Just a stone’s throw from Belgium’s capital lies Leuven, a small but lively university city with all the beautiful charm that Belgium has to offer. On a day trip to Leuven, you’ll find the traditional central square, terraced Flemish houses, hearty Belgian food, and rich history that are quintessential to most Belgian cities.
Leuven is full of buildings and attractions with wonderful tales, like the longest bar in the world, UNESCO World Heritage spots, and the building with four different lives. You’ll be sure to find something to pique your interest as you wander the cobbled streets.
Leuven is the perfect day trip from Brussels if you’re looking for something a little different from Bruges and Ghent, and this guide will take you through everything you need for the perfect day trip to Leuven.
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How to Get to Leuven (from Brussels)
Leuven lies just 30 kilometres outside of Brussels, making it the perfect place for a day trip from Brussels. It’s best reached by train, and journeys take about 30 minutes.
To travel from Brussels to Leuven by train, you can depart from any of Brussels’ three main stations – Midi, Central, and Nord. A return ticket costs around €12, and if you travel at the weekend you can get half-price tickets. Check the Belgian National Rail website for more information.
Is Leuven Worth Visiting?
Leuven certainly isn’t one of the most famous cities in Belgium, but it is definitely worth visiting.
One of the best things about Leuven is its array of unique buildings and stories. You could easily spend the whole day wandering the streets and discover something new on every corner. It’s a great place to escape some of the crowds of Bruges and Ghent, and there are many hidden corners to explore.
What’s more, Leuven is one of the easiest day trips to take from Brussels as it’s only half an hour on the train. This is perfect if you want to take a trip but don’t want to venture too far from the capital city.
What Language is Spoken in Leuven?
Leuven is found in the Flemish region in northern Belgium. Therefore, in Leuven, they speak Flemish/Dutch – different to Brussels which is predominantly French. Most people in Flanders speak relatively good English, but it’s always good to be respectful of the local languages. Learning a few basic phrases before you visit can go a long way.
The Best Things to Do in Leuven
One of my favourite things about Leuven is its cultural richness. There are one or two good museums, but the best things to do on a day trip to Leuven are found on the streets. Some of Leuven’s buildings have been around since the Middle Ages and have incredible histories hidden within.
I’ve tried to give an introduction to the history of each attraction here, but if you’re interested in learning more, I recommend reading further into each one before your visit. It’s really enriching to learn about the exciting stories of these sometimes unassuming buildings.
Grote Markt
Most Belgian cities are trademarked by a grand central square, and Leuven is no exception. Leuven’s Grote Markt is home to many gothic buildings, including the Town Hall and the Tafelrond.
Having been around since the 14th century, many of these buildings have interesting stories to tell. The Tafelrond, for example, has a turbulent history and has been rebuilt four times in its 500-year history. If you’re interested in learning more about these stories, I recommend booking a walking tour to get a local insight.
Leuven Begijnhofs
One of the most interesting parts of Belgium’s history is the Beguinage (Begijnhof in Dutch). A Beguinage is similar to a convent, but they had more of a community feel. These communities housed religious and single women across Belgium from roughly the 13th century onwards, and today they are used for a variety of purposes. There are over 20 remaining Beguinages in Belgium alone, and a few more in the Netherlands and France. The majority of these are in the Flemish Region, and 13 of them have UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Leuven is home to two Begijnhofs, known as Groot (Large) and Klein (Small). The Groot Begijnhof is one of the largest and is found in the south of Leuven city. These days, it is owned by KU Leuven, the city’s main university, and is used as a campus. The Klein Begijnhof, is found in the north of Leuven and is my personal favourite beguinage that I’ve seen. It’s small, as the name suggests, being composed of only one street, but it is incredibly quaint and charming.
M Leuven Museum
The M Museum is a unique space that combines historical and contemporary art, making it perfect for all kinds of art lovers. The museum houses art created throughout Belgian and Flemish history, with a focus on pieces from Leuven and the surrounding area, as well as contemporary art and media.
The museum is open every day except Wednesday from 11 am to 6 pm, with late closing on Thursdays. Standard tickets are €12, with €5 tickets for 19-25-year-olds and free entry for those aged 18 and under. Check the M Museum website for all details.
Thiery Wing
When you visit the Klein Begijnhof, you can find another hidden piece of Belgium’s history hidden behind the church across the street. This wonderful building was constructed using rubble from other buildings in Leuven that were destroyed during WW1.
To find the Thiery Wing, head through an archway at the side of St Gertrude’s Abbey to get into the gardens, and you’ll see it on the right. Here’s the exact location of the Thiery Wing to help you out.
Kruidtuin
In case you thought Leuven couldn’t get any more historically rich, even their Botanic Garden is 200 years old! The Leuven Botanical Gardens, known as Kruidtuin, are gorgeous, and completely free to enter. It’s home to a diverse range of plants, both outdoor and in the greenhouse, as well as some little ponds.
The gardens are open daily from 8/9 am – 8 pm, and they close at 5 pm on Sundays.
Where to Eat and Drink in Leuven
With a lot of adventures planned on your day trip to Leuven and a lot of walking too, it’s important to think about where to eat in advance. Here are a few great spots for brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks in Leuven.
Oude Markt
Oude Markt is both a tourist attraction and a great place to eat and drink in Leuven. As the English translation of its name (Old Market) suggests, this spot was a market, as long ago as the 12th century. These days, the square is known as the longest bar in the world, as many restaurants, cafés, and bars have outdoor seating that overlaps.
This is a really unique place to visit in Belgium and makes for a great atmosphere to enjoy some beer in the evening. Rock up to any spot along the market and enjoy!
Address | Opening Hours and Prices vary between establishments |
Nosh
If you’re looking to fuel up once you arrive in Leuven, head to Nosh for some deliciously chic brunch. The main specialities are pancakes and bagels, and both look absolutely delicious! Nosh is right in the center of Leuven, so you can get straight onto exploring once you’ve eaten.
Address | Open 9 am- 5 pm Thurs-Mon | Website | Price $$ |
Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes, vegan unclear
Croque and Roll
Sharing a name with one of my favourite cheap eats in Barcelona, Croque and Roll serves up a delicious array of Croque Monsieurs and is the perfect spot for a light lunch on your day trip to Leuven. You can get everything from a classic Croque Monsieur with ham and cheese, to incredible combinations like goat cheese, honey, bacon, apples & walnuts. What’s more, all of the sandwiches are named after famous singers!
Address | Open Mon-Fri 11-3, Sat 11-4, Closed Sunday | Website (with menu) | Price $$ |
Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes
Domus
For the true Belgian experience, head to Domus for good food and beer. This brewery and restaurant serve up home-brewed (on-site) beer and delicious Belgian classics like beef stew and Belgian meatballs.
If you’re travelling as a large group, you can even book guided tours around the brewery for a truly unique experience in Leuven.
Address | Opening Hours | Website (with menu) | Price $$
Veggie/Vegan Friendly? Yes
With everything in this guide, you’re all set for the perfect day trip to Leuven, full of culture, history, food, and beer! Leuven is a lovely city and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time there.
If you’re visiting Belgium, you might want to check out some other day trip guides, like How to Take a Magical Day Trip to Bruges, or A Day Trip to the Belgian Coast. If you’re looking for some Brussels travel advice, check out the best things to do in Brussels and The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Brussels.
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