15 AWESOME Things to Do in Leuven in 2024 (+ Useful Tips)

Q: What is Leuven known for?

Leuven is known for its prestigious KU Leuven University , the oldest in Belgium , vibrant student life, and rich brewing tradition, notably Stella Artois beer. It's also famous for its historic architecture, including the ornate Town Hall, Saint Peter's Church and the beguinages.

Q: Is Leuven cheaper than Brussels?

Leuven might be a little cheaper than Brussels , but not by much. Mainly in accommodation, with slightly lower costs for hotels and rentals, you’ll feel the difference. Dining and transportation prices are comparable in both cities. However, souvenirs and food & drinks in Brussels' tourist-heavy historical centre tend to be more expensive, making Leuven a more budget-friendly choice for these items.

Q: What language is spoken in Leuven Belgium?

In Leuven, Belgium, the primary language spoken is Dutch , as it is part of the Flemish region of the country. However, due to the city's international student population and tourist presence, English is also widely understood and spoken.

Q: Are Leuven and Louvain in the same place?

Yes, Leuven and Louvain refer to the same city in Belgium. " Leuven" is the Dutch name, while "Louvain" is the French name. The city is predominantly Dutch-speaking and located in the Flemish region.

Q: What is a fun fact about Leuven?

A fun fact about Leuven is that it's home to the world's longest bar , the Oude Markt. This famous square features a contiguous row of more than 40 pubs and bars, offering a vibrant and unique social scene, especially popular among the city's large student population.

Are you looking for the best things to do in Leuven? Yay, great choice!

SUMMARY: Located to the east of Brussels, Belgium, Leuven stands as a picturesque city celebrated for its vibrant brewery culture. At its heart lies the awe-inspiring 15th-century town hall, adorned with striking spires and embellished with a plethora of statues depicting local luminaries, biblical personas, and revered saints.

Tucked away just twenty minutes from Brussels by train, Leuven is a city that blends its historical roots with a lively, modern pulse.

I’ve visited Leuven a couple of times over the years, so I know a thing or two about its sights and do’s and don’ts.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the streets of Leuven, showcasing not just the well-known landmarks but also the hidden corners that are often overlooked.

As someone who has delved into various parts of Belgium, I can tell you that Leuven has its distinct flavour.

Typically, the Belgian art cities combine being a modern university city with the historical character.

But in the case of Leuven, the history and the city’s university are inseparably intertwined.

This guide is designed to help you see Leuven through a local lens, highlighting its best features and lesser-known gems.

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Is Leuven Worth Visiting?

Yes, it is! After spending time in Leuven, what struck me most was not just the famous sites like the University Library or the Town Hall, but the city’s genuine vibe.

The Grote Markt and Leuven Cathedral at night in Leuven. — *The Leuven Cathedral and Grote Markt*

It’s the everyday scenes that make Leuven special – You see students rushing to class and tourists exploring around them.

You can be in the busy parts of the city or relax in quiet parks and less crowded streets.

To me, it’s this mix of busyness and calmness that makes the city so unique.

Leuven is big enough to keep you exploring yet small enough to not feel overwhelming.

So, if you’re thinking about visiting Leuven, I say go for it.

Best Things to Do in Leuven

1. Admire the St. Peter’s Church (Sint-Pieterskerk)

Visit St. Peter’s Church to see a key part of Leuven’s history. Since 2020, they have had a cool Hololens experience that shows you the church’s past in a modern way.

Inside, you’ll see amazing artworks like ‘The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus’ and other historic treasures. The church, built in the 15th century, is famous for its Gothic style.

But what’s interesting is its towers – they were never finished because the ground was too weak.

It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage site, showing how important it is.

The St. Peter Cathedral on a beautiful sunny day. — *St. Peter Cathedral*

2. Take a Tour of Leuven’s Town Hall (Stadhuis)

Leuven’s Town Hall is something you can’t miss. It’s famous for its detailed Gothic architecture, and when you see it, you’ll understand why.

Each part of the building is decorated with statues and carvings – it’s like a story in stone.

Built in the 15th century, this town hall is one of the most beautiful in Belgium.

And it’s not just about how it looks from the outside; inside, there are stunning rooms and halls so it’s worth booking a guided tour to see them for yourself.

3. Visit the Groot Begijnhof (Grand Beguinage)

One of my favourite spots in Leuven is the Groot Begijnhof. Beguinages were unique communities where women, known as Beguines, lived a religious life without taking monastic vows.

Nowadays, there are no beguines left, but all Belgian beguinages are recognized as cultural heritage by UNESCO.

It’s a peaceful area with old houses and narrow streets. I love the quiet walks here, away from the noises of the city.

It’s a part of Leuven that shows a different, more tranquil side of the city.

The Grand Beguinage under a clear sky. — *Grand Beguinage*

4. Stroll Through the Beautiful Botanical Garden Kruidtuin

I also always enjoy visiting the Botanical Garden in Leuven (yes, I like the small hidden parks in cities).

It’s not only the oldest in Belgium, dating back to 1738, but also a fascinating spot.

The greenhouses are full of an incredible range of plants, from medicinal herbs to exotic tropical varieties.

My highlight? The “Sunken garden”. Plus, it’s a great place for a peaceful picnic!

5. Explore the Art Collection at M-Museum Leuven

Discover the remarkable art collection at M-Museum Leuven, showcasing over 58,000 pieces that span from the Stone Age to contemporary times.

This unique collection, heavily focused on late Gothic, Renaissance, and 19th-century art, began as an urban museum, which is why it has many works from Leuven and its surroundings.

Enhancing the experience, the museum boasts a tranquil courtyard garden and a rooftop terrace offering spectacular views.

Additionally, St. Peter’s Church serves as a secondary exhibit space for the museum.

A regular ticket to the museum costs €12 and keep in mind that the museum is closed on Wednesdays.

6. Wander Through Naamsestraat and the Historic University Buildings

Take a leisurely stroll down Naamsestraat, one of Leuven’s oldest streets.

Stretching from the city centre to the Naamse Poort at the Southern Ring, this mostly pedestrian street is a journey through time.

You’ll see many historic university buildings, like the Atrecht College and Hoge Heuvel College, which have been part of the city’s landscape for over 600 years.

This walk is a perfect way to see how KU Leuven, the city’s famous university and the oldest in the country, has shaped Leuven into the beautiful place it is today.

7. University Library and University Tower

Visit the University Library and Tower to delve into its significant history and influence on Leuven.

The tower’s five floors host photo exhibitions, each dedicated to a different era in the city’s history.

Reach the top and step out onto the balcony for unparalleled views of Leuven.

Tickets are €7, including an audio tour, and must be booked in advance.

Don’t miss the chance to see the Liberty Bell and the 63 other bells up close during a Carillon concert on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, available for an additional €5.

Leuven square on a cloudy day. — *Leuven Square*

8. Experience the Vibrant Nightlife at Oude Markt

Dive into the heart of Leuven’s nightlife at Oude Markt, known as the world’s longest bar.

Home to around 40 pubs, this bustling square becomes especially lively on Thursdays (the typical party night for students in Belgium).

Beyond just a place for drinks, Oude Markt is a hub for numerous concerts and events, offering a diverse array of entertainment.

Some decades ago, the square also held shops and the weekly market, but today, Oude Markt stands as the epicentre of Leuven’s social life, offering an unmatched atmosphere for those seeking to experience the city’s nightlife.

9. Have a Sip of Stella Artois at the Stella Artois Brewery

Experience the world-famous Stella Artois Brewery, where you can immerse yourself in the brewing process of this iconic Belgian beer.

Enjoy a guided tour, learn about the rich history and craft behind Stella Artois, and, of course, finish with a refreshing sip of their classic brew.

English tours are only available on Saturdays (15:00 and 17:00) and Sundays (13:00 and 15:00) and cost €14 (tasting included).

10. Enjoy the Ambience of Park Abbey

Park Abbey in Leuven is a monastery from the 12th century. It’s the best-preserved monastery in Belgium.

It showcases Gothic and Baroque architecture, with restored buildings that tell stories of the past.

The abbey is not just a historical site; it’s still home to Norbertine monks.

Visitors can explore the peaceful gardens and ponds for free.

Inside, there’s an art collection with religious paintings and manuscripts that you can visit for admission (€12 for a regular ticket; closed on Mondays).

Throughout the year, the abbey also hosts cultural events and concerts –there’s even a Christmas market. It’s located about 2.2 km from the centre of Leuven.

The Monastery of the Black Sisters in Leuven. — *The Monastery of the Black Sisters*

11. Visit the Nearby Town Louvain-la-Neuve

Just 30 km from Leuven lies the unique university city of Louvain-la-Neuve.

Purpose-built to accommodate the French-speaking counterpart of KU Leuven, this city stands out for its academic ambience.

While bustling with student life during the week, it takes on a quieter, more relaxed vibe during weekends and holidays.

A key highlight is the Hergé Museum, dedicated to the Belgian cartoonist famed for creating the adventures of Tintin.

This museum not only celebrates Hergé’s work but also offers insight into the broader world of comic art.

12. Admire the Sint Jan De Doperkerk’s Beautiful Architecture

Sint-Jan-de-Doperkerk, or St. John the Baptist Church, is a notable historical church in the Grand Beguinage of Leuven.

This church blends Baroque style with Gothic elements and originally served as the central place of worship for the Beguines.

Its interior is richly adorned with altarpieces, statues, and paintings, adding to its historical charm.

The church is part of the well-preserved Grand Beguinage and as such is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

13. Experience the City’s Beer Culture at Leuven Innovation Beer Festival

The Leuven Innovation Beer Festival marks a springtime celebration of brewing creativity.

More than just a beer-tasting event, it’s a dynamic gathering of over 16 pioneering breweries from around the world.

Here, visitors don’t just taste; they engage directly with the brewers, gaining insights into the art and science of beer making.

This event is a showcase of global innovation in brewing, featuring one-of-a-kind beers that embody creativity and ingenuity.

The Grote Markt at night. — *The Grote Markt*

14. Shop at One of Leuven’s Local Markets

Explore Leuven’s local markets to experience the city’s vibrant community life and diverse offerings. Each market has its unique charm:

🛍 Thursday Flower Market: Visit Brusselsestraat from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM for the Flower Market which brings a colorful display near Grote Markt.

🛍 Friday Market: Ladeuzeplein and H. Hooverplein host one of Leuven’s largest markets from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, near the University Library. This bustling marketplace offers a wide variety of vendors selling bread, pastries, clothing, cheese, hummus, roasted chicken, fish, meat, flowers, and more. Don’t miss the massive food trucks, unique to this market. Grab a bite and enjoy a picnic at nearby Sint-Donatus Park.

🛍 Saturday Market: From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Brusselsestraat and its connecting streets come alive with a market focused on speciality products like dried meats, cheese, mushrooms, and antiques that vary weekly.

🛍 Camping Flamingo at Hal 5: Once a month, Hal 5 transforms into Camping Flamingo, a large urban garage sale and creative market. It’s a must-visit for unique finds – check their Facebook page for dates!

15. Discover the Historical Keizersberg Abbey

The 19^th-century Keizersberg Abbey is a stunning Benedictine abbey built on quite a steep hill that offers some great views over the city.

It’s known for its fortress-like appearance, because of the long wall surrounding it.

Originally built by monks from the Maredsous Abbey, it now serves a dual purpose.

While part of it is still a monastery, another section has recently (2022-2023) been creatively converted into student rooms due to the decreasing number of monks.

On top of that, Since 2019, the abbey has embraced a modern twist with ‘Labora’, a vibrant hub comprising coworking spaces, meeting and event rooms, and artist studios.

Labora has become a dynamic meeting point where freelancers, entrepreneurs, and artists form a thriving community.

Door on the Abbey path surrounded by bushes. — *Abbey Path*

Frequently Asked Questions

Leuven is known for its prestigious KU Leuven University, the oldest in Belgium, vibrant student life, and rich brewing tradition, notably Stella Artois beer. It’s also famous for its historic architecture, including the ornate Town Hall, Saint Peter’s Church and the beguinages.

Leuven might be a little cheaper than Brussels, but not by much. Mainly in accommodation, with slightly lower costs for hotels and rentals, you’ll feel the difference. Dining and transportation prices are comparable in both cities. However, souvenirs and food & drinks in Brussels’ tourist-heavy historical centre tend to be more expensive, making Leuven a more budget-friendly choice for these items.

In Leuven, Belgium, the primary language spoken is Dutch, as it is part of the Flemish region of the country. However, due to the city’s international student population and tourist presence, English is also widely understood and spoken.

Yes, Leuven and Louvain refer to the same city in Belgium. “Leuven” is the Dutch name, while “Louvain” is the French name. The city is predominantly Dutch-speaking and located in the Flemish region.

A fun fact about Leuven is that it’s home to the world’s longest bar, the Oude Markt. This famous square features a contiguous row of more than 40 pubs and bars, offering a vibrant and unique social scene, especially popular among the city’s large student population.

Wrapping Up: Things to do in Leuven

So, there you have it – a snapshot of Leuven’s incredible variety.

From the historical echoes of the Keizersberg Abbey and the timeless charm of the Groot Begijnhof to the vibrant nightlife at Oude Markt, Leuven truly has something unique at every turn.

The city combines its rich history with a lively present, offering both tranquillity and excitement.

As a traveller, Leuven offers a perfect balance – it’s big enough to keep exploring yet small enough to feel intimate.

If you’re planning a visit, remember to book some spots in advance and take time to just wander and soak in the atmosphere.

I hope this guide helps you discover the lesser-known yet equally fascinating sides of Leuven. Enjoy your journey!