Leuven

Planning Your Trip to Leuven

General Information

Country:

Belgium

Time Zone:

GMT+1 (GMT+2 during summer)

Languages:

Dutch, French, English

Currency:

Euro (€)

Leuven Weather & Climate

Leuven enjoys a temperate maritime climate. Summers (June-August) are pleasant with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F). Winters (December-February) are cooler, averaging around 3°C (37°F). Expect fairly consistent rainfall throughout the year.

City Overview: Discover Leuven

Leuven, a vibrant university city in Belgium, perfectly combines history with a youthful vibe. Home to KU Leuven, one of Europe’s oldest universities, the city is brimming with student energy. Its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, including the stunning Town Hall and the Great Beguinage, takes you back in time. But it’s not just about history; Leuven boasts a thriving cultural scene with plenty of bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Beer lovers will find themselves in paradise, as Leuven has a rich brewing tradition and is home to Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer. Thanks to its compact size, Leuven is easily explored on foot, allowing you to discover its hidden gems and soak up its unique atmosphere. It’s a perfect blend of old and new, appealing to history buffs, foodies, and anyone looking for an engaging city experience.

Best Time to Visit Leuven

Seasonal Highlights:

• Spring (April-May):
  • Pros: Lovely weather, flowers blooming, fewer crowds.
  • Cons: Occasional rain.
• Summer (June-August):
  • Pros: Warm weather, outdoor events and festivals.
  • Cons: Can get crowded, prices may be higher.
• Autumn (September-October):
  • Pros: Gorgeous autumn colors, fewer crowds, pleasant weather.
  • Cons: Chance of rain.
• Winter (November-March):
  • Pros: Festive Christmas markets, cozy atmosphere.
  • Cons: Cold weather, shorter days.

Getting to Leuven & Visa Information

Flights:

Brussels Airport (BRU) is the nearest major airport, just a 15-minute train ride from Leuven.

Trains:

Leuven has excellent train connections to other major Belgian cities and European destinations.

Visa Requirements:

Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Please check with your local embassy or consulate for the latest information.

Airport Transfers:

A direct train connection is available from Brussels Airport to Leuven. Buses and taxis are also options.

Leuven: Fun Facts & Famous Faces

Fun/Historical Fact

Leuven is renowned as Belgium’s beer capital, owing to its long brewing history and the presence of Anheuser-Busch InBev headquarters. Stella Artois, a globally popular beer, originated right here in Leuven!

Famous Personalities

• Erasmus of Rotterdam (lived and taught in Leuven)
• Adrien de Gerlache (Antarctic explorer)

Top 10 Attractions in Leuven

• Groot Begijnhof Leuven (Great Beguinage): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a historic quarter with charming houses and canals.
  • Address: Schapenstraat 34, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Stadhuis (Town Hall): A Gothic architectural masterpiece, adorned with intricate sculptures.
  • Address: Grote Markt 9, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Sint-Pieterskerk (St. Peter’s Church): A Gothic church with a rich history and impressive architecture.
  • Address: Grote Markt, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Oude Markt (Old Market Square): The vibrant heart of Leuven, lined with countless bars and restaurants.
  • Address: Oude Markt, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• KU Leuven (University of Leuven): One of Europe’s oldest universities, boasting a beautiful campus.
  • Address: Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• M-Museum Leuven: A modern art museum featuring exhibitions of contemporary and historical art.
  • Address: Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Kruidtuin (Botanical Garden): A tranquil oasis with a diverse collection of plants.
  • Address: Kapucijnenvoer 30, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Abdij van Park (Park Abbey): A beautiful Norbertine abbey with a rich history and serene surroundings.
  • Address: Abdij van Park 7, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
• Stella Artois Brewery: Take a tour of this famous brewery and learn about the beer-making process.
  • Address: Brouwerijplein 1, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• American Cemetery: Pays homage to US soldiers who died in the battles of Ardennes and the Rhineland, during WWII.
  • Address: Kolonel Begaultlaan 46, 3012 Wilsele, Belgium

Leuven’s Hidden Gems

• De Hoorn: A former brewery transformed into a cultural center with exhibitions, workshops, and events.
  • Address: Sluisstraat 79, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Het Klein Begijnhof (Small Beguinage): A smaller, less crowded beguinage offering a peaceful escape.
  • Address: Klein Begijnhof, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Vaartkom: The canal area, featuring trendy bars, restaurants, and vibrant street art.
  • Address: Vaartkom, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

Local Festivals & Events in Leuven

• Leuven Jazz: An annual jazz festival held in March.
• Marktrock: A free music festival that takes place in August.
• Leuven Christmas Market: A festive Christmas market held in December.

Day Trips from Leuven & Nearby Attractions

• Brussels: (30 minutes by train) – The capital of Belgium, featuring iconic landmarks like the Grand Place and the Atomium.
• Mechelen: (20 minutes by train) – A historic city with beautiful churches and the Kazerne Dossin Holocaust museum.
• Antwerp: (1 hour by train) – A major port city famous for its diamond district and fashion scene.

Leuven Photography Spots & Insta-Worthy Places

• Grote Markt (Grand Market Square): Capture the architectural beauty of Leuven’s central market square.
• The Arenberg Castle: Known for it’s red brick construction and the surrounding garden, this spot is perfect for portraits.
• Vaartkom: Take advantage of the various murals and street art this district has to offer.

Where to Stay in Leuven & How to Get Around

Recommended Stay Duration

2-3 days

Top Places to Stay

Budget-Friendly Hotels:

• Leuven City Hostel
  • Address: Ravenstraat 37, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Cube Hostel Leuven
  • Address: Brusselsestraat 52, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Hotel The Fourth – Klooster Hotel
  • Address: Predikherenstraat 11, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Hotel La Royale
  • Address: Martelarenplein 6, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Park Inn by Radisson Leuven
  • Address: Martelarenlaan 36, 3010 Leuven, Belgium

Luxury Hotels:

• Martin’s Klooster Hotel
  • Address: Onze-Lieve-Vrouwstraat 18, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Begijnhof Hotel
  • Address: Tervuursevest 70, 3001 Leuven, Belgium

Getting Around Leuven

• Public Transport: Leuven has a reliable bus network.
• Taxis: Taxis are available but can be pricey.
• Bikes: Leuven is a bike-friendly city. Bike rentals are easily accessible.
• Walking: Leuven is compact and perfect for exploring on foot.

Leuven Travel Tips: Preparing for Your Trip

What to Pack for Leuven

Essential items based on weather and local customs:

• Comfortable shoes for walking.
• Layers of clothing to adjust to changing weather.
• An umbrella or raincoat.
• A refillable water bottle.
• A universal adapter for your electronics.

Useful Travel Apps

Apps for navigation, local insights, food, translation, and transport:

• Google Maps: For navigation.
• Visit Leuven: The official city guide app.
• Uber: For taxi services.
• 9292: For public transport schedules.
• TripAdvisor: For restaurant reviews and recommendations.

Local Customs, Safety Tips & Cultural Etiquette

Do’s & don’ts, potential scams, and respectful behavior:

• Do: Learn a few basic Dutch phrases.
• Do: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded spots.
• Don’t: Be excessively loud or disruptive in public.
• Don’t: Assume everyone speaks English.
• Safety: Be mindful of pickpockets in tourist areas.

Leuven: Food, Fun & Shopping

Top Restaurants in Leuven

• De Werf: Serving traditional Belgian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Address: Hoge Woerd 6, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Domus: Offering regional dishes and beers brewed on-site in a stone-walled tavern.
  • Address: Tiensestraat 8, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Bar Nine: A classy cocktail bar featuring a menu full of delicious libations, and delicious eats.
  • Address: Naamsestraat 9, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

Must-Try Belgian Dishes

• Frites (French Fries): A Belgian staple, usually served with mayonnaise.
• Stoofvlees (Beef Stew): A hearty and flavorful beef stew cooked in beer.
• Waterzooi (Chicken Stew): A creamy chicken stew with vegetables.
• Waffles: Both Brussels and Liege waffles are popular treats.
• Belgian Chocolate: Indulge in the world-renowned Belgian chocolate.

Leuven Nightlife & Entertainment

• Oude Markt: Known as the “longest bar in the world,” offering a wide array of bars and pubs.
  • Address: Oude Markt, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Het Depot: A popular music venue hosting live concerts and events.
  • Address: Martelarenplein 18, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
• Stuk: A cultural center featuring film screenings, exhibitions, and performances.
  • Address: Naamsestraat 96, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

Souvenirs & What to Buy in Leuven

• Belgian Beer: A wide selection of local beers, including Stella Artois.
  • Address: Available at most supermarkets and beer shops.
• Belgian Chocolate: Premium chocolate from local chocolatiers.
  • Address: Various chocolate shops throughout the city.
• Lace: Traditional Belgian lace products.
  • Address: Gift shops and specialty stores.