Students zipping pass on their bicycles, the streets come alive with the bustle of the after University and work crowd. I stood in the heart of Leuven taking in the grandeur of the town hall architecture, the cafes and beer bars around me, I know I’m going to like this little picturesque city.
From beer and chocolate tasting to waffles, I had 48 hours to immerse myself in the Leuven culture and these are the 12 things you can do in Leuven in 48 hours.
*Invited for a press trip – all opinions are my own and honest
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Where is Leuven located?
Leuven, a lovely town in the Flemish region of Belgium only 20 minutes from Brussels Belgium. Despite its name not being super well known, Leuven is home to one of the top European Universities, hence it’s quite a student town.
Also it is full of history, and long standing heritage and architecture. Home to Stella Artois Brewery, lots of local beers as well as cafe and chocolate. It’s very vibrant, historical and a lovely city to visit over the weekend or a day trip.
Planning a Last-Minute Trip to Leuven and to Belgium? We’veGot You Covered!
Search Booking.com for flights and hotels in Belgium (I like Booking, because they give you an option to pay a small fee and the flight is refundable should anything happens, please read their T&Cs first though)
🏨 The Best Hotels in Leuven
✈︎ Pentahotel Leuven (it is stylish, clean and very central) $$
✈︎ Martin’s Klooster (Considered the best affordable hotel in Leuven, stay in a converted monastery!) $$
✈︎ Begijnhof Hotel (Right outside the UNESCO Groot Begijnhof, comfortable and affordable) $$
How to get to Leuven, Belgium from Brussels
If you’re planning a little escape to Leuven (and you absolutely should!), the easiest and most convenient way to get there from anywhere in Belgium especially Brussels and the best way is by train.
Trains run directly from all three main Brussels stations from the North, Central, and South (Midi) and the ride takes just about 20 to 30 minutes depending on where you hop on. They run frequently throughout the day, so you can come and go as you please without worrying about missing one.
If you’re flying into Brussels Airport, even better. There’s a direct train to Leuven that takes you there in about 15 minutes, no stress, no transfers, just hop on and go. It couldn’t be easier.
Leuven’s train station sits right on the southeastern edge of the city centre. From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute stroll along Martelarenlaan and Bondgenotenlaan – both lovely streets that lead you straight to the heart of the city, the Grote Markt. If you’d rather save your energy for exploring, there are plenty of local buses (and taxis if you prefer the door-to-door option).
💡 Travel tip: Download the De Lijn app before you go, it’s your go-to for local buses around Leuven and across Flanders. You can buy day passes or a 10-ride ticket directly in the app. Just remember, train tickets are separate. Activate your bus ticket right before you hop on, and you’re good to go!
And one more thing – don’t forget to grab an eSIM for Belgium before you land. It makes life so much easier when you can buy train tickets on the go, check bus times on De Lijn, and, of course, use Google Maps to wander around Leuven without getting lost (or maybe just a little – the best discoveries usually happen that way).
What languages do they speak in Leuven, Belgium?
Even though Leuven is just a short train ride from Brussels, it’s part of the Flemish region of Belgium which means Dutch is the main language spoken here. But don’t worry if your Dutch is limited to “Dank je!” Leuven is a lively university town with a very international vibe, so you’ll hear a mix of Dutch, French, and plenty of English. Honestly, almost everyone I met spoke fantastic English and they were very kind to help especially with directions.
12 Things to do in Leuven, Belgium
1. Great for a weekend getaway
Getting to Leuven was a very simple affair. as I mentioned before.
For everyone in the UK, it is a short journey to Brussels, Belgium. Then from the airport, take another 20-minute train straight to sunny Leuven.
The city centre is around 15-minute walk down this street, you can join the locals and hire a bike but both are much faster than taking a taxi unless you have a lot of luggage.
2. Visit the majestic & iconic Stadhuis (Townhall)
Within the heart of Leuven town centre, you can’t help but be in awe of Leuven’s most iconic building – the town hall or Stadhuis as it is known. A fine example of gothic architecture with its stunning stonework, flags and surrounded by a total of 235 statues, honouring past residents of the city.
Stadhuis survived World War 1 and was very nearly destroyed during the Second World War where, fortunately, the bomb just missed its exterior. There are daily guided tours at 3 pm to explore the interior.
3. Take a look at the Last Supper
A hop and skip away across the Stadhuis is The St Pieterskerk. Enter here to see the painting of the Last Supper inside the St. Peter’s Church.
This church is a classic example of Brabantine Gothic architecture. The church houses notable art pieces, including Dieric Bouts’ “Last Supper.”
4. Climb up to the top of Universiteitsbibliotheek
Or you can call it the University Library and bell tower. I wouldn’t have guessed this building was part of the University. You see, in the beginning of the First World War, Leuven was destroyed by the Germans including the University Library as well.
Sadly over three hundred thousand books were destroyed and this library was entirely rebuilt. The statues have meanings behind them if you notice one of the statues is an Eagle (middle) to represent the Americans who helped fund the construction of this new library, the snake (left) is to represent German and the lion (right) represents the Belgians.
Do venture in and explore the building but more importantly, get your exercise this holiday.
Climb up their spiral staircases to a balcony above and just take in the 360-degree view over Leuven.
See if you can spot the Stella Artois factory!
A hint did you say? It’s on the right side of this picture!
5. Put your shoes on and go for a walking tour
One of the best things to do in Leuven, a 3-hour walking tour guided by Leuven Leisure which covers everything you need to know about Leuven.
Jacob (our guide) took us all over the city in a story like manner introducing us to Leuven’s history. He was entertaining us with stories of the places we visited most of it featured in this guide. Starting at the University tower.
Walking around the city gives you a gorgeous view of the Stadhuis from different angles.
Jacob has the best stories for us. Meet Fonske or formally known as Fons Sapientiae (picture below). He represents a student studying a book full of formulas whilst pouring water into his head at the same time. A symbol to the students in this University town to let remind them that having fun is a way of student life but also study! As you know, moderation is key!
6. Stroll around the UNESCO site Groot Begijnhof
Venture out of the Grote Markt (Grand Square) and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Groot Begijnhof.
You will get the feel of what Leuven was like 300 years ago. Filled with houses, alleyways, and a church, it is a fully restored historic quarter founded in the 13th century by the Beguines. Initially used to house women who promised not to marry as long as they lived in the beguinage and they have the choice to leave whenever they wanted.
Currently, the houses are being used as residential housing for the lucky students and professors of Leuven University.
7. Put your love lock on
For all of you romantic souls or for a friendship you cherish – Leuven has their very own ‘Love Lock’ bridge in the middle of Groot Begijnhof. Try and find it while you’re here!
8. Indulge in a Beer and Chocolate tasting
From a Unesco heritage site to a different kind of culture. Beer and chocolate tasting!
This is quite possibly one of the most life-changing moments in my existence. Allow me to change yours!
First, you are provided with a beer and accompanying chocolate from Bittersweet Chocolate. Take a sip of the beer, (don’t spit out as you do in wine tasting)…acknowledge the taste of the beer on its own. Then take a bite of the chocolate pairing. The flavour of the beer changes! It’s a delicious blend of beer and chocolate.
I’m not a huge fan of beer and this seriously converted me. It’s completely mandatory now to take Belgian chocolates with me every time I go for a drink, right?
This combination was to die for! One of the best pairings, in my opinion, the beer intensifies the passionfruit chocolate. Mindblowing!
The yellow lego block is a rice pudding chocolate with Earl Grey chocolates on the right. This is a pairing which reminds me of childhood days or an English afternoon tea perhaps?
9. Eat Belgian Waffles
What else can I say, when in Belgium, you have got to try their waffles. It’s so delicious plain but if you can’t resist like me, go for all the toppings. Mine was topped with whipped cream, a generous slather of Nutella and a sprinkling of speculoos crumbs.
Please excuse me, I need a moment to myself.
Tip! Get them before 6 pm – they sell out fast!
10. Sample all the Belgian Chocolates
Walking along the cobbled streets, you can find a chocolate shop almost at every corner. The whiff of chocolate as you enter the store. Willy Wonka had better watch out. This is a serious competition! From hedgehogs, autumnal chocolate to sophisticated flavours, they have it all.
11. Drink Beer and visit a local brewery!
Guess what! Leuven is home to Stella Artois, one of the most famous beers in the world! Their name is literally printed everywhere in the city. You can visit their factory, book online a couple of days prior.
OR! do what I did and visit a local brewery like Hof Ten Darmaal. It’sis a family brewery just outside of Leuven. You can experience a more homely, personal and authentic brewery experience. Explore and touch the Hop plants on a guided tour, and learn the process how they make the beer in this charming country cottage.
And of course, you have to taste their beer especially their chocolate and raspberry beer.
12. Take in the nightlife at Europe’s Longest bar – Oude Markt
A huge square all lined with bars and clubs with outdoor seating!
Coming here during the day is certainly nothing in comparison to evening especially on a Thursday when it is student night. Beers are reasonably priced and you can order food too! Can’t think of a better way to immerse in culture than a drink with the locals!
And don’t forget to say hello to De Kotmadam. My new friend is a lady who rents out rooms in her house to students. They can stay during the week to attend their classes and go back home at the weekend. Hence, that is why Thursday is student night. And you will see students and their suitcases heading to the train on Friday morning!
Where to stay in Leuven?
We stayed at the Penta hotel in Leuven, it’s modern, clean and big rooms. The location is great, Pentahotel is situated in the heart of Leuven.
It is walking distance to all the top attractions such as Stadhuis (Town Hall), M Museum, Grote Markt (Town Square) and Oude Markt (the Long bar).
Martin’s Klooster , Onze Lieve Vrouwstraat 18, this is a hotel that is in a former convent right in the centre of the city as well. I haven’t personally stayed here but it looks incredible, get to live inside the old convent with 4 star facilities.
Leuven is very much known for its University, one of the oldest in Europe. A place where students go to for their Erasmus. It’s a very atmospheric town away from the bustle of Brussels. The people here are so lovely and friendly also amused with our picture taking and the ‘ooh ahhing’ at the sight of the chocolates.
I have 2 hours before my flight back, plenty of time to enjoy a last cold glass of Belgian beer. Cheers!
I was hosted by VisitFlanders and VisitLeuven to visit Leuven and BMIRegional as well and opinions are all my own.
When are you visiting Leuven?
Courtney xx
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Enjoy this – Pin it for later: 12 Things to do in Leuven in 48 hours
Leuven looks so much like nearby Ghent, which I loved! So I’m sure I would love Leuven too. These university towns in Belgium with the amazing architecture and places to climb for views — Wow! And of course, the chocolate calls to me!
Leuven is on my wish list of Belgian cities to visit. I’m keen to explore the brewing heritage of the city. Looks like you enjoyed your visit!
Yes! I have a feeling you’ll enjoy it. They take their breweries seriously, and it’s really a delight to visit especially their local breweries – you can see their passion. Oh and definitely try the beer and chocolate tasting tour! That was an experience I’ll never forget. Hope you get to visit soon and you must tell me how you find it :).
Great post about Leuven! I have loads of friends who studied there, as I grew up in Belgium. Love your blog, keep it up 🙂 Greetings from a fellow Eurasian!
Beautiful guide once again. The way you describe the places its remarkable. When I think about Belgium, I think only Brussels and Ghent. I didn’t expected Leuven would be that interested and nice. I added it on my list.
Did you manage to put any lock on the “Love Lock Bridge”?
Thank you so much! I’m glad you like it and find it useful. Yes, definitely visit – it’s so near to Brussels and easy to get to. Haha no, not at that time, I stumbled upon it but might do the next time I visit.