Leuven, Belgium is a vibrant university city and a great destination for travelers looking to explore European culture. Located in the province of Flemish Brabant, about 20 kilometers east of Brussels, Leuven is renowned for its stunning medieval architecture, lively student life, abundant green spaces, and its many cultural and gastronomic attractions.
Leuven is best known for its picturesque market square, Grote Markt. This plaza is surrounded by beautiful 16th-century buildings and is filled with lively cafes and restaurants. It is also the site of the 13th-century Gothic Town Hall, which is the oldest in the Low Countries, and the St. Peter's Church.
Leuven is home to one of Europe's oldest universities, the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, which dates back to 1425. This institution has produced numerous Nobel Prize laureates and is still one of the top universities in Europe. The university's influence can be seen in the city's student-friendly bars and cafes, and in its lively cultural events.
Leuven has a lot to offer besides its university life. There are many parks and gardens to explore, as well as several museums, galleries, and monuments. The city's historic churches are also worth a visit, and visitors can enjoy the sights along the Dijle River, which runs through the center of the city.
Leuven is also a great destination for food lovers. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving up a wide variety of international cuisine, as well as traditional Belgian dishes. The city is also home to a variety of breweries, which offer tours and tastings.
No matter what brings you to Leuven, you will be sure to find plenty to explore and enjoy in this charming city.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Grand Place: Located in the center of Leuven, Grand Place is a popular area with many restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. It is close to the Leuven train station and the University of Leuven, making it a great base for exploring the city.
2. Arenberg Castle: This picturesque castle is located in the southern part of Leuven and offers a beautiful view of the city from its terrace. It is close to many museums and galleries, making it a great place to stay for those interested in history and the arts.
3. Heverlee: This central district is known for its green spaces and is close to the university and many restaurants and bars. It's a great place for leisurely strolls and is close to the city's main attractions.
4. Leuven-Heverlee: This residential area offers a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of parks and green spaces. It is close to the university and is a great option for those looking for a quieter area to stay.
5. Leuven-Kessel-Lo: This district is located in the northeast of Leuven and is known for its parks and sports facilities. It is close to the university and the city center, making it a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action.
1. Groot Begijnhof: This is a large and well-preserved collection of 17th century houses and gardens, located in central Leuven. It is one of the largest and best preserved begijnhofs in Europe, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
2. Town Hall: A beautiful Gothic-style building in the centre of Leuven, it is a popular tourist attraction. The Town Hall was built in the 15th century and is a symbol of the city’s proud history.
3. M - Museum Leuven: This modern museum is a great place to learn about the history, culture and art of Leuven. It has a large collection of interesting artworks, and also hosts regular cultural events.
4. St. Peter’s Church: This imposing church is a beautiful example of a Gothic-style building. It is one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in Leuven, and is home to a number of important artworks.
5. Leuven University Library: This impressive library is one of the oldest and most beautiful libraries in Europe. It has an impressive collection of books and manuscripts, and is a great place to explore the history of Leuven.
1. The Fritkot: This is a Belgian staple of fried potato-based snacks, such as French fries, frikandellen, and stoofvlees. It is often served with a variety of sauces, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, and tartar sauce.
2. Waterzooi: This traditional Flemish stew is made with fish or chicken cooked in a creamy broth, along with vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes.
3. Stoemp: This is a mashed potato dish, usually served with vegetables, sausage, bacon, or other meat.
4. Speculaas: This is a type of traditional Belgian spiced cookie, typically made with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and other spices.
5. Belgian Waffles: This is a classic Belgian treat, made with light, airy batter and cooked in a special waffle iron. It is often served with fruit, chocolate, syrup, or other toppings.