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Leuven is one of the most vibrant cities in Belgium and a very pleasant student city to visit. You will find some impressive sights in the historic heart of Leuven, as well as many nice cafes and restaurants. Because Leuven is not such a big city, it is the ideal destination in Belgium for a weekend getaway. Curious about what to do in Leuven? Discover in this article the most beautiful sights and even more handy tips for a fun city break.
The Grand Place
Leuven's most famous square is the Grote Markt, and we can also definitely agree that it is the most beautiful and busiest square in town. The Grote Markt is surrounded by beautiful guildhalls, including the imposing town hall and the impressive St. Peter's Church. It is the ideal place to grab a terrace, people-watch and take in the amazing architecture.
Leuven city hall
The eye-catcher of Leuven is undoubtedly the Gothic town hall dating back to 1439. Take a walk around the town hall to admire the many details incorporated in and on the columns. But it is also highly recommended to take a look inside the town hall. By the way, this is only possible during a guided tour. The Dutch speaking tour takes place every day at 3:00 pm. You take a look at various salons where a lot of information is shared about the history of the town hall and about the city of Leuven. The tour lasts approximately one hour. Tickets for the tour can be purchased at Tourism Leuven in Naamsestraat. The steps of the Town Hall are the meeting point for the tour. You can also buy tickets online, this can be done at the Visit Leuven website and the cost is €4 per person.
St. Peter's Church
Opposite City Hall you will find St. Peter's Church. The church dates back to the 15th century, but it has burned down several times over the years and been damaged in the process. In 2020, the church was last restored. It is definitely worth visiting. Inside the church you will find several impressive works of art, including The Last Supper by Flemish master painter Dieric Bouts. A fun fact to share is that this particular work of art still hangs in the same spot where it was painted. You can view several works of art in St. Peter's Church in an innovative way, namely through a hololens. Great fun to do in Leuven!
The University Library and Tower
The University Library in Leuven is definitely worth a visit, especially the beautiful reading room on the second floor. A place where Leuven students come daily to learn. Don't skip the climb up, because once at the top of the tower you have a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings. You may even notice that the landscapes are hilly. During the climb up, you can visit small exhibits about the history of the library.
The Old Market
Besides the Great Market, Leuven has another beautiful square, namely the Old Market. This square is also known as "the longest bar in the world. It has this name because as many as more than 30 catering establishments surround the square. You will also find here one of our favorite hotspots in Leuven. If you've come to Leuven to catch a glimpse of student life, it's best to be here on a weeknight. This is because the Old Market is the heart of Leuven's nightlife.
The Great Beguinage
One of the most beautiful parts of the city is the Great Beguinage. A place consisting of a maze of streets where as many as 360 Beguines lived in the 17th century. This means that the Great Beguinage was home to believing women who devoted their lives entirely to God. Today, the houses are inhabited by people from Leuven, so there are no longer any Beguines living there. You'll find the Beguinage about a 15-minute walk from the Grand Place. If you are in Leuven, it is definitely worth visiting it and wandering around its streets.
Abbey of Park
Just outside the center of Leuven, you will find an ancient monastery, Park Abbey. The former monastery is one of the best preserved abbeys in Belgium. Today, Museum Parcum is located in the monastery and you can visit various exhibitions there during the year. You can rent bikes at the train station in the bike shed. From here you can be at Park Abbey in 10 minutes by bike. If you feel like a longer bike ride, you can also do the abbey tour, which is a route along four Leuven abbeys.
Staying overnight in Leuven
During our weekend getaway, we slept in M Street Art Lodging, a hotel centrally located in Leuven. Less than a 5-minute walk from the Grand Place and the Old Market. The M Street Art Lodging is an art hotel with a total of 15 rooms. Each room is unique and has its own artistic decor. There is no reception at the M Street Art Lodging. When you make a reservation, you receive a code that allows you to enter the property and your room. The rooms are spacious, the beds comfortable and fully equipped. It is a sustainable accommodation in Leuven and you can see that in every detail. By the way, breakfast is not included in the price, but you can do this at one of the nice hotspots in Leuven.
Eating out in Leuven
On a city break, of course, you can't miss out on good food and drink. Then it is a good thing that you are in Belgium, because Belgians are known for their burgundian lifestyle. You will find many nice restaurants on the lively squares in Leuven. Curious about our best tips? These are our favorite bars and restaurants in Leuven.
Eating out in Leuven: the best bars and restaurants
From yogurt with granola and seasonal fruit to Leuven's best coffee and luxurious dining out, these are delicious spots in Leuven to discover.
ILUVLeuven Ticket
A handy tip for your visit to Leuven is the ILUVLeuven Ticket. With this combi-ticket you can visit several attractions in Leuven at a more advantageous rate. With the ILUVLeuven ticket you can choose between a visit to the University Library, the Town Hall and between a visit to M-Leuven or the Park Abbey. The ticket costs €17 per person and you can buy it at Tourism Leuven or online on the Visit Leuven website.
How do I get to Leuven?
Leuven is very easily accessible by train. From Rotterdam Central it is about 2.5 hours of travel, with only one change at either Antwerp-Berchem or Mechelen station. Upon arrival at Leuven's train station, it's about a 15-minute walk to the heart of the city. Book your train tickets to Leuven here!
Of course, you can also choose to travel to Leuven by car. By car it takes about 2 hours from Rotterdam to get to Leuven. Scattered over the city you will find several parking garages.
Combine your city break Leuven with the best of Belgium
Do you feel like a totally different vibe after all that historical splendor in Leuven? Then the combination with the Belgian Ardennes is highly recommended. In no time at all you exchange the hustle and bustle of the Old Market Square for the total tranquility of the woods. The contrast between the city and nature makes your trip complete. Check here all our favorite tips for the Belgian Ardennes!
Haven't traveled out yet? These Belgian cities absolutely belong on your bucket list, too:
City Break Ghent: the city of the photogenic Graslei, the sturdy Gravensteen and that wonderfully quirky atmosphere.
City trip Bruges: discover the fairytale canals, medieval streets and, of course, the view from the belfry.
Shopping and sightseeing in Mechelen: the place for sunny terraces, cute boutiques and a climb up St. Rombouts Tower.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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