The 10 Most Wonderful Things To Do In Leuven

Known for a lively student population with a “work hard, play hard” attitude, Leuven has carved out a spot for itself as a prominent academic hub since the 15th century. Add to that picturesque medieval landmarks, a thriving beer culture, and the most beloved Belgian statue besides Manneken Pis, and you’ve got a town worth a weekend getaway.

Saunter through the small and grand beguinages

If Leuven’s small beguinage charms you with its tiny white terrace houses and turquoise shutters, its big sister is sure to knock your socks off. The grand beguinage used to be home to over 350 pious laywomen known as beguines and is a historic town all on its own. With its 100 red sandstone houses, narrow canals, and little squares and gardens, it’s one of the best-preserved beguinages in the Low Countries and an absolute old-school joy to stroll or bike through.

1. Take in visual art at the M-Museum

Museum

With the birth of the M-Museum in 2009, knowledge-based Leuven proved that it’s serious about its visual arts as well. The city’s collection moved into a brand-new complex designed by Stéphane Beel, who incorporated elements of the old mayor’s townhouse and 16th-century college buildings. The museum has evolved to host some major exhibitions, and its collection of Flemish Masters and contemporary Belgian art has grown to encompass over 52,000 pieces.

Put your beer goggles on

As befits an age-old Belgian city, Leuven has beer flowing through its veins. Not only does the world’s largest brewer, AB InBev – responsible for both the world-class pilsner Stella Artois and a faint malt scent that wafts through the air from time to time – call it home, but it also has a great artisanal brewery and pub in Domus. Fanatic samplers may want to time their visit to coincide with the Zythos Beer Festival, where a whopping 500 different Belgian brewskis are on offer, and the lesser known but hugely intriguing Innovation Beer Festival (hosted inside the old brewing halls where the first Stella was cooked up).