(Free) live music!

It's all about timing. Visit Leuven during Het Groot Verlof, the city's summer festival, and dance until you drop during Beleuvenissen on Friday evenings. Against the backdrop of historic Leuven, you can enjoy free live performances across four stunning squares by (inter)national artists, DJ sets, world music and much more.

All danced out? Plop down in the cosy courtyard at M Leuven and enjoy a drink at the museum's summer bar. Radio station Willy broadcasts live from there on weekdays and, throughout the summer, hosts performances by top Belgian bands and lively after work get-togethers on Thursdays. Or beat the heat altogether and admire historical collections and contemporary artists at the museum itself.

Tip: For even more summer vibes, head to Stelplaza, Stelplaats's summer bar. The old bus parking lot welcomes you for nine weeks (from 1 July to 29 August 2026) of sultry beats, good food and cold drinks.

Eight new outdoor works of art

Leuven's university celebrated its 600th anniversary in 2025. To mark that achievement, the university decided to go all out for art. Eight new artworks by national and international artists have popped up in Leuven's parks, squares and streets. Head out with our walking leaflet or app and find them all.

Tip: Be sure to check out Berlinde De Bruyckere's intriguing archangel at Van Dale College or Alicja Kwade's symbolic representation of missing knowledge in the Sint-Donaaspark.

Fourteen square kilometres of green space to chill in

Picnic like a prince? Leuven offers a wealth of fine picnic spots, but those who like to be surrounded by splendour while having a bite to eat should head to the garden at Arenberg Park in Heverlee. Overlooking Arenberg Castle, you can't help but feel like a royal from days gone by, all set for a stroll through your fancy private estate after lunch. Be sure to wander through the Wandering Garden, an impressive work of art created to mark the university’s 600th anniversary.

Tip: Ready to head back into town? Follow the paths along KU Leuven's university sports fields and head straight back into the city, right past the Great Beguinage.

Got a taste for more?

Smart city trippers also schedule time to chill out. Plenty of time, in fact. After all, city trips can be tiring — and in summer, they're likely to be hot! Fortunately, there's no lack of bustling pavement cafes around the city where you can grab a cold beverage. Did you know that Leuven also has a harbour? The Vaartkom, formerly an industrial and brewery site, is now a trendy neighbourhood full of restaurants and coffee bars, co-working spaces in De Hoorn – where Stella Artois was first brewed 100 years ago – and cultural delights at OPEK.

Tip: Leuven is not only the birthplace of Stella Artois, but also of a whole host of microbreweries. Sample local beers or round off your day in a traditional beer pub.

The whole city is bike-friendly

Need to get from A to B in Leuven quickly, easily and safely? Hop on a bike! The city centre is almost completely car-free and extremely bike-friendly. You'll see more cyclists and pedestrians than cars, which goes to show: walking or cycling is the smartest way to get around.

Craving some greenery? Pedal just ten minutes in any direction from the city centre, and you'll find yourself surrounded by trees and fields. Cycle along mapped-out routes to an oasis of calm at Park Abbey or the vast National Park Forests of Brabant, and back again.

Tip: Prefer to get around on the water? At Dobber, you can quickly and easily hire your own stand-up paddleboard for a trip along the canal. Head to The Shelter or Dijle Floats for kayaking on the meandering Dijle.