Best Things to do in Leuven | Must-see attractions 2025

Grand Beguinage of Leuven

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Groot Begijnhof

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The Grand Beguinage of Leuven is a tranquil heritage museum in Leuven, Belgium, featuring well-preserved buildings from its history as a religious women's village.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free entry. Some special events may require a ticket.

Botanical Garden Kruidtuin

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

Kapucijnenvoer 30

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Botanical Garden Kruidtuin is a historic botanical garden in Leuven, Belgium, founded in 1738, featuring a greenhouse and diverse plant displays.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Vlierbeek Abbey

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Abdij Vlierbeek 15

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Vlierbeek Abbey is a historic former Benedictine abbey located in Kessel-Lo, Leuven, Belgium, known for its architectural significance and tranquil surroundings.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Provinciaal Domein Kessel-Lo

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Holsbeeksesteenweg 21

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Provinciaal Domein Kessel-Lo is a vast park in Leuven, Belgium, featuring swimming pools, playgrounds, ponds, pedal boats, and a petting zoo.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Some specific facilities may have associated costs.

Sint-Donatus Park

Open all day

Park

Vlamingenstraat

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Sint-Donatus Park in Leuven, Belgium, offers a serene experience with greenery, a pond, and remnants of 12th-century city walls, ideal for relaxation and exploration.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Sint-Antoniuskerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Pater Damiaanplein

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Sint-Antoniuskerk in Leuven, Belgium, is a notable church known for its unique architecture and serene ambiance, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free entry. Donations appreciated for maintenance.

Ballon van de Vriendschap

Open Year-Round

Monument

Herbert Hooverplein

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Ballon van de Vriendschap in Leuven, Belgium, is a notable hot air balloon structure symbolizing friendship, rising 40 meters and offering great views of the city.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free for general access; occasionally a paid ticket is required for special events.

The Roman Gate

Open 24 hours

Event hall

Brusselsestraat 63

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The Roman Gate in Leuven, Belgium, is a historical landmark that dates back to the 2nd century AD, showcasing ancient architecture and significant cultural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free. Entry is complimentary, with no paid events scheduled.

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Architectural Building

13 Oude Markt

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Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, founded in 1425, is a major research university in Leuven, Belgium, known for its significant architectural heritage and vibrant campus life.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket.

Saint Jacob's Church

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Sint-Jacobsplein

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Saint Jacob's Church in Leuven, Belgium features Gothic architecture, historical significance, and notable art, making it a must-visit cultural landmark.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Kotmadam

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Monument

Oude Markt

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Kotmadam is a historic student house in Leuven, Belgium, built in 1856. It offers insights into the student life and culture of Leuven's university community.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Standbeeld van Andre Dumont

Open all day

Monument

Hogeschoolplein

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The Standbeeld van Andre Dumont in Leuven honors the Belgian geologist who pioneered the study of the region's geology. It's situated in a notable public square.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free access.

Nationaal Scoutsmuseum en -archief

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Sint-Geertruiabdij 5

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Nationaal Scoutsmuseum en -archief in Leuven, Belgium, presents the history of scouting through engaging exhibits showcasing artifacts and stories from scouting's past.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Fons Sapientiae

All day

Fountain

Plaza del Rector De Somer Near the Center of Town

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Fons Sapientiae is a quirky monument in Leuven, Belgium, located in a historic square that celebrates the city's educational heritage.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

Parcum

Su, We-Fr 10:00-12:30, 13:30-17:00

Museum

Abdij van Park 7

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Parcum is a museum in Leuven, Belgium, focusing on the intersection of art and abbey life, offering a rich exploration of history and culture.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

€8 for adults, €4 for students and seniors. Free for children under 12.

Kerkfabriek Sint-Antonius van Paduwa

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Léon Schreursvest 33

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Kerkfabriek Sint-Antonius van Paduwa is a Catholic church in Leuven, Belgium, known for its distinct architecture and community engagement.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Some special community events may require registration.

Het Teken

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Monument

Het Teken (Mgr. van Waeyenberghlaan)

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Het Teken is a notable landmark in Leuven, Belgium, rich in history and architectural significance, serving as a cultural center within the city.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

De Verzonken Tuin

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

Kapucijnenvoer 30

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De Verzonken Tuin is a picturesque garden in Leuven, Belgium, known for its tranquil atmosphere, diverse plant species, and serene walking paths.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free entry for all visitors.

Hulpkerk Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Middelares

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Monument

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Hulpkerk Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Middelares in Leuven is a notable church known for its historical significance and unique architectural style, attracting visitors and historians alike.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Amerikaans College Garden

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

3000 Leuven

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Amerikaans College Garden in Leuven, Belgium is a historic garden featuring diverse plant species and rich educational heritage, making it a serene retreat for visitors.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No ticket required for general access.

Innovatie- en Incubatiecentrum

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

Kapeldreef 60

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Innovatie- en Incubatiecentrum in Leuven, Belgium fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through resources, networking, and collaborative spaces for startups.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free access for the general public. Some events may require registration or tickets.

M-Museum Leuven

Mo-Tu 11:00-18:00; Th 11:00-22:00; Fr-Su 11:00-18:00

Museum

Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28

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M-Museum Leuven features modern and historical art collections, opened in 2009, showcasing works from the 15th century to contemporary pieces in an architecturally unique setting.

Duration: 2 hours.

Adult: €10, Reduced: €8, Free for children under 12. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Campus Proximus

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

College

Geldenaaksebaan 335

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Campus Proximus in Leuven, Belgium, focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, hosting start-ups and collaborations in a modern workspace environment.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require registration or a fee.

Sint Hadrianuskerk

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Sint-Hadrianusstraat

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Sint Hadrianuskerk in Wijgmaal, Belgium, is a notable church known for its Gothic architecture and rich history dating back to the 13th century.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free.

Zusters Klarissen

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Monastery

Predikherenberg (Grensstraat)

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Zusters Klarissen in Leuven, Belgium, is a serene convent showcasing 17th-century architecture amidst tranquil gardens, ideal for cultural exploration and reflection.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Access to specific events may require a paid ticket.

Sint Caroluskerk Attenhove

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Belgium

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Sint Caroluskerk Attenhove in Leuven, Belgium, is a historic church renowned for its architectural beauty and community significance since the 20th century.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free.

the Bruul

Open all day

Park

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The Bruul in Leuven, Belgium, is a historic and serene boulevard lined with trees and elegant architecture, offering a pleasant stroll and access to various cultural sights.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have entrance fees.

Hal 5

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Event hall

Locomotievenstraat

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Hal 5 in Leuven, Belgium, is a cultural hub featuring art exhibitions, food markets, and community events in a refurbished historical building dedicated to innovation.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have a ticket fee.

Historical Leuven Town hall

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Monument

Grote Markt 9

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Historical Leuven Town Hall is a Gothic city hall located in Leuven, Belgium, distinguished by its sculpted figures and rich historical significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Feestzaal De Jacht

9:00 AM–11:00 PM

Event hall

Naamsesteenweg 581

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Feestzaal De Jacht is a versatile event hall in Leuven, Belgium, known for its elegant design and capacity for various types of celebrations and gatherings.

Duration: 2-4 hours depending on the event.

Varies by event and services selected; contact directly for specific pricing.

Arenberg Castle

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Castle

Kardinaal Mercierlaan 94

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Arenberg Castle in Leuven, Belgium, is a historic château known for its picturesque architecture and expansive gardens dating back to the 15th century.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.