Think Twice
At Think Twice you will not only find some great second-hand jumpers, shirts and dresses, but also leather jackets and flashy ski parkas. The entire contents of the shop are put on sale a few times a year – including 1-euro-days – so that you can purchase a few real gems at rock-bottom prices.
De Slegte
This charming bookshop carries all the books on the best-seller lists as well as old ones that have a whole past behind them. Photography, philosophy, fantasy, romance, politics: there is something for everyone!
Barbóék
As you may have guessed from the name, Barbóék is a bar and bookshop in one. You can obviously buy books here, but you can also get something to drink. Try their delicious home-made lemonade! What can be more enjoyable than flipping through books and enjoying a drink at the same time?
Flugzeug
Flugzeug is a renowned record shop that caters to those with a penchant for exclusive, underground music. The owner has been running this shop for a few years now, so if you're hoping for a specific recommendation you can be assured of a friendly answer. the shop also features small- scale exhibitions from time to time!
Content
The content sold by 'content' is all 'zero waste'. this means they sell only unpackaged goods - recyclable packaging excepted. Vegetables, fruit, bread, beverages: not only are they all environmentally, consciously produced, they are all locally sourced. It doesn't get any more typically Leuven!
Giraffe
The Giraffe has to be one of the most popular urban clothing shops for the younger set in all of Leuven. Initially, the shop sold only vinyl and cd's, but they have expanded their offering to clothing from labels such as Arte, Obey, Carhartt, and Wasted Paris... If you're looking for some cool street wear, this is your go-to shop.
Helt
Helt is a shop that sometimes dares to advertise itself as a seller of only male apparel, although it actually offers a wide array of gender-neutral clothes and accessories. Their range reflects primarily a Scandinavian aesthetic, but also features collections from other European countries.
Exotic World
Exotic world is a truly international supermarket that sells wares from all over the world. Chinese, polish, iranian and pakistani: you name it! Everything is displayed willy-nilly, so if you're looking for something specific just ask the staff and they will find it for you!
De Kringwinkel (Thrift store)
This second-hand shop is located in a huge warehouse on the Leuven ring road. Used furniture, clothing, crockery, books: everything is sold here at ridiculously low prices.
Night shop
The heroes of the night can't be missing from this list: the proprietors of Leuven's night-time shops. Thanks to their extended opening hours - usually until 4:00 - you can stock up on food or beverages at all hours of the day or night. Our personal favourite: night-time shop sherpa.