by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:20th May 2025

A relaxing mini break in Flanders

Visiting the historic city of Leuven in the heart of Belgium is a charming Flemish treat, a delightful location to add to your Flanders itinerary, as well as an opportunity to sample their chocolate.

If you are planning your visit to Leuven from the UK, you can hop on a train from central London, and you’ll be indulging in waffles and Belgian beer in under three hours. What’s not to love about that?

One of the things we enjoyed about Leuven was that it was so easily explored on foot. Many of its grand squares and historical landmarks are all within a short stroll of the cobbled streets around the magnificent town hall.

In 2022, Leuven was voted 5th as a “European Best Destinations” so why not uncover its heritage and culture for yourselves?

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Leuven is a treat for all, so let’s don our comfy shoes and explore our 8 must-sees in Leuven, although I’m sure you’ll discover some little gems for yourself.

If you’re visiting Leuven as part of a Belgian road trip, ensure you also see the historic cities of Ghent and Mechelen.

Where is Leuven?

How to get to Leuven

- By Train
Start creating your own Leuven adventure by train and discover the cultural delights of this picturesque city at a relaxed pace. Explore the sites amongst the charming city streets.
In under 2 hours and 50 minutes from the UK, hop on the Eurostar to Brussels, change onto a Belgium National Rail train to Leuven, and your Flemish fun begins.

- By Car
If you’re venturing from the UK, jump on Le Shuttle and tour Belgium under your own steam.
Alternatively, it’s so easy to visit Flanders on a road trip. Rental Cars search multiple well-known car hire brands and find the best deals that suit you.

The breath-taking Gothic Town Hall in Leuven is truly spectacular; its intricate façade is stunning. It stands so grand and elegant in Leuven’s Grote Markt and will immediately stop you in your tracks.

Miraculously, Leuven’s Town Hall escaped damage in WWI and suffered very little during WWII. The grand Market Square is surrounded by many eye-catching buildings; however, the Town Hall stands in a league of its own.

This is a low-angle view of the illuminated Leuven Town Hall in Flanders, Belgium, at dusk. The ornate Gothic architecture of the building is highlighted by warm lights, contrasting with the deep blue of the evening sky dotted with wispy clouds.
Leuven Town Hall

The Town Hall was designed by three architects in the Brabantine Late Gothic style, and each architect added their own unique mark. Especially Matheus de Layens, who contributed the six resplendent turrets and the parapet that runs around the building.

The construction of Leuven’s majestic hall took thirty years to complete, from 1439 to 1469 and required a row of houses to be demolished. The cellars of these homes can be visited beneath the hall.

A chandelier hangs from an ornate reception room in a pale blue with classic images painted in panels in Leuven's town hall
A reception room in Leuven's Town Hall

Although the hall was built in the early 15th-century, it wasn’t until 1850 that 236 ornate statues were added between each window. The statues represent Leuven’s rich history and fascinating past.

Presently, there are 235 statues on display, as the figure of King Leopold II was removed in 2020 due to his colonial past. There are also only 15 statues dedicated to women.

Leuven's historic City hall with its ornate facade on a bright day
Leuven’s Town Hall
When we were at Leuven Town Hall, you were able to tour the inside; I believe, due to internal renovation, the tours are currently on hold. However, don’t let this distract you from visiting, as the true elegance of the Town Hall is its exquisite façade.

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A visit to the Leuven’s University Library and Tower is a must. Pick up your audio guide linked with your downloaded Heritage App, and you’ll discover fascinating snippets of information.

Head up to the stunning wood-panelled library; it’s captivating, and you feel like you have stepped into Hogwarts. Take a little wander around the high balcony and survey the literary novels for yourself.

As you peer over the wooden balcony, the cylindrical ceiling lights almost appear suspended in the air. This is a working library, so you must respect the students studying.

The Leuven University Library Building across the Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein square at dusk.
Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein

Leuven’s magnificent University Library stands proud, overlooking Mgr. Ladeuzeplein is the largest open square in Leuven. The University Library forms part of KU Leuven, founded in 1425, the oldest university in the Low Countries.

The original university library was built in the 17th-century in the Cloth Hall near Grote Markt. During WWI, the library was destroyed along with its vast collection of historical books and manuscripts.

This image captures the grand interior of the main hall in the University Library of Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. The hall features towering wooden bookshelves, ornate staircases, and rows of tables for study, all illuminated by hanging lamps.
Main Hall in the University library
The university library was rebuilt in Mgr. Ladeuzeplein, in the neo-Renaissance style, opened in 1928. Unfortunately, the recently constructed library was destroyed by shelling in World War II. Once again, their collection of nearly a million books was lost.
Looking down from the first floor across the wooden interior of the historic University library in Leuven
The University Library of Leuven

After the war, the library was reconstructed again, virtually mirroring the original plans. In 2003 a substantial renovation was completed on the university library, and looks magnificent.

The large square of Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein is slightly moderner than Grote and Oude, but still dates from the early 1800s. A weekly Farmer’s market is held here every Friday.

Where to stay in Leuven

Leuven – Pentahotel Leuven

Pentahotel is incredibly central, and no sooner you step outside the hotel, you’re strolling the historical cobbled-stone streets. Bearing in mind how central Pentahotel is, it was very peaceful, perfect for a Leuven getaway.

The hotel is modern, and glitter balls await as you step into the reception/bar. The staff were extremely accommodating and helpful during our stay, and we could check into our room early.

We visited Leuven as part of a Flanders road trip, so the chargeable on-site underground car park was perfect.

The grand Saint Peter’s Church stands proud in the Grote Markt, the historical heart of Leuven and has many intriguing stories to tell.

The first church founded on this site was in 986. Unfortunately, this ancient church was destroyed by a fire in 1176. Construction of the present church began in 1425 and was built in the Brabantine Late Gothic style.

The front of Saint Peter’s Church in leuven with its two unfinished towers.
Unfinished towers on Saint Peter’s Church

The unusual aspect of Saint Peter’s Church is that the towers at the front were never completed, although a few attempts were made. The original plans included a 170 metre; however, due to weak foundations, the towers collapsed and were eventually reduced to a third of their original size.

Despite the tower not reaching its promised height, it is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the significant Belfries in Belgium and France.

Janis holding a tablet in Saint Peter’s Church in Leuven displaying an augmented reality view of the city under fire in World war II
The new visitor experience
A fascinating visitor experience introduced at Saint Peter’s Church is viewing its magnificent treasures via a tablet or the ‘hololens’. You’ll gain a whole new insight into the masterpieces, which virtually brings them to life.
A triptych altarpiece featuring 'The Last Supper’ by Dieric Bouts in Saint Peter’s Church in the Grote Markt in the historical heart of Leuven, belgium
The Last Supper’ by Dieric Bouts
One particular piece of artwork to look out for in Saint Peter’s Church is ‘The Last Supper’ by Dieric Bouts. This triptych is still located within the same chapel it was painted for almost 600 years ago.

If you’re heading off on a Belgium adventure, then grab a copy of this DK Eyewitness book. I love planning road trips and these guides are so helpful.

I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more of the back roads.

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The Groot Begijnhof, or Great Beguinage, is a tranquil haven of peace; this little oasis is believed to have been founded in 1205.

There are a few remaining Beguinages within Flanders; we also visited one in Mechelen. The Great Beguinage Leuven forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You are free to stroll around the tranquil, cobbled lanes of this walled community,

Bicycles parked on a cobbled lane in the Great Beguinage in the belgium city of leuven.
The Great Beguinage of Leuven
The single ladies who lived in the Great Beguinage were known as beguines, lived self-sufficient lives, and took no religious vows. Their lives were modest and, through simple means, supported the sick and disadvantaged within their community. At the beginning of the 17th century, 360 beguines lived in Great Beguinage Leuven.
This image shows a narrow canal winding between tall, red-brick buildings in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. An orange-leaved tree stands beside the canal, adding a splash of color to the scene, with more brick structures and greenery visible in the background under an overcast sky.
The tranquil Great Beguinage

Ambling around the Great Beguinage is like stepping into another little world; it is fascinating. Within the 3 hectares of serene surroundings are 81 homes, convents, courtyards, winding alleys, gardens, and recreational buildings.

The Beguinage was dissolved in the late 18th-century, although the beguines continued to live in the walled community. Now, the beautifully kept cottages are occupied by university lecturers and students.

Tourist Information

If you’re tempted to visit Leuven, the local tourist office provides some highly useful information and handy pointers for around the city. They can be found at Naamsestraat 3, located in Leuven Town Hall.
We always love visiting art museums, but sometimes it depends on the weather, as we adore exploring the streets of the towns and cities we see if it’s dry, so occasionally a visit to a museum can sometimes be fleeting.
The Neo-classical collonaded exterior of the ‘M’ Leuven art gallery
‘M’ Leuven

However, the ‘M’ Leuven is the perfect size to explore in 2 or 3 hours. The ‘M’ Leuven has an amazing permanent collection of contemporary art blended with fascinating historical pieces of work.

Additionally, the museum continues to hold temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

The modern-day M–Museum Leuven opened its doors in 2009 and now holds more than 58,000 pieces of work. The first municipal museum in Leuven was founded in 1823 and was located on the second floor of the Leuven City Hall.

Around one century later, the museum collection was moved to a former mayor’s private residence, which is now the primary exhibition space in the present-day M-Museum.

This interior shot captures a brightly lit exhibition space at M - Museum Leuven in Flanders, Belgium. A long, light-colored display table runs through the center, showcasing various religious artifacts under glass cases, while additional exhibits are visible against the white walls in the background.
Inside ‘M’ Leuven
All through ‘M’ Leuven, you’ll discover a very eclectic mix of arts, interactive displays and fascinating exhibitions. ‘M’ also manages the city of Leuven’s modern-day contemporary collection, created by many Belgian artists.

Park Abbey is a perfect place to visit if you enjoy peace and tranquillity, learning about different cultures and their heritage and strolling amongst picturesque surroundings.

The delightful Park Abbey and its serene estate are set across 42 hectares of land and are just a short bus ride from the centre of Leuven.

This eye-level, outdoor shot captures a cobblestone path leading towards the historic Park Abbey in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, under an overcast sky. The abbey complex includes buildings with brick and stone facades, a prominent tower, and is surrounded by autumn foliage and parked cars.
Park Abbey, Leuven
Park Abbey was once a game reserve, and in 1129, Count Godfrey I of Leuven donated the grounds to the Norbertine Abbey of Laon in northern France. Incredibly, the Norbertine fathers have continuously lived at the abbey ever since. The Norbertines are quite distinctive in their attire as they wear a white habit.
This is an interior view of the historic library at PARCUM, a museum in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, showcasing religious art and culture. The long, narrow room features tall wooden bookshelves lining both sides, filled with old books, and several light-colored benches for visitors to sit and explore the collections under the ornate, vaulted ceiling.
Park Abbey Library
The monastery and its neighbouring buildings, the watermill, gatehouses, and the church, have essentially remained unchanged since the 17th-century. A huge restoration project was undertaken by the City of Leuven, and the magnificent library, cloisters and refectory have re-opened to welcome visitors.
Gary and I love visiting new towns and cities; there’s always an air of anticipation as to what you’ll discover around each and every corner. In historic cities like Leuven, it’s even more enjoyable when you wander into a grand market square like Leuven’s Grote Markt and history surrounds you in abundance.
The Grote Markt in Leuven from outside a cafe at dusk with the ornate town hall and number four in the distance.
Grote Markt
Leuven’s cloth market brought vast wealth and prosperity to the city during the 14th and 15th centuries. Evidence of this can be seen all around the Town Hall, the Grote Markt and the Cloth Hall by the Oude Markt.
This image captures a sunny view of the Oude Markt in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, showcasing its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere with outdoor seating. The scene is framed by colorful buildings under a partly cloudy sky, inviting viewers to imagine the lively energy of this central gathering place.
The long Oude Markt
The cobbled-stone streets are a pleasure to stroll around in Leuven and lead from one ancient square to another. Just a short hop from Grote Markt is the rectangular Oude Markt, which is bustling day and night. The Oude Markt has the nickname the “longest bar in the world” for the number of bars and restaurants.
The remains of a tower in the city walls in Sint-Donatus Park in the belgium city of leuven.
Remains of the city wall in Sint-Donatus Park

Leuven’s wealth and prosperity grew, leading to abbeys and churches being constructed along with its medieval city walls; remains of the ancient walls can still be seen in Sint-Donatus Park.

Fast forward, and Leuven’s brewing industry was coming to the forefront. Den Hoorn Brewery had been brewing beer since 1366; however, in 1708, Sebastien Artois became the master brewer and purchased the brewery in 1717, renaming it Brouwerij Artois.

A Stella Artois beer, and a Karmeliet ale at a cafe in Grote Markt, Leuven
Stella Artois in Leuven
Of course, no visit to Leuven would be complete until you’ve sampled the local brew, Stella Artois. So, after taking a Stella Artois Brewery Tour and enjoying a long day discovering Leuven, take a seat at a local café or bar and appreciate a well-deserved beer.
Discovering those quirky little features in any location is always fun and often unearths fascinating stories of its heritage or history. We found many charming sculptures and street art around Leuven, as well as some incredible monuments.
This close-up shot showcases a vibrant mural on a concrete wall in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, depicting two colorful birds perched on delicate branches amidst stylized flora. The artwork features a robin with an orange breast and a kingfisher with striking blue and orange plumage, set against a background with soft blue and pink hues.
Street art under a bridge
One sculpture we spotted in Oude Markt is ‘De Kotmadam’. This bronze was unveiled in 1985 and is a tribute to the local landladies who let their rooms to students. Not exactly how I envisaged landladies to be.
The ‘De Kotmadam’ sculpture of a Leuven landlady sitting on a bench in Oude Markt
‘De Kotmadam’ sculpture
A piece of art to look out for in Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein is the ‘Totem’. You would think that a beetle speared on the top of a giant needle would be glaringly obvious to see. The 23-metre-tall needle piercing a beetle was installed in 2004 and commissioned by KU Leuven.
Totem, a green beetle speared on a giant needle in the Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein square in Leuven, Belgium
Totem
This is a low-angle shot of "Totem," a public art sculpture by Jan Fabre in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. The artwork features a large, iridescent green jewel scarab beetle impaled on a tall, gleaming silver needle, set against a clear, pale blue sky.
Beetle on Totem
Back in Grote Markt, across from the Town Hall in Rector de Somerplein, is the ‘Fons Sapientiae’ sculpture by Jef Claerhout. Fons Sapientiae means ‘fountain of wisdom’ and was donated by KU Leuven in 1975.
The ‘Fons Sapientiae’ sculpture of a student studying in Rector de Somerplein, Leuven.
‘Fons Sapientiae’ sculpture
If you’re near Leuven’s railway station, you will see the beautifully restored Peace Monument dedicated to the atrocities of 1914. German troops executed dozens of local residents on Martelarenplein in front of the station. The memorial was destroyed in 1940 by German occupiers and is now fully restored.
This image depicts the Balloon of Friendship sculpture by Dany Tulkens in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, set against a clear blue sky. The sculpture features a large, gray balloon-like structure atop a geometric metal frame and a red, textured base, with small, dark objects hanging from the basket.
Friendship Balloon
The white stone Peace Monument that sits in front of Leuven's central railway station
Peace Monument

Nearby here is another eye-catching statue, the Friendship Balloon or the Ode to Friendship.
This stands as a striking symbol of camaraderie and companionship, sculpted by Danny Tulkens in 1987.

Our video of Leuven

We have created a little YouTube video of Leuven.  Why not take a look?

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Disclaimer

This article was produced in partnership with Visit Leuven and Visit Flanders in exchange for an honest review and an account of our personal experiences.

* This post may contain links to affiliated sites where we earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

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