With its rich history, lively culture, and captivating architecture, the Belgian town of Leuven offers a perfect weekend getaway from the Netherlands.
From the bustling Grote Markt to the awe-inspiring Sint-Pieterskerk, Leuven is a destination that promises a memorable experience for every visitor.
In this Dutch-but-actually-Flemish-Review, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Leuven, showing you all the most captivating sights to see. Ready? Let’s go! 👇
Psssttt… now is a particularly great time to visit Leuven! Not only is the city gloriously dreamy during the Winter months, but it’s also currently hosting the fantastic Dieric Bouts festival, a city-wide art event that celebrates the life of one of Leuven’s most important Renaissance artists!
Grote Markt: the heart of Leuven
Your journey through Leuven should undoubtedly begin at the Grote Markt, the town’s buzzing central square. This historic market square is surrounded by charming cafés, restaurants, and centuries-old buildings with impressive facades.
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The bustling student community — Leuven boasts the oldest university of the low countries — turns every square into a lively affair. If you’re looking for any kind of night-time fun, this is the place to be! 🍻
Sint-Pieterskerk: a gothic marvel
After a night of drinking, it’s time to sober up with a long stroll through the city. 😉 You’ll be happy to see that Leuven is home to many awe-inspiring churches — but none can match the grandeur of Sint-Pieterskerk.
Visiting is free of charge and normally you can also view the famous The Last Supper by painter Dieric Bouts there. Currently, the masterpiece has been moved to Museum M because the city is hosting the Bouts Festival, a grand festival celebrating the painter’s works.
The magnificent town hall: an architectural masterpiece
The most gorgeous building in Leuven is the town hall. It’s really hard to miss as well! It comes to no surprise that this is one of the best-known Gothic town halls in the world.
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While many other buildings in Leuven were rebuilt once or twice after the World Wars, this one has been intact since its completion in 1469. Until 14 January 2024, you can tour the interior and see Leuven as Dieric Bouts and his contemporaries saw it in the 15th century.
The University Library and the Tower of Leuven: true hidden gems
Visiting the University Library in Leuven pretty much felt like stepping into a fairytale. The exterior of the library is quite impressive, but the real beauty is hidden inside the building. Here, you’ll find a grand study hall that’ll having you wishing you were backing your student days. 📚
Wanna see some of the best views Leuven has to offer? You’ll find them here too! Just head on up the tower of the library and you’ll see the city in all its glory.
Museum M: a cultural haven
If you’re an art enthusiast, be sure to visit M Leuven, Leuven’s contemporary art museum. Housed in a modern building, it seamlessly blends the old with the new.
Inside of it, you’ll find an impressive collection of both historic and contemporary art, including works by Flemish masters such as Jan van Eyck. But of course, right now everything at Museum M is about Dieric Bouts.
Tip: Grab the elevator and go all the way to the top, the doors open and you’re blasted away by the light and fresh air. Welcome to the rooftop of M, somewhat of a hidden gem, there was nobody there when we visited and it was quite the experience!
New Horizons: the Dieric Bouts Festival
For those fortunate enough to visit Leuven during the Dieric Bouts Festival which is will be going on until 14 January 2024, you’re in for a treat!
Dieric Bouts (1410-1475), who could be mentioned in the same sentence as Jan Van Eyck or Rogier Van der Weyden, is one of the most important Flemish Masters.
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The painter was born in Haarlem but spent most of his life in beautiful Leuven. Masterpieces such as The Last Supper and The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus are not to be missed out on.
The festival features art exhibitions, workshops and live performances providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Leuven’s artistic heritage. At certain restaurants you can even order a hearty menu from the era of Dieric Bouts (no worries, the Flemish know their cooking, it’s all good).
All in all, the festival just gives Leuven that extra cultural and historic touch to make a visit during these cold winter months extra memorable.
Getting to Leuven from the Netherlands
Ready to see Leuven for yourself? The city’s convenient location just before Brussels makes it easily accessible from the Netherlands.
🚅 By train
To reach Leuven from Amsterdam, you can take a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Leuven Station. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours. Once you arrive at Leuven Station, the town’s attractions are just a short walk away.
🚗 By car
Got a car? If you prefer driving to Leuven, then it’ll take you around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Since this doesn’t save you that much time, we recommend taking the train and skipping those pesky parking costs. 😉
Have you ever been to Leuven? Do you have any more tips or suggestions? Share them in the comments!