5 reasons to visit Leuven right now
1. Open your ears for sound art: Hear Here
24 April - 9 June
The Hear Here festival takes you on a walking tour of sound art in the city centre. Fifteen works of art about sound or silence can be heard in unusual heritage sites, including some of the university's hidden gems. From a former co-housing site for priest-students to a medieval water gate that is normally off-limits to the old Institute of Bacteriology, now a creative hub for students— each location features a sound installation that engages with the acoustics and the architecture. So put on your walking shoes, head out with a map and prick up your ears. Oh, and it's totally free!
2. Go backstage at the university? Definitely in 2025
Walking through Leuven, you cannot miss it. Behind every corner, a magnificent hall or imposing college awaits you. Many of these buildings are protected heritage sites. And rightly so, since some are already 600 years old.
But what has been going on behind the façades of these heritage gems over the centuries? In 2025, you can discover the secrets of the University Library, Arenberg Castle, the Thermotechnical Institute, the Museum of Zoology, and many more.
If you are clever, you can use the university's walking app or hire an experienced guide.
Did you know that a lot of students have a habit of taking shortcuts from one street to another through university buildings, quadrangles and inner courtyards? Now that’s next-level smart!
3. 175 restaurants packed into just 4 km2
Did you know that Leuven has around 60,000 students out of a total population of just over 100,000? That’s a lot of hungry stomachs, but everyone finds something to their liking in Leuven. In the city centre, you’ll find cuisines from all over the world within walking distance. Looking for Korean, Pakistani or typical Belgian dishes? Vegetarian or vegan with matching wines or beers? Budget-friendly bites or fine dining? You name it, Leuven’s got it all. Bon appétit!
4. 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 very bike-friendly. You’ll see more cyclists and pedestrians than cars, making walking or cycling the smartest way to get around.
A city break by bike is not only fun, it’s also efficient. The handy Best of Leuven cycling route takes you past Leuven's must-sees: from the iconic Town Hall and the magnificent Arenberg Castle to the Oude Markt, where you can finish your tour with a drink among the locals.
Craving some greenery? Pedal just 10 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 Brabantse Wouden National Park, and back again.
5. Hop on a train, and you’re there
Leuven sits right in the centre of Belgium, just 30 minutes from Brussels. International trains arrive in Brussels-Midi or Liège. From there, you take a local train to Leuven. Travelling from Amsterdam, London, Düsseldorf or Frankfurt? Then you’ll arrive in less than three hours. Coming from Rotterdam, Lille, Paris or Cologne? Even better! You'll be in Leuven in less than two hours.
Taking the train isn’t just fast and eco-friendly—it’s also super comfy! Comfortable high-speed Eurostar, ICE and TGV trains will get you into the city centre in no time.
At least 24 hours in Leuven
There’s too much to explore in one day! Smart travellers stay at least one night in Leuven in a charming B&B or stylish hotel.
