Do you know Leuven? Don’t confuse it with Louvain-la-Neuve; Leuven is what it's called in Dutch (or Louvain in French) and it’s a Belgian city located just half an hour from Brussels that is celebrating this year the 600th anniversary of its famous university! So, it’s the perfect spot for a getaway that mixes history, innovation, and friendliness. With cultural events, heritage, and a warm atmosphere, here are 5 great reasons to head to this Belgian gem in 2025!
1. Celebrating 600 years of history
The year 2025 marks an amazing anniversary: the 600th birthday of KU Leuven, the oldest university in the historic Netherlands (which includes present-day Belgium, Luxembourg, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and the Netherlands). To celebrate this occasion, the university is organizing exhibitions that will take you on a journey through time with rare objects and fascinating anecdotes about its history and locations.
© Karl Bruninx
This is also the perfect time for a guided tour of must-see university monuments that are usually not open to the public, like the majestic Arenberg Castle surrounded by greenery, or the Zoological Institute. You can also visit the University Hall (Universiteitshal), where it all began in 1425, and the university library, a symbol of resilience after being destroyed during the war. Its impressive reading room and the panoramic view from the tower are really worth the detour. In short, Leuven is an ideal destination for travelers on a quest for history and culture!
2. A city with picturesque charm
Leuven is, above all, a human-sized city where it's nice to stroll, and its charm lies in the cobbled streets, lively squares, and hidden treasures. The Grand Beguinage, a peaceful neighborhood and classified treasure...to the UNESCO World Heritage, takes you back in time. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a break away from the hustle and bustle, among the red brick houses.
© Visit Leuven
The city center, with its historic buildings and local shops, is truly a delight to explore. Don't miss the Old Market Square (Oude Markt), nicknamed "the longest bar in Europe." This square is home to dozens of cafés where students and locals love to gather. Grab a seat on the terrace, order a local craft beer from Hof Ten Dormaal, De Vlier, or De Kroon, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
3. A Thriving Cultural Scene
A real cultural hub, Leuven has been bringing together artists and innovative minds for centuries. In 2025, enjoy an exceptional program: exhibitions, art installations, and various events will celebrate the unique energy of this university town. You'll discover eight new pieces of contemporary art in university sites scattered throughout the city.
imagined by Belgian and international artists. Each of them explores the connections between science, art, and society.
© Karl Bruninx
Don’t miss the Museum M, a contemporary museum that beautifully blends ancient and modern art in a bright, elegant setting. If you’re a fan of street art, the Vaartkom district is full of colorful street art murals.
4. A culinary and brewing treasure to discover
The birthplace of Stella Artois, Leuven is a top destination for Belgian beer lovers. But its brewing treasures don’t stop there: visit the experience center of the brewery to learn more about this world-renowned beer, swing by specialty bars like Malz, Ongefilterd, Hops & More, or pedal over to the local microbrewery De Coureur.
© Visit Leuven
When it comes to gastronomy, Leuven has nothing to envy from Brussels or Antwerp. From traditional dishes to modern culinary creations, not to mention the lovely terraces where you can sip a coffee in peace, this city is brimming with amazing places to eat! We especially recommend the restaurants GastroBar HOP or De Hoorn, which give Belgian cuisine a modern twist, or Taste, which highlights local products and authentic flavors in its gourmet dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, swing by Zuut to try their exquisite pastries or Bittersweet for a taste of their imaginative pralines in fun shapes and colors.
5. A youthful and cosmopolitan spirit
With over 60,000 students in a population of just over 100,000 people, Leuven is a city in constant motion. The diversity of its inhabitants, with more than 165 different nationalities…Rents are reflected in the cosmopolitan vibe of the city.
© Edward Swannet
Our recommendation? Rent a bike to explore the city like a true local! Ride through the charming Park Abbey, a peaceful monastic site surrounded by ponds and gardens, perfect for a nature break. And in the evening, dive into the festive atmosphere of Leuven by catching a concert at Het Depot or taking a stroll in Oude Markt, the favorite spot for night owls.
Bonus: A guide to hidden treasures
For those looking to go off the beaten path, the guide Leuven, Untold Stories takes you on a journey to discover the city's hidden corners with insider recommendations. Crafted by influencers and locals, it’s packed with exclusive suggestions. And for a little visual inspiration, check out the Instagram account @visit.leuven.
