It's that time of the year: Winter Season!
Winter Season Leuven just exudes ambience. One of the oldest and cosiest Christmas markets in the country fills the Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein with steaming mulled wine, crackling fire pits, and original presents. Be enchanted by hundreds of candles blanketing the Great Beguinage in magical light or come Christmas shopping in festively lit streets – including on shopping Sundays. And, if you want to end the year with a bang, celebrate New Year’s Eve at the vibrant Oude Markt.
Nourish your body...
Leuven warms you up… outside and in. Pop into a cosy café for a cappuccino or local beer, feast on a waffle fresh from the griddle, or a sip a cup of hot chocolate (with real Belgian chocolate, duh), and let the snacks and drinks at the Christmas market seduce you. Here, winter is extra tasty.
...And your soul
Weather's bad? Leuven has got you covered. Literally, because there are lots of indoor activities that keep your temperature up – as well as feeding your brain. After all, why not come back from your city trip smarter? Visit the exhibits at M Leuven & the University Library, and find out all about our university, KU Leuven, founded 600 (!) years ago, or stroll through the autumnal splendour of Park Abbey, with its unique stucco ceilings and wildlife. And don’t forget to try an abbey beer in De Abdijmolen restaurant! Or browse through the collections of local bookshops and pretend you’re a real KU Leuven student – but without the exams.
3.5 hours from London St. Pancras
Leuven is located right in the centre of Belgium, less than half an hour from Brussels. International trains arrive in Brussels-Midi or Liège, and from there, you can take the 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. And those coming from Maastricht will only have to travel an hour by train.
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! So do yourself a favour: book a night in one of Leuven’s charming B&Bs or stylish hotels.
