 30 minutes)
• Aalst , Sint-Niklaas and Kortrijk to the west
• Aarschot , Diest , Tienen , Sint-Truiden , Hasselt , Genk and Tongeren to the east
• Liège (30 minutes), Verviers (55 minutes) and Eupen (1 hour 15 minutes) in the eastern part of Wallonia
• Mons (1 hour 30 minutes), Nivelles and Soignies in the western part of Wallonia
• Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve , where there is a connection with the train from Namur and Luxembourg

Almost all cities can be reached by train through the Brussels North or Brussels Zuid/Midi hub. Eurostar trains depart from Brussels Zuid/Midi.

By bus [ edit ]

There are bus lines from and to the cities around Leuven (Brussels, Tienen, Aarschot, Mechelen, Diest and Wavre). Buses are sometimes faster (and always cheaper) if you want to go to Herentals , Turnhout , Geel or other towns in the Kempen region . Almost all buses are operated by the Flemish public transport company De Lijn. The 50.882074 4.71476 2 Bus station is located right next to the train station, but many bus lines also have stops on other locations in the city.

FlixBus offers direct connections (once daily), westwards to Ghent, Bruges and Ostend and eastward to Maastricht, Cologne and all the way to Prague.

By taxi [ edit ]

Licensed taxis have yellow-and-blue (or the older red-and-white) colors on top. They can be found mostly at the airport. One-way to Leuven usually takes 20 min (if traffic isn't dense) and costs about €70.

Get around [ edit ]

The city has installed several new touristic road signs and city maps at several locations, which make getting around in the city a lot easier. Don't be afraid to ask people on the street for information, as they are usually very open and helpful towards tourists - some will even walk you to your destination.

Public transportation [ edit ]

The public transport company De Lijn has a number of bus lines through Leuven. Centre of their network is the train station and the stop at the Rector de Somerplein. Since distances are not that big, you won't really need public transport unless you're going to Meerdaalwoud , Heverleebos , Campus Arenberg or the hospital Gasthuisberg . There is no subway or tram line.

On foot [ edit ]

When arriving in Leuven by train, walk to the Martelarenplein in front of the Station and walk down the Bondgenotenlaan in order to get to the city centre: the Grote Markt (Grand Place) where the tourist information desk is situated. Discover the rest of the historic city centre from there. Note that you can also take the Diestsestraat, which is a pedestrian-only street.

By bike [ edit ]

The city has many special areas for cyclists and most 1-way roads can be accessed in both ways for cycles – beware of police controls on the one-way ones. It's very easy and comfortable. Make sure to lock your bike to a fixed object or the bike will be stolen. You can also rent bicycles. More information at the Tourist Information Desk (near City Hall).

By thumb [ edit ]

Most streets and squares are car-free. If you want to thumb out of the city, pick a spot on the city ring road and hope for a quick pick-up. Most traffic is local or headed for Brussels. The Koning Boudewijnlaan is a good spot as well, since it leads to the off-ramp to the E40 ( Brussels – Liège ) and the E314 ( Limburg ).

Hold up a sign with your final destination, as most people will not 'just' pick up hitchhikers.

Licensed taxis can be identified by the blue-and-yellow/red-and-white symbol and can be found near the Fochplein and the Martelarenplein. Although you probably won't need one, given the perfect railway connection, they're probably the easiest way to get to the airport, for example at night.

See [ edit ]

You can get more information about sights and more at the Tourist Information Desk on the Grote Markt , near the City Hall. While the most important old-looking buildings (Town Hall, Cathedral, etc.) are indeed from Medieval times, most of the common houses that look old are actually (non-faithful) reconstructions of buildings that were destroyed in the First World War; these buildings carry a stone-carved sign with the coat of arm of Leuven and the indication "1914".

• The small port of Leuven ( Jachthaven ). A port at the end of the canal connecting Leuven and Mechelen . In this area a lot of industrial sites are being transformed in expensive apartments. It is the home of Stella Artois beer.  
• 50.877974 4.707384 2 University Library ( Universiteitsbibliotheek ), Mgr. Ladeuzeplein 21 , ☏ +32 16 32 4660 . A beautiful building, a valuable collection. Also has an interesting, huge sculpture of a dead beetle (Totem, by Jan Fabre) on a needle in front of it.  
• 50.8793 4.7023 3 Fonske , Rector De Somerplein . The "fountain of wisdom"  
• 50.877836 4.700491 4 Lakenhal . The administrative centre of the K.U. Leuven. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 50.884114 4.699018 6 St. Gertrude Church ( Sint-Geertruikerk ), Halfmaartstraat . ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 50.88369 4.698881 7 St. Gertrude Abbey ( Sint-Geertruiabdij ). ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 50.884759 4.698898 8 Klein Begijnhof . The small beguinage. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• If you follow the river Dijle northwards from Brusselsestraat (near the Grote Markt) towards the area of the Klein Begijnhof , you will see a few Bruges-like scenes as the river passes by buildings.
• 50.86444 4.717083 9 Park Abbey ( Abdij van Park ), Abdij van Park 7 , ☏ +32 16 40 01 51 . 1 km south of the city. On Geldenaaksebaan pass under the railroad bridge, then to the left.  
• Collegium Trilingue , near the Vismarkt
• The Law Court (Gerechtshof) , in the Rijschoolstraat .

• 50.863 4.683 10 Castle of Arenberg ( Kasteel van Arenberg ). A château in the suburb of Heverlee, now a campus of the University of Leuven.  
• 50.848459 4.70638 11 British Military Cemetery De Jacht ( Engels Militair Kerkhof ), Bierbeekpleindreef . 5 km south of the city ( updated Jun 2017 )
• Old Market (Oude Markt) , filled with bars and restaurants
• Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin) There are picnic tables in the South East corner on your left from the entrance gate.
• War Monument for those who have fallen in World Wars I and II, on the Martelarenplein .
• 50.8788 4.7046 12 M ( M - Museum ). The city museum, at the Vanderkelenstraat , close to the Ladeuzeplein and the Bondgenotenlaan . It has a permanent collection of medieval and modern art, and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Tickets give you access to the museum in the cellars of the St. Peter's Church.  
• Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein are two adjacent squares with a mixture of modern and older buildings. In a corner of Herbert Hooverplein is a monument depicting people travelling by hot air balloon.
• 50.88861 4.696482 13 Keizersberg Abbey , Mechelsestraat 202 ( end of Mechelsestraat, on top of the hill ). It has Leuven's own "statue of Liberty", a 15-meter-high statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the city from the park surrounding the abbey. ( updated Jun 2017 )

Do [ edit ]

Culture and landmarks [ edit ]

• Visit the historic centre , the University buildings and the St. Peter's Church on the Grand Place. Information and guided tours can be found at the Tourist Information Desk.
• Leuven has a cultural organization called 30CC that organizes all kinds of cultural activities around the year, for example in the City Theater on the Bondgenotenlaan. Less frequent during the summer.
• A City Tour Bus leaves for sightseeing around the city from the Fochplein, situated right next to the Grand Place and City Hall.

Events [ edit ]

• Zythoos Bierfestival : . A festival in mid-April with over 600 beers presented by 100 breweries, featuring artisanal Belgian beer and international brews. Food (fries, burgers, sandwiches, pasta available.  (date needs fixing)
• Beleuvenissen is a musical and cultural festival on the squares in the city centre.
• Hapje Tapje is the one day in the year all bars and restaurants put stalls outside to promote their goods.
• Leuven Kermis is a carnival situated on the Ladeuzeplein and the Hooverplein (just next to it).
• Visit the Jaarmarkt (Year Market) the first Monday of September: The entire city centre is transformed into one big market. Cattle is also sold in the streets surrounding the Sint-Jacobsplein, 500 m from the Grote Markt, which is quite the spectacle. Schools in Leuven are closed for this occasion, so expect a lot of visitors.

Green [ edit ]

• Have a picnic in the Sint-Donatuspark in the city centre, 50m from the Ladeuzeplein.
• Visit the Kruidtuin [dead link] or botanical garden on the Kapucijnenvoer, a side-street of the Brusselsestraat. The garden was founded in 1738 and is the oldest in Belgium.
• Make a walk or have a bike ride in Meerdaalwoud or Heverleebos , the green lungs of the city in the suburbs Heverlee and Oud-Heverlee easily reachable by bike or bus (15 minutes). Many good walking paths. Some parts of the forest are still untouched. For more information have a look at Ad's Path , describing many different possibilities for fun activities and how to reach them by public transport with the artwork (wood sculptures) made by Ad Wouters as the central theme.
• Take a boat trip down the Vaart , the Leuven-Mechelen channel. Step aboard in the small port in Northern Leuven, 500 m from the railway station.

Markets [ edit ]

• Visit the market every Friday on the Ladeuze- and Hooverplein, flea market every Saturday in the vicinity of the Grote Markt (Mechelsestraat), and flower market in the pedestrian-only part of the Brusselsestraat (the street leading away from the Grote Markt), every Saturday as well.
• Visit the Christmas market and shop for Christmas gifts, taste local specialties and drink a glass of Glühwein or brandy. Annually in mid-December on the Ladeuze- and Hooverplein.

Other [ edit ]

• Visit Inbev's main Belgian beer factory (Vaartstraat 94, ☏ +32 16 247 111 , fax +32 16 247 497), which produces such famous names as Stella Artois, Vieux Temps and Leffe Radieuse.
• Sports . Can be practised in the city Sports Centre, with a swimming pool (including small subtropic part with slides, sauna, steambaths and jacuzzi), fitness centre, squash courts and more.  
• Football: 50.8684 4.6944 1 Oud-Heverlee Leuven . They play soccer in Pro League, Belgium's top tier. Their home ground Den Dreef (or Kingpower) (capacity 10,000) is by the ring road 1 km south of town centre. ( updated Jun 2023 )
• Bears Leuven . Basketball club.  
• Leuven Chiefs . Ice hockey team.  
• Leuven Lions . American football team.  

Learn [ edit ]

• Katholieke Universiteit Leuven [dead link] , the oldest Catholic University still in existence in the world (founded in 1425).
• Group T [dead link]
• Katholieke Hogeschool Leuven [dead link]

Buy [ edit ]

Shopping in Leuven is easy: you can pick one of the two main roads both starting at the Train Station and ending at the Grand Place, near City Hall and St. Peter's Church. Stores usually close around 18:00, and at 20:00 on Thursday. Supermarkets are usually open until 20:00, 21:00 on Friday.

• The Diestsestraat is the most important shopping street in Leuven. It is for pedestrians only for the total length of the street (about 1 km!). This street also has two small shopping malls, one of them housing the Kinepolis movie theatres.
• Look for smaller shops around the Brusselsestraat , Mechelsestraat and the Parijsstraat .
• The Bondgenotenlaan also features a lot of shops, but is also the main road between the railwaystation area and the centre.
• Leuven has a lot of clothing stores, jewellers, some fine bookshops and of course a few chocolatiers where you can buy genuine Belgian chocolate .
• Seasonal sales provide discounts up to 70% in January and July. Expect the city to be extremely busy, especially on week-ends.
• 50.88073 4.70898 1 Tartufo , Louis Melsensstraat 14 ( One block north of Bondgenotenlaan ), ☏ +32 16 23 06 42 . A small, independent chocolate shop that specializes in truffles in both conventional and unconventional flavours. Cash only. ( updated Nov 2017 )

Eat [ edit ]

In general, you'd have to really make an effort to find a horrible meal in Leuven. Almost all restaurants are tasty and relatively cheap (for Belgium), given the student population. Many Belgians enjoy French fries and snacks in a Frietkot if they're looking for a quick and cheap bite. Try fresh North Sea Mussels , during their season (roughly August–March). Every year, you'll see the big signs announcing their arrival in front of many restaurants. Smoking is not allowed in restaurants.

The more common, bigger restaurants can be found right next to City Hall on the Grote Markt .

Look for cheaper restaurants on the Oude Markt (Old Market) as that's where the student population mostly enjoys their meal. It has many smaller restaurants and bars (the Old Market is sometimes called the longest bar in Europe), but all of them stop serving food after 22:00.

There are many good eateries and a great atmosphere (eating outside during the summer is a can't-miss!) in the Muntstraat , very different styles from classical French Belgian cuisine to "Mexican", Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese. Consult the brand new website for more information. But these restaurants of this street are quite overpriced.

Parijsstraat has some restaurants with a nice atmosphere.

The Martelarenplein houses a lot of restaurants and bars just a stone's throw away from the railway station.

The cheapest choice are student cantines called Alma , which serve quite decent food for the whole meal less than €7-10 (two in the centre, one in the campus and many small ones). Students of KU Leuven get a discount, which makes each meal €5 cheaper.

Budget [ edit ]

• 50.877393 4.700625 1 Grill Pyramid , Naamsestraat 29 . A nice and cheap pizza & kebab place. This place is students' mecca for its delicious and cheap pizzas!  
• 50.878066 4.703689 2 Soupaway , Tiensestraat 29 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.879083 4.699552 3 Past-a-Porter , Parijsstraat 8 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.870537 4.706966 4 Club "Met" , Brabançonnestraat 117 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.880767 4.692686 5 Cappadocia , Brusselsestraat 156 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.869568 4.693268 6 De Spuye , Tervuursevest 101 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.86702 4.697048 7 Frituur Den Dreef , Naamsesteenweg 58 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 50.879436 4.704633 8 Cafe Leffe , Bondgenotenlaan 20 . Good food and as you would expect excellent selection of beers. €20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.880758 4.714115 9 De Klimop , Martelarenplein 5 , ☏ +32 16 22 86 21 . Good Belgian food (menu also in English) with tables inside and outside on the square opposite the main train station €30-40 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.881257 4.713853 10 La Vignette , Martelarenplein 8 , ☏ +32 16 20 03 32 . Classic Belgian. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.878077 4.702985 11 PepeNero , Muntstraat 19 , ☏ +32 16 22 24 25 . Very good Italian. €30-40 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.864152 4.714839 12 Brasserie De Abdijmolen , Abdij van Park 4 , ☏ +32 16 62 96 00 . In an old abbey you will find a modern furnished restaurant serving excellent Belgian dishes. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 50.875805 4.700234 13 Taste , Naamsestraat 62 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 50.875357 4.70021 14 D'Artagnan , Naamsestraat 72 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

In Belgium, the legal drinking age in bars and cafés is 16 for beers and 18 for spirits.

Festivals [ edit ]

Attend the nearby and world renowned Rock Werchter music festival in late June/early July, or Marktrock in the city centre, around August 15.

Bars and Clubs [ edit ]

Leuven is truly a beer city , with the world's largest brewery Inbev being founded here. Try the many tasty beers, but beware, some have much higher alcohol levels than in the rest of the world! Bars are mostly entrance-free and prices are relatively low.

You can visit the many bars around the Old Market every night, but expect a lot more ambiance on Wednesday and Thursday during the Academic Year, when the student population is in the city (late September to early December and early February to the end of May).

The area around the Tiensestraat , where there are bars owned by student organisations:

• 50.877223 4.704718 1 Huis der Rechten , Tiensestraat 53 . for law students  
• 50.877222 4.704836 2 Politika , Tiensestraat 55 . for social science students  
• 50.87729 4.704733 3 Recup , Tiensestraat 51 . for psychology students  
• 50.877273 4.700442 4 Dulci , Naamsestraat 34 . for economics students  
• 50.877355 4.708023 5 Fakbar Letteren , Blijde Inkomststraat 1 . for linguistics and literature students.  
• Délibéré . for the industrial engineers  

Regulations have become stricter in the last few years and visitors of these bars may be requested to provide proof that they are KU Leuven students.

Other bars filled with young people are:

• 50.877909 4.698998 6 Café Belge , Oude Markt 35 , ☏ +32 497 10 72 06 . Has a wide variety of Trappists, abbey beers and special beers. In the day it is a normal cosy bar, during nighttime the bar is more filled with a younger and more progressive crowd.  
• 50.877957 4.699037 7 De Giraf , Oude Markt 38 . If you are a fan of shots, this is one of the places to be. With over hundreds of kinds of shots going from classics like a B52 to dared combinations like a Chilly Willy (drink at your own risk!), this is a perfect place to get a little buzz going. De Giraf has been mistakenly associated with a left-wing crowd but when you enter you will immediately notice that this is a sad cause of prejudice.  
• 50.87703 4.70543 8 Lapaz , Tiensestraat 73 .  
• 50.877644 4.698741 9 [formerly dead link] Alegria , Oude Markt 31 , ☏ +32 16 20 11 07 . Very popular with college kids and high school students alike.  
• 50.878632 4.703015 10 Domus , Tiensestraat 8 , ☏ +32 16 20 14 49 . small home brewery and tavern, the beer they brew is only sold there for consumption.  

Most parties take place in clubs in the city centre (and require a small entrance fee, €2-4):

• Club Montréal ( Naamsestraat, 100 m from City Hall ).  
• 50.878325 4.709118 11 [dead link] Lido , Bogaardenstraat 33 ( Right next to the Ladeuzeplein ), ☏ +32 16 23 23 83 .  
• 50.878297 4.702165 12 Musicafé , Muntstraat 5 , ☏ +32 16 20 06 41 .  
• 50.879479 4.699497 13 Albatros , Brusselsestraat 15 ( 100m from City Hall ), ☏ +32 16 22 31 09 .  

Larger venues are outside the city centre, and have a slightly higher entrance fee (€5–9) and drinks cost a bit more.

• Club Room ( about 8km from the city centre in the suburb Herent ). Open on Friday and Saturday, offering theme evenings such as a gay-friendly evening every first Friday of the month. Take a taxi or a nightbus.  

Sleep [ edit ]

• 50.882735 4.717726 1 Youth Hostel Blauwput , Martelarenlaan 11 . The Hostelling International youth hostel in Leuven. It's very modern and new, with a bar, a lounge, a terrace during the summer. From €19.50 per night .  
• 50.878535 4.708984 2 Leuven City Hostel , Ravenstraat 37 . Independent backpackers hostel in the centre. Nice and cosy, small hostel. Including breakfast and free coffee/hot chocolate all day. Free Wifi Internet available. Shared and private rooms available. Beds from €18 .  
• Many Bed&Breakfasts can be found on the official tourist site . Relatively low price (starting from €30) .  
• 50.88094 4.714037 3 Hotel La Royale , Martelarenplein 6 , ☏ +32 16 22 12 52 . Cosy hotel with relatively cheap rooms, in front of the station. From €50 per night .  
• 50.871049 4.695438 4 Begijnhof Congres Hotel , Tervuursevest 70 , ☏ +32 16 29 10 10 . Luxurious business hotel near the Grand Béguinage. More suitable for business people. From €115 per night .  
• 50.885844 4.71051 5 Novotel Leuven Centru, , Vuurkruisenlaan 4 , ☏ +32 16 93 90 01 . Modern hotel about 250 m from the station. Easily accessible by car. From €115 per night .  
• 50.880437 4.696629 6 IBIS Leuven , Brusselsestraat 52 , ☏ +32 16 29 31 11 . Cheaper hotel about 100 m from the Grand Place. From €65 per night .  
• 50.875891 4.697797 7 Hotel New Damshire , Schapenstraat 1 , ☏ +32 16 74 52 45 . Cosy, somewhat business-like hotel about 100 m from the Oude Markt in a quiet street. From €108 per night .  
• 50.881347 4.717273 8 Park Inn by Radisson Leuven , Martelarenlaan 36 , ☏ +32 16 60-10-00 , [email protected] . Primarily a business hotel connected to Leuven Central Station via a pedestrian bridge. Modern well furnished, reasonable breakfast. Public parking under the hotel. ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 50.879333 4.704613 9 Theater Hotel , Bondgenotenlaan 20 , ☏ +32 16 22 28 19 . Small and somewhat luxurious hotel, 100m from City Hall and the Stadsschouwburg (Theatre Hall). From €99 per night .  
• 50.878755 4.712168 10 Hotel Binnenhof , Maria-Theresiastraat 65 , ☏ +32 16 20-55-92 . Comfortable hotel 300 m from the railway station and in the neighborhood of the Ladeuzeplein and the arts faculty. From €90 per night .  
• 50.879203 4.695724 11 Klooster Hotel , Onze Lieve Vrouwstraat 18 , ☏ +32 16 21 31 41 . Modern high quality hotel just outside the city centre, near the old market, within an old cloister.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Leuven is a very safe and clean city, with very low crime records.

In general, there are no unsafe spots in the city best avoided. The streets are safe, even at night, although you better avoid public gardens at night. Even though most of them have closing hours which vary throughout the seasons. Of course, it is advised to take the precautions tourists are urged to take everywhere (e.g. to avoid pickpocketing). If you have a bike, make sure it is secured with a decent lock as students tend to 'borrow' bicycles. Similarly, jackets left unattended in bars may be at risk.

The city centre police station is located next to City Hall at Grote Markt. Don't hesitate to walk in if you have questions. Police usually patrol by car and on foot, and most of the times anonymously instead of walking around in uniform (especially at night). Try to avoid the area around Sint-Maartensdal and De Bruul (between Brouwersstraat and Pereboomstraat). There are also some spots in the suburb Kessel-Lo which are better avoided at night (Casablanca and Vredespleintje).

Police are especially harsh on traffic violations (also the ones made on a bike!), violent behavior and public disturbance.

Belgium and the Netherlands have different drug regulations! Smoking pot (marijuana) is not permitted, although it is tolerated when done indoors. An adult can never have more than needed for 'personal use'. Expect any more to be confiscated if they are found by police and you risk being penalized.

Useful phone numbers:

• Police: 101
• Emergencies: 112 (can be used from mobile phones).
• Local police: ☏ +32 16 21 06 11 (016 21 06 11 from landlines).

Leuven is a student city, and therefore has had a history of minor vandalism (garbage being thrown around, throwing beer cans) and public drunkenness. Lately, this situation has improved when talks between locals, student organizations and police were installed. Stewards now keep things organized and make sure the party is kept inside instead of in the streets. It is therefore advisable to keep a low profile in the streets at night, as police and stewards will act.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Leuven has two larger hospitals:

• The Academic Hospital UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg is the largest hospital in Belgium and is located just along the ring road.
• The Regional Hospital Heilig Hart is in the city centre. As always, dial 112 when you are in distress. You will be taken to either of both hospitals.

For smaller health problems, Belgians usually go to their family doctor, who are often in a group practice in city areas. Ask your hotel, hostel or guide for information on the nearest doctor. Going to the Emergency Room for small health problems will not only cost you, it will also take longer to get help (ca 45 minutes).

Leuven has a pharmacy at every corner. You can not buy medication in a supermarket.

Connect [ edit ]

As of July 2022, Leuven has 4G from Base / Telenet and Orange, and 5G from Proximus / Scarlet.

Go next [ edit ]

• Leuven is 30 min from Brussels , an hour from Ghent and 80 min from Bruges .

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10+ Exciting Things to Do in Leuven, Belgium

Are you looking for a vibrant city to explore with plenty of exciting things to do? Look no further than Leuven, Belgium! This university town is an excellent site for solo travellers – but there’s something for everyone here. From visiting centuries-old architectural wonders like St Peter’s Church and Grote Markt, to exploring the botanical gardens and tasting Belgium’s national beer, Leuven has it all.

With its University Library, Museum Leuven, and Longest Bar in the World, Leuven offers a unique array of experiences. So why not plan your trip to Leuven right away?

Short Summary

Explore Leuven’s beautiful architecture, including the 15th-century Town Hall and St. Peter’s Church.

Visit Museum Leuven for an impressive art collection and extended hours on Thursdays with admission included in the ILUVLeuven Ticket XL!

Enjoy a beer at the longest bar in the world, or take a brewery tour of the home of Stella Artois.

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Leuven

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Leuven, a university town in the Flanders region of Belgium, you’re in luck! With its lively student scene and stunning architecture, Leuven has a variety of accommodation options to fit different types of stays. For those looking for a hotel, The Heart of Leuven apartment, Boutique Leuven, and Hotel De Pastorij are all great choices. If you’d prefer a bed and breakfast, Hotel De Pastorij is a great option. For larger groups, the Heart of Leuven apartment can fit up to 8 people. You can find a full list of hotel options in Leuven.

Leuven is also known for its beer and culture, so why not take in the sights while you’re there? You can visit the Botanical Garden or explore the winding cobblestone streets of the Groot Begijnhof. You can also take in the sights of Old Market Square Leuven and marvel at Saint Peter’s Church.

How To Get From Brussels To Leuven

No problem. You can get from Brussels to Leuven quickly and easily by taking the train. Trains between Brussels and Leuven run every 10-15 minutes, making it a great option for visitors who want to quickly explore Leuven. The journey takes just 20 minutes, so you’ll be in the city centre in no time. Plus, the train station is only a 10-minute walk away from downtown Leuven, so you can easily explore the city without taking a taxi or public transportation.

Leuven is the perfect day trip from Brussels, and is one of Belgium’s hidden gems. With its rich history, incredible architecture, and vibrant culture, it’s a great place to visit. And with the convenient train connection, it’s easier than ever to experience all that Leuven has to offer.

Explore the Best of Leuven’s Historic Centre

Leuven’s historic centre is a must-visit for any visitor to Belgium, and it’s an absolute treasure trove of history and culture. From the cobbled streets of Oude Markt to the impressive Grote Markt, there is something here for everyone.

Highlights of the city centre include Grote Markt’s Gothic buildings, Stadhuis, and St. Peter’s Church – all of which boast centuries of history. So, if you’re looking to really explore the best of what Leuven has to offer, then its historic centre is definitely the place to start.

1. Admire the Buildings of Grote Markt

Grote Markt is the epicenter of Leuven’s historic centre, and it’s the perfect spot to admire some stunning Gothic buildings. The highlight of the square is undoubtedly the 15th century Town Hall, but there are also many other beautiful buildings to explore, including St. Peter’s Church, the Cloth Hall, and the Guild Houses.

What’s more, you can also take a guided tour of the Stadhuis, or purchase the ILUVLeuven ticket which will help you save some cash when visiting the included sites.

2. Take a Tour of Leuven’s Stadhuis

Leuven’s Stadhuis is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, and it’s an absolute must-see. Located at Grote Markt 9, the Stadhuis is a classic example of late Gothic architecture, built in the Brabantine Late Gothic style. The exterior of the building is adorned with an impressive 235 statues, and the interior of the building is equally stunning, with the Great Gothic Council Chamber and the Small Gothic Hall.

To really get the full experience, you can take a guided tour of the Stadhuis every afternoon for a small fee.

3. See The Last Supper in St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is a pretty cool Gothic church right in the center of Leuven, on the Grote Markt. The highlight of the church is undoubtedly The Last Supper painting by Dirk Bouts, which dates back to 1464 to 1468.

Aside from the painting, there is also a brass font tucked away in the chapel to the left of the west gate, as well as the Museum of Religious Art, run by M-Museum Leuven.

So, if you’re looking to really experience the best of Leuven’s history, make sure to check out St. Peter’s Church.

Visit the University Library

The University Library in Leuven, known as the Universiteitsbibliotheek, is an absolute must-visit for tourists. It was first built way back in the 15th century, and was tragically destroyed during WWII. Thanks to some American funds, the library was rebuilt in the classic Flemish Renaissance style and is now a site of great historical and cultural importance.

The University Library is full of amazing things to do, such as taking a history tour with an audio guide, checking out the bell tower, taking in some stunning views, and chilling out in the cozy library hall. Admission to the University Library is €7, which includes an audio guide and a panoramic view.

1. Learn About Leuven’s University Library

Leuven’s University Library building is an impressive attraction. It was built in the classic Flemish Renaissance style and is the biggest library in the area. Visitors can learn about the library’s past, as well as take an audio-guided tour and climb up the bell tower for some awesome views of central Leuven.

Additionally, there are a bunch of exhibits about the building’s history in the belfry tower and the balcony at the top of the belfry. It’ll cost €7 to take a tour of the KU University Library.

2. Climb the Tower for Panoramic Views

Climbing the bell tower at KU University Library is an experience you won’t forget. Your ticket will get you access to the bell tower, an audio guide to help you explore, and a cozy library hall to curl up and read in. Plus, the views from the top of the tower are pretty amazing. You can see all of Leuven from up there, and it’s especially awesome when the bells start ringing.

You can feel the vibrations throughout the entire tower and it’s quite loud – not for the faint of heart when you’re 80 meters up!

Art Lovers’ Guide to Leuven

Leuven is a true paradise for art lovers, boasting some of the best art spots in Belgium. From the iconic Museum Leuven to the breathtaking Groot Begijnhof, there’s plenty for art aficionados to explore in Leuven. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at these two art destinations, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Museum Leuven is one of the top art spots in the city, located at Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28. It houses an impressive collection of over 52,000 artworks – from 15th and 18th century masterpieces to contemporary works and even some of the hottest exhibitions from renowned artists around the globe. The museum is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, except for Wednesdays when it’s closed. But Thursdays are special – they stay open until 10 pm. Admission is included in the ILUVLeuven Ticket XL, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out extra cash. And if you’re looking for a cup of joe, head to Coffee at Anna – it’s just across from the museum and it’s got some seriously tasty coffee and a great selection of pastries and snacks.

Groot Begijnhof is another must-see for art enthusiasts. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a restored historic quarter that was built back in the 13th century to house beguinages. This place is pretty special – it’s a historic spot that gives us a peek into the lives of the beguines who called it home. It covers a whopping 3 hectares, making it one of the biggest buildings in Europe. You can take a look around the outside of the buildings without spending a dime, and it’s located at Schapenstraat in the heart of Leuven.

So make sure you add Museum Leuven and Groot Begijnhof to your to-do list in Leuven – they’re two of the most important art spots in the city, giving you a peek into the city’s amazing cultural heritage.

1. Visit Museum Leuven

Museum Leuven is the ultimate art destination in Leuven, boasting an impressive selection of classical and modern art from all over the globe. Located at Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, on the grounds of an old mansion, this museum has a wide array of artworks that are sure to captivate art enthusiasts.

When visiting Museum Leuven, you can check out an awesome collection of over 52,000 artworks, with a special focus on pieces from Leuven and Brabant. Not only that, but you also get to explore the St Pieterskerk Treasury for free!

Museum Leuven is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, except for Wednesdays when it’s closed. But Thursdays are special – they stay open until 10 pm. Admission is included in the ILUVLeuven Ticket XL, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out extra cash.

And if you’re looking for a cup of joe after your visit, head to Coffee at Anna – it’s just across from the museum and it’s got some seriously tasty coffee and a great selection of pastries and snacks.

2. See the Groot Begijnhof

Groot Begijnhof is a real treat – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a restored historic quarter in Leuven. This place is pretty much a fairytale! It was founded in the 13th century and has over 1,000 houses and a church. Back in the 18th century, 300 béguins were living here and the houses were given a facelift with stepped gables, mullions, and doors. But then the French Revolution happened and the British had to leave.

This place is huge! It covers a whopping 3 hectares, making it one of the biggest buildings in Europe. Best of all, you can take a look around the outside of the buildings without spending a dime. And you can find it at Schapenstraat in the heart of Leuven.

So art enthusiasts, make sure you add Groot Begijnhof to your to-do list in Leuven – it’s a pretty special place, as it was once home to hundreds of béguines who lived a simple, nun-like life.

Have a Beer at The Longest Bar in the World

The Oude Markt in Leuven is home to the longest bar in the world, making it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. The Leuven beer scene is absolutely buzzing, with loads of different Belgian brews to pick from. From the fruity beers made with locally-sourced ingredients from Limburg to the classic Stella Artois, you won’t be short of options.

The Oude Markt itself is a large rectangular square in the heart of Leuven. It’s full of awesome cafes and restaurants and all sorts of nightlife options to choose from – the perfect spot to grab a cold one after a long day of exploring. And in the summer, the vibe is electric, with plenty of tables to hang out at and people to watch.

A Brewery Visit to The Home of Stella Artois

It all started way back in 1366 when the beer producers first set up shop at the Den Hoorn brewery. Fast forward to 1717 and Sébastien Artois took over the reins, and Stella Artois was born.

If you’re looking for a good time, you can take a guided tour of the Stella Artois Brewery in Leuven. You can join an English language tour of the Stella Artois brewery on Saturdays at 3 pm and 5 pm. In 2023, you can take a tour of the Stella Artois brewery for €12, which includes a tasting and souvenir.

Visiting the Stella Artois Brewery is a must for any beer enthusiast. You’ll get to explore the home of the famous Pilsner beer, learn about the brewery’s history, and see how they make Stella Artois these days. Plus, you’ll get to sample the beer, so what’s not to love?

Make sure to check out the museum, too, which is full of interesting facts and stories about the brewery, its creator, and the first World War. Oh, and don’t miss the Leuven Beer Festival, which takes place every spring. It’s a great opportunity to explore Belgium’s hidden gems and sample some of the best beers in the world.

Relax in Leuven’s Botanical Garden

The Leuven Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Belgium, having been founded in 1738 by the University of Leuven. Originally created as a medicinal plant garden for their school of medicine, the garden is now a beautiful place to relax and explore. The garden boasts a stunning wisteria wall, beautiful flower borders, and an impressive succulent collection. It’s truly a sight to behold.

You can also find some really interesting plants and flowers, topiary bushes, bees, chickens, and all kinds of exotic flora with subtropical and tropical species, cacti, and water plants. The address of the garden is Kapijcijnenvoer 30 and the best part is, admission is totally free!

So if you’re looking for an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Leuven Botanical Garden is an ideal spot to relax and unwind.

Is Leuven Safe for Solo Travellers?

Yeah, Leuven is usually a safe place for those who are traveling solo. As with any destination, it’s always wise to keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings. The city centre is generally safe and well-populated during the day, however, it’s best to avoid shady areas and stick to well-lit streets at night. Make sure you always have a map handy and don’t be afraid to ask for directions if needed.

Solo travellers to Leuven should take precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night, keeping your valuables close, being aware of your surroundings, and staying away from suspicious people. It is also a good idea to register with your embassy when you arrive in Leuven, so they can be kept informed of your whereabouts.

Leuven is generally a safe city and solo travellers can enjoy their visit without worrying. Tourists should make sure to keep their belongings secure, stay vigilant, and use common sense while they explore all of the amazing attractions Leuven has to offer.

Leuven is an amazing city with plenty of things to do, from exploring its historic centre to visiting the world’s longest bar and brewery. Located just a 20 minute train ride from Brussels, it’s perfect for a day trip or even an entire weekend exploration.

Art lovers won’t be disappointed either, as Leuven has some incredible art attractions, such as Museum Leuven and Groot Begijnhof. With breathtaking views from the bell tower to the free Botanical Garden, you will never find yourself without something to do in this amazing city.

Solo travellers don’t have to worry either, as Leuven generally offers a safe environment and travellers should take certain precautions to keep their belongings secure. With all these exciting things to do and explore, Leuven is the perfect destination for a fun filled adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is leuven worth visiting.

Leuven is definitely worth visiting! With beautiful architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, nearby countryside and quaint pubs, it’s the perfect place to explore and relax.

Coupled with its fascinating history and hospitable locals, you won’t regret giving Leuven a visit!

What is Leuven Belgium best known for?

Leuven, Belgium is renowned for its lively university town of 100,000 people, and for housing some of the world’s best breweries. It’s won a reputation as the “beer capital of the Flemish Brabant” with brews like Stella Artois helping to put it on the map as a popular destination!

The city is home to a variety of pubs, bars, and restaurants, all of which offer a wide selection of beers. Visitors can sample the local brews, or try something new from the many international brands available. There are many reasons.

Why visit Leuven Belgium?

Leuven is a stunning city filled with centuries-old history and culture. Whether visiting for its world-famous beer, vibrant modern art galleries, or gorgeous Gothic churches, you’ll be awestruck by the beauty of Leuven Belgium.

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10+ Best things to do in Leuven, Belgium’s most underrated city

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 9th December 2023

Categories Belgium

Last Updated on 9th December 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Home to delights such as a UNESCO listed beguinage and a handful of churches, this university city is well worth exploring over the course of one or two days. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Leuven .

After all, if you’re looking to meander a little off the beaten tourist track, the smallest of the famous Flanders medieval cities is to be found in the form of Leuven , a city around twenty minutes on the train from Brussels. 

What is Leuven famous for?

A brief history of leuven, belgium’s hidden gem, #1 stadhuis (town hall), #2 universiteitsbibliotheek (university library), #3 sint pieterkskerk (st peter’s church), #4 schatkamer (church treasury), #5 enjoy a local beer, #6 drink at the longest bar in the world, #7 enjoy the artwork of museum m, #8 soak up the ambience of the historic city centre, #9 groot begijnhof (grand beguinage), #10 discover leuven’s hidden gems, #11 hortus botanicus lovaniensis, #12 visit the leuven christmas market, travel tips & things to know before visiting leuven for the first time, how to visit leuven, for the best coffee in leuven: mont café, alfons smetsplein 1, 3000 leuven, belgium, for the best dinner in leuven: the beach, tiensestraat 138, 3000 leuven, belgium, where to stay in leuven, what is the population of leuven, what are the best free things to do in leuven, is leuven safe to visit, enjoyed reading about the best things to do in leuven, belgium pin it now, read it again later:.

Situated somewhere east of Brussels, Leuven is best-known as being a university town of around 100,000 residents and for having plenty of breweries (this is the home of Stella Artois!) .

The city is so famous for its beers, that’s it’s often considered the beer capital of Flemish Brabant! For more information, check out our guide to the best of beer in Belgium. The city of Leuven is known in French as Louvain  and in German as  Löwen.

Leuven also happens to be the the capital of the Flemish province of Brabant. Other than beer, some of the best reasons to visit include UNESCO heritage sites, an escape from the crowds of more popular cities, and an excellent foodie scene.

The first mention of Leuven dates back to 891 as  Loven.  At that time, a Viking army was defeated by the Frankish King Arnulf of Carinthia together with his army. Soon enough, thanks to the city’s prominent position alongside the River Dyle.

During the time of the Duchy of Brabant in the Middle Ages (this Grand Duchy was a state within the Holy Roman Empire and comprised of modern-day parts of the Netherlands, as well as the North of what is now Belgium) , Leuven was one of the most important cities of the region thanks to its role in the cloth industry.

Wander around the city today and you can still spy the grand cloth hall in between several university buildings. So prosperous was the city of Leuven, that it was where the first University, the Catholic University of Leuven, was founded in the 15th-century.

The city was largely destroyed during the First World War when even the University Library was purposely destroyed with incendiary rounds and petrol. As such, much of what you see today was rebuilt during the 1920s, even some of the parts that look particularly old.

The city was once again badly damaged during the Second World War. The University Library was once again set on fire and nearly a million books were burned. Visit Leuven today and you’ll now discover a vibrant and thriving Belgium settlement that’s easily one of the most underrated cities in Europe.

10+ Best Things to do in Leuven

There is no doubt that the most beautiful building in Leuven is its incredible Stadhuis. Originally constructed in the Brabantine Late Gothic style from1448 to 1469, the ornate façades are intricately carved in a lacework style.

Unlike much of the city, the majority of Leuven’s Stadhuis escaped the damage of WWI, though a bomb strike heavily damaged the front façade during WWII. It was then rebuilt and restored in the same style as before.

Elsewhere in Grote Markt square, you’ll soon spy the Fons Sapientiae (literally translated as ‘Source of Wisdom’), which more than encapsulates the spirit of the city. After all, much of the population of Leuven is formed of students and so the cheeky statue of a student pours water over its head.

Grand and imposing, the University Library is one of the most beautiful places in Leuven. Unfortunately, the original library was purposely destroyed during WWII, including its 300,000 books. The current building you see today was built by funding from Americans in a traditional Flemish style in the 1920s.

While the square in front is filled with cafés and eateries, what you may not know is that you can actually enter the library and climb its beautiful bell tower for a fee. Find more information about how to do this on the Visit Leuven website .

UNESCO listed thanks to the incomplete towers that have made their way onto the belfries of France and Belgium, St Peter’s Church can be found in the very heart of the city.

Though there has been a church onsite since the 10th-century, much of what you see today finds its foundations in the 15th-century. One of the more interesting aspects of St Peter’s Church in Leuven is that its bell tower was only partially completed due to the church running out of funds during construction.

One of the greatest artworks anywhere in Belgium, let alone Leuven, is the 15th-century Last Supper masterpiece by Dirk Bouts. Throughout 2019, during renovation works on the church treasury, mean that many of the works of art (including Bouts’ painting) are instead on display within the main body of St Peter’s Church.

Birthplace of none other than Stella Artois, the world famous beer which began production in 1926, Leuven has plenty of other beers to offer. After all, the city is filled with and surrounded by an array of breweries, some world-famous and others simply micro-breweries.

Some of the best beers to enjoy in Leuven include Domus Beer (this restaurant and café is also a brewery) and many of the fruit beers that are derived from produce picked in the local Limburg region (which is home to the transparent Borgloon Church ).

And while we’re on the subject of sampling beer, be sure to head to the ‘longest bar in the world’, i.e. the Oude Markt. This square can be found close to the Grote Markt (you should be careful not to confuse the two piazzas) and is allegedly the longest line of consecutive bars, inns, and pubs in the world.

Whether or not this is the case is unclear. After all, ‘the longest bar in the world’ is also often touted to be the nickname of the Altstadt in Düsseldorf, Germany. However, whether or not this really is the longest bar, there’s no denying that the Oude Markt is a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a local beer with friends.

The best museum in Leuven is the ever-so-modern M Van Museum. Located in the historic city centre and opened to the public in 2009, this cultural hub boasts well over 46,000 masterpieces.

Highlights of this well-reviewed museum include late Gothic paintings, as well as works of art by big names such as Jan Rombouts I and Jef Lambeaux.

Truth be told, one of the best things to do in Leuven is to wander around the historic city centre and soak up the atmosphere. Snap photos of the narrow lanes, enjoy coffees in lesser-known cafés and browse in independent boutiques. For the best selection of brasseries and restaurants in the city, be sure to meander along Muntstraat.

The UNESCO world heritage listed complex of the Grand Beguinage is easily one of the most beautiful beguinages that Europe has to offer. Now part of the University complex, the beguinage dates all the way back to the 13th-century, easily making a meander around the Groot Begijnhof one of the best things to do in Leuven.

Like many other beguinages throughout Belgium and the Netherlands, including those of Amsterdam , the beguinage was constructed so as to serve as housing for unmarried semi-religious women.

Today, the buildings belong to the university and the entire complex covers a staggering 3 hectares, making this one of the largest beguinages in Europe. It’s free to explore the exterior of the buildings.

Of course, there’s a side of the city away from the imposing cathedral and stunning Stadhuis. From a 16th-century Belgian château to a mini beguinage that’s not on the UNESCO list, there’s no shortage of quirky and historically-inspired things to do in Leuven.

Some of my favourite hidden gems of Leuven include the secret courtyard behind the main tourism office, as well as the Romanesque Romaanse Poort. Thanks to Leuven’s fairly small compact size, it’s not too hard to get off the beaten path…

You may well not know this, but the oldest botanical garden in Belgium is to be found on the fringes of old town Leuven. Covering a massive space and free to visit, there are even greenhouses you can wander around, meaning that these botanical gardens are even perfect to visit during a rainy day in Leuven.

Highlights of the Kruidtuin Leuven include a wisteria wall, plenty of flower borders, and an impressive succulent collection. What’s more is that the botanical garden is free to visit, making the Kruidtuin one of the best free things to do in Leuven.

If you’re visiting Europe during the winter, then you’re in luck because this is when the famed Christmas Markets are held. While not as large as the Brussels Christmas Market, Leuven hosts its own annual Christmas Market.

The festive event boasts around 140 stalls and is held in the H. Hooverplein and Mgr. Ladeuzeplein. In 2023, the Leuven Christmas Market will take place from the 7th December to 21st December 2023.

Like much of this region of Belgium, the weather at Leuven can change several times in the course of just one day, thus meaning that you should bring an umbrella .

I’d also advise packing layers and a capsule wardrobe so that you can plan for any weather eventuality (in the spring temperatures can fluctuate particularly wildly).

Flemish is the official language of the city (Flemish and Dutch are not actually two different languages. Instead Flemish is a variation of Dutch), though English, German, and French are widely spoken.

However, it’s only polite to learn a few words of the local language and so consider bringing along a simple phrase book like this one . If you’re travelling to Europe from the UK, North America, and plenty of other destinations from around the world, you’ll also want to bring a travel adapter like this one.

For more information about the city and its surrounds (including the chance to pick up a free map with all of the top tourist Leuven attractions) , a visit to the Visit Leuven tourist office is an absolute must.

Situated just off the Grote Markt square (address Naamsestraat 3, 3000 Leuven) , you’ll find a little courtyard in the vicinity where you can sit and plan out your route, which will help you plan your trip to Belgium .

Finally, the town is pretty compact. This is especially true of the historic city centre where everything is within walking distance. There are lots of cobbled lanes and so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes are avoid stiletto heels!

As a result, you won’t want to drive your car around the centre of Leuven and you can easily see all the major Leuven attractions by exploring the city on your own two feet. If you wish to venture into the outskirts, these are also walkable, though you could also rent a bike.

Belgium is a fairly small country and nothing is more than a couple of hours away. Leuven’s central location means that it’s easy to reach from Liège, Ghent, Bruges, Brussels, and Mechelen. The city is also only around half an hour from Brussels airport via public transportation.

This vibrant and lively university city is characterised by its student nightlife and collection of beautiful buildings. You can easily explore Leuven over the course of one or two days and the city’s close proximity to the Belgian capital (just twenty minutes by train) means that the secret Belgian town can even be visited as a day trip from Brussels .

Otherwise, if you’re looking to get a unique, unusual, and local’s perspective of Leuven, then you might consider booking a guided tour. For example, this fun guided tour will show you the top highlights of the city via bicycle and will show you plenty of secret spots and well as Leuven top attractions.

Where to eat, drink, and caffeinate in Leuven

If you’re looking for hands down the best coffee in town, you simply need to head to Mont Café. Situated close to the Grote Markt and nearby to all of the city’s main attractions, the caramel latté was simply superb, with the milk frothed to perfection!

Located on the fringes of the old town, and even open on a Sunday (like many smaller cities in Europe, you’ll find that many establishments are closed on Sundays, which is traditionally a rest day), The Beach serves incredible vegetarian fare at reasonable prices.

And with an ever-changing menu, you’ll always have a wide variety of tasty dishes from which to choose from. I’ve personally visited the vegetarian restaurant twice, and while the food isn’t the best meat-free food I’ve ever had, it must be said that it’s still pretty tasty!

There are plenty of accommodation options when it comes to staying in Leuven. We personally stayed in the Pentahotel and found it absolutely charming.

Think a hip, trendy, and cool reception area with candlelit tables and quirky decor. The bed was enormous and we particularly loved the quirky toiletries in the bathroom! We also loved how close the hotel was to all of Leuven’s major attractions. Check prices and availability here.

Frequently asked questions about Leuven

As of 2016, the population of Leuven was 100,244.

Those visiting Leuven on a budget will be pleased to know that there are a number of low cost activities and attractions on offer. Due to its location a little off the beaten path, Leuven is much more affordable than some of its Flemish counterparts such as Bruges and Ghent.

Some of the best free things to do in Leuven include visiting the Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin Leuven), wandering through the many cobbled streets of the Groot Begijnhof, discovering Old Market Square Leuven, and visiting Saint Peter’s Church.

Leuven is generally as safe as most other destinations in Europe, though petty crime can still occur. Visitors should be especially wary of pickpockets (which are present all over Europe, particularly in large crowds) . Never leave your valuables lying around or attended. I personally recommend always wearing a crossbody bag like these ones.

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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One Day in Leuven, Belgium: The 12 Best Things To Do

Last Updated on: 21st February 2024, 12:20 pm

Leuven is the best city in Belgium you’ve never heard of!  Leuven, Belgium – only  20 minutes by train from Brussels  – combines the charm of a small town with the intellectual vibrancy of a renowned university. Leuven has more famous art, beautiful churches, peaceful parks, and amazing architecture than you will expect. Visiting Leuven for one day allows for true Belgian cultural immersion with  absolutely no crowds. 

When I enrolled to study for my PhD in Theology at KU Leuven in Belgium (Catholic University of Leuven) I had no idea what an  amazing city Leuven is  and how much I would enjoy my yearly visits. As a university student, I am usually engrossed in studying for exams when I visit Leuven. I try to get out a bit every day to enjoy  Leuven’s beautiful architecture , wealth of religious art, and the peaceful charm of this underrated city in Belgium!

There are so many fun things to do in Leuven – from outdoor activities like exploring the botanical gardens, to my favorite Leuven museum, the M-Museum Leuven, to strolling among the peaceful atmosphere of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Grand Beguinage. Give Leuven a chance and it may just become your favorite city in Flemish Belgium – as it is mine! 

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Getting to Leuven, Belgium from Brussels

Leuven, Belgium, is  conveniently accessible from Brussels , making it an easy day trip for one day in Leuven or a longer stay destination for those exploring Belgium.

It’s important to note, however, that although Leuven is so close to Brussels  Leuven is a Flemish city, so the population speaks Dutch.  As a very international university town, however, you will find plenty of French-speakers and no shortage of English speakers. In fact, in general, most people I’ve met speak excellent English in Belgium – or at least enough to give you directions! 

The best way to travel to Leuven from anywhere in Belgium – but especially from Brussels – is  by train . There is direct services available from Brussels’ three main stations:  Brussels-North, Brussels-Central, and Brussels-South (Midi).  

The journey from Brussels to Leuven takes  approximately 20 to 30 minutes , depending on the departure station. Trains run frequently throughout the day, offering flexibility for visitors’ schedules. There are also  direct trains to Leuven from Brussels Airport , providing a quick and efficient transfer option that takes  about 15 minutes.  This ease of access underscores why Leuven is a  must-visit destination within Belgium.

Leuven’s train station is situated on the  southeastern edge of the city centre.  To reach the heart of Leuven, one can embark on a leisurely  walk of about 10 to 15 minutes along Martelarenlaan and Bondgenotenlaan , streets that lead directly to the city’s central area,  the Grote Markt.  This main square is the focal point of Leuven, surrounded by notable landmarks such as the Gothic Town Hall and St. Peter’s Church. For those preferring not to walk, the city offers a  reliable bus service , with several lines running from the train station to different parts of the city center. Taxis are also readily available outside the station for a more direct but costlier option.

For bus travel in Leuven and most of Flemish Belgium, download the app:  De Lijn.  There you can purchase day-passes for public transport (not trains,  however – those are seperate tickets) or a 10-bus-ride pass. It’s very easy to activate each ticket in the app before getting on the bus! 

Don’t forget to put an esim for Belgium on your phone so you can have full access to apps like  DeLijn , buying train tickets from your phone on the go, and Google Maps to navigate walking through a new city! 

One Day in Leuven – Morning in Leuven, Belgium

1. Explore the Grote Markt and enjoy morning light on the Leuven Town Hall 

Start your day at the  Grote Markt , the main square that serves as the heart of Leuven. This historic square sits at the  heart of the city  and serves as a focal point for exploration. Here, you will find Leuven’s most famous historic buildings: the stunning  Gothic Town Hall , an architectural masterpiece from the  15th century,  renowned for its intricate façade adorned with hundreds of statues depicting both religious and political figures. 

Adjacent to it is  St. Peter’s Church , a classic example of  Brabantine Gothic architecture , housing notable art pieces, including Dieric Bouts’ “Last Supper.” 

The Grote Markt  is not only a hub for architectural admiration but also a lively spot where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Surrounded by  numerous cafés and restaurants , it’s the perfect place to enjoy a Belgian beer or a meal while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.  Make sure to explore the smaller streets radiating from the square  to discover more of Leuven’s charms, including boutique shops and quaint eateries.

On  Saturday mornings  along Brusselsestraat, just off the  Grote Markt,  there is a huge market both for farmers and antique dealers from 9:00-18:00. This market is special in that it offers smaller specialty products such as dried meats, cheese, mushrooms, and more, alongside a rotating array of antiques! I love  antique shopping in Europe  and really enjoy this market! 

2.  Visit St. Peter’s Church and its famous artworks

Take a walk around  St Peter’s Church , a 15th-century church showcasing a magnificent example of Brabantine Gothic architecture along with the renowned  “Last Supper” painting by Dirk Bouts.  The best time to visit Saint Peter’s Church in Leuven is in the early morning or late afternoon because at both times the light best illuminates the church’s interior and it’s art treasures. 

St. Peter’s Church is  the oldest church in Leuven  and is situated right in the city’s historical quarter and main square. It’s a truly classic example of late gothic architecture. Although an original Romanesque church was built on the site in 986, it was destroyed by fire in 1176. The current 15th century structure was completed in 1497 – just before the 16th century. Unfortuantely, like much of Leuven,  parts of the church were destroyed by german soldiers during the Second World War , but it has since been renovated and rebuilt in a manner that preserves its historical and architectural integrity – remaining a fine example of gothic architecture not just in Belgium but is one of  Europe’s best cathedrals.  

There is an impressive collection of art inside St. Peter’s Church, but undoubtaby the most famous painting there is by Dieric Bouts (also known as Dirk Bouts) – “ The Last Supper”.  This painting is a masterpiece of the so-called  Flemish Primitive  painting style and it has remained in its original location for which it was commissioned in the 15th century – a true rarity in the art world today!

This is one of the earliest known Northern European paintings to feature the motif of Christ’s Last Supper with his disciples. It is a serene painting and there is remarkable emotional depth in the characters for this time period. 

3. Visit the University Library in Leuven & Climb the Famous KU Leuven Bell Tower

Next, take a short walk to the  University Library , not just an academic cornerstone and the most important of the university buildings, but also  a symbol of resilience for the city of Leuven and it’s world class univeristy.   The University Library was rebuilt after  destruction during both World Wars , it stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and determination. The  library’s bell tower  offers a panoramic view of the city, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a blend of education and scenic beauty.

To visit the KU Leuven University Library you can purchase a ticket to visit in the visitor’s center on the ground floor. The ticket will come with  an audio guide to guide you through the library . As you climb the bell tower you will encounter several landings with exhibitions sharing the history of the library and the destruction of Leuven during the World Wars. Not only are these exhibits fascinating – but they break up the climb and give you a chance to catch your breath!  Please Note:  This is a steep climb on winding metal staircases, and is no suitable for anyone with mobiliity issues or young children. 

At the top of the tower you can see all across the city of Leuven – it’s a beautiful view and signs will help you pick out Leuven’s famous landmarks. 

Once you climb down the bell tower, make sure to check out the porch of the library where the names of other  universities that helped to fund the re-build  are carved – it was fun to find even small American universities I knew and recognize their generosity to this little town in Belgium! 

Afternoon in Leuven: Cultural Immersion and Natural Beauty

4. Visit Old Market Square (Oude Markt) in Leuven

Often referred to as the “longest bar in the world,” the  Oude Markt  in Leuven is filled with numerous cafés and bars, each with its own unique ambiance. Here, you have the opportunity to experience the vibrant heart of  Leuven’s social life.  Whether you’re looking to enjoy  a traditional Belgian beer , sample local cuisine, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, the Oude Markt is the best place to get lunch in Leuven.

During the warmer months, the outdoor terraces become a bustling hub of activity, offering the perfect spot for people-watching and taking a moment to relax during your one day in Leuven. For those interested in cultural events, the Oude Markt often hosts  concerts and festivals,  you can check the schedule of festivals at  Visit Leuven.

5. Visit Leuven’s Botanical Garden 

The Leuven Botanical Garden is  the oldest botanical garden of its kind in Belgium , established by the university KU Leuven in 1738. This garden is not just a great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful setting, but is also a center of  scientific research and conservation for the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven . As a visitor, you’ll find a tranquil escape from the university city’s hustle and bustle in this beautiful place, with an array of plant species ranging from medicinal herbs to  exotic tropical species  housed in the historic orangery and throughout the grounds.

The garden’s unique layout and collection make it an educational experience as well, with informative labels that really help you understand the plants’ origins and uses. One of the garden’s highlights is the  greenhouse complex , where you can explore different climates from around the world and see plants you might not find elsewhere in Belgium.Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the meticulously maintained paths and perhaps sit by the pond, a perfect spot for reflection or a quiet read.

6. Visit the Stella Artois Brewery 

A visit to the  Stella Artois Brewery in Leuven  is a must-do activity in Leuven. As one of the world’s  o ldest and most renowned breweries , dating back to  1366 , it offers an in-depth look into the brewing process of one of Belgium’s most famous beers. The Stella Artois Brewery is also the  largest brewery in Belgium  – and the company that owns it is one of the largest brewing companies in the world! 

To visit, you should book a tour in advance. For the most part tours happen on Saturdays and Sundays in the afternoon. There appear to be some Tuesday options on the official Stella Artois Tour website, so check out the options and choose what will work for you. At this time it appears tours cost 14 Euro for an adult. 

Just make sure to book an English-speaking tour! 

These guided tours include an informative walkthrough of the brewery’s production facilities, where you’ll gain insight into the history of Stella Artois, the brewing process, and the brand’s global reach. The tour concludes with a tasting session, allowing you to sample  the crisp lager  straight from the source.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the Stella Artois Brewery from Leuven’s city center, so plan accordingly when you book your tickets. 

7. Take a Guided Tour of the Leuven’s City Hall: the Stadhuis 

To explore the interior of Leuven’s Stadhuis (City Hall), one of the city’s architectural gems, you will need to join  a guided tour , which offers a comprehensive look inside this historic building. Tickets for the tour are available at the  Toerisme Leuven office , located conveniently in the city center. 

Visit Leuven offers daily guided tours to the Stadhuis in the late afternoon.  Be sure to book the English tour – not the Dutch (NL) tour!  The cost is only 4 Euro – which is well worth it in my opinion!  You must  book the tour ahead of time , either directly in the Toerisme Leuven office or online. 

Inside the Stadhuis, you will be treated to a myriad of  artistic and historical treasures , including elaborately decorated rooms, stunning Gothic architecture, and an extensive collection of artworks that adorn the walls. When I visited my guide provided engaging commentary on the history of the building, the significance of its decorations, and stories about the city’s past. I highly recommend you don’t miss out on visiting the Stadhuis – it’s one of the best things to do in Leuven! 

Evening in Leuven: Historical Quarters and Artistic Encounters

8. Visit the Groot Begijnhof

The “Large” or “Great” Begijnhof in Leuven offers a unique journey back in time and is one of the most serene and gentle activities in Leuven. Recognized as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site,  this large beguinage is a marvel of medieval architecture, comprising a network of streets, squares, gardens, and buildings that date back to the 13th century. The designation of the Great Begijnhof reflects the site’s outstanding universal value, preserving the memory of the Beguines,  lay religious women who formed independent communities  in the Middle Ages. 

Today, the atmosphere within the Groot Begijnhof is one of tranquil beauty, with its well-preserved structures still housing university students and academics, thus continuing its legacy of community and learning. Walking through its cobbled lanes, you’ll be amazed students still live there and perhaps even see them studying through the windows.  Take plenty of time to wander and get lost,  but you won’t get too lost (it’s not huge)! This is a great place to bring a small picnic or book and rest for a while. 

The Groot Begijnhof is a place where the past and present coalesce, offering a glimpse into the medieval life while serving as a living, breathing part of KU Leuven.

9. Visit the M Museum Leuven 

Closed Wednesdays

When planning your one day in Leuven, make sure to include the M-Museum on your itinerary: it is a must for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers. The M-Museum is open  Tuesday through Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM , and extended hours on Thursdays until 10:00 PM. This amazing museum offers a broad spectrum of art from the  Middle Ages to the present , integrating both historical works and contemporary art in a dynamic dialogue. 

The M-Museum is particularly noted for its collection of works by  Flemish Primitive painters.  The M-Museum also showcases temporary exhibitions that highlight the cutting-edge of contemporary art, design, and photography. The museum’s architecture itself is a blend of old and new, with renovated historical buildings connected by a striking modern glass structure, providing a unique backdrop for its diverse collections. 

Among its treasures, make sure not to miss the  pieces by Dieric Bouts , the same painter as the Last Supper in St. Peter’s Church. 

Further Afield: Things to do just outside of Leuven, Belgium

10. Visit Park Abbey and PARCUM Museum of Religious Art 

Closed Mondays

Park Abbey, a serene oasis on the outskirts of Leuven, houses the  PARCUM Museum of Religious Art , offering a unique blend of tranquility and cultural enrichment. 

Open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, the museum set inside of an historic abbey delves into the rich tapestry of religious history, art, and culture. If you are interested at all in religious art, icons, and history – here you’ll find an impressive collection of religious artifacts, artworks, and manuscripts that span centuries. Among its treasures, the museum showcases  stunning examples of sacred art , including medieval sculptures, liturgical garments, and rare manuscripts that highlight the spiritual and artistic heritage of the region. 

The atmosphere of the museum is contemplative, designed to encourage reflection on the intersection of  faith, art, and history.  The grounds are also beautiful, offering a wonderful place for a picnic or stroll. 

It’s easy to get to Park Abbey from the center of Leuven by bus and takes between 15-20 minutes each way. 

Using the ILuvLeuven Combined Ticket

Even if you only have one day in Leuven to explore, I highly recommend considering the  ILuvLeuven ticket  which provides access to the best tourist attractions and things to do in Leuven for one low price. This is a good option for anyone wanting to save money and organize their time in Leuven around the best things to do. 

The ticket is the easiest way to visit the main sites listed above: the Stadhuis / Town Hall, the University Library, and either the M-Museum or Park Abbey & the PARCUM Museum. It’s suitable for those who only have one day in Leuven because it only covers three activities – not 20 or so – making them all available at affordable prices. 

Leuven, Belgium: A Day Well Spent

In the vibrant tapestry of Belgian cities, Leuven is a very special place with the same charm, architecture, and delicious Belgian foods without the hustle and density of tourist crowds found in Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges. While these cities are undeniably magnificent,  Leuven offers a calmer, yet equally enriching alternative.  Leuven is an ideal spot for visitors who appreciate the finer aspects of Belgian culture and history but prefer a more relaxed setting. It’s also a great option for those on a budget: as a university city the prices for food and activities reflect the typical student budget! 

With  direct trains from Brussels Airport  making access easy, and a compact city center ideal for exploration on foot, Leuven is an obvious choice. Don’t just take my word for it – enjoy one day in Leuven for yourself!

Cate Michelle is currently a PhD student in Theology and Religious Studies at KU Leuven Belgium and a researcher in religion, health, and pediatrics internationally. Cate was previously pastor of the oldest Mennonite church in America and is a Board Certified Chaplain and qualitative researcher. Cate is passionate about traveling to monasteries, cathedrals, and spiritual destinations in Europe and globally – and she strives to make spiritual and religious travel more accessible to all those who wish to incorporate faith into their travel experiences.

Flights and Trains – I know everyone recommends SkyScanner…but I’ve never loved it. I simply use Google Flights for most of my searches and set alerts for routes I’m interested in to nab cheap flights. Travel Insurance – It’s so important to have peace of mind that you are covered for any health needs, accidents, or even travel delays when you are on a trip. I recommend: – Safety Wing insurance . It’s great for short trips and for digital nomads traveling for months or years at a time. Their rates are seriously affordable. I simply wont leave home these days without a Safety Wing Travel Insurance policy. Credit Cards – I am a big fan of the American Expresss Platinum Card and have used them for over 6 years now. It offers 5x points on all flights (any airline!) and hotels booked through Amex Travel, built-in travel insurance , access to the biggest network of airport lounges – it’s a no-brainer despite the annual fee! Apply for the American Express Platinum Card here and for a limitied time get 80,000 bonus points (that’s easily enough for a round-trip flight to Europe from the USA!) on signup. Language Learning – Want to brush up on your French, Spanish or another language before traveling? I’ve made huge progress (and had a lot of fun) using private tutors through italki . With rates as low as $8 per hour (seriously!) and friendly, highly experienced tutors you can make quick progress and have fun while doing it. Sign up for italki here to check out their teachers.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means I earn a small commission for products or services mentioned on this site. As always, all opinions remain my own.

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One comment.

Hey Cate! I just found your blog looking for things to do today in Ghent for Easter, and was surprised to find you were also an American student studying abroad in Leuven! Your posts are very informative, thanks for sharing your experiences with others. I didn’t know Leuven had botanical gardens or about the historical quarter. Keep up the great work!

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Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 15 Best Things to Do in Leuven (Belgium)

15 Best Things to Do in Leuven (Belgium)

It will not take you long to figure out what Leuven was built on as its university and breweries are very much still the heart and soul of the city. The University is a striking mix of classic architecture and state of the art research and facilities. As tourists it will be the classical side of the university that interests you. As with many university towns, the sheer amount of students give the place a real buzz. The city is home to over 25,000 students and this can clearly witnessed on any night or evening out in the city.

The city is located only 25km away from Brussels and very much lives in the bigger city’s shadow in terms of tourism. But if you have visited Brussels or anywhere else in Belgium and liked what you saw, then you will certainly enjoy what Leuven has to offer.

Despite the picturesque centre of the city being small enough to see it all in a day or two, the charms and culture of this lively city will easily keep you here for a week or two.

Here are the best things to do in Leuven !

1. See the Iconic Stadhuis

Leuven’s most iconic building is without a doubt its town hall or Stadhuis. The building is a fine example of late Gothic architecture with stunning turrets, stonework and flags all adding to the imposing but beautiful appearance.

There are a total of 235 statues, honouring notable past residents of the city, on the exterior of the building. These were added in 19th Century.

All this is made even more remarkable by the fact that the building was very nearly destroyed during the Second World War but fortunately the bomb that skimmed the buildings facade failed to explode.

2. Visit Schatkamer

The St Pieterskerk Treasury is home to various artwork including two famous triptychs by Dirk Bouts, a famous Leuven based painter. The triptychs were produced in the 15th century by Bouts and are considered to be two of the best works from that time period.

The pieces are without a doubt the main reason to visit the Schatkamer but the church itself is also worth admiring.

It was built in the 15th Century in Gothic style after the original church on the site burnt down in the 10th Century.

3. Take a sip of Stella Artois

Stella Artois is one of the most popular and well known breweries in the world and it is here in Leuven that the brewery is located.

These days much of the brewing process is automated but it is still possible to take a tour of the facility. You can either book a last minute tour on the day, subject to availability or book to or three days in advance.

In the summer months tickets are also available from tourist offices. You will find the brewery about 1km north of the train station.

4. Go to University

Leuven’s Universiteitsbibliotheek may be a bit of a tongue twister but it is still worth popping on your itinerary. The building is both beautiful and well made.

Built in renaissance style with a brick tower topped with a cupola the building is perfect for photos and sight-seeing in general. The library was destroyed when it was burned down during the German occupation of Leuven in 1914, it has since been rebuilt twice.

The buildings can be visited only at certain times during terms but the steps to the top of the tower can be ascended all year round.

5. See Some Art at the M Leuven Museum

The M Leuven is the top art museum in Leuven and is completely state of the art.

The art housed here ranges from between the 15th and 18th Century as well as contemporary pieces and temporary exhibitions from big name artists from around the world.

As a bonus, entry to the museum allows for free access into the St Pieterskerk Treasury meaning that you can also see the pieces on display there to complete a perfect day for art lovers.

6. Visit Leuven’s University Hall

The historic University Hall in Leuven or the Lakenhal is actually situated in the heart of the University’s administration complex and currently is used by the university.

The hall was constructed in the 14th Century and was the place where cloth was traded in Leuven for many years.

The building is in fitting with the Gothic style of the rest of the university and is well worth seeking out whilst walking around the area.

7. Admire the Groot Begijnhof

The Groot Begijnhof is a completely restored historic quarter located in the south of Leuven. It was founded in the 13th Century by the Beguines and they remained here until the late 17th Century.

The houses have since been restored and are now a residential area for the lucky students of Leuven University.

The site, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great chance to see what living in Leuven was like 300 years ago.

8. See the Sint Jan De Doperkerk

This church is hidden away in the Begijnhof area mentioned above. It was built in a Gothic style but boasts a stunning and elaborate Baroque interior.

The church is open from the beginning of April until the end of September from tuesday till friday between the hours of 1:30 and 4:30.

9. Be Amazed by the city’s top Museum

The Leuven Museum or Museum Leuven certainly stands out upon first sight. The building integrates with several historic buildings in the area and incorporates them into its contemporary design.

This blend of new and old is reflected in the museums art displays. Inside the museum is a vast collection of ever-changing exhibitions displaying various paintings and sculptures from the 17th Century onwards.

There is also plenty of contemporary on display in the museum ranging from photographs and films to sculpture and paintings.

10. Attend the Leuven Beer Festival

With the very apt caption of “Leuven is the place to beer”, the Leuven beer festival takes place between 22nd April and 22nd May.

During the festival, there is the opportunity to taste more Belgian beers than at any other festival in Europe.

There are also plenty of new up-and-coming beers to sample as well as extended opportunities to visit one of the many breweries in the city.

11. Shop at one of Leuven’s Markets

Leuven is a great place for shopping, especially in one of the cities weekly markets. You have the choice of browsing the weekly flower market, the food and clothes market, or the exquisite artisanal market.

Whether you are looking to buy or just soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of a Leuven market, this is a must do for shopping fans.

12. See the Keizersberg Abbey

Leuven has many great abbeys but at the top of the list is the Keizersberg Abbey. Built by Mardsous monks the abbey, with its surrounding wall, looks more like a fortress than a place of worship.

Even so, it is still a beautiful sight and the gardens here, which are now a public park, are a great place for panoramic views of the city.

Although open to the public, the gardens are slightly wild with long grass and nettles taking over in the summer month, so it is best to stick to the paths.

13. Learn at the Archives of Leuven

The Histaruz, is the archives of the UZ Leuven, the academic hospital in the city. On display here are over 9,000 objects from throughout the hospital’s history including past apparatus and books about medicine from as far back as the 18th Century.

The museum also features restored nursing units from the early 20th Century allowing visitors to time travel back to a different age of medicine and treatment.

There is also an 85 year old auditorium where thousands of doctors and nurses have been trained throughout the years.

14. Sample the Nightlife of the Oude Markt

The Oude Markt may seem like the longest bar in the world but it is actually made up of several different bars all joined together in the Oude Markt square.

Whatever you are into, whether it be reggae, rock or Chinese food, the Oude Markt has it all and all in one location.

In summer it is a perfect place to sit on one of the many tables lining the square and watch the people of Leuven and the many tourists go about their daily activities.

15. Visit the Heverlee Woods

If you feel like escaping from the hustle of the city on a particularly busy day or if the heat gets too much and you want to relax in the shade of some trees, then Heverlee Woods are perfect.

Situated just outside of Leuven (can be reached by a single bus) the woods are part of a 2,000 hectare wooded area. The woods are great place to walk or cycle or simply enjoy a picnic with a cool Belgian beer.

The woods can be reached by train, bus or, if you drive from Leuven, there is also car parking.

15 Best Things to Do in Leuven (Belgium):

• See the Iconic Stadhuis
• Visit Schatkamer
• Take a sip of Stella Artois
• Go to University
• See Some Art at the M Leuven Museum
• Visit Leuven's University Hall
• Admire the Groot Begijnhof
• See the Sint Jan De Doperkerk
• Be Amazed by the city's top Museum
• Attend the Leuven Beer Festival
• Shop at one of Leuven's Markets
• See the Keizersberg Abbey
• Learn at the Archives of Leuven
• Sample the Nightlife of the Oude Markt
• Visit the Heverlee Woods

The Ultimate Guide to Leuven

Leuven is a Belgian city east of the capital Brussels. It has a population of about 100,000 people, many of which are university students.

There’s no denying that Leuven is a quaint town that’s brimming with energy. There’s a lot to see and do, from the picturesque landmarks and cultural heritage sites and to the famous breweries.

There’s a lot of history and charm to uncover here, so let’s get into the ultimate guide to Leuven, Belgium.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Leuven

Leuven is about 30 kilometres east of Belgium’s capital city, Brussels. From Brussels Airport, you have numerous transport options. Trains depart every half hour during the week, and every hour on weekends.

The trip to Leuven takes only 13 minutes from the airport, or 24 minutes from Brussels Central Station. Leuven has one main train station, located in the northeast part of the city and a short walk to the centre.

There are also bus lines, but trains are typically faster and easier. The train is also convenient if you’re coming to Belgium from a neighbouring country like France, Germany or the Netherlands.

If you’d prefer to drive from Brussels, it’ll take you about half an hour via the E40.

What to expect in Leuven

Belgium is a country with many mother tongues and dialects. The national languages are Dutch, French and German, but you don’t need to speak any of these to get by.

While Leuven is located in the Dutch-speaking part known as Flanders, English is widely spoken.

As half of the population are young students, you’ll have no trouble communicating here if English is the only the language you know. However, keep in mind that Belgians are reserved people and may not feel inclined to greet anyone they don’t know.

As Belgium is a part of the European Union, the currency used is euro. This replaces the old Belgian franc and makes it very easy for you when travelling in and out of the country.

Tipping is not required in Belgium, as most restaurants add on an additional 10 to 15 per cent charge to your final bill. Unless you felt the service at a restaurant was outstanding and you’d like to give a little extra, you don’t need to worry about leaving a tip.

Leuven is famous for its breweries, so expect to have a beer (or many) on your trip. As a matter of fact, the entire country is known for its beer.

Cult pilsner Stella Artois is brewed in Leuven, so it’s likely you won’t leave the city without having a taste of it. That being said, the drinking culture is relaxed here and the locals can handle their alcohol well. You won’t typically find any loud revellers in the streets unless they’re tourists.

How to get around Leuven

Since Leuven is a small city, it’s easy to get around on foot. Parking can be difficult, so if you need to get somewhere a little further out, opt for the bus rather than renting a car.

KU Leuven, a research university in the city, has some helpful information on finding bus routes and schedules . There’s also the number 600 bus on weekends, with various stopping points around the ring road.

Renting a bike is a fun option too if you’re not in a rush and want to explore leisurely. You can use Blue-bike to find information and real-time availability for short-term bike rentals at Leuven Station. Cycling is a popular way to get around in Leuven, so you’ll fit right in with the locals.

The Best Time to Visit Leuven

For a combination of decent weather and average crowds, book a trip to Leuven during the off-season. Shoulder months like May and October are the most pleasant times to visit. In fact, any time during spring (March to May) is ideal for exploring the city.

The city sees the highest amount of tourists from June to August. If you want to avoid the busy crowds and have a relaxed time, try to skip the peak summer holidays.

On the other hand, the cold winters in Belgium may be unpleasant for you. Prices also rise around this time because of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Things to do in Leuven

When you’re planning what to do in Leuven, be sure to add a few art galleries and museums to your list. M-Museum is the best of the best and home to over 50,000 works, including late-Gothic sculptures and 16th-century paintings.

Mixed in with the older artworks are contemporary and interactive pieces. Themed exhibitions, lectures and workshops are put on throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule during your visit.

Galerie Dessers is a beautiful space that showcases pieces by both established and up-and-coming artists. If you want to see a more diverse collection of works, head further out to Frans Vanhove. This gallery features ceramics, glass art, photography and sculptures.

If you want to do some shopping, Diestsestraat is the main street to head to. It’s home to all the Western stores you’re familiar with. If you’d rather support local boutiques and small businesses, you’ll find a more intimate retail experience on Mechelsestraat and Vismarkt.

There are fun things to do in Leuven at night as well. The large student population means there are plenty of good bars around. All you need to do is head to Oude Markt (aka Old Market), which is affectionately referred to as the longest bar in Europe.

Café Belge is one spot you can’t miss, with a solid selection of drinks and a mix of locals and tourists. Café Allee is a laid-back industrial hangout where you’ll find Belgians of all ages enjoying a beer together.

If you want a quieter spot further away from the main square, Mattiz is perfect for some cocktails and tapas.

Places to visit in Leuven

Look over a copy of the Leuven tourist map to make your sightseeing smoother. In addition to all the local statues and must-see landmarks, the map will also show you routes worth detouring down.

All the attractions listed on the map are located within the ring road of Leuven, which marks the centre of the city.

Leuven Town Hall, aka the City Hall of Leuven, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. This ornate building dates back to the 1400s and is a remarkable example of late Gothic architecture.

The exteriors were revamped in the 1800s with embellishments dedicated to individuals of religious and cultural significance. The facade is truly magnificent and considered to be the most impressive in Europe.

Opposite the Town Hall is the majestic Saint Peter’s Church. It shows off a similar Brabantine Gothic style and is home to many artworks and relics that have remained during both World Wars.

A kilometre away is Groot Begijnhof, a historical quarter that was once home to a community of unmarried women.

The 13th-century complex, known as a beguinage, is almost like a small town. It has distinct characteristics unlike any other beguinage.

In between the historic buildings are gorgeously manicured pockets of nature. The Hortus Botanicus Lovaniensis is the oldest botanical garden in Belgium, created for medical students and enjoyed by botany enthusiasts.

In addition to the diverse collections of plants, there’s a beautiful orangery and tropical greenhouse. Education and research programmes run regularly if you’re interested in learning more.

What to eat in Leuven

Belgium has some great street foods to try, many of which the country has become known for. Fried potatoes (aka frites ) originated here and were introduced back in the 1700s.

De Smullende Heks is one of the best hole-in-the-wall spots in Leuven. Come to get a paper cone full of fries with a dollop of sauce and mayonnaise. It’s also common to order moules frites at a restaurant, which are fries served with a bowl of mussels.

For a sweeter treat in Leuven, you’ll find waffles everywhere. Stalls sell them hot or cold, either plain or with added nuts, Nutella, honey, whipped cream and fruit on top. Of course, there’s also Belgian chocolate. You’ll have your pick of places to taste some, but you can head to Think Chocolate ! or Neuhaus Leuven for the real deal.

For sit-down meals, you’ll find an abundance of fantastic restaurants in Leuven. Below are just a few of the most laid-back and authentic places to get a bite to eat.

De Werf is a cosy gastropub with an open terrace, serving warm food at affordable prices. Don’t be deterred if it’s a little chilly out, as you can grab one of the blankets available and rug up.

Den Angelus is another great spot for traditional Belgian cuisine. With limited seating, it’s an intimate dining experience right down from Grote Markt.

Mykene is the spot to go if you’re with a group of both vegetarians and meat lovers. There are mouth-watering options for everyone here, from vegan dishes to duck and mussels.

Where to stay in Leuven

Accommodation in Leuven ranges from chic and modern to historic and authentic. Here are a few of the top places to stay while in Leuven .

Gasthof De Pastorij is a charming bed and breakfast in the very heart of Leuven. The owner has an impeccable eye for detail and takes great care in ensuring guests have a wonderful stay.

The fantastic hospitality and the cosiness of the rooms will make you feel right at home. You can also enjoy the daily breakfast buffet full of freshly baked bread and local produce.

For more affordable accommodation, Ibis Budget Hotel will meet your requirements. The rooms are white, modern and minimalist with pops of lime green.

The hotel is conveniently located beside Leuven Train Station and suitable as a home base if you’re going on a lot of day trips. With double beds, twin singles and extra bunks, it is ideal for groups of friends or families.

If you want to go all out, Begijnhof Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Leuven. If you’re after a beautiful and relaxed setting, you’ll enjoy the secluded terrace garden and medieval cobblestones.

There are views of the garden and the Dijle River from the modern rooms and suites. There’s also a sauna on-site and a unique food bar.

Tours to do in Leuven

A must for any passionate beer drinker is a tour of the Stella Artois Brewery. It’s easily the most iconic and well-known brewery in Leuven. While getting to taste many different beers is a big draw, the tours themselves are engaging and informative.

Leuven has a brewing legacy dating back to the 1300s, so it’s fascinating to learn about this historic link.

You’ll also learn about the brewing process, the role of each ingredient, and the unique twist Stella Artois brings to the mix. Tours of the brewery run on Saturday and Sunday afternoons for about two hours.

Day trips from Leuven

There are many day trips you can take from Leuven to other popular cities in Belgium. You can head back to explore Brussels or travel north to Antwerp.

Whether you catch the train or drive there, both options take 45 minutes. You could also check out the city of Ghent , which is an hour and 15 minutes directly from Leuven (or an hour if you’re coming from Antwerp ).

You can also explore another country for the day if you wish. Trains to Rotterdam and Amsterdam in the Netherlands take between one and a half to two hours. If you want to see Paris , it’s also a two-hour train ride away.

The trains leave frequently enough that you could leave Leuven early in the morning and get back for bedtime. You can easily find train timetables and plan your public transport journeys on the SNCB website .

As this guide has shown you, Leuven has a lot of history but a young and vibrant energy. If you’re looking for a culturally-rich city that also knows how to have a good time, look no further than Leuven.

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Art & Culture Travel Blog

Things to do in leuven.

• Tea Gudek Šnajdar

Things to do in Leuven article was first published on Culture Tourist on 20 June 2017 and updated on 18 April 2023.

Are you looking for fun things to do in Leuven? That small Belgian town located some 30 kilometres (18 miles) from the country’s capital, Brussels , is charming, picturesque and still undiscovered by many tourists. I spent a weekend in Leuven and fell in love with it! If you are planning to visit Leuven, here is Culture Tourist’s travel guide with tips, tricks and places you shouldn’t miss in Leuven.

Leuven is a small town filled with beautiful architecture, cultural sites and many fun things to do. First mentioned in the 9th century, it has a fascinating history that you can still spot around the town. Leuven is home to the oldest and largest university in Belgium. During the 16th century, the town was one of the European art and science centres. Many painters lived in the city during that time. Being home to an important university, Leuven attracted scientists and humanists from all around Europe. One of them was Desiderius Erasmus, who was teaching at the university.

Leuven has around 100,000 inhabitants today, almost half of whom are students. Although a historical town, Leuven is filled with life, many shops, cafes and restaurants. And it’s a beautiful place to visit! So, here are some things to do in Leuven during your visit to that charming town.

⤷ Read more : The best weekend trips in Flanders

Leuven Town Hall

Address: Grote Markt 9, Leuven

Leuven Town Hall, located on the Grote Markt, is the most fascinating building in the city. It was constructed during the 15th century in the local Brabantine Late Gothic style. The edifice is famous for 235 sculptures on its facade. You can recognise images of some of Leuven’s and Belgium’s most influential citizens among the statues.

You can see the Town Hall’s interior and learn a lot about the building during one of the daily guided tours. Check out this link for the guided tours ‘ time slots and online tickets.

Saint Peter’s Church

Address: Grote Markt 1, Leuven

Opposite the Town Hall, you’ll find another Leuven gem – Saint Peter’s Church. It was built around the same time in the 15th century. Even some of the same architects worked on two buildings simultaneously. The church is a beautiful Gothic building with bell towers inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Its interior has numerous fantastic artworks, from the wooden Baroque pulpit to statues and paintings. That’s why, be sure to peek inside it, too. If you want to see more of them, visit the Church’s Treasury, home to many fascinating medieval paintings and sculptures. You can also see its crypt (a church below the church) there.

⤷ TIP : Entrance to the church is free of charge. However, if you’d like to visit the Treasury, you must buy an entrance ticket.

⤷ Read more : 20 Most iconic churches in Europe

Leuven University Library

Address: Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein 21, Leuven

As you have already noticed by now, Leuven is a student town. So it comes as no surprise it’s home to one of Belgium’s most beautiful library buildings. It’s a beautiful place and still a hidden gem. You can explore its architecture from the outside, visit its interior and reading room and even climb its tower. The view from it is fantastic!

Although you wouldn’t say that by its appearance, the building’s history was quite turbulent. It burned down during the First World War. It was rebuilt after that but, unfortunately, demolished again during the Second World War in 1940. After the second restoration, new books were donated, and today, it has around four million titles in its collection.

M – Museum Leuven

Address: Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, Leuven

M – Museum Leuven is a place to visit for contemporary art lovers. Exploring their collection by seeing historical and modern exhibits beside each other is fascinating. The architecture of the building is gorgeous. After exploring all the artworks, be sure to have a drink at its fantastic roof terrace.

However, as with many contemporary art museums, I recommend you visit them if you’re into modern art and accompanied by a guide.

⤷ TIP : All those four sites are included in the ILUVLeuven combi ticket, which costs 16 euros. You can buy at the Leuven Tourist Office or online and save time and money when visiting those places. I used the ticket during my visit and loved it!

Sint-Donatus Park

Address: Tiensestraat, Leuven

When tired of exploring all those Leuven cultural sites, take a break at Sint-Donatus Park. It’s a lovely green tranquil oasis located right in the town centre. Besides all the beautiful trees and nature, you’ll find some of the remains of the original medieval Leuven town walls. Being a University town, Leuven is home to many students. Many of them study and hang out at that beautiful park.

⤷ Read more : 15 Best exhibitions in European museums in 2023

The Oude Markt (the ‘Old Square’ in English) is a great place to have a coffee or lunch during the day or a glass of Belgian beer in the evening. There are so many bars and restaurants there, the square got the nickname ‘the longest bar in the world’.

It’s a lovely pedestrian area where you can sit for some time and observe typical old house facades. Each has a different gable and decoration, almost as if their owners competed who will create the most beautiful one.

Groot Begijnhof in Leuven

Address : Groot Begijnhof, Leuven

When entering the Groot Begijnhof area, you have a feeling as you walk into the medieval village located in the city centre. Founded in the 13th century, it was home to unmarried religious women. With around one hundred houses, it is one of the largest beguinages in Belgium.

The University of Leuven purchased and restored the site in the 1960s. After the last beguinage sister died in 1988, it became home to visiting professors and students.

⤷ Hotel tip : I stayed at the Begijnhof Hotel in Leuven. With its location and beautiful garden, it felt as I travelled back in time to when the beguinage sisters were living there. If you’d like to stay in a lovely hotel close to the city centre, I recommend you book your stay there.

Vaartkom neighbourhood

Address (Opek Restaurant): Vaartkom 4, Leuven

I always love visiting interesting residential neighbourhoods when travelling. Vaartkom is that kind of area in Leuven. Close to the canal, it was once home to the old Stella Artois brewery. You can still see its historic buildings there.

However, it’s a trendy neighbourhood with lovely apartments and nice restaurants today. I had lunch on the terrace of Opek , the cultural centre with a nice view of a canal and the old brewery. It’s a great place to feel a bit of local life and explore the modern side of Leuven.

Leuven Botanical Garden

Address: Kapucijnenvoer 30, Leuven

Founded in 1738, Leuven is home to the oldest botanical garden in Belgium. It was established by Leuven University to plant some special herbs medicine students used in their experiments.

With its sculptures, an old fountain and a cute little wooden bridge, Leuven Botanical Garden have such a unique historical feel. You can visit it free of charge.

⤷ Read more : 15 Best museums in Europe you have to visit this year

Stella Artois Brewery in Leuven

Address: Aarschotsesteenweg 20, Leuven

If you have ever visited Belgium, you know it’s a beer country. It’s home to more than 300 breweries. And even the largest brewery in the world is located in Leuven. If you’re a beer lover, that’s a place to go.

Guided tours around Stella Artois Brewery in English are organised each Saturday and Sunday. During them, you can learn more about beer production, why it is vital in Belgium and even taste some beers. Sounds like a wonderful cultural experience, right?

Wander around Leuven town centre

The last tip on my list of things to do in Leuven is to just wander around its city centre. Often it’s the best way of exploring the place. You’ll stumble on some old buildings, architectural details, hidden corners, cute shops, and things you won’t find in travel books.

Sit at the cafe among the locals and listen to the language. Try some local food you haven’t heard of before. That’s the best way of experiencing the town. So be sure to leave enough time to stroll around the city and enjoy exploring it.

How to get around Leuven

Leuven is quite a small town, and it is easy to walk everywhere. However, you can always rent a bike for a few hours and cycle around the city. It’s very bicycle-friendly, and many people commute on bicycles. You can rent it at a train station or in one of the shops close to the main square.

⤷ TIP : With its cobbled streets, the Groot Begijnhof area is unsuitable for wheelchairs, prams or bicycles. So if you plan to go there, leave your bike somewhere at the area’s entrance.

How to get to Leuven

The easiest way to get to Leuven from abroad is to first travel to Brussels and take a local train to Leuven from there. Brussels Airport is well connected with many international destinations. And you can quickly arrive in Brussels by train from the Netherlands, France (Paris and Lille) or London.

Located in central Belgium, Leuven is easily accessible by train from Brussels. Trains are fast and depart each ten to fifteen minutes. The journey between Brussels and Leuven takes around 25 minutes. You can buy your ticket at the machines at the station or in the train office. You can check the timetable at the Belgian Railway official website on this link .

The train station is around ten minutes from the Town Hall and Leuven’s main square.

What to buy as a souvenir in Leuven?

Comic books.

Belgium is home to the world’s largest number of comic book authors per capita. Some famous comic books, like The Adventures of Tintin, Spirou et Fantasio, The Smurfs or Lucky Luke, were all created in Belgium. You can even visit a museum dedicated to comic books in nearby Brussels. You’ll find some great shops specialised in selling comic books in Leuven. Some of them could make great souvenirs to bring back home from Leuven.

Belgian chocolate in Leuven

There is no better souvenir from Belgium than its chocolates! The history of chocolate production is long in Belgium , and over time they mastered the production of that fine sweets. You’ll find some specialised stores selling chocolate in Leuven. However, you can also look at a supermarket and buy some nice chocolates there.

Mechelsestraat – Leuven shopping street

If you’d like to do some shopping while in Leuven and look for nice local products, go to Mechelsestraat. It’s home to many lovely shops selling toys, clothes or specialising in product design. 

With its old town centre, beautiful buildings and many things to do, Leuven is a wonderful place to visit. This guide to Leuven will help you get the most out of your visit.

Have you been to Leuven? Or do you have any questions about it? Let me know in the comments!

Belgium , Leuven

Must-see attractions in Leuven

Far and away Leuven’s most iconic sight, the incredible 15th-century stadhuis is a late-Gothic architectural wedding cake flamboyantly overloaded with…

Grote Begijnhof

This idyllic, village-like corner of Leuven would make an ideal film set for a medieval drama. The lantern-lit cobbled streets are lined with step-gabled…

St-Pieterskerk

At Leuven's heart is this soaring Brabantine-Gothic church (1425) whose remarkable wooden pulpit is fashioned like twin palm trees that drip with cherubs…

Universiteitsbibliotheek

Dominating Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein, this imposingly grand Flemish Renaissance–style palace features a soaring Scandinavian-style brick tower topped with…

M Van Museum

This state-of-the-art gallery houses a priceless collection of 15th- to 18th-century religious works, fascinating Leuven-relevant historical objects and…

Stella Artois

Just off the main inner ring road around 800m northwest of Leuven train station, this world-famous, highly automated brewery offers mostly group tours,…

St-Michelskerk

This church's enormous baroque frontage remains impressive despite considerable age-erosion to the limestone capitals. It's topped with trumpeteer angels…

Sint-Antoniuskapel

Though originally built before 1329, this chapel is now an archetypal work of 1960s church design, made memorable as the last resting place of Father…

OLV-Ter-Koorts

With its unusual interplay of brick and stone work, the exterior of this baroque former church is worth a look as you stroll by. It's now part of a…

20 Best Things to do in Leuven: Attractions, Museums and Festivals

October 1, 2023 | Posted in: Belgium

Leuven is a historic university town located about 30 km east of Brussels in Belgium's Flemish Brabant province. Some of Leuven's top attractions highlighted in the file include the 15th century Town Hall, the UNESCO-listed University Library, ancient beguinages, and the M Museum Leuven displaying art from Gothic to contemporary. Leuven also has a long brewing legacy as the home of major brands like Stella Artois, which offers brewery tours. At night, Leuven's Old Market Square comes alive as a hub of vibrant restaurants and pubs.

The exciting attractions listed offer many great options for what to do in Leuven. Visitors interested in history and architecture will want to see landmarks like the ornate Gothic Town Hall on the central Grote Markt square as referenced in the summary. The University Library and its iconic red tower rising above the Ladeuzeplein is also an essential sight. For art aficionados, the M Museum Leuven combines historical and contemporary works for a rich cultural experience. Beer enthusiasts will certainly want to tour the original Stella Artois brewery to taste a piece of history, as noted in the summary. Foodies will enjoy the many international cuisine options lining Old Market Square, which transforms into a lively nightlife hub after dark. With festivals, markets, concerts and over 2000 preserved historic buildings, Leuven provides plenty of activities and sights to fill a weekend itinerary.

Although it’s often overlooked in favor of the bigger, shinier cities of Brussels and Bruges, Leuven has so much to offer. It’s known as Belgium’s university town, and as such it’s been a center for academia and culture for centuries. Leuven is only 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Brussels and has long been a popular destination for day-trippers from the country’s capital. Once upon a time, its role in the cloth trade made it one of the most important cities of the region. You can still see the grand cloth hall in the center, alongside the stunning university buildings, outlandish town hall, and iconic university library.

Find below the best things to do in Leuven.

• Visit Leuven City Hall. Leuven City Hall is a historic Gothic town hall located in the heart of Leuven, Belgium. It was constructed between 1448-1469 and features ornate decorative stone carvings on its facade. The Town Hall stands on the Grote Markt opposite St. Peter's Church. Its clock tower has chimed out the hours since the 18th century.
• Explore Botanical Garden Kruidtuin. Botanical Garden Kruidtuin Leuven is a botanical garden founded in 1738. It has over 8,000 plant species from around the world, including medicinal herbs, tropical plants, and rock garden specimens. Visitors enjoy the butterfly house, pond, and peaceful atmosphere right in Leuven's city center.
• Go Shopping in Leuven. Leuven offers a variety of shopping opportunities along main streets like Bondgenotenlaan and boutique-lined lanes like Mechelsestraat. Markets take place weekly and on Saturdays. The compact historic center makes exploring the various shops easily walkable.
• Tour Park Abbey.  Park Abbey Leuven is a 12th century Norbertine abbey with well-preserved historic buildings set amidst scenic ponds and parkland. It houses the Parcum Museum dedicated to Catholic history in Flanders. Guided tours provide insight into the abbey's heritage.
• Wander Through History in Grand Beguinage of Leuven. The Grand Beguinage is a historic beguinage established around 1232 in Leuven. Designated a UNESCO site, it contains around 100 historic houses and feels like a small town within the city. The scenic, car-free streets provide a peaceful atmosphere.
• Experience Leuven's Nightlife at Old Market Square (Oude Markt). The Old Market Square is a large public square located in the heart of Leuven's historic center. Lined with cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, it is renowned as a lively hub for nightlife. The square's vibrant atmosphere makes it popular with tourists and locals.
• View the Historical and Contemporary Art at M-Museum. M-Museum combines historical and contemporary art collections, including late-Gothic, Flemish masters, and modern works. Its exhibits aim to foster dialogue between the past and present. The museum is housed in an architecturally impressive complex in central Leuven.

1. Visit Leuven City Hall

2. explore botanical garden kruidtuin, 3. go shopping in leuven, 4. tour park abbey, 5. wander through history in grand beguinage of leuven, 6. experience leuven's nightlife at old market square (oude markt), 7. view the historical and contemporary art at m-museum, 8. see rare books and manuscripts at leuven university library, 9. tour the original stella artois brewery, 10. hike the trails and spot wildlife in heverlee woods, 11. marvel at the st. peter's church, 12. pay respects at the shrine of father damien, 13. examine religious artifacts at st pieterskerk treasury, 14. explore the grounds of historic arenberg castle, 15. admire the old leuven train station, 16. enjoy playgrounds, lakes and trails at provinciedomein kessel-lo, 17. gather and dine on great market square (grote markt), 18. find gifts and treats at leuven christmas market, 19. hike to keizersberg abbey for panoramic views, 20. discover flemish religious history at museum parcum, what is the ideal visit duration in leuven, when is the best time to visit leuven, rock wechter, marktrock music festival, leuven beer month, leuven jazz festival, is leuven and belgium expensive for a visitor.

Leuven City Hall is a historic Gothic town hall located in the heart of Leuven, Belgium. It stands on the Grote Markt, the main square of Leuven, opposite the monumental St. Peter's Church. The impressive town hall was constructed between 1448 and 1469 in the Brabantine Late Gothic architectural style. It is renowned for its ornately carved stone facade featuring elaborate decorative details crafted in a lace-like pattern. 

The town hall is notable for its impressive architecture and intricate exterior stone carvings. The three-story facade features pointed Gothic windows and is decorated with 236 little statues set within canopied niches. The statues depict figures from local history, saints, and former rulers. The corbels supporting the statues are intricately carved with Biblical scenes. Octagonal corner turrets rise up from the steep roofline. The town hall’s clock tower has chimed out the hours over the main square since the 18th century.

Inside, Leuven City Hall contains lavishly decorated rooms. The Gothic Hall features a vaulted ceiling and columns. Many preserved paintings and artworks are on display, including sculptures by notable Belgian artists Constantin Meunier and Jef Lambeaux. Portraits of all Leuven's mayors since 1794 line the interior walls. The town hall also accommodates an interesting collection of historical artifacts.

Leuven City Hall is located in the heart of Leuven, Belgium. Leuven is situated about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) east of Brussels. The full address of Leuven City Hall is Grote Markt 9, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

Visitors can take the train from Brussels to Leuven, which takes about 30 minutes. Leuven's train station is located around a 15-20 minute walk from the Grote Markt and Leuven City Hall. Public buses also run frequently between Brussels and Leuven. Various buses stop within a short 5-10 minute walk of the town hall.

Leuven City Hall is open to visitors for guided tours every day at 3:00 pm for a small fee. Tours provide an in-depth look at the building and its history. Visitors can also take advantage of additional guided tours offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The town hall can be visited independently or as part of a walking tour showcasing Leuven's historic architecture and sights. Leuven City Hall is a must-see destination for visitors interested in history, architecture, and medieval art and design. Its central location makes it easy to access as part of a Leuven city tour. The intricate stone carvings and statues showcasing biblical scenes make it notable for those interested in religious artistic works. The interior rooms and preserved paintings will appeal to art aficionados. Leuven City Hall is an impressive site of interest suitable for adults and older children fascinated by medieval architecture and history.

Botanical Garden Kruidtuin Leuven is a botanical garden located in Leuven, Belgium. It was founded in 1738 for the University of Leuven, making it the oldest botanical garden in Belgium. Kruidtuin Leuven is situated at Kapucijnenvoer 30, 3000 Leuven.

What makes Kruidtuin Leuven special is its extensive plant collection, which includes over 8,000 species from around the world. Highlights of the garden include the medicinal herb garden, rock garden, greenhouses, and a large collection of tropical plants. One of the most popular attractions is the butterfly house. Kruidtuin Leuven also has a beautiful pond surrounded by lush greenery, making it a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city.

Visitors can easily reach Kruidtuin Leuven by public transportation or walking. It's located about a 10-minute walk from the train station and the city center. Those driving can find parking nearby on Sint-Jacob. The garden is also accessible by bus, with a stop right outside the entrance. Visitors can enter Botanical Garden Kruidtuin for free.

Kruidtuin Leuven is suitable for visitors of all ages. Families will appreciate the kids' play area and activities like the plant-themed audio tour. The serene atmosphere also makes it a great spot for adults to relax and enjoy nature. Kruidtuin Leuven is open daily from 8am-8pm in summer and 8am-5pm in winter, with free admission for all visitors. Botanical Garden Kruidtuin Leuven is a beautiful green escape right in the heart of Leuven, Belgium. Kruidtuin Garden makes for an excellent attraction for visitors looking to experience both natural beauty and local history. Its central location, free entry, and public transportation access make it easy for travelers to enjoy this Belgian botanical treasure.

Shopping in Leuven refers to the many shopping opportunities available in the city of Leuven. The main shopping streets are Bondgenotenlaan and Diestsestraat, where you'll find popular chain stores like H&M, Zara, and FNAC. But the best finds are along Mechelsestraat and Vismarkt, which have trendy independent boutiques selling clothes, gifts, and specialty food items. Every Friday, the city hosts a large market in the Brusselsestraat with produce, flowers, and artisanal goods. On Saturdays, there is a flea market around Mathieu de Layensplein.

The shopping experience in Leuven is enhanced by its charming historic city center. As you browse the stores, you'll come across Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and student cafes interspersed between shops. Leuven is very walkable, so it's easy to explore on foot. The compact size also means you're never far from the next shop. Tourists enjoy picking up Belgian chocolates, art, and souvenirs. The many clothing boutiques appeal to young locals and students looking for fashionable items. Families can find toys, gifts, clothing, and housewares. Food lovers will enjoy exploring the fresh produce and artisanal food at the markets. To experience shopping in the heart of Leuven, head to the streets surrounding the Grote Markt (Grand Market). This central square is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and anchored by the stunning Gothic Leuven Town Hall on one side and St. Peter's Church on the other.

As you see, there are plenty of options if you want to go shopping in Leuven .

Park Abbey Leuven is a 12th century abbey located just south of the city of Leuven in Belgium's Flemish Brabant province. The abbey was founded in 1129 at the wish of Duke Godfrey I of Brabant and donated to the Premonstratensian order, also known as the Norbertines. The abbey grounds are 42 hectares / 104 acres and are made up of pathways, ponds, meadows, avenues of trees, and even some farmland. Park Abbey is exceptionally well preserved and contains many historic buildings and artworks dating back centuries.

The abbey church, library, and refectory date back to the 17th century and contain impressive baroque stucco ceilings by the artist Jan Christian Hansche. The cloister contains 20 stained glass windows made in the 1600s by Leuven glass artist Jan de Caumont. Park Abbey also has a large collection of religious art and houses the Parcum Museum, dedicated to the history of Catholicism in Flanders. Additionally, the abbey is set amidst scenic ponds and parkland. The history of the abbey and its grounds is pretty interesting. It was a Norbertine abbey – a religious order of the Catholic Church. It began life with just a small church at its core, which gradually expanded and flourished, at one point reaching 2,472 hectares / 6108 acres in size.

Park Abbey is located at Abdij van Park 7, 3001 Heverlee, just south of the city of Leuven in central Belgium. The abbey can be easily reached by public transportation from Leuven. Buses 4, 5, and 6 from Leuven train station stop at the Park Abbey bus stop, about a 10 minute ride away. The abbey grounds are also accessible by foot or bike, located around a 30 minute walk from the Leuven train station.

Park Abbey has a wide audience interested in history, architecture, art, and nature. Adults and families will appreciate the historic buildings and artwork. The scenic abbey grounds are nice for leisurely strolls. Guided tours are available in several languages for €5, providing insight into the abbey's history. The Parcum Museum has rotating exhibitions on religious themes and is open Tuesday to Sunday.

The abbey grounds are open daily from 10am to 5pm, except Mondays when closed. Access to the grounds is free. There is a paid parking lot onsite as well as free street parking nearby. The Abbey Shop sells souvenirs and food items produced at the abbey farm. Overall, Park Abbey Leuven offers an affordable outing in a historic setting and is highly recommended for visitors to Leuven seeking to experience Belgian cultural heritage.

The Grand Beguinage of Leuven is a historic beguinage located in the south of downtown Leuven, Belgium. A beguinage is a walled community that was built to house beguines, who were lay religious women who lived together semi-monastically but did not take formal vows. The Grand Beguinage dates back to around 1232, making it one of the oldest known beguinages. In its heyday in the 17th century, the Grand Beguinage housed around 300 beguines. Today, the Grand Beguinage is owned by the Catholic University of Leuven and serves as university housing.

What makes the Grand Beguinage of Leuven special is that it is one of the largest and best preserved beguinages in the Low Countries, covering around 7.5 acres. It has the feel of a small town within a city, with its network of cobbled streets, squares, gardens, canals, and almost 100 historic houses. The beguinage is intersected by branches of the Dijle River, adding to its picturesque character. In 1998, along with 12 other Flemish beguinages, the Grand Beguinage of Leuven was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural significance. Many of the houses were built in the 17th century and feature traditional gabled facades. The beguinage also contains the Gothic Church of St. John the Baptist, constructed in 1305.

The Grand Beguinage is located in the city of Leuven in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium. It sits just south of the historic downtown area of Leuven. To reach the Grand Beguinage, visitors can take bus lines 1 or 2 and get off at the Heilig Hart bus stop, which is a short 5 minute walk from the site. The beguinage is also within walking distance, about 15 minutes, from Leuven's central train station. Driving by car, there are nearby paid parking garages such as Bodart and Heilig Hart.

Visiting the Grand Beguinage of Leuven is free and does not require an admission ticket. The only exception is that visitors must purchase a ticket to enter the Church of St. John the Baptist. Overall, the beguinage offers an enriching experience steeped in history and natural beauty in the heart of Leuven. Walking its cobbled lanes transports visitors back centuries to imagine what life was like for the beguines who once called this unique place their home.

The Old Market Square (Oude Markt) is a large public square located in the heart of the historic center of Leuven, Belgium. It is one of the most vibrant and iconic squares in Leuven. The Old Market Square is located at Oude Markt 39-40, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

The Old Market Square has a long history dating back to the 12th century when it was the center of economic activity and trade in Leuven. In 1150, it received official market rights from the Counts of Leuven which allowed markets to be held up to three times a week. Throughout the centuries, the Old Market Square maintained its role as an important marketplace.

Today, the Old Market Square is a lively hub of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightlife. It is completely pedestrianized and lined on all sides by historic buildings decorated with ornate architecture, banners and facades. The square is most well-known for having the highest concentration of drinking and dining establishments anywhere in Leuven, earning it the nickname “the longest bar in Europe.” When the weather is nice, the numerous outdoor terraces quickly fill up with people.

Among the notable buildings framing the Old Market Square is the classicist wing of Leuven's Old University Hall which overlooks the square. The university library was once housed here until its destruction. On the south end of the square stands the Holy Trinity College with its prominent Baroque facade. Two historic water pumps can also be found – the still functioning Sint-Janspomp and the relic College-pump dating from 1724.

The vibrant atmosphere and abundance of bars and restaurants make the Old Market Square a popular place for locals, students and tourists alike. It is especially lively on weekends and warm summer days when outdoor terraces are full. The square hosts many events year-round including markets, music festivals and outdoor concerts.

Getting to the Old Market Square is easy as it sits right in the heart of historic Leuven. Leuven is located about 20 minutes east of Brussels by train. From the Leuven train station, the Old Market Square is an easy 10 minute walk straight down Bondgenotenlaan. Many buses also service the area and stop right by the square.

The Old Market Square appeals to people of all ages and interests. Students and young people flock to the bars and nightlife. Families and tourists enjoy the historic ambiance, architecture and dining options. Foodies appreciate the wide array of international restaurants and bars. History buffs admire the classic buildings and heritage of the square. With so much to see and do, the Old Market Square offers something for everyone.

While most of the square is open-access, visitors should expect to pay for drinks, meals and events hosted there. There are no admission fees to simply enter the Old Market Square. However, people planning on dining or drinking should expect average Belgian prices at the establishments lining the square. The events and concerts held in the square like the annual Marktrock music festival are typically free and open to the public. 

M-Museum Leuven is an art museum located in the historic center of Leuven, Belgium. The museum opened in 2009 and has a collection of around 46,000 works, ranging from late-Gothic paintings and sculptures to 19th century Flemish masters like Constantin Meunier and Jef Lambeaux. What makes M-Museum Leuven unique is its combination of historical and contemporary art all under one roof. The museum displays its extensive historical collections side-by-side with temporary exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists, creating an interesting dialogue between past and present.

M-Museum Leuven is situated in the heart of the city at Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, 3000 Leuven. The museum is housed in an architecturally impressive complex integrating modern buildings designed by Belgian architect Stéphane Beel and historic structures like the former 17th century mansion of Leuven's mayor. Visitors can easily reach M-Museum Leuven by public transportation, as it is located just a 10 minute walk from Leuven Central Train Station. Parking is also available nearby at Ladeuzeplein.

The museum caters to a wide audience, from children to adults. Family activities like the monthly Family Sundays make it an engaging destination for kids. The museum also offers guided tours and kids' workshops. Adults appreciate the world-class historical and contemporary art collections. The museum's central location in Leuven's vibrant historic center makes it a popular stop for tourists visiting the city. Visitors should plan on spending at least 2 hours exploring the museum's varied collections and exhibitions.

Admission to M-Museum Leuven costs 12 EUR for adults, with discounted rates available for youth 19-25 years (5 EUR), children under 18 (free), and seniors/students (10 EUR). The museum is closed on Wednesdays. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets online in advance to secure entry.

The Leuven University Library is located in the historic city center of Leuven, Belgium. The library is part of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), which is one of Europe's oldest and most renowned universities. The Leuven University Library has a long and turbulent history, having been destroyed multiple times since its establishment in 1425. Today, the library is housed in an impressive neo-renaissance building designed by American architect Whitney Warren in the 1920s. The library is located at Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein 21, in the heart of Leuven's picturesque city center.

The original library contained around 300,000 books. Tragically, this was destroyed in World War I. It was rebuilt in the 20s and the new structure is built in the traditional Flemish Renaissance style. 

Today, The Leuven University Library has an extensive collection of over 3 million books, manuscripts, journals, and other readings. Some of its most prized possessions include medieval manuscripts, rare incunabula (books printed before 1501), and oriental manuscripts. The library also holds the largest collection of Japanese books in Europe, donated by Japan in the 1920s to replace materials destroyed during World War I.  A highlight is the 63-bell carillon located in the library's tower – one of the country's largest. The library also hosts special exhibitions in its gallery spaces. Visitors can also climb the tower to see the carillon and take in views of Leuven from the fifth floor balcony. People can visit the building at certain times and there’s an audio guide to give visitors a tour of the building, including a wartime exhibition and a fantastic balcony with amazing views across Leuven.

Stella Artois brewery is a brewery located in the city of Leuven, Belgium that produces the popular Stella Artois beer. The brewery has a long and rich history dating back to 1366 when the Den Hoorn brewery was first established in Leuven. This original brewery laid the foundation for the quality and taste that Stella Artois is known for today.

In 1708, Sebastien Artois became the master brewer at Den Hoorn brewery. He later purchased the brewery in 1717 and renamed it Artois Brewery, after his last name. The company stayed in the Artois family for over a century, passing down from father to son. The horn logo from the original Den Hoorn brewery was kept and is still used in the Stella Artois logo today as a nod to the beer's origins.

It wasn't until 1926 that the iconic Stella Artois beer was first brewed at Artois Brewery. It was initially created as a Christmas beer and named “Stella” after the Latin word for star. The beer was gifted by the brewery to the people of Leuven over the Christmas holiday. Stella Artois proved to be enormously popular and the brewery began producing it year-round and exporting it to countries across Europe by 1930.

Today, Stella Artois is one of the most recognized Belgian beers around the world. However, the brewery where it all started in Leuven remains an iconic destination for beer lovers visiting Belgium. The Stella Artois brewery is about 1 km / 0.6 miles north of the train station and offers guided tours where you can see how this pilsner beer is created today. The Stella Artois brewery offers interactive guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays that provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at how Stella Artois and other beers are produced. 

The Stella Artois brewery is located right in the heart of Leuven at Aarschotsesteenweg 20, only about a 10 minute walk from the historic city center. The easiest way to reach the brewery is to take the train to Leuven Station and then walk or take a short bus or taxi ride. Buses 333, 334, 335 and 630 stop nearby at the Leuven Vaartvest bus stop. Another option is to take a taxi.

On the guided tour of Stella Artois brewery , visitors are taken through the various stages of the brewing process, from the brewhouse to the fermentation tanks to the bottling line. Everyone receives a reflective safety vest to wear during the tour. One of the highlights is being able to sample freshly poured Stella Artois straight from the tap at the end of the tour. There is also a gift shop where guests can purchase Stella Artois souvenirs and beer to take home.

The guided tours of Stella Artois brewery Leuven are best suited for adults 21 and over who are interested in beer and brewing. The tours provide a fascinating look at the brewing process and history behind one of Belgium's most iconic beers. Tickets cost 8.5 euros per person. Private group tours are available on weekdays for a minimum of 15 people. Additionally,  student pricing is also offered.

Visiting the original Stella Artois brewery in Leuven is a must for travelers looking to fully experience Belgium's storied beer culture. With its long brewing legacy and tourist-friendly tours, Stella Artois brewery Leuven provides an engaging and memorable way to taste a piece of history.

Heverleebos Woods is a forest area located just south of the city of Leuven in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium. The woods cover an area of 2050 hectare (5065-acre) forest full of stunning shady walking routes and picnic spots. They are primarily made up of oak and beech trees. What makes Heverleebos Woods special is that they are one of the largest contiguous deciduous forests in Flanders. Heverleebos Woods are home to a diverse range of plant species, including ground ivy, Solomon's seal, celandines, arum lily, wild strawberry, lily of the valley, and lady fern. There is also a significant deer population, which is said to be the oldest in Flanders. In addition, the woods host a wide variety of songbirds and birds of prey.

For families and children, special playground areas have been created within Heverleebos Woods. These areas include ropes, climbing poles, tree stump animals, and giant puzzle trees for kids to enjoy. There is also a 6 hectare zone where dogs can run off-leash. Along some of the trails, visitors can see the mysterious and enchanting tree sculptures created by artist Ad Wouters.

The main entrance to Heverleebos Woods is located off the Naamsesteenweg (N251) on the outskirts of Leuven. The nearest major roadway is the A3/E40 highway, which runs along the northern edge of the woods. The woods can be easily accessed from Leuven by taking bus #1, which stops at the Arboretum Heverleebos on the eastern side of the forest. By car, visitors can park in the lot at the arboretum or along the Naamsesteenweg. Cyclists can also access the woods directly via bike trails leading into the forest.

Once inside Heverleebos Woods, visitors can walk or hike along miles of marked trails that wind through the forest. Shorter loop trails like the Boombal Trail allow you to experience the woods without venturing too far in. Longer point-to-point trails can take you from one side of the forest to the other. Mountain bikers are also welcomed on most trails.

Heverleebos Woods appeals to a wide audience, including nature lovers, families, dog walkers, trail runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. There is no admission fee to access the main trails and forest area. Certain facilities like the playgrounds and dog exercise area may require small fees for use. With its diversity of plant and animal life paired with miles of trails, Heverleebos Woods Leuven provides an easily accessible natural escape right on the edge of the city.

St. Peter's Church Leuven is a Roman church located in the heart of Leuven, Belgium. It stands on the Grote Markt (Grand Place) opposite the Town Hall. St. Peter's is renowned for its Brabant Gothic architecture and its many precious art treasures, including two exceptional paintings by 15th-century Flemish artist Dieric Bouts.

The first church on the site was a wooden structure built around 986 AD. After being destroyed by fire in 1176, it was replaced by a Romanesque stone church. Construction of the current Gothic church began in 1425 and spanned much of the 15th century, with architects Sulpitius van Vorst, Jan II Keldermans and Matheus de Layens working on the ambitious project. In 1458 a fire damaged the unfinished building, but work resumed and was practically complete by 1497. St. Peter's Church suffered severe damage during both World Wars. In 1914 a fire caused the roof to collapse and in 1944 bombing destroyed part of the north side. Extensive restorations have taken place over the past century to repair the war damage and preserve the church's masterpieces.

The main highlights inside St. Peter's Leuven are two monumental paintings by Dieric Bouts – The Last Supper (1464-1468) and The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus (1465). These Renaissance treasures remarkably still hang in their original positions for which they were commissioned over 550 years ago. Other notable artworks are the 15th century Triumphal Cross sculpture attributed to Jan Borman and the elaborate stone Tabernacle Tower built around 1450. The church is also home to various important tombs and mausoleums, including the 13th century tomb of Henry I, Duke of Brabant. In 1998, the chancel and ambulatory were converted into a museum space, enabling visitors to view at close range the sculptures, paintings and religious artifacts.

St. Peter's Leuven is located right on the Grote Markt (Grand Place) in the heart of Leuven city center. The full address is Grote Markt 3, 3000 Leuven. As a famous landmark right in the middle of town, it is within easy walking distance of shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels. For those traveling by public transport, the church is just 75 meters from the Visit Leuven tourist information office at Naamsestraat 3.

The church is suitable for visitors of all ages and backgrounds who have an interest in Belgian and European art history, Gothic architecture, and Christian heritage. Guided tours are available for school groups, families and adults wishing to delve deeper into the church's treasures and history.

Entrance to St. Peter's Leuven is free, making it a very accessible activity for tourists on any budget. The church is open daily, with hours ranging from 10am-4:45pm depending on the day. It is advisable for visitors to check the website or current opening hours before planning their visit.

The Shrine of Father Damien is located in Saint Anthony's Chapel in Leuven, Belgium. This shrine honors Father Damien De Veuster, a Catholic priest who devoted his life to caring for people with leprosy in Hawaii in the 19th century.

Father Damien was born Jozef De Veuster in 1840 in the village of Tremelo, Belgium. As a young man, he joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and took the name Damien. In 1873, Father Damien volunteered to work at the leper colony on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, where leprosy patients were isolated and often neglected. For 16 years, he ministered to the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the leprosy patients in Molokai until he eventually contracted the disease himself and died in 1889 at age 49.

After his death, Father Damien became renowned worldwide for his selfless service to the isolated leprosy patients in Hawaii. In 1995, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II and in 2009, he was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI. To honor Father Damien's legacy, Saint Anthony's Chapel in his hometown of Leuven, Belgium houses a shrine and his remains. The chapel is located at Pater Damiaanplein 3, 3000 Leuven. Inside the crypt below the chapel is the tomb of Father Damien, containing his bodily relics. Visitors to the shrine can view displays about his life, from his early years in Belgium to his missionary work in Hawaii. Photos, paintings and interpretive panels chronicle his inspiring story of service.

Saint Anthony's Chapel can be reached easily on foot or public transportation in central Leuven. It is close to the train station and just south of the historic city center. There is no admission fee to visit the shrine.

The St Pieterskerk Treasury is located inside St Peter's Church in Leuven, Belgium. St Peter's Church is situated on the Grote Markt (Grand Place) in the heart of Leuven opposite the Town Hall. The full address is Grote Markt 3, 3000 Leuven.

St Pieterskerk Treasury showcases an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts, mostly related to the history of St Peter's Church and the city of Leuven. The treasury is home to paintings, sculptures, metalwork, textiles, and liturgical objects dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. Two of the most acclaimed works in the treasury are the 15th-century triptychs “The Last Supper” and “Martyrdom of St Erasmus” by Flemish Primitive painter Dirk Bouts. These two masterpieces were commissioned for display in St Peter's Church and have remained in Leuven for over 500 years. Their delicate features and attention to detail showcase the immense talent of one of the region's most revered artists.

Other highlights include the gilded brass tomb monument of Henry I, Duke of Brabant from the 13th century, located in the ambulatory. There is also an ornate hexagonal stone tabernacle soaring 12.5 meters high that dates to around 1450.

To reach St Pieterskerk Treasury, visitors can take the train to Leuven's main station, which is located just over 1km away. From there, it's about a 15-20 minute walk. Several buses also stop right near St Peter's Church, including lines 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The treasury is open to the public from Monday to Saturday 10am-4:30pm, and Sundays from 11am-4:30pm. It's closed on Wednesdays.

Admission to the treasury costs 3 euros per person. Discounted prices are available for seniors, students, children, and groups. Combo tickets can also be purchased that include access to the treasury plus the main church interior and/or tower climb. Free admission is offered to visitors with a disability and their companion.

The St Pieterskerk Treasury appeals most to adults interested in art, history, and culture. The collection provides insight into Catholic religious traditions and showcases exquisite craftsmanship. The items also tell the story of Leuven's evolution into one of Europe's leading cultural cities.

Travelers with limited time can appreciate the treasury's highlights in 30-45 minutes. For those wishing to examine the works more closely, 1-2 hours would be recommended. The artifacts are well-lit and displayed with informative signage in multiple languages. Visitors in wheelchairs can access the ground floor exhibition spaces but upper levels require climbing some stairs.

Arenberg Castle Leuven is a 16th century château located in Heverlee, a suburb of Leuven, Belgium. The castle is situated at Kasteelpark Arenberg 1, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium. It is known for its Flemish Renaissance architecture featuring brick and sandstone details.

What makes Arenberg Castle special is its long and rich history. The lords of Heverlee built the first castle on the grounds in the 14th century. In the early 1500s, the Croÿ family acquired the property and built the current castle between 1455-1515, which was innovative for its time. It has undergone changes over the centuries under various owners. In the 1600s, the castle came into the possession of the prominent Arenberg family when Charles III's sister Anna of Croÿ married into the family. Arenberg Castle remained in the family until World War I when it was occupied, later seized by the Belgian government, and sold to the Catholic University of Leuven in 1921.

Today, Arenberg Castle serves as the main building for the University's Faculty of Engineering and houses classrooms, studios, and offices. Parts of the interior contain original 16th century architectural details. The castle is surrounded by Arenberg Park which encompasses the science and technology campus. Together they create an impressive combination of history, innovation and scenic green space.

Arenberg Castle is located on the outskirts of Leuven, about 3 km southwest of the city center. The castle can be easily accessed by car, public transportation, bike or on foot. 

The grounds of Arenberg Castle and park are open to the public year-round free of charge. Visitors can explore the scenic gardens and exterior of the historic castle. While tourists cannot enter the interior of the castle, the public areas provide a glimpse into the architecture and history. Like most Castles in Belgium , so does Arenberg Castle appeal to visitors of all ages who have an interest in Flemish design, medieval history, and university life. 

Leuven Train Station is a major railway station located in the city of Leuven, Belgium. The station is situated on Martelarenplein in the historic city center of Leuven, about 20 kilometers east of Brussels. Leuven Train Station is a stop on several important rail lines in Belgium, including line 36 which connects the cities of Liège and Leuven. It also serves as an important connection point for the Brussels Regional Express Network trains.

Leuven Train Station was first opened in 1837, making it one of the oldest railway stations still in operation in Belgium. The current station building dates to 1879 and was designed by architects Henri Fouquet and François-Henri Laenen in an eclectic style combining elements of French Classicism and Italian Renaissance architecture. This ornate historic station building with its large dome is considered an architectural landmark in Leuven and is protected as a listed monument.

Leuven Station was the fifth busiest train station in Belgium as of 2019, with over 33000 daily passengers. It serves as an important stop on the main line between Liège and Brussels and also provides local and regional rail connections to destinations throughout Flanders. The station has high-speed international connections via the Thalys and Eurostar trains to Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne and other European cities. Leuven Station also connects passengers to Brussels International Airport just 13 minutes away by train.

Leuven Train Station serves all types of visitors to the city – international tourists, visiting students and academics, business travelers, commuters, and locals.

Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo Leuven is a large public park located in the Kessel-Lo district of Leuven, Belgium. The park is situated at Holsbeeksesteenweg 21, 3010 Kessel-Lo, just northeast of central Leuven.

Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo offers a wide range of recreational activities, making it a popular destination for families and children. The park contains multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, all featuring exciting play equipment and structures made from natural materials. Kids can explore pirate ship-themed play areas as well as traverse rope bridges and climb play heaps. The park also has a fun traffic garden where children can safely practice road safety on small electric cars. During summer months, Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo operates a heated outdoor paddling pool for young swimmers.

In addition to playgrounds, Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo contains lakes where visitors can rent row boats, pedal boats, and paddle boats. The park has dedicated petanque courts and areas for mini-golf, rollerblading, and skating. Tennis courts are available to rent by the hour during high season. Fishing is allowed on one of the lakes for a fee. Throughout the grounds are walking trails circling the lakes and connecting to picnic areas.

Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo offers orienteering courses for beginner and advanced levels. An experienced geocacher maintains several geocaches hidden cleverly on the grounds for those who enjoy treasure hunting adventures. The park also contains a small farm with friendly goats, donkeys, and horses that delight children.

Admission to enter Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo Leuven is free. There are parking fees in effect from April 1 to September 30. Attraction fees apply for the pool, boat rentals, mini-golf, tennis, fishing, and traffic garden. Visitors can reach the park via buses stopping at Provinciaal recreatiecentrum. Drivers can take the E40 motorway to Exit 21 Leuven, then follow signage the short distance northeast to the park.

Great Market Square (Grote Markt) is the central square in the heart of Leuven, Belgium. It is located between the Oude Markt and the Rector De Somerplein, near both the Bondgenotenlaan and the Muntstraat. Great Market Square has been an important gathering place in Leuven since the 14th century. It was originally part of the cemetery for St. Peter's Church, which is located on the square. In 1427, the city bought part of the cemetery to create a central market square and meeting point for the main trade routes through Leuven.

Several iconic buildings are located around Great Market Square, most notably the Town Hall of Leuven. Construction on the ornate Gothic Town Hall began in 1448 and took over 20 years to complete. Great Market Square also contains St. Peter's Church, a Gothic church dating from the 15th century, and several medieval guild houses.

Today, Great Market Square retains its role as the bustling heart of Leuven. It is a pedestrian-only square with lined-up with cafes, bars and restaurants, many with outdoor seating. It hosts markets, festivals and events throughout the year that bring locals and visitors alike to the square. Great Market Square a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.

Great Market Square is located right in the historic city center of Leuven, about a 10-15 minute walk from Leuven Train Station. The square can be easily reached on foot from most hotels and attractions in the central part of Leuven. For those traveling by car, there are several paid parking garages located just a few blocks away. Public transportation like buses and taxis can also drop visitors off right on Great Market Square.

The square itself is free and open to the public at all times. There is no admission cost to walk around and admire the buildings. To go inside some of the attractions like the Town Hall tower, there are small admission fees. The bars, cafes and restaurants each have their own pricing.

Leuven Christmas Market is an annual holiday market held in the historic city center of Leuven, Belgium. The Christmas market takes place on the Ladeuzeplein and Hooverplein squares in the heart of Leuven's medieval town center. Leuven Christmas Market runs for about two weeks in December each year. The market typically opens daily around noon and runs until 10 or 11pm, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays.

The market is an easy 10 minute walk from the Leuven train station. Leuven Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most charming Christmas markets in Belgium . It features around 140 festively decorated wooden stalls selling gifts, decorations, local foods and drinks. Shoppers can find artisanal crafts, jewelry, toys, sweets, Belgian beer, gluhwein, and festive treats. The market has a lively but cozy atmosphere, lit up at night with sparkling lights.

A highlight is the spruce forest with Santa's house, located on the Hooverplein square. Kids can visit Santa Claus in his little cottage and tell them their Christmas wishes. There is also an old-fashioned carousel that children will enjoy riding. The market offers live music performances on an outdoor stage as well. Strolling the market in the evening offers a magical Christmas ambience.

Leuven Christmas Market is best suited for people of all ages looking to get into the holiday spirit. Families with children will appreciate Santa's house and the rides. Couples and friends will enjoy browsing the stalls together and sampling Christmas treats. Tourists visiting Belgium will get a taste of local culture. Locals can support local artisans and find unique holiday gifts.

Admission to Leuven Christmas Market is free. Certain rides and attractions may charge a small fee. Food, drinks and shopping at the market stalls are all additional costs.

Keizersberg Abbey Leuven is a 19th century Benedictine monastery located on Keizersberg hill in the northern part of the university town of Leuven, Belgium. The full address is Mechelsestraat 202, 3000 Leuven. The abbey sits on the site of a former castle and Knights Templar commandery. Its park offers beautiful panoramic views of Leuven below. The abbey's giant statue of the Virgin Mary is a recognizable landmark visible from many parts of the city.

The abbey was formally established in 1899 by monks from the nearby Maredsous Abbey. However, the site has religious connections going back much earlier. In the 12th century, a commandery of the Knights Templar order was built there. Later in 1312, it became a base for the Knights Hospitaller order. The French secularized the commandery in 1798. In the late 19th century, Benedictine monks acquired the land to construct the current Keizersberg Abbey, incorporating remains of the medieval commandery.

To get to Keizersberg Abbey, take bus #5 or #6 from Leuven station and get off at the Leuven Keizersberg stop. The abbey is about a 4 minute walk from there. Keizersberg Abbey appeals most to adults interested in history, architecture, and scenic views. Visitors can explore the public park's trails and vantage points overlooking Leuven for free during open hours. Access to the abbey building itself is only possible via guided tour by appointment. The abbey park is open daily, making it easy to visit at your convenience.

The abbey is also known for its statue of the Virgin Mary and its connection to famous figures like Blessed Columba Marmion. The abbey has survived fires, wars, and damage over the centuries to become one of Leuven's most iconic landmarks.

While the abbey building itself has restricted access, anyone can enjoy panoramic views of Leuven from its surrounding park for free. The park is open daily with no admission fee. Visitors should be respectful of the private abbey grounds while enjoying the public areas.

Museum Parcum is an art museum located in the Park Abbey in Heverlee, just outside the city center of Leuven, Belgium. The museum displays art and artifacts related to the history of religion, art, and culture in Flanders and aims to encourage dialogue about religious heritage in today's diverse society.

What makes Museum Parcum special is its location within one of the best preserved medieval abbey complexes in Europe. The Abbey of Park was founded in 1129 and has been continuously inhabited by Norbertine canons since then. The museum is housed in the former rectory as well as the newly renovated west wing of the abbey buildings. Visitors can admire the perfectly intact 17th century stucco ceilings by Jan Christiaan Hansche as they explore the exhibits.

The museum’s collection includes over 12,000 paintings and other religious artwork from churches, abbeys, and cloisters all over Flanders. The pieces span fifteen centuries and provide insight into the rich religious culture and heritage of the region. Museum Parcum aims to bring this heritage to life by displaying the collection through rotating thematic exhibitions that connect the past to relevant contemporary themes and issues.

Museum Parcum is located at Abdij van Park 7, 3001 Heverlee, in the municipality of Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Belgium. The city of Leuven is situated about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) east of Brussels. Visitors can take buses 4, 5, 6 or 630 from Leuven train station and get off at the “Abdij van Park” stop, which is right at the museum's entrance.

The museum appeals to adults interested in art, history and culture, including students and academics. The exhibitions aim to foster dialogue between people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The museum also offers guided tours and activities tailored for school groups and families with children.

Admission to Museum Parcum costs €12 for adults, €10 for seniors and students, and €7 for youths aged 12-18. Children under 12 enter for free. Reduced rates are available for teachers, guides, members of cultural organizations, and residents of Leuven. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and is closed on Mondays.

What are the best museums to visit in Leuven?

Listed below are the best museums in Leuven.

• M-Museum. M-Museum Leuven combines historical and contemporary art all under one roof. Located in an architecturally impressive complex in central Leuven, it displays its extensive historical collections side-by-side with temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists. Its over 46,000 works range from late-Gothic paintings and sculptures to 19th century Flemish masters. The museum aims to create an interesting dialogue between past and present.
• Museum Parcum. Museum Parcum located at Park Abbey in Heverlee displays religious art and artifacts from churches, abbeys and cloisters all over Flanders. Its collection of over 12,000 pieces spans fifteen centuries, providing insight into the region's religious heritage. Rotating thematic exhibitions connect the past collection to relevant contemporary themes to encourage dialogue. Visitors can admire the museum's pieces while exploring one of Europe's best preserved medieval abbey complexes.
• Histaruz. Histaruz Leuven is a medical history museum located in Leuven, Belgium. It displays the historical archives and heritage collection of the University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven). The museum contains over 9,000 fascinating medical objects as well as just as many photos, documents, and books that illustrate the evolution of medicine and healthcare over the past century. The collection includes medical instruments, research tables, wheelchairs, cabinets, and pharmaceutical items dating from the 1850s to post-World War II. It shows how the Leuven University Hospitals grew from just a few beds to become one of the largest university hospitals in Western Europe. Histaruz Leuven is located at Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000 Leuven, Belgium on the Sint-Rafaël campus of UZ Leuven. The museum is housed in the former pathology institute building from the early 20th century. There are restored early 20th century hospital rooms to explore and unusual antique medical devices on display that some younger visitors may find unsettling. Histaruz Leuven used to be free to enter but now charges a small admission fee. Tickets cost 2 euros for adults and admission is free for children under 12 years old when not visiting as part of a school group. Highlights of Histaruz Leuven include an 85 year old auditorium where thousands of doctors and nurses were trained, a collection of old medical books dating back to the 1850s, and a fully outfitted historical pharmacy from the 19th century courtesy of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Museum of Zoology. The Museum of Zoology Leuven is located at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. The museum displays the university's extensive zoological collection, which contains around 6,000 preserved animal specimens and skeletons. The museum's shell collection, comprising shells from native and foreign species, is particularly impressive. Museum of Zoology also provides a systematic overview of the animal kingdom, showcasing various animal groups from sponges to mammals. The museum's history is closely tied to Leuven's Koningscollege (King's College), where the university's first zoological cabinet was established in 1817. Under the patronage of King William I, collections were purchased from England, France and Germany to expand the museum's exhibits. Many specimens were added during the tenure of Professor Pierre-Joseph Van Beneden, who lived in the Koningscollege from 1851. Unfortunately, about half of the museum's collection was lost during World War II, when a bombing destroyed part of the exhibits. The remaining 5,000 specimens were later supplemented through additional acquisitions. The Museum of Zoology Leuven is located at Charles Deberiotstraat 40, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.  The museum can be visited for free during the university's operating hours, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. It is closed on weekends and holidays.  The museum does not charge an admission fee. However, donations are appreciated, as the museum is not subsidized and relies on visitor support to continue its operations.
• Scouts & Gidsen Museum Leuven. Scouts & Gidsen Museum Leuven is a museum dedicated to the history of scouting and guiding in Belgium. It has an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, uniforms, flags and insignia related to the scout movement. The museum is located in the former chapel of the St. Gertrude's Abbey in Leuven, Belgium. The full address is Sint-Geertruiabdij 5, 3000 Leuven. Scouts & Gidsen Museum Leuven houses a remarkable collection that provides an overview of the scouting movement in Belgium and internationally. It contains over 4,000 books and publications related to scouting in several languages. The museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions focused on particular themes or periods in scouting history. It is considered one of the leading scout museums in Europe. Scouts & Gidsen Museum Leuven preserves and presents the heritage of scouting for purposes of study, education and enjoyment. Visitors can learn about the guiding principles and rituals of scouting. The museum experience allows former and current scouts to rediscover scouting traditions and reflect on how the movement has evolved. Entry to Scouts & Gidsen Museum Leuven is free for all visitors. It is open every Sunday afternoon from April to October. The opening hours are from 1 pm to 5 pm. Guided tours for groups are available on request in Dutch, French, English and German. Visitors planning to come on Sundays are recommended to check the museum website for updated opening hours. Scouts & Gidsen Museum Leuven also participates in heritage events like Open Monument Day when special tours may be organized.
• St Pieterskerk Treasury. The St Pieterskerk Treasury in Leuven contains an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts, mostly related to the history of St Peter's Church and Leuven. Located inside St Peter's Church on the Grote Markt, it includes paintings, sculptures, metalwork, textiles, and liturgical objects from the Middle Ages to present. Two highlights are 15th century triptychs “The Last Supper” and “Martyrdom of St Erasmus” by Flemish painter Dirk Bouts, which have remained in the church for over 500 years.
• De Bibliotheektoren. The De Bibliotheektoren (Library Tower) houses the Humanities and Social Sciences library at the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven). Opened in 2012, this modernist triangular tower was designed by Belgian architects Robbrecht en Daem. The Library Tower contains reading rooms, group work spaces, archives, a conference center and offices over its 17 floors. Its geometric exterior covered in reflective glass has become an architectural landmark in Leuven's cityscape.

What are the best things to do in Leuven within 24 hours?

Listed below are what to do in Leuven for a day:

• Visit the M-Museum Leuven: The M-Museum Leuven, located at Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, is an unmissable destination for contemporary art enthusiasts. The museum is located in the city centre and boasts a modern architectural design that beautifully complements its rotating exhibitions. Whether one is a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the M-Museum offers a rich cultural experience that is well worth the time. Admission fees vary and there are discounts available for students and seniors.
• Ladeuzeplein and the University Library: The Ladeuzeplein and the University Library are iconic landmarks in Leuven. The grand square of Ladeuzeplein is always open to the public and serves as a bustling hub for students, tourists and locals alike. The University Library, a symbol of resilience rebuilt after World War I, stands majestically in the square. It's an excellent location for people-watching or enjoying a cup of coffee in one of the nearby cafes.
• Old Market Square: The Old Market Square, known as the “longest bar in the world,” is the epicentre of Leuven's vibrant nightlife. The square has many bars, cafes and eateries, each offering a unique atmosphere. Whether one is in the mood for a quiet pint or a lively night out, the Old Market Square has something for everyone. It's a fantastic place to experience the local culture and socialise.

Leuven is an ideal destination for a weekend visit (2 days). Leuven packs in plenty to see and do without being overwhelming. Leuven is a compact university town and is very walkable, with most key attractions clustered within a 1 kilometer radius of Leuven's Grand Market Square. Visitors can tour the 15th century Gothic Town Hall, climb the UNESCO-listed library tower, and explore ancient beguinages. Art lovers may visit the M Museum Leuven, while beer enthusiasts can tour the renowned Stella Artois brewery.

At night, Old Market Square comes alive with students flocking to its lively pubs and restaurants. With regular trains from Brussels (20 minutes), Leuven makes an easy and rewarding weekend trip from Brussels. Its small size means all key sights are reachable on foot.

What is the best things to do in Leuven with kids or toddlers?

Find below the top things to do with kids or toddlers in Leuven.

• Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo. Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo is an excellent park for entertaining kids and toddlers in Leuven. Children can spend hours exploring exciting play areas like the pirate ship-themed structures with slides, lookout towers, tunnels and more. Make believe comes to life in this adventure playground. Another area features a fun traffic garden where kids can safely drive small electric cars, learning road skills just like mom and dad. When they need a break, families can take a ride on the paddle boats at the lake or walk the scenic trails circling the water. With miniature golf, petanque, rollerblading areas and other activities, Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo offers plenty to keep young ones happily occupied for a full day.
• Museum-M. Museum M has a monthly Family Sunday events plus hands-on kids' workshops. Family Sundays allow kids to participate in themed activities related to current exhibitions at the museum. Workshops have let children try printmaking, photograph cardboard sculptures they built, and create artworks inspired by Mondrian. The museum also provides storytelling sessions focused on artwork in its collection, accompanied by crafts, music or drama games. Museum-M offers guided tours for families and school groups too. By providing multisensory ways to interact with art, the museum piques children's creativity and makes learning about art fun.
• Heverleebos Woods. The playground zones integrated into Heverleebos Woods provide the perfect outlet for kids to burn off energy. The forest playgrounds feature exciting equipment like high climbing frames and poles, balancing beams, rope ladders, and large woven willow structures in imaginative animal shapes. Kids can spend hours scaling, jumping, and playing on the challenge course elements. Or they can opt for more low-key play at the creative puzzle tree stations. The forest trails winding through oak and beech trees make for nice short walks with toddlers when it’s time for a picnic snack break. With its combination of playground equipment and natural woods, Heverleebos delights both active and nature-loving children.

Leuven experiences a temperate oceanic climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year. The warmest month in Leuven is July, when average high temperatures reach 23℃ (73°F). The coldest month is January, when average low temperatures dip to 2℃ (35°F).

Leuven sees rain year-round, though the wettest month is December with around 3 inches of rainfall. The driest month is September which gets only 1.9 inches of rain on average. Days are shortest in December with just 8 hours of daylight, while June sees the most sun at over 16 hours per day.

The best months to visit Leuven for pleasant weather are May, June, July, August and September. Average highs range from 18℃ to 23℃ (64°F to 73°F) during these months. Rainfall is moderate, humidity is lower, and sunshine hours peak in July at over 9 hours per day. Visitors can enjoy warm, sunny days for sightseeing and outdoor activities during the summer.

While July and August are the warmest months, they also draw more tourists. Visiting in late spring or early fall means smaller crowds and lower prices on accommodations and attractions. May and September both still offer mild temperatures in the 60s and 15+ hours of daylight. Rainfall picks up slightly in September, but the weather is generally comfortable for exploring Leuven and its old town, museums, cafes and historic sites.

What are the best festivals taking place in Leuven?

Find below the best festivals in Leuven.

• Rock Werchter. Rock Werchter is a 4-day rock music festival held annually in late June/early July in the village of Werchter, just 13.6 km (8.4 miles) away from Leuven. The 2023 edition takes place from June 29 to July 2 and features headliners like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Arctic Monkeys. Rock Werchter began in 1974 as a one-day event and has grown into one of Belgium's largest music festivals, attracting around 150,000 attendees each year. Rock Werchter is considered one of the best music festivals in Belgium .
• Marktrock. The Marktrock music festival is a 3-day event held annually in mid-August in the city center of Leuven, Belgium. Occurring in the main market square, Marktrock began in 1982 and has grown into one of Europe's largest urban music festivals with over 350,000 attendees. The free festival showcases Belgian and international alternative rock, pop and Dutch language acts on multiple stages.
• Leuven Beer Month. Leuven Beer Month is a month-long beer celebration held each April in Leuven, Belgium. Key events include the Zythos Beer Festival on April 22-23 and the Leuven Innovation Beer Festival on April 29-30. Leuven Beer Month offers visitors a chance to sample beers from over 100 Belgian breweries.
• Beleuvenissen. Beleuvenissen is a free, 3-evening outdoor music festival held annually in July in the historic center of Leuven, Belgium. Occurring on Friday nights, Beleuvenissen features live pop, rock, hip hop and electronic music performances on stages in Leuven's old town squares. The festival draws tens of thousands of attendees, primarily locals and students.
• Leuven Jazz Festival. Leuven Jazz Festival. is a 10-day jazz festival that takes place each March in Leuven, Belgium. The festival features jazz concerts by international and Belgian musicians in venues throughout Leuven. In addition to concerts, Leuven Jazz Festival hosts jazz films, exhibitions and other events, with free admission to many.

Rock Werchter is an annual rock music festival held in the village of Werchter, located just 13.6 km (8.4 miles) far from Leuven in Belgium. The festival takes place in the Werchter Festivalpark each summer, usually over 4 days during the last weekend of June or first weekend of July. Rock Werchter 2023 is scheduled from June 29th to July 2nd.

The first Rock Werchter festival was held in 1974 as a one day event. Over the years it has grown to become one of the largest music festivals in Belgium, attracting around 150,000 attendees each year. The festival features multiple stages with live performances from popular rock, indie, pop and electronic music acts. Headliners in 2023 include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arctic Monkeys, Muse, Liam Gallagher and Queens of the Stone Age.

In addition to music performances, Rock Werchter offers camping facilities, food stalls and bars on site. Tickets start from around 200 EUR for a 4 day pass. This includes access to the festival and campsites but does not cover camping equipment. Accommodation in nearby Leuven is available as an alternative to camping.

The Rock Werchter festival has won multiple awards over the years including the Arthur Award for Best Festival at the International Live Music Conference. It is recognized as one of the top rock music festivals globally, having previously hosted acts like Metallica, Rammstein, Radiohead, Pearl Jam and Coldplay.

Marktrock is an annual music festival held each year in mid-August in the city of Leuven, Belgium. Leuven is located about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) east of Brussels. Marktrock takes place over three days, usually the weekend closest to August 15th. The festival's name comes from the Dutch word “markt” meaning “market”, as it is held in the main market square and surrounding streets in Leuven's historic city center.

Marktrock showcases a diverse lineup of Belgian and international alternative rock, pop, and Dutch language music acts. The festival features multiple stages in Leuven's central Oude Markt and Ladeuzeplein squares, as well as other public spaces around the city center. Marktrock began in 1982 as a small local music event but has grown considerably over the past 40 years, attracting over 350,000 attendees in recent years and becoming one of Europe's largest urban music festivals.

The festival is free to attend, with the exception of the main stage in the Oude Markt which requires a ticket for entry. Ticket prices in 2022 were 25 € ($27, £22) per day. Marktrock is organized by Live Entertainment, an events company based in Zaventem, Belgium. The festival lineups have featured both emerging local bands as well as major international acts like Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Pet Shop Boys, and Coolio over the years. Key performers in 2022 included Sam Fender, Balthazar, and Sylvie Kreusch.

Leuven Beer Month is an annual month-long celebration of beer held in the city of Leuven, Belgium. Leuven Beer Month is taking place every April and features two major beer festivals – the Zythos Beer Festival and the Leuven Innovation Beer Festival – as well as numerous other beer-related events throughout the month.

Leuven Beer Month takes place in the city of Leuven. Leuven is often referred to as the “beer capital” of Belgium due to its long brewing history and the presence of major breweries like AB InBev, brewer of Stella Artois, which has roots dating back to 1366 in Leuven. In 2023, Leuven Beer Month run for the entire month of April. The main Zythos Beer Festival takes place on April 22nd-23rd, while the Leuven Innovation Beer Festival occurs on April 29th-30th.

Leuven Beer Month welcomes beer lovers from around the world to take part. Visitors can sample beers from over 100 Belgian breweries at the Zythos festival and unique beers from international craft brewers at the Innovation festival. Locals, tourists, and university students also participate in the many events. Most events during Leuven Beer Month are free to attend or have a low cost. Access to the main Zythos and Innovation festivals costs €10-20 ($11-22, £9-18) including beer tokens. Guided brewery tours and beer tastings around the city are typically €5-15 ($6-17, £5-14).

The Leuven Jazz Festival is an annual music festival held in the city of Leuven, Belgium. Leuven is located approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) east of Brussels. The jazz festival takes place for 10 days each year, usually in March. In 2023, the festival run from March 9-19.

The Leuven Jazz Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023. The festival features concerts by acclaimed international and Belgian jazz musicians performing in venues throughout the city of Leuven. Venues include the concert halls 30CC/Schouwburg and Het Depot, as well as local pubs, boats, museums, and even private living rooms hosting intimate concerts.

In addition to concerts, Leuven Jazz offers activities like jazz films, family shows, exhibitions, and jazz literature events. The festival highlighted jazz guitarists in 2023, including artists such as Julian Lage, Dans Dans, and Albert Vila. Belgian jazz label Igloo Records marks its 40th anniversary at the festival with vinyl reissues and performances.

Leuven Jazz Festival offers free admission to many events, including all concerts on the final Sunday held in private living rooms across Leuven. Ticket prices for standard concerts range from free up to approximately 20€ ($22, £17). A combination ticket granting access to the full 10-day festival program costs approximately 70-75€ ($77-82, £63-66).

Beleuvenissen

Beleuvenissen is a free outdoor music festival held annually in the historic city center of Leuven, Belgium. The festival takes place in the city of Leuven. Beleuvenissen occurs on three Friday evenings during the month of July. Each evening of the festival runs from approximately 7:30 PM to 11 PM. The festival features live music performances by both local and international artists and bands. Music genres vary, including pop, rock, hip hop, and electronic music. Stages are set up in the squares of Leuven's old town, including the Oude Markt, Grote Markt and Vismarkt. Attendees consist primarily of Leuven residents and visitors, especially many of the city's over 50,000 university students. Since the festival is free and open to the public, people of all ages come to enjoy the concerts and lively atmosphere.

Tens of thousands typically attend Beleuvenissen each year. The festival has taken place annually since 1989, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is no admission fee to attend Beleuvenissen, food, drinks, and merchandise are available for purchase from vendors in the squares. The city government and the non-profit organization Leuvenement organize and fund the music festival. Overall, Beleuvenissen offers three evenings of free live music performances that energize Leuven and kick off the summer festival season.

While Belgium, including the city of Leuven, can be considered relatively expensive compared to some other countries, it's not as pricey as cities like Singapore or London. The cost of living in Leuven is generally lower than in major European cities. However, keep in mind that the actual costs can vary depending the lifestyle and preferences of the visitor. It's always a good idea to plan and budget accordingly.

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samrat says

It’s a great list Sofie. I have very fond memories of Leuven ;-) Other than that, I was amazed by the sight of a needle thru a beetle.

Hahaha, it sure is a peculiar thing to see :)

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Leuven: the small Flemish town with a big (bang) history

With its cosmic roots and being the home of Stella Artois, the compact gothic town is a hip destination that has remained Belgium’s best-kept secret

The barman at Fiere Margriet places a bottle of strong, dark ale in front of me. “Gouden Carolus,” he says. “Brewed 15 miles away”. A cold night has fallen over the city outside, but the low-lit pub is warm and woozy. Hops are strung along the walls; a stuffed fox looks out from the window. “This pub,” continues the barman, stroking his beard, “has been here since fourteen-hundred-and …” he pauses for a while “… something.”

History is elastic in the small Flemish city of Leuven, which is currently hosting BANG! , a citywide festival dedicated to the big bang. Back in the soupiest mists of time – or, strictly, before time was time – a convulsion of baffling quantum forces resulted in the birth of the galaxy. About 13.8 billion years later, in 1931, a cheery Belgian in specs and dog collar came up with a concept to explain it. Albert Einstein initially dismissed the idea, then later backtracked. The Belgian in question was Georges Lemaître – Catholic priest, father of the big bang theory, and resident of Leuven.

The city’s name remains relatively unfamiliar despite this cosmic claim to fame, and the fact it’s home to one of Europe’s top universities. Indeed, the place is perhaps best known for being the home of lager leviathan Stella Artois – the HQ is on the edge of town – so when I get off the train on a sunny November afternoon to find bikes bumping over the cobbles and Renaissance facades above the chocolate shops, it’s a pleasant revelation. Fifty-thousand students are here during term time, giving parts of town the feel of a scarf-wrapped, waffle-scented, Dutch-speaking Oxbridge.

“We should have been the national capital, really,” smiles guide Jan van Coillie, a retired linguistics professor and champion of all things Leuven (well, not all things: he doesn’t like Stella). “Leuven and Brussels were both once part of the Duchy of Brabant – a state in the Holy Roman Empire – and at the time we were the larger settlement, but in the 13th century, the dukes decided to base themselves down the road in Brussels.”

Leuven, however, recovered from the snub, prospering from both the medieval cloth trade and the 1425 opening of its university – where Lemaître himself would later study and teach. Jan and I are talking beneath the ludicrously ornate town hall, a gothic fantasy of lacy stonework and fairytale turrets, where 235 statues gaze out from the facade (the total was 236 until last year, when reviled monarch Leopold II was removed). “The building survived both world wars almost unscathed,” says Jan. “They say it’s guarded by angels.”

For visitors, the town hall and the adjacent 15th-century St Peter’s Church – which wasn’t so lucky in the wars, but still looks a picture today – mark the heart of a compact city. It takes seven minutes for me to pedal from the church doors to the shaggy, cow-browsed meadows on the outskirts. Locals on sit-up-and-beg bikes rumble down college-lined streets. Helmets are a rarity (“we don’t really like them,” I’m told plainly), as are high-rises. Even the hip cafes – and there are plenty – have a small-town, homemade-cake vibe. So while Eurostar’s Brussels Midi terminal might be under 30 minutes away by rail, any sense of a metropolis feels enjoyably distant.

Leuven’s associations with Lemaître are being feted through BANG!, the Big Bang City festival, until the end of January. As well as a series of ambitious exhibitions, there’s a number of one-off events, from orchestral performances to temporary art installations. I visit two of the exhibitions. Both are excellent. The first is at art gallery M Leuven , where a through-the-ages selection of art focuses on humankind’s origins; the second is at the University Library , where the emphasis of To The Edge of Time is on science and cosmology. Among much else, it includes Lemaître’s fascinating views on why his findings were compatible with the Bible’s version of creation (“if the theory of relativity had been necessary to salvation,” he wrote, “it would have been revealed to St Paul or Moses”).

Festival aside, Leuven is an absorbing destination in its own right. The University Library is a case in point. I climb its 240ft bell tower and look out across the rooftops and steeples to the flat Flemish countryside beyond. The vast library, with its wonderfully woody reading room, is essentially a war memorial. Burned down by German first world war forces – destroying 300,000 books in the process, including hundreds of priceless early manuscripts – it was rebuilt in whole thanks to American funds. A giant statue of a sword-wielding Virgin Mary stands outside, her foot crushing a German eagle.

A five-minute cycle away is a slice of history even more stirring. The Unesco-listed Groot Begijnhof was a middle-ages beguinage, a convent-like community for widows and religious women, and its tight web of cobbled alleys, narrow bridges and red-brick gables can today be wandered at will. On a quiet morning it feels like stepping into an old masters painting, and I’m back again that night for a meal in the classy hush of the Faculty Club, formerly the beguinage’s infirmary but today all modish lighting, delicate aubergine dishes and heady wines.

The Groot Begijnhof’s residences now accommodate professors and international students. Many of the city’s undergraduates, however, gravitate each evening to a very different landmark, the Oude Markt , a terrace-filled square billed as Europe’s longest bar. I find it an impressive sight, particularly considering that most of the buildings rising above the Stella Artois umbrellas have been reconstructed since wartime destruction. Plaques bearing the date 1914 stud the square.

The tipples are undoubtedly better elsewhere, though: try the taps of craft bar Malz , the drinks list of sourdough pizza joint Baracca or the brewery of the newly reopened Park Abbey on the city outskirts, the monastic confines of which have produced a dedicated beer for the BANG! festivities. An abbey creating a galactic brew provides a neat summation of Leuven, being somewhere between deeply traditional and expansively open-minded. “This is a small city,” I’m told back in Fiere Margriet, as fleets of bikes trundle past in the night. “But it has a lot of soul.”

The trip was provided by the Leuven tourist board . For listings and details of BANG! The Big Bang City festival visit bangfestivalleuven.be . Eurostar travels from St Pancras to Brussels Midi up to five times daily (from £ 57pp; eurostar.com ). Leuven is under 30 minutes by rail from Brussels Midi . The four-star Martin’s Klooster Hotel occupies a former monastery, with rooms from €75.50pp (£63.50pp), including BANG! exhibition entry. For current rules about visiting Belgium visit gov.uk

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One day in leuven, belgium: top 10 things to do.

Considering its history, it’s a miracle that Leuven possesses a quarter of its charm. Despite being smashed to smithereens in both world wars, some of Belgium’s most remarkable medieval buildings were unscathed.

Leuven is one of Belgium’s hidden gems and an easy day trip from Brussels or Mechelen. Make the most of your time there with these best things to do during one day in Leuven.

IN THIS ARTICLE

What is Leuven Known for?

Leuven is a lively yet laid-back university city known for its UNESCO-listed library, Belgium’s oldest botanical garden and its magnificent town hall. Outside of Belgium, it is probably best known as the home of Stella Artois beer. 

One Day in Leuven: Sightseeing Map

Do you find it helpful to map out your day? If so, here’s one with my pick of what to see in Leuven. For an interactive map, simply click here or on the image itself.

Over half of these attractions are clustered in Leuven’s historic centre. The remainder are closer to the ring road that circles the city, but the distances are modest. For example; walking from the central Grote Markt to the botanical garden will take you around ten minutes.

Best Things to Do in Leuven in One Day

1. admire the buildings of the grote markt.

The Grote Markt is the beating heart of Leuven.

Dating from the 14th Century, the square is lined with some magnificent Gothic buildings, not least of which is the Stadhuis (town hall). As there are plenty of lovely bars and cafes from which to choose, this is a good place to get your day in Leuven off to a good start with a coffee.

2. JOIN A TOUR OF LEUVEN’S STADHUIS

Let’s take a closer look at Leuven’s splendid Stadhuis. This magnificent 15 th Century building is Gothic in all of its pointy perfection.

Its light and lacy exterior , crowned by fairy-tale pinnacles, houses no fewer than 235 statues. This is one fewer than intended, following the ejection of Leopold II due to his less-than-stellar record in the Congo.

Take time to take a look at the graphic stone sculptures on the lower levels at the side of the Stadhuis by Hotel the Fourth – Tafelrond. These depict biblical scenes intended to educate the illiterate masses.

Although the town hall is used mainly for weddings and other functions, you can visit its historic rooms on one of the daily tours . Whilst the tour itself was excellent, it’s safe to say that the Stadhuis is more stunning on the outside than inside.

Address : Grote Markt 9

Opening hours : You can only visit The Stadhuis on a guided tour. English-language tours take place on Monday – Saturday at 4 pm; Sundays at 11 am.

You can buy a ticket at Visit Leuven. As the size of these groups is limited, consider booking a ticket online if you are visiting Leuven at a busy time of year or on a weekend.

3. ADMIRE THE LAST SUPPER IN ST. PETER’S CHURCH

Facing Leuven’s Stadhuis across Grote Markt is Sint-Pieterskerk (St. Peter’s Church).

This asymmetric, hulking late Gothic pile isn’t much to look at from the outside. Building began in the 1420s but wasn’t completed until the 17 th Century, with many changes of heart, and architectural style, along the way.

The ambitious plan to erect three monumental towers fell apart in the face of collapsing funds and foundations. But even though they are incomplete –  the main tower just peeks above the church roof and the remaining two are mere stubs – St. Peter’s towers are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Belfries of Belgium and France.

Unlike the Stadhuis, St. Peter’s Church is more magnificent on the inside than its exterior might suggest. Visiting it is also one of the best free things to do in Leuven.

There is an extraordinary Baroque oak pulpit depicting St. Norbert being thrown from his horse by lightning.

Take a look also at the intricately carved rood screen.

But the main reason for stepping inside the church is to see The Last Supper by Dirk Bouts . Painted between 1464 and 1468, this shows Christ and his disciples in a Flemish dining room.

Address : Grote Markt 1

Opening hours : St. Peter’s Church is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am until 4.30 pm; on Sundays, it opens at 11 am.

It is closed on Wednesdays from October to April. It is also closed on these dates .

4. VISIT LEUVEN’S UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

To say that Leuven University Library has been unlucky is an understatement.

Established shortly after the founding of the university in 1425, it lost its rare books and manuscripts to France after the French Revolution at the end of the 18 th Century. During the First World War, German soldiers razed the building to the ground and, along with it, its rebuilt collection. 

With American support, a magnificent new library was built after the war, complete with a bell tower. But there was more misfortune to come.

The library was destroyed again in World War II with only 15,000 volumes surviving the catastrophe. After the liberation of Belgium in 1944, the library was rebuilt brick by brick.

Despite this turbulent history, the library’s archives have been added to UNESCO ‘s Memory of the World Register.

The library’s magnificent 44-metre-long reading room is worth the admission fee alone.

5. TAKE IN THE VIEW FROM THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY’S TOWER

Your ticket also gives you access to the summit of the library’s 74-metre-tall bell tower. From here there are panoramic views across lovely Leuven.

This is one of the few universities with a bell tower, housing 63 bells. On its four clock faces, there are 48 gilded stars, representing the total number of American states prior to the inclusion of Alaska and Hawaii.

However, climbing this bell tower is not for the faint-hearted.

The top balcony is accessed by a series of seemingly endless staircases. Other than the initial sets of stone steps, all of these staircases are narrow and winding.  

As you make your slow ascent, there are small exhibitions that chronicle the destruction of Leuven during World War II and the subsequent rebuilding. It’s well worth stopping to take a look at these if only to catch your breath.

It’s also worth knowing that this is a working bell tower and those bells dong on the hour. It’s perhaps not a great idea to be at the tower’s summit when they start ringing.

Address: Mgr. Ladeuzeplein 21

Opening hours: Check the current opening hours here .

6. GET YOUR ART FIX AT MUSEUM LEUVEN

This is one of the best things to do in Leuven if you are a culture vulture.

Occupying a modern building on the grounds of an old mansion, Museum Leuven (M Leuven for short) is home to an eclectic collection of more than 52,000 artworks, with a focus on those from Leuven and Brabant. These works of art date from the Middle Ages to the 19th Century, and include those from Constantin Meunier, Jef Lambeaux and Georges Minne.

M Leuven also has a pleasant garden and roof terrace.

Address : Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28

Opening hours : Check the opening hours here .

TIME FOR A COFFEE BREAK?

Opposite M Leuven, Coffee at Anna serves excellent coffee and offers a good range of pastries and snacks. Address: Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 27

7. TAKE TIME OUT IN LEUVEN’S BOTANICAL GARDEN

At times, travel can seem like hard work. Flitting from sight to sight, trying to cram as much into your day as possible. You know what I mean.

It is easy to forget to take time out and where better to do this than in the beautiful Leuven Botanical Garden (De Kruidtuin Leuven in Dutch)? Founded in 1738 by the University of Leuven, this peaceful oasis is the oldest botanical garden in Belgium. It covers an area of over two hectares and is home to a wide variety of trees, plants, flowers and shrubs.

Visit in April and a dazzling display of nodding tulips, fragrant camellias and delicate cherry blossoms will greet you. There is a sunken garden, a greenhouse complex that shelters tropical, sub-tropical and aquatic plants and a small orchard with pear and apple trees.

Just add birdsong. Admission is free.

8. EXPLORE THE WINDING LANES OF LEUVEN GREAT BEGUINAGE

The Great Beguinage (Groot Begijnhof) was one of the unexpected highlights of my day in Leuven.

A beguinage is an architectural complex, laid out much like a small town, which was created to house beguines. These were lay sisterhoods of the Roman Catholic Church, founded in the 13th century in the Low Countries.

The restored Groot Begijnhof of Leuven is it is one of the largest remaining beguinages in the Low Countries. With its labyrinth of cobbled streets, straddling two canals, and red-brick 17 th Century houses, it’s a wonderful area to stroll around.

Leuven’s Great Beguinage was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1998.

If you have time to spare, stop by Leuven’s Small Beguinage (Saint-Catherine Beguinage). Established in the 13th century, it is essentially one narrow street that once housed no more than 100 beguines.

9. HAVE A BEER AT THE LONGEST BAR IN THE WORLD

It’s gotta be done.

The long rectangular Oude Markt is one of the loveliest squares in Belgium. Lined with charming gabled houses and around 40 bars and cafes, it lays claim to being the longest bar in the world.

So pull up a chair and enjoy a Belgian beer.

10. A BREWERY VISIT TO THE HOME OF STELLA ARTOIS

Like it or loathe it – it’s known in the UK as “wife beater” –  Stella Artois is one of the world’s most famous beers. The origins of this pilsner beer can be traced back to the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, which was founded in 1366.

Although it is now also brewed outside of Belgium, production remains firmly rooted in its home base. See where and how the magic happens on a Stella Artois brewery tour in Leuven.

You can book your ticket here .

Useful Tips for Visiting Leuven

#1 Make Visit Leuven, the tourist information office at Naamsestraat 3 (behind the Stadhuis), your first stop of the day.

Not only are the staff super helpful and friendly, but you can also pick up the excellent free city map and buy a ticket for the town hall guided tour. They will also book your town hall tour and entry slot for the university library.

#2 Leuven has a tourist card, the ILUVLeuven Ticket . This modest city pass will save you money if you are planning to visit its included sites.

#3 People often ask what language is spoken in Leuven. Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch and German. In Leuven, people speak Flemish which is essentially a dialect of Dutch, with some different pronunciation and words.

However, many people will also speak French and English as a second/third language. That said, it’s always a good idea to have a few words and phrases in the mother tongue up your sleeve.

#4 Although Leuven is a compact city, there are many cobbled streets to negotiate. Leave the stiletto heels at home.

#5 Finally, rain is not unheard of in Belgium. Pop an umbrella in your daypack as well as a few layers.

How to get to Leuven

Most people spend a day in Leuven from either Brussels or Mechelen. This is easy to do (I visited on a day trip from Brussels).

Frequent trains travel between Brussels and Leuven. The journey time is around 30 minutes.  

It takes under 30 minutes to get from Mechelen to Leuven. Again, trains are frequent.

Leuven’s train station is close to the Stella Artois Brewery, a pleasant 10-minute walk to the Grote Markt.

Is Leuven Safe for Solo Travellers?

Overall, Belgium is an easy country for those travelling alone even if you are a novice solo traveller . It has an excellent infrastructure, relatively affordable accommodation, a rich history and buzzing nightlife in the main cities.   Keeping safe when travelling alone  is a key concern of female solo travellers. Leuven is considered to be a very safe and friendly city with locals, students and tourists enjoying its attractions, bars and restaurants.   But, as always, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Watch out for pickpockets, especially in popular tourist areas and transport hubs. Remain vigilant and keep your belongings close to you. If you have a safe at your accommodation, use it to store valuables. 

Is Leuven Worth Visiting?

Leuven is one of Belgium’s underrated treasures. This small city of just over 100,000 inhabitants punches way above its weight when it comes to attractions.   It is home to two UNESCO-listed sites, not counting the archives of its university library. Leuven’s Stadhuis is rivalled in Belgium only by that in Brussels. And to top it all, it has an exceptional botanic garden and a first-rate art gallery.   The locals are friendly and Leuven has a laid-back restaurant and bar scene.  Best of all, the city attracts a fraction of the visitors descending on the tourist honeypots of Bruges and Brussels.

With just one day in Leuven, you can experience these and much more.

Ready to take a day trip to Leuven?

Leuven is a worthy addition to your Belgium itinerary .

If you have found this guide helpful and are planning further travel in Belgium, take a peek at my other articles.

There are guides to spending one day in Brussels or exploring Ghent on a self-guided walking tour. Do you have a sweet tooth? Then check out my favourite chocolate shops in Bruges .

Consider some of Belgium’s more under-the-radar destinations (I had a wonderful day trip to Mechelen ). I also loved my day in Hasselt , which is home to the excellent Jenever Museum  and De Kruidtuin Leuven, Belgium’s oldest botanical garden .

Happy travels!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Willkommen in Leuven!

Eine Stadt auf Augenhöhe. Zentral in Belgien gelegen und mit einer ganz eigenen Identität.  

Leuven besuchen

Grüne Flecken

In und um Leuven gibt es viele grüne Flecken zu entdecken

Biererfahrungen

Verkosten Sie einheimisches Bier bei einer Wanderung oder Radtour

5 Spaziergänge in Leuven für jeden Geschmack

Schnüren Sie Ihre Wanderschuhe und lassen Sie sich überraschen!

Shopping Tipps von Einwohner external link

Bjorn & Jens: in Leuven geboren, geboren Genießer

Die Highlights von Leuven

Ganz gleich, ob Sie eine charmante Frühstückspension bevorzugen oder lieber im Hotel einer bekannten Kette übernachten: Leuven bietet alles. Buchen Sie hier Ihre Übernachtung.

Veranstaltungen

Polyphonic festival • Voices of Passion

Erfreuen Sie sich an himmlischen Klängen bei diesem Polyphoniefestival von Spitzenniveau

Zirkusfestival CIRKL external link

Ein beeindruckendes Programm mit (inter)nationale Künstler

Agenda external link

Führungen, Ausstellungen, Aktivitäten für Kinder und mehr