Leuven has carved out a spot for itself as a stunning city in Belgium since the 15th century. If you’re looking to meander a little off the beaten tourist track, then Leuven has the best to offer. The square and the buildings take you to a place that feels like a pást century wonderland. You must see and experience this fairyland, especially at night when the lightning is on.
Leuven has always made Belgium proud. The European Commission named the city as “European capital of innovation in 2020.” This title is given to those cities that have crossed the levels of par excellence in increasing the quality of life of their citizens by being as innovative as possible. Leuven is also among the best European destinations to visit with family or friends.
Scroll Down to Know About the Things to Do in Leuven in One Day
Get Mesmerized With the Architect of Stadhuis
There is no doubt that the most beautiful building in Leuven is its incredible Stadhuis. The building is a fine example of a late Gothic architecture building that began in 1439 and took 30 years to complete.
There are three rows of sculptures adorn the main facade and both side facades, showcasing 236 figures. The roof is richly decorated with stunning turrets, stonework and flags, all adding to the imposing but beautiful appearance. The Historical Leuven Town Hall is a 15th-century gothic-style masterpiece and is best gazed upon from Grote Markt, with a Belgium beer in hand.
Location: Grote Markt 9, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Visit Sint Pieterkskerk
St Peter’s Church can be found in the heart of the city. Dyle River leads you to Saint Peter’s Church when you arrive in Leuven. The church has a cruciform floor plan and a low bell tower that has never been completed. It is 93 metres long.
The entrance for visitors is located on the side of the building, specifically in the Grote Market. The old chapels surrounding the nave contain an interesting collection of 15th- and 16th-century paintings and sculptures.
This includes two of the most famous masterpieces by Leuven-based artist Dieric Bouts, The Last Supper and The Martyrdom of St Erasmus, painted around 1465. You’ll be surprised by the great lounge music, which originated from its pleasant organ. Visiting St Peter’s Church is among the best things to do in Leuven on Sunday.
Location: Grote Markt 1, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Travel Back in Time at Groot Begijnhof
Groot Begijnhof is a beautiful gem hidden amidst a quaint town. This romantic complex, traversed by a tributary of the Dyle, was founded in the 13th century. The Grand beguinage was constructed so as to serve as housing for over 350 pious laywomen known as beguines. Back in time, it had around 100 red sandstone houses, narrow canals, and little squares and gardens.
Today, the buildings belong to the university; it is inhabited by students and professors. It’s a lovely place having a peaceful atmosphere, and it’s one of the best-preserved beguinages in Europe. It is as if you’ve left the world and come to a place outside of everything. Groot Begijnhof is a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, you feel taken back in time.
Location: Groot Begijnhof, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Inspire by The Art at M Museum
M – Museum is an excellent museum.
Built on the site of the former Vanderkelen Museum, the M-Museum includes the contents of this municipal art and craft collection, as well as a wide range of classical and contemporary art from around the world.
The museum’s collections include over 52,000 objects, including sculptures, paintings, photography, video, ceramics, glasswork, engravings, textiles, and metal. Today it specialises in major exhibitions of art and culture such as “In Search of Utopia”. It also had a notable collection of Flemish Masters, 19th-century Belgian artists and historical paintings of Leuven.
You’ll be surprised to see the great collection and the building itself is a work of art to admire. The audio guide is well-informed in all the languages. A wonderfully curated museum, a perfect combination of old masters and modern painters. Highly recommended things to do in Leuven in a day!
Location: Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Party at Longest Bar Museum
Oude Markt is popularly known as “the longest bar in the world”.
Well, the nickname truly suits as the Oude Markt square is packed with many pubs, restaurants, and bars. Thursday nights are traditionally jam-packed with students, which is a perfect party spot.
Try the brew from Professor Freddy Delvaux, who set about creating an academically correct beer or a Gueuze Boon, which combines brews at different stages of fermentation to allow a second fermentation to occur in the bottle.
Whatever your tipple, a night doing the bars along Oude Markt is one of the best things to do in Leuven.
Location: Oude Markt, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
