Why do smart tourists travel to Leuven?

For those who want to get the most out of a city trip in 2025, there is only one logical destination: Leuven! Because where else can you find so much history, culture, nightlife, and shopping within walking distance? Or such an impressive heritage without long queues? What’s more, 2025 is a year of celebration, as Leuven’s university marks its 600th anniversary. Congratulations!

29 April 2025

Pocket-size city. Big brain energy.

Leuven isn’t that big, but it’s incredibly diverse. As many as 170 different nationalities make up the beating heart of the city. Which isn’t surprising since KU Leuven has been attracting bright minds from all walks of life for 600 years. The result? An eternally young city buzzing with creativity and curiosity.

The university and its high-tech spin-off companies have been turning Leuven into a kind of Silicon Valley since before there was even the thought of a Silicon Valley, back to 1425 to be precise. Students, professors, innovators, and inventors work together on cutting-edge research in a variety of fields here. The Big Bang theory? A Leuven local developed it!

Crowded with heritage. And no crowds.

Leuven is centuries old, and it shows. The city is brimming with iconic heritage gems that bring history to life. Right in the city centre, one of the most famous Gothic town halls in the world definitely takes the crown. Right next door is Saint Peter’s Church, and a little further on, you’ll find the University Library with its glorious Grand Reading Room, and the Great Beguinage, a medieval village in the city.

In the 2025 anniversary year, you can also go on a guided tour to discover the secrets hidden behind the façades of university heritage buildings, such as Arenberg Castle or the Holland College.

So does this mean you’ll have to queue up after all? Nope. Leuven doesn’t have crowds, typical tourist shops, questionable souvenirs, or tasteless photo menus. You walk, shop, and eat among the locals. Smart, right?

Stella Artois? Invented here.

Leuven is, of course, the home of… Stella. The old De Hoorn brewery buildings at the corner of the Vaartkom and Sluisstraat were the place where the first Stella Artois was brewed in 1926. Initially, it was meant to be a Christmas beer (‘stella’ means star!), but it became so popular that the brewery decided to brew it all year round.

Almost 100 years later, Stella is a world-famous brand, but its home is still in Leuven. Every weekend, the world’s largest brewing concern, AB InBev, opens its doors to visitors. Experience the brewery in full action and continue to enjoy the brewery afterwards with a delicious glass of Stella. Or visit one of the smaller, artisanal breweries scattered around the city or just outside it.

By the way, did you know that beer brewing is a subject at uni here? It’s true!

Oh yes, Leuven loves cycling

If you’re smart, explore Leuven by bike. After all, that’s what the locals do! The city centre is largely car-free and very bike-friendly. Best of all? If you leave your map at home, you can be surprised by the many hidden gems in the city.

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 National Park Forests of Brabant, and back again.

Leuven, a no-brainer

Where else can you find so many heritage gems in such a compact, walkable area? Where else can you eat this well without breaking the bank? And where else will you stumble upon a hidden gem on nearly every corner?