Things to do around Leuven

Half the fun of moving to a new place can be exploring the city you live in and going for fun day trips. 

60% of our community host 2-3x per year, and 20% are almost running a bed and breakfast with 4-6 sets of guests each year! 

So this page is to help you get to know the region and what's on as well as giving you some inspiration on where to take your guests in and around Leuven. 

AttentionSeveral of the websites we've linked to here are only available in Dutch or French - but for the most part, a browser plug-in will translate the information reasonably well.

Featured Articles

Discover the Hageland wine region

This summer the International House Leuven joined forces with the expat tourism services of Flemish-Brabant to curate some fun and easy day trips to share with internationals living in the province. Here’s our write-up of the trip to the local wine region: Hageland!  

Exploring Park Abbey

Spend a lovely afternoon at Park Abbey. We suggest picnicking in the park, touring the museum and exploring the abbey grounds before stopping for a well-deserved cold drink at the bistro.

Planning a daytrip to Tervuren

Looking to explore the region beyond Leuven? A group from IHL went on a day trip to Tervuren to visit the Africa Museum and go for a lovely walk through the forests afterwards. Here's our guide to a great day out in Tervuren.

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Walking in Leuven and Flemish Brabant

5 awesome kids walks in Flemish Brabantexternal link

Explore some of the best child-friendly walks in Vlaams Brabant - with acres of playgrounds, woodlands and fun trails, watch towers and even a dragon to climb!

5 of the Prettiest Parks and Gardens in our Regionexternal link

Discover the Flemish Brabant region and all it's treasures with Vlaams Brabant Tourism's guide to the prettiest parks and gardens.

5 walking trails in Leuvenexternal link

Visit Leuven suggests five wonderful walks to get to know the city

A Guide to the Vlaams Brabant Walking Networkexternal link

Did you know Vlaams Brabant is the most walkable province? There's a fantastic network of signposts you can use to follow trails and set up your own hike.

Accessible Travel in Leuvenexternal link

Check out Visit Leuven's hints and tips for navigating the city no matter your needs.

Kids walks in Leuven: in search of Mr Cuddlesexternal link

Two playful walks in Leuven for the whole family to enjoy together, exploring some of the best play spots.

Take the train and go for a hikeexternal link

"Groene Halte" is a handy service that helps you plan walks that you can reach with public transport. The concept is simple: Take the train to your starting point and hop back on the train somewhere else at the end of your hike to get home. (Link in NL)

Cultural activities in the area

Starters' Guide to Music Festivals in Belgium

Here's our starters' guide to the must-attend music events and festivals happening in Belgium this summer.
Culture

30CC Events

Every month our colleagues at 30CC send us their recommendations for the coming month.

Het Groot Verloofexternal link

"Het Groot Verloof" or "The Big Vacation" is Leuven's summer festival, full of music and festivities. The full program is on their website (in NL).

Visit Leuven's Agendaexternal link

Are you curious about what's on? Visit Leuven's agenda includes local exhibitions, tours, and more.

Explore the regional culture and heritageexternal link

Vlaams Brabant has heaps to offer - discover abbeys, breweries, vineyards, castles, and museums!

Discover what's on in Leuvenexternal link

Have you heard of Uit in Leuven? Here you'll find all kinds of events, from markets, to performances, and book readings - there's something for everyone. (Link in NL)

Have you heard of Herita?external link

Herita manages and restores historic places in Flanders. They are a member of the 'International National Trust Organisation' - membership with any of the organizations gets you access to more than 1000 sites around the world.

Explore more with the Museum Passexternal link

Visit more than 240 museums across Belgium for less than EUR60 per year with the Belgian Museums Pass. (Link in NL)

Food & Drink in and around Leuven

Where to Find Healthy and Sustainable Food in Leuven

Leuven has many options for healthy and sustainable food. Learn about the different businesses and initiatives where you can find sustainable food options in Leuven.

World cuisine in Leuvenexternal link

Explore food from around the world in Leuven - or perhaps go out searching for a taste of home when you feel far away. There are plenty of tasty places to discover.

Classic Belgian food in Leuvenexternal link

Have you tried some of the Belgian classics yet? Flemish stew, vol-au-vents or croquettes? Check out Visit Leuven's tips.

Learn about Flemish Flavorsexternal link

Discover the flavors of Vlaams Brabant - it's not just beer and chocolate - there's plenty more to be tasted, like endives! Vlaams Brabant Tourism suggests regional producers to get to know.

Go on a Beer Adventure with Visit Leuven

Are you interested in visiting some of the best beer spots in Leuven? Don't miss this self-guided excursion.
 

Shopping in Leuven

Where to Buy and Sell Second Hand in Leuven

Buying books in Leuven

Where to Find Healthy and Sustainable Food in Leuven

Transport and other practical tips

Free Drinking Water in Leuvenexternal link

If you have a water bottle, you can refill it for free in many spots around Leuven. Check out the official list on the city's website (link in NL).

Blue Bikes across Belgiumexternal link

Blue Bikes are available in more than 120 locations throughout Belgium - so you can grab one wherever you are. BUT: you have to have a membership, and it can take a week or more for your card to arrive when you first sign up. So plan ahead!

Hiring a bike to get around Leuvenexternal link

There are a few options for bike hire in Leuven - for just a few days, or even long-term. But make sure to plan ahead: you might need to reserve a bike, or to pick it up during office hours! (Link in NL)

Getting Around in Belgium and Leuven

Leuven is easy to access by bike, public transport, or car. Learn about the many ways to travel around Leuven.

Bookmark these pages for future inspiration

Uit in Leuvenexternal link

Discover what's on in Leuven

Visit Leuvenexternal link

Check out Leuven's Tourist Information

Vlaams Brabant Tourismexternal link

Discover the region

Something wrong or unclear on this page? Let us know.
This page was last updated on: 8 November 2024