Map of Leuven, Belgium

🏞️ What to do in Leuven

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of Leuven with a variety of engaging activities. Explore picturesque landmarks, indulge in local traditions, and create unforgettable memories in this charming Belgian city.

• Best Budget Activity in Leuven:

  Tour the Leuven Botanical Garden: Wander through the serene beauty of the botanical garden, showcasing a diverse collection of plants and flowers from around the world.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Leuven:

  Visit the M-Museum Leuven: Delve into the world of contemporary art at the M-Museum, featuring a dynamic range of exhibits and collections that promise to inspire and captivate.

• Best Luxury Activity in Leuven:

  Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Leuven: Soar above the cityscape in a hot air balloon and witness breathtaking aerial views of Leuven, offering a luxurious and unforgettable experience.

🍽️ Where to eat in Leuven

Indulge in Leuven's culinary scene and savor the delectable flavors that this charming city has to offer. Must-try foods include traditional Belgian waffles, rich Flemish stews, and the famous Leuvense Fons beer!

• Best Budget Restaurant in Leuven:

  De Werf•€:

  Cuisine specialty: Belgian comfort food with a modern twist

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Leuven:

  Zarza•€€:

  Cuisine specialty: Innovative fusion dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Leuven:

  EssenCiel•€€€:

  Cuisine specialty: Fine dining experience showcasing sophisticated Belgian cuisine

• Best Budget Bar in Leuven:

  Café Belge•€:

  Local beers and hearty pub snacks

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Leuven:

  The Capital•€€:

  Craft cocktails and tapas-style small plates

• Best Luxury Bar in Leuven:

  Bar Nine•€€€:

  Premium selection of wines and signature cocktails

🏰 What to see in Leuven

Get ready to be enchanted by the historical charm and architectural wonders that await you in Leuven. From magnificent medieval structures to cultural hubs, Leuven boasts an array of must-visit landmarks that showcase its rich heritage.

• Leuven Town Hall

  Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of the Leuven Town Hall, a masterpiece of the Brabantine Late Gothic style and a symbol of the city's grandeur.

• St. Peter's Church

  Explore the grandeur of St. Peter's Church, an impressive example of Brabantine Gothic architecture housing exquisite artworks and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Mgr. Ladeuzeplein

  Discover the vibrant Mgr. Ladeuzeplein square, home to the renowned University Library with its iconic bell tower, offering panoramic views of the city.

• Groot Begijnhof

  Step back in time at the Groot Begijnhof, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring picturesque cobblestone streets, tranquil gardens, and historic Beguinage houses.

• Arenberg Castle

  Admire the beauty of Arenberg Castle, a magnificent Renaissance-style castle surrounded by lush greenery, offering a glimpse into Leuven's noble history.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Leuven

Explore the diverse shopping scene of Leuven, offering everything from local boutiques to well-known brands, ensuring a delightful retail therapy experience. Discover unique treasures, fashionable finds, and souvenirs to cherish from your visit to this stylish city.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Leuven:

  Leuven Night Market: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Leuven Night Market, where you can shop for handmade crafts, artisanal products, and quirky goods at affordable prices.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Leuven:

  Bondgenotenlaan: Stroll along Bondgenotenlaan, the bustling shopping street in Leuven, lined with a mix of high-street stores, stylish boutiques, and trendy cafes for a satisfying shopping spree.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Leuven:

  Ravenstein Gallery: Indulge in luxury shopping at the Ravenstein Gallery, a prestigious shopping destination in Leuven offering prestigious designer brands, upscale fashion, and exclusive lifestyle products.

🚎 Getting Around Leuven

• Public Transport

  Leuven has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and trams. The primary mode of transportation within the city is the bus network operated by De Lijn. You can purchase single tickets or day passes for unlimited travel within a specified time frame. Trains operated by the Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB) provide connections to other cities in Belgium and neighboring countries. The schedules for both buses and trains can be easily accessed online or at designated stops.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  In Leuven, the main transportation hub is Leuven Railway Station (Leuven Centraal), which offers regular train services to Brussels, Antwerp, and other major Belgian cities. Additionally, there is a centrally located bus station adjacent to the train station, providing connections to various neighborhoods within the city. For those traveling by air, Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is the nearest international airport, located approximately 25 kilometers from Leuven.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: Major car rental companies such as Hertz, Europcar, and Avis operate in Leuven, offering a range of vehicles at varying prices. Daily rental rates typically start from €30, depending on the type of car and rental duration. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: Cycling is a popular mode of transport in Leuven, and several rental services provide bicycles for tourists and residents alike. Providers like Blue-bike and Fietspunt offer rental options starting from €10 per day, with discounts for longer rental periods.