Table of Contents
| You have never been to Leuven if… FOOD – you haven’t tried Nosh’s delicious bagles! ATTRACTIONS – you didn’t climb to the top of the clock tower of KU Leuven library! SOUVENIRS – you didn’t buy any Stella Artois branded merchandise! |
Introduction
Leuven is a city in the Flemish region of Belgium. With a population of around 100,000, it is one of the most important cities in the province of Flemish Brabant. It is famous for its historic university, KU Leuven, and its rich brewing tradition. The city combines the charm of a well-preserved historic centre with the energy of a lively student community.
Whether you want to visit this small city as a day trip from Antwerp (here our article) or as a quiet weekend getaway from Brussels, this article will give you our best tips on what to see in Leuven!
We have personally dedicated just one day to visiting Leuven in 2021 as a day trip from the capital Brussels, and if you decide to visit this city, you will not regret it!
Here’s our guide about what to see in Leuven in 1 day! If you have any questions, write them in the comments in the box below the article!
How to get to Leuven
Leuven is well connected and easily accessible by various means of transport.
If you land at Brussels Zaventem airport (20 km away), you can take the train directly from the airport (level -1) to Leuven in a maximum of 20 minutes.
If you land at Brussels-Charleroi airport, the journey is a little longer but still easy. In this case, take a bus from the airport to Charleroi-Sud station (about 20 minutes) and from there take a train to Leuven with a transfer to Brussels (maximum 2 hours).
There are excellent train connections to Leuven from the main Belgian cities, whether from Brussels (Intercity or Regional in about 30 minutes), Antwerp (max. 60 minutes) or Ghent (about 1 hour).
If you prefer to reach Leuven by bus, De Lijn offers direct connections from Brussels (lines 616, 652) and from Antwerp and other cities.
If you’re looking to rent a car, then look no further than DiscoverCars.com! You’ll find here the perfect rental solution.
What to see in Leuven in 1 day
Here are the main attractions in the city of Leuven that you can visit on a day trip from Brussels or Antwerp.
Leuven Town Hall (Stadhuis)
Once in the city, make your way to the main square (Grote Markt) to admire the magnificent Leuven City Hall (Stadhuis), the main attraction of the Flemish city.
The Stadhuis is one of the most impressive and iconic Gothic buildings in Belgium (and not only!).
Now for a bit of history. Built between 1448 and 1469, the building was designed by three main architects: Sulpitius van Vorst, Jan II Keldermans and Mathieu de Layens. It was constructed during a period of economic prosperity and cultural growth for the city, which was an important centre of trade and learning at the time.
The Leuven City Hall is considered a masterpiece of Brabant Gothic architecture and is characterised by the presence of three imposing towers rising towards the sky. Its elaborate façade is decorated with countless statues and intricate details that tell the story of the city and its inhabitants.
Stop with your nose in the air to admire the wonderful details of the façade, which is adorned with 236 statues that were added in the 19th century. The statues represent biblical characters, saints, historical figures and mythical figures. For us it is one of the most beautiful and majestic buildings we have ever seen, it will not disappoint!
Of course, you can also visit the interior, although we didn’t have time. The City Hall offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore both the interior and exterior of the building. Check here all the infomation you need!
University Library and Clock Tower
The University Library and its tower are another of the city’s most important symbols, representing both its rich academic history and its resilience and rebirth after world conflicts. This iconic building is located on the Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein, one of Leuven’s main squares. And this is where you should go after visiting the Stadhuis!
The original university library, founded together with the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) in 1425, was located in a different building. In 1914, during the First World War, the original building was destroyed by a fire caused by German troops, and more than 300,000 books, manuscripts and documents were lost.
After the war, the library was rebuilt with funds donated mainly by the United States, and the new building was inaugurated in 1928. Finally, during the Second World War, the building was damaged again, but was subsequently restored.
The library has a façade with decorative details in the Flemish Neo-Renaissance style, an impressive clock tower (87 metres high) with a carillon of 63 bells that regularly give concerts.
The interior is also worth a visit. The interior of the library is decorated with frescoes, fine woods and large reading rooms, reflecting the cultural and academic importance of the building.
Our advice is to go inside and visit the main reading room, where students and researchers work in a historical setting, and the clock tower. After climbing the many steps, you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the city of Leuven and its surroundings.
Great Beguinage (Groot Begijnhof)
After visiting the University Library, head for the Groot Begijnhof. This is a magnificent example of a well-preserved old beguinage in the heart of the city. This tranquil historic neighbourhood offers a step back in time with its cobbled streets, historic houses and an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
The Groot Begijnhof, or Great Beguinage, one of the largest and best preserved in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, was founded in the 13th century as a community of Beguines, lay religious women, dedicated to prayer and work, who lived in communities without taking monastic vows.
Today, the Groot Begijnhof is not only a tourist attraction, but also a residential complex managed by the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven). The buildings have been restored and adapted to accommodate the university’s students, professors and researchers. This current use keeps the beguinage alive and vibrant, while preserving its historical character.
The Groot Begijnhof is an ideal place for a quiet and relaxing visit (it is a 10-minute walk from the Grote Markt).
Here you can explore the narrow cobbled streets and discover the hidden corners of the neighbourhood. Every corner offers picturesque views of historic houses and manicured gardens. Enter the Church of St. John Baptist and admire the Baroque architecture and ornate interiors. The Beguinage is also a photographer’s paradise, with its brick facades, stone bridges and panoramic views.
Stella Artois Brewery
If you’re a beer lover, you simply have to visit the brewery of the famous Stella Artois! It has a rich history dating all the way back to 1366 when the Den Hoorn brewery was first established in Leuven. In 1708, Sébastien Artois became the head brewer at Den Hoorn, and in 1717, he purchased the brewery, renaming it to Artois.
The name “Stella” was added in 1926, with “Stella” meaning “star” in Latin, reflecting the brand’s ambition to be a shining example in the brewing world. The beer itself is a pilsner lager, known for its distinctive taste and high quality.
Visiting the Stella Artois brewery is a great way to learn about the history and brewing process of one of the world’s most famous beers.
Here you can get an in-depth look at the modern brewing process, including the ingredients used (malted barley, hops, and water), enjoy a tasting session where you can sample Stella Artois and possibly other beers brewed by AB InBev, the parent company, see how the beer is packaged and prepared for distribution around the world and finally visit the gift shop to purchase branded merchandise and beer.
We really recommend that you book your tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Just click here for all the info you need!
Other must-see attractions
After visiting the main attractions of the city, if you still have time and are not tired, Leuven still has a lot to offer:
- St. Peter’s Church (Sint-Pieterskerk) is a stunning example of Brabantine Gothic architecture (15th century). It houses several notable artworks, including “The Last Supper” by Dieric Bouts;
- Old Market Square (Oude Markt) is known as “the longest bar in the world,” this square is lined with numerous bars and cafes, making it a lively spot for socializing;
- Arenberg Castle (Kasteel van Arenberg) is located just outside the city center in Heverlee, and it is part of KU Leuven’s campus. The surrounding park is great for a leisurely stroll;
- Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin) is the oldest botanical garden in Belgium, established in 1738. It’s a peaceful place to explore a variety of plants and flowers.
Check here for a guided tour of Leuven:
Where to eat in Leuven
Leuven is full of wonderful places to taste the delicious local cuisine!
If you’re looking for a cosy place to enjoy some traditional Belgian dishes, look no further than Den Stillen Genieter (Brusselsestraat 59). This lovely restaurant is known for its flemish stew, mussels and local beers.
Domus (Tiensestraat 8) is another great option if you’re looking for a hearty Belgian meal accompanied by some delicious house-brewed beers, beef stew and sausages.
And if you’re a fan of beer, you’ll love The Capital (Grote Markt 14). This famous spot is known for having the largest beer selection in the world!
We had the most delicious lunch at Nosh, a lovely little place that serves bagels all day. We highly recommend it! It’s located in Naamsestraat 14, just a short 2-minute walk from Grote Markt.
What to read before traveling to Leuven
Before heading to Leuven, we suggest reading Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Although the novel is set in the Netherlands and focuses on the life of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, it offers valuable insights into Flemish culture, art, and history.
The novel beautifully captures the Golden Age of Dutch and Flemish painting, a period that shaped much of the region’s artistic heritage, including Leuven. By reading this book, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the rich artistic traditions that still influence the culture and architecture of Flanders today.
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Conclusions
Leuven is a must-see on your trip to Belgium! It’s got a magnificent city hall building, a vast university library and a centuries-old beer culture. If you’re only stopping by Leuven for a day, whether on a day trip from Brussels or Antwerp, it’s definitely worth it!
If you’ve already been to Leuven and have other places or venues to recommend, we’d love to hear from you! We really hope this guide about what to see in Leuven in 1 day will help you plan your trip! Please don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments! We’re always happy to help.
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