Guide to Leuven (Louvain) is a vibrant, historic city often overlooked in favour of its bigger Belgian neighbours. Home to the world-renowned Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) and the global headquarters of Stella Artois, it perfectly blends student energy, Gothic architecture, and a world-class beer scene. Its compact, walkable centre makes it an ideal, relaxed city break.
The ‘Oxford of Belgium’ is a lesser-known European city break with £34 flights.
The closest airport to Leuven, Belgium, is Brussels Airport (BRU), located about 20-25 km away. The fastest and most convenient way to get to Leuven from the airport is by taking a direct train from the station located beneath the airport, which takes approximately 15 minutes.
Leuven Essentials
| Feature | Detail |
| Best For | History buffs, architecture lovers, and beer enthusiasts. |
| Getting There | 20-25 minutes by train from Brussels Airport (BRU); 25-30 minutes by train from Brussels Central Station. |
| Getting Around | The city centre is completely walkable. For the Abbey or Stella Artois, use a local bus or bike. |
| Local Tip | The city comes alive during the academic year (Sept–May). Visit during the summer for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. |
3-Day Itinerary: History, Beer, and Culture
Day 1: Gothic Grandeur and the Longest Bar
| Time | Activity | Highlight |
| Morning | The Grote Markt & Town Hall | Marvel at the Stadhuis (Town Hall), an extraordinary 15th-century Gothic masterpiece with 236 statues. |
| Late Morning | St. Peter’s Church (Sint-Pieterskerk) | Visit the church opposite the Town Hall, home to Dieric Bouts’ famous triptych, The Last Supper. |
| Lunch | Muntstraat | Choose a traditional Belgian lunch (e.g., stoemp or stoofvlees) on this street known for its diverse restaurants. |
| Afternoon | University Library & Tower | Climb the iconic library’s tower for a panoramic 360° view of the city. The library also holds poignant exhibits on its reconstruction after two World Wars. |
| Evening | Oude Markt: “The Longest Bar” | Head to the Old Market, a square entirely lined with bars and cafes. Grab a table, soak up the student atmosphere, and sample some local Belgian beer. |
Day 2: Student Life and Serenity
| Time | Activity | Highlight |
| Morning | Groot Begijnhof (Grand Beguinage) | Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a peaceful, self-contained quarter of cobbled streets, tiny squares, and historic brick houses, once home to religious laywomen. |
| Lunch | De Werf | Enjoy an affordable, hearty lunch at this casual, popular student bistro near the university. |
| Afternoon | M-Museum Leuven | Explore the M-Museum, which contrasts historical and contemporary art within a striking modern building. |
| Late Afternoon | Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin) | Stroll through Belgium’s oldest botanical garden, a small, tranquil oasis with greenhouses and a beautiful herb collection. |
| Evening | Dinner & Local Brews | Try a craft beer at a local bruin café (brown bar) like De Blauwe Kater (known for blues/jazz) followed by dinner. |
Day 3: Beer and Beyond
| Time | Activity | Highlight |
| Morning | Stella Artois Brewery Tour (or alternative) | Book a tour at the famous Stella Artois Brewery to see where the global beer is brewed. Alternative: Visit the smaller, local Domus Brewery near the centre. |
| Lunch | De Hoorn | Dine at the old brewery where Stella Artois was first brewed, now a large, contemporary bar/restaurant. |
| Afternoon | Park Abbey (Abdij van Park) | Head just outside the centre to this stunning, well-preserved Norbertine abbey complex, set around a tranquil park and ponds. Visit the PARCUM museum within the grounds. |
| Late Afternoon | Shopping & Sweets | Explore the main shopping street, Bondgenotenlaan, and be sure to stop for authentic Belgian chocolate at one of the many artisan shops. |
| Evening | Farewell Dinner | Indulge in a final Belgian meal in the charming Vismarkt area or choose one of Leuven’s Michelin-starred options for a splurge. |
Food & Drink Hotspots
Leuven is an unofficial beer capital, but its student population ensures a diverse and excellent food scene, from high-end dining to cosy bistros.
Your Guide to Leuven will give you Must-Try Beers & Bars
- Oude Markt (The Longest Bar): The place to start and end any evening. The atmosphere is unbeatable.
- Domus: A small, local brewery in the centre that has its own pub serving traditional Belgian food and their home-brewed beers like Nostra Domus.
- De Metafoor: A classic, cosy bruin café (brown bar) for a more authentic, non-student pub experience.
- Belgian Classics: Be sure to try local Leuven beers and other Flemish favourites like Triple d’Anvers, Duvel, and Kwak.
Restaurant Recommendations
- Muntstraat: A dedicated street of restaurants near the Grote Markt offering a huge range of cuisines from around the world.
- ‘t Tribunal: Known for its quality meats and grill, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
- Zaraza: A popular spot for high-quality, modern Belgian cuisine.
- Hop Gastrobar: A great choice near the Vaartkom area for innovative dishes paired with excellent beers.
- Budget Bite: Frituur No. 1 Grab authentic Belgian Frites (fries) with a huge choice of sauces.
Sweets & Coffee
- Coffee: Leuven has a strong specialty coffee scene. Look for independent shops like Coffeelabs or Barbóé.
- Chocolate: Visit an artisan chocolatier like Bittersweet for high-quality, handmade Belgian pralines.
Hidden Gems & Day Trips
- Klein Begijnhof (Small Beguinage): Less grand and touristy than the Great Beguinage, but equally charming and quieter.
- Keizersberg Abbey: Climb the hill for a lovely view overlooking the city skyline (a good alternative to the library tower).
- Heverlee Woods: Rent a bike and cycle a short distance south to the woods for scenic trails and a break from the city.
- Day Trip to Mechelen: Just a 10-minute train ride away, Mechelen offers beautiful canals, a stunning cathedral, and a more intimate feel than Brussels or Antwerp.