Spotting religious heritage & Flemish Primitives
Admire religious heritage on every street corner in Leuven. For example, there is the Saint Peter’s Church, the Gothic pearl on the Grote Markt, where you can spot no fewer than three Flemish Primitives. There are also the picturesque Beguinages, where you can stroll among the traditional sandstone houses. Be sure to include a visit to Park Abbey, a 12th century abbey site surrounded by ponds, woods and footpaths. And all this heritage you can visit for free. What are you waiting for?
Art in unique locations
You can explore Leuven in a truly special way through its street art. The works of art take you to alternative places in Leuven free of charge. You can join one of the entertaining street art walks or download the Street Art Cities app to discover Leuven’s hidden gems while admiring the exceptional artworks.
Creator's markets & second-hand shops
You can find the most original souvenirs at Camping Flamingo, a Sunday creator’s and second-hand market in the bustling Hal 5. From locally made jewellery and pottery to second-hand clothing, there is something for everybody here. And always at budget-friendly prices. After browsing through the flea market, relax with a drink on the sunny terrace or lounge in a beach chair on the grass. You can also go in search of pre-owned treasures in the various second-hand shops in Leuven. Think Twice even holds €2 and €1 days every month, when all clothing and accessories are for sale at just two euros or one euro.
Picnic spots
Leuven has plenty of green spots to relax for a while or enjoy a cosy picnic. The Sluispark is certainly a popular spot among the locals of Leuven. The park is located in the trendy Vaartkom area and adjacent to De Hoorn, where the first Stella was brewed in 1926. From here, you can walk to the Small Beguinage or St Gertrude’s Abbey. Other lovely picnic spots are the romantic Dijlepark near the Great Beguinage, the Sint-Donatuspark in the heart of Leuven and of course the oldest Botanical Garden of Belgium. Buy a sandwich or order a pizza and have a picnic in the park!
Leuven River Upcycling
Feel like kayaking for free for charity? The Leuven River Upcycling project allows you to borrow kayaks in exchange for fishing waste out of the water. Paddle around on the Vaart, clean up the river but above all, don’t forget to look up and admire the lush green surroundings from time to time. Discover Leuven from a new angle and help make its natural surroundings even more beautiful.
