Leuven, Belgium

Leuven

A lacy Gothic town hall and a square lined with student bars.

  • All year
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Leuven

Day 1

  1. MorningSee the Gothic town hall and the university library tower.
  2. AfternoonWalk through the Groot Begijnhof, a peaceful village within the town.
  3. EveningJoin the students at the bars on the Oude Markt.

Day 2

Visit Arenberg Castle and park, or day-trip to Brussels.

What to eat

A Stella Artois where it was born, or a local Domus beer.

Local tips

Make the most of Leuven

Beat the crowds

Leuven is a student city: lively in the evenings, calm in the mornings.

Best photo spot

The Gothic town hall, covered in statues, on the Grote Markt.

Getting there

Trains from Brussels take about 20 minutes, and from the airport even less.

Don't miss nearby

The Groot Begijnhof, a quiet medieval neighbourhood now used by the university.

Good to know

The Oude Markt is called the longest bar in Europe because of its many terraces. The university library tower has a great view.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Leuven

Our most hidden places around Leuven: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Leuven to take with you.

29 km away
77 km away
86 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Leuven

Getting there

  • Brussels Airport (BRU)15 km away
  • Brussels Charleroi Airport (CRL)50 km away
  • Brussels25 km away
  • Antwerp45 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryBelgium

Questions

Leuven: good to know

Is Leuven worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. A lacy Gothic town hall and a square lined with student bars.

How many days do you need in Leuven?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Leuven?

You can visit all year. Leuven is a student city: lively in the evenings, calm in the mornings.

How do you get to Leuven?

The nearest airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), about 15 km away. Trains from Brussels take about 20 minutes, and from the airport even less.

What is there to see near Leuven?

Nearby hidden places include Brussels (25 km), Antwerp (43 km) and Maastricht (70 km).

Day trips from Leuven: 18 hidden places nearby
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