Blog overview

In this blog you will find tips for visiting a neighbourhood where most visitors never come

Which restaurants, bakeries and chocolate shops should you pay a visit while staying in the city? Local Kristel guides you through culinary Leuven.

This hidden gem is one of the favourite meeting spots of the locals, but it is also a wonderful place to spend time as a visitor. Discover why Hal 5 is definitely worth a visit.

Ilse works in Leuven and enjoys exploring it with grandson Milan

Ella & Ines, students who always come home to Leuven

Bjorn & Jens, born in Leuven, born to enjoy life

With its 166 different nationalities, it’s only natural that Leuven has a wide range of international restaurants. Experience Leuven’s multicultural life and enjoy one of the city’s many world cuisines.

It is entirely possible to dine at a starred restaurant in Leuven. No fewer than four restaurants in Leuven are the proud possessors of a Michelin star. Immerse yourself in culinary Leuven and discover top-class Belgian cuisine.

Bart, headmaster & Eva, teacher

Cinzia, employee in a clothes store

Celeste, medical student

Leuven is definitely a place to make great memories together. But what do you take home as a souvenir for your family and friends, or even just for yourself? That tasty beer? Or how about - why not - a taxidermied animal?

Forget about Paris or Venice! Because Leuven is the real capital of love, with the most romantic spots where you will instantly feel those butterflies in your stomach.

There’s nothing better than a weekend trip with friends! And Leuven is the ideal destination. In this blog we have already planned a weekend for you. Be inspired and ... start looking for a date!

Jeroen Lemaitre is passionate about taxidermy, the art of stuffing animals and insects. In 2014 he decided to inspire others with unique creations and started his own business in Leuven. He loves it when his creations evoke a wow effect on passers-by and customers.

Jochem Daelman is one of the founding members of Onkruid Studio. It combines expertise in architecture, marketing, music, and culture to make creative interventions in cities.

Artist Pieter Janssen is mostly a scenograph, set designer and sculptor for movies, theatre and museums. He always liked to craft and sculpt and he still loves the fact that he could make it his profession. He's inspired by the lively neighbourhood.

Leuven is the playground of artist Hans Geyens. His favourite pastime is wandering through the streets of Leuven, looking for inspiration. He loves Leuven's mix of history and contemporary. And everything in between.

Everyone knows Gie in Leuven. From a party in his legendary party space, the Rumba, to a beer in his popular pub Leuven Central. As he says himself, he’s ‘bitten by the hospitality microbe’.

Abd makes the best falafels in Leuven. During his break he often takes a detour to check out the Gothic Town Hall and the University Library. They always give him something new to look at.

Karlien has her own business in Mechelsestraat, Leuven’s most fashionable shopping street. She’ll take you on a tour of her neighbourhood by bike. Saddle up!

This itinerary will give you a great look at what Leuven is all about and fill your 24 hours with plenty of fun.

Enjoy a delicious and fair meal in Leuven. Taste the most delicious home-made classics with locally grown ingredients. Yes, even the beer you have with it.

Leuven is a wonderful city for families to visit with plenty of things to do! To make things easier for you in planning your trip to the city, we’ve put together some places we think you and the family will love, especially if you’ve got little ones!

Check out our list of must do activities on a Sunday in Leuven.

Students? Leuven is full of them. You meet these temporary residents on every street corner, at any time of day (and night). But where do they eat? Where do they meet up with friends? Where do they go shopping? Find out in this blog.

Are you a beer lover and foodie? Then this is the selection for you.

Where to start? This is a beer-loving city, can you tell? The pubs, the restaurants, the sights, the activities... Beer lovers definitely won’t go thirsty here!

When you visit Leuven, trying Belgian chocolate is a must do activity. Luckily, there are plenty of incredible chocolate shops in Leuven for you to choose from.

The city is home to around 100,000 students, which means Leuven has plenty of cheap eateries to chose from. This selection was made by a group of young people from Leuven and MIJNLEUVEN, the city’s label for young people. After all, nobody knows the city better than the locals! Leuven on a budget, here we go!

Cafe culture is a big deal in Leuven. If you’re wanting to feel like a local, we recommend visiting one (or multiple) coffee shops when you visit Leuven. Each cafe has its own unique charm and offers a cozy spot to relax and enjoy a pastry.

Kick back, relax, and grab a refreshing treat from some of our favourite ice cream shops.

Where can you find the stars of Belgian cuisine in Leuven? I have made a selection for you, each one close to Leuven’s top 10 attractions. An ideal combination for your city trip.

Here are some great picnic tips from Joni, a mother of two who loves spending time with her family in nature.

Summer’s here. In a lively city like Leuven this can mean only one thing: time to head outside and explore the city’s many terraces!