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LEUVEN TRAVEL GUIDE

Designated European Capital of Culture 2030, Leuven combines academic buzz with historic charm, brewing heritage and leafy retreats. The city revolves around KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)—the country’s oldest and largest university—whose global student body animates a vibrant scene of cafés, boutiques and festivals. Easy to explore on foot, the capital of Flemish Brabant also champions a proudly bike-first lifestyle.

STAY

  • Begijnhof Hotel
  • Hotel De Pastorij
  • M Street Art Lodging
  • Martin's Klooster Hotel
  • The Shepherd (hotel)

EAT

  • Bar Louis (international)
  • Bed van Napoleon (gastronomic)
  • El Sombrero (Mexican)
  • GUZZI (pizzeria)
  • Hop Gastrobar
  • Leuven Taste (seafood)
  • Trente (gastronomic)
  • Troubadour (Belgian)
  • Zappaz (gastronomic)

DRINK

  • Barbóék coffee & books
  • Hal 5
  • Café Entrepot
  • Coupe Matadi
  • In Den Rozenkrans 
  • Leuven Central
  • Madmum
  • MALZ beer bar
  • Sips wine bar

SHOP

  • Animaux Speciaux
  • Bittersweet
  • Hops 'n More
  • Loqual
  • Thelma Coffee & Design
  • 't Rood Huys

EXPERIENCE

  • Christmas Market, Dec
  • Docville (international documentary film fest), March
  • Hapje-Tapje food fest, Aug
  • Hear Here sound art, May 2028
  • Het Groot Verlof fest, July/Aug
  • Lichtjeswandeling in het Groot Begijnhof candlelight walk, Dec
  • Rock Werchter music fest, July

MUST-SEE 

  • Abdij van Park (Park Abbey)
  • Groot Begijnhof van Leuven
  • Kasteel Arenberg en Park
  • Kruidtuin
  • M Leuven
  • Stadshuis
  • Universiteitsbibliotheek en -toren
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