Food & drinks

The people of Leuven love the good life. Even more so in summer. Discover the tastiest tips and some great food events here. 

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! Because of the particularly large selection of cafés, finding the perfect terrace can be a bit of a search. That is why we are happy to share some of our personal faves.

This blog post was written by Eva. Eva studies communication sciences at KU Leuven. 

Have fun with the whole family and/or friend(s) enjoying a picnic in and around Leuven. Here are some great picnic tips from Joni, a mother of two who loves spending time with her family in nature. 

Visiting a city is a real experience, a sensory journey of discovery. Tasting the genuine Belgian classics, local and as fresh as can be is, of course, part of that experience. Flemish stew, vol-au-vent, shrimp croquettes, mussels, asparagus Flemish style, steak, all served with fries, naturally - these are the Belgians’ favourite dishes, so you simply have to try them.

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.

Belgium may be famous for its waffles, but you don’t want to miss out on the delicious ice cream shops in Leuven. 

The city is home to around 100,000 students, which means Leuven has plenty of cheap eateries to chose from. Nobody knows the city better than the locals! Leuven on a budget, here we go!

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 completely intertwined with beer: beer pubs and cosy restaurants, breweries you can visit, beer connoisseurs who’ll guide you through a unique beer tour etc. As a beer enthusiast, you will not be left thirsty in Leuven.

Book a table for your group at one of these restaurants

Book your stay in Leuven

Leuven continues to be a lively city, even after uni breaks up for summer. There’s always something going on during the summer months with performances, fascinating tours, cycling in and around the city, and summer bar crawls, of course. Welcome! 

People mainly associate Leuven with Stella Artois or Belgium’s oldest university. But the lovely city on the Dijle River has so much more to offer.