10 tips for a visit to Leuven

1. Collect a bike at the station

You can explore Leuven on foot. However, if you also want to explore the surrounding area, having a bike makes things much easier. At the station, you can collect an electric Blue-bike or rent a regular bike. Blue-bike has 14 locations throughout the city!
You can also find electric bikes at VELO. VELO is located at the train station and at other locations throughout the city.

2. Saint Peter's Church with Bouts

Saint Peter's Church is located on the Grote Markt, opposite City Hall. Its tower is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began here in the 15th century, but it took more than a century to complete. The three towers originally planned were never built due to the ground's instability. Inside the church hangs a famous triptych by the painter Dirk Bouts: 'The Last Supper'. Bouts was born in Haarlem, but moved to Leuven around 1448.

3. Bouts and Beer Route

After visiting Bouts at Saint Peter's Church, you can begin the Bouts and Beer Route. You’ll cycle past the painter’s studio, Park Abbey and the Adept Brewery. This brewery is housed in an old blacksmith's shop. If you love cycling as well as beer, the Coureur Brewery is also worth a visit.
This bike route covers a total distance of 46 km.

4. Great Beguinage

The Great Beguinage is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 13th century. If you’re thinking, “That must be similar to the Beguinage in Amsterdam”, you’d be wrong. Spanning the size of four football pitches, it contains almost 100 houses. It’s a real village within the city, complete with narrow streets, small squares and gardens. Many students, professors and university staff live there. Entry is free, and there is a free carillon concert at the Beguinage Church every first and third Wednesday of the month from 19.00 to 20.00 hours.

5. Leuven Town Hall

Leuven Town Hall is a real gem. Construction began in the 15th century and took thirty years to complete. The photo shown here is a throwback, as the city hall is currently covered in scaffolding.
From the summer of 2027 onwards, you will be able to admire its exterior once again. The interior will remain closed until 2029, but you can take a virtual tour of the building now.
Take a look inside Town Hall

_{© Visit Leuven}

6. Lunch at an old cigar factory

You can now enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at the former Vander Elst cigar factory. Restaurant Gloria serves finger food, pasta and reimagined classic dishes. The menu changes every two months.
Address: Arnould Nobelstraat 50

7. Dining at De Oude Kantien

De Oude Kantien is a brasserie located in an old farmhouse and has a courtyard. It has a lively and charming atmosphere. Most importantly, the food is delicious, as it is cooked with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is located on the green outskirts of the city.
Address: Kantineplein 3, Heverlee

8. Visit Park Abbey

Just a short bike ride or half-hour walk from the town centre lies one of the best-preserved abbeys in Western Europe! The Norbertines founded the Park Abbey in the 12th century. Over time, additional buildings, gates and barns were added. You’ll be amazed by what you see. Medieval murals and remarkable three-dimensional stucco ceilings from the 17th century are just some of the features you’ll discover. In the morning, you can watch the cows stroll by on their way to the pasture.
The abbey is currently undergoing renovations and is set to reopen on 24 October 2026.

9. Great food in De Hoorn

De Hoorn is a restaurant located in the old Stella Artois brewery, where you can enjoy a delicious meal. From there, you can see the large brewing kettles. If you ask nicely, you might even be allowed a quick peek inside!
The beautiful setting isn’t the only reason to eat here – the staff are very friendly and the food tastes delicious! The brewery has become a meeting place for creative people.
Address: Sluisstraat 79

10. Weekend getaway: comfortable accommodations

The Park Inn Hotel by Radisson Leuven is located right next to the train station, with direct access from the platform. Perfect! The city centre, home to the town hall and the Oude Markt, is about a ten-minute walk away. The hotel has 133 modern rooms with comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers. A delicious and extensive breakfast buffet awaits you in the morning.
Address: Martelarenlaan 36
Find more hotels in Leuven here