One Day in Leuven, Belgium? See The Highlights With The Journey Tester
If there’s something that I’ve realized in the previous few months, it’s that you simply don’t all the time must journey removed from residence to have an excellent expertise. Nonetheless, I used to be pleasantly stunned when spending at some point in Leuven (Belgium) just lately!
I visited pupil metropolis Leuven for the space-themed “KNAL! Competition” (“BANG! Competition”), of which you’ll be able to learn extra about over on The House Tester. Do you know that town was the birthplace and scientific playground of Professor Georges Lemaître: the founding father of the revolutionary “Massive Bang” Concept? Now you do!
Right here on The Journey Tester, I’ll share a few of my different cultural and gastro-tips with you, so once you go to Leuven, you’ll have a good time exploring.
LEUVEN ITINERARY
MORNING IN LEUVEN
BREAKFAST AT LEUV
Whereas lodge breakfasts are nice, I nonetheless choose to begin the day in a brand new metropolis exploring the native choices. I stumbled upon Bar Leuv, and this was an excellent alternative! Whereas it’s known as a bar, that is the go-to brunch spot on the town it appears. They do all-day bowls, salads, massive plates, espresso & tea , eggs… and waffles (simply sayin’). The workers was tremendous pleasant too, which is all the time a great signal.
Parijsstraat 6, Leuven – barleuv.be
TIP: Replenish on snacks for the day over at Färm, an natural grocery store that permits you to help impartial producers and household companies and keep away from multinational agricultural corporations.
CAN’T DECIDE WHERE TO EAT, DRINK OR SHOP?
The Journey Tester likes to evaluation eating places and outlets all around the globe that will help you resolve if it is going to be nice to go to in your subsequent journey.
From (themed) eating places, bars and cafes with native specialties to the very best outlets promoting regional and/or handmade artisan merchandise and nice souvenirs. If it appears attention-grabbing to us, we’ll take a look at it!
Regardless of the place you’re going, with our evaluations you’ll know precisely the place to discover a enjoyable hotspot to go to.
EXPLORE LEUVEN’S HISTORY ON FOOT!
The town of Leuven dates again to the ninth century. Its historical past is wealthy when it comes to non secular artwork in addition to world-class structure and infrastructure. Immediately, town continues to resume itself with up to date initiatives built-in into the age-old settings.
And the very best factor? It’s tremendous simple to discover Leuven on foot!
KU Leuven – The College of Leuven (KU Leuven) has influenced the cityscape for over six centuries with a variation in architectural types within the in any other case primarily Gothic inside metropolis. The scholars and other people of over 155 completely different nationalities carry a buzz to town the place tradition and creativity reigns.
De Oude Markt – With at least 182 eating places and 240 cafés, Leuven has maybe the largest focus of meals and beverage shops in all of Flanders. And that within the inside metropolis which solely spans about 2 kilometers! They name the Oude Markt (Previous Market) in Leuven the “Longest Bar in Europe”. The sq. is surrounded by pubs and eating places and actually kinds the beating coronary heart of town’s nightlife space. No marvel Leuven is so in style amongst college students!
Stadhuis Leuven – The Metropolis Corridor of Leuven is likely one of the most well-known Gothic metropolis halls on the earth. Adorned with 236 statues and consisting of three flooring, it took virtually 30 years to finish the constructing, with the assistance of three architects.
TAKE A COFFEE (AND CHOCOLATE) BREAK
In spite of everything that strolling, it’s time to chill out a bit and have a (espresso) break! In fact I’ve additionally included a chocolatier, as a result of we’re within the #1 nation in Europe for chocolate in fact!
Listed here are some choices for you:
GET CULTURED AT M LEUVEN
M Leuven (“Museum Leuven”) homes a group of each historic and up to date artwork. The distinctive constructing, combining the historic buildings with trendy design, was designed by the Belgian architect Stéphane Beel.
At M Leuven, I visited an exhibition that was a part of the KNAL! Competition (BANG! Competition), you possibly can learn extra about it over at The House Tester.
TIP: From the roof terrace you’ve got an attractive view over town. Additionally don’t skip the inside courtyard!
Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, Leuven – mleuven.be
AFTERNOON IN LEUVEN
HAVE LUNCH AT BAR JEROME
Along with Simone, a contract author from The Netherlands, I visited Bar Jérôme for lunch and had such an excellent meal right here. We went for a sharing platter made out of some starter dishes and topped it off with a slice of their do-it-yourself cake. Yumm!
Bar Jérôme additionally has a deli part and is nice to go to for both breakfast, brunch/lunch or only a cup of espresso with some cake (undoubtedly have cake). All in a brilliant informal ambiance. Can advocate it!
Wandelingstraat 10, Leuven – barjerome.be
On the lookout for extra tasty hotstpots in Leuven? Take a look at:
VISIT THE SINT-PIETERSKERK
The Sint-Pieterskerk (Saint Peter’s Church) within the coronary heart of Leuven didn’t have a simple time rising up. In-built 986, in Romanesque type, it’s the oldest church within the metropolis, however it was twice destroyed by hearth.
Demolition of the Romanesque constructing started within the fifteenth century and the development of the present Gothic church began, however a variety of towers continued to break down throughout building because of the unstable floor. They had been by no means rebuilt. Thankfully, I suppose, as a result of an earthquake in 1750 induced issues once more.
The largest blow nonetheless got here throughout the two world wars, during which the roof and a big a part of the inside had been decreased to ashes. In consequence, many valuable artistic endeavors had been misplaced eternally.
Over the previous century the church has undergone a variety of thorough restoration campaigns, which signifies that it could possibly now be admired once more in its full glory. The church with belfry was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1999.
One of many highlights within the church is Dirk Bouts‘ painted triptych: The Final Supper. It dates from the fifteenth century and was extensively restored within the Nineteen Nineties. Bouts is taken into account some of the necessary Flemish Primitives and metropolis painter of Leuven.
Was is exclusive about your go to to the church is which you could lease a so-called “hololens” for a mixed-media expertise. With some kind of a ski-helmet with glasses, you will notice 3D photos projected onto artworks within the church, together with spectacular animations and storytelling. An excellent approach to uncover the tales behind the church, its artwork treasures and the bustling Leuven of the previous and current!
The church is open daily and there’s free entry. You pay additional to lease the hololens.
Grote Markt 1, Leuven – mleuven.be
GO SHOPPING AT LOCAL & VINTAGE SHOPS
Let’s be actual: buying is enjoyable. However on the similar time I’m not a fan of huge overconsumption and undoubtedly not of quick vogue tradition.
Fortunately, Leuven gives a large alternative of native, acutely aware and sustainable outlets the place you possibly can store guilt-free!
Take a look at:
DISCOVER UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LISTED BEGIJNHOF
Escape the busy metropolis middle for an oasis of peace at Het Groot Begijnhof (The Nice Beguinage). This space stuffed with historic homes has been named UNESCO World Heritage since 1998. It’s an excellent place to wander round in silence.
A begijnhof is a group of particular person and/or communal dwellings owned by beguines, often within the neighborhood of a chapel or church and infrequently surrounded by a wall with a number of entrance gates.
Beguines had been single ladies who emerged all through Western Europe across the finish of the eleventh, early twelfth century. They pioneered by establishing a brand new life-style and being the inventors of a brand new literary style; vernacular theology.
The ladies who lived within the beguinages had consciously chosen this type of cohabitation, as a result of it preserved their private freedom alongside their non secular and day by day practices. Not like those that entered the customarily closed monastic orders, beguines had been in a position to maintain their private belongings and rights and use them throughout the constraints of the principle. Many owned their properties and in addition had private belongings outdoors of it.
TIP: On this web site you possibly can see Het Groot Begijnhof in 360° >
EVENING IN LEUVEN
TASTE BELGIUM BEERS IN THE PUB
Beer is synonymous to Belgium and in Leuven, visiting the native Stella Artois brewery is a should for beer lovers. It’s open each Saturday for guests.
Aarschotsesteenweg 20, Leuven – breweryvisits.com
Whereas I’m personally not an enormous beer drinker, I did get pleasure from my go to to Domus, a so-called “home brewery”, which serves home-made beers in a comfortable ambiance. The craft home beers run via a copper tube straight from the brewery (throughout the road) to the faucet!
I’m positive you’ll discover one thing you want right here, particularly paired with a comforting meal.
Tiensestraat 8, Leuven – domusleuven.be
Some new areas to take a look at are Maltz Craft Beer (Indi 100% Craftbeer Bar) and Brouwerij De Coureur (Taproom with new beers on faucet every month).
GO FOR DINNER
There are many dinner choices in Leuven and with the 2 nights that I spend right here, I can advocate visiting De Hoorn in the event you’re on the lookout for an informal night time out (their burgers are wonderful). This restaurant is positioned in a former brewery, the place they produced the primary Stella again in 1926! The kitchen makes use of natural meat and seasonal veggies. Closed on Mondays and Sundays.
Sluisstraat 79, Leuven – dehoorn.eu
Should you’re trying to actually spoil your self, make a reservation over at restaurant trente. You received’t remorse it! Simply take a look on the images under to see the wonderful dishes that we bought served. All paired with wine and explanations from the chef. Undoubtedly a memorable expertise. It’s also possible to go for lunch right here. Listen that they’re closed on Sunday, Monday and Saturday afternoon.
Muntstraat 36, Leuven – trente.be
GOT MORE TIME IN LEUVEN?
CYCLE TO ABDIJ VAN PARK & PARCUM
Abdij van Park (Park Abbey) is likely one of the greatest preserved monasteries in all of Belgium and continues to be inhabited by Norbertines. The buildings, gates, church, watermill, barn and walled vegetable backyard have remained virtually unchanged because the seventeenth century!
You may spend a whole afternoon right here and particular exhibitions and performances are introduced all year long.
Museum Parkabdij, or PARCUM, showcases non permanent exhibitions combining faith with artwork and tradition. The main target lies on beginning a dialogue between folks of various religions, beliefs and ages, in addition to up to date themes and historic heritage.
TIP: Go to the Abbey by bike! There’s a particular cycle route that takes you previous all 4 Leuven abbeys, in case you have the time.
Abdij van Park 7, Leuven – visitleuven.be/abdijvanpark and parcum.be
CLIMB THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY TOWER
Begin your go to on the College Corridor, initially the material corridor of town. The anatomical amphitheater, the herb backyard (Kruidtuin – one of many oldest botanical gardens in Belgium) and the Arenberg fortress are additionally a part of the wealthy previous of the college.
Climbing the tower of the college library in Leuven is spectacular! As you go up the steps, a photograph exhibition exhibits the turbulent previous of this constructing.
When you attain the highest, you possibly can get pleasure from a panoramic view of town from the balcony. Hope you’ve got good climate in fact!
TIP 1: Through the tutorial 12 months, the carillon within the tower is performed twice every week. You may go upstairs for a novel live performance.
TIP 2: Obtain the Heritage App (App Retailer / Google Play Retailer) and uncover the identified and lesser-known sides of the constructing at your personal tempo with the audio tour, or go to the college on a 360° digital tour >
Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein 21, Leuven – bib.kuleuven.be
WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT?
There’s a lot to discover on the earth, how do you resolve the place to go subsequent?
The Journey Tester is all about aware journey and we love matching your passions to locations on the planet. So whether or not your journey for meals, nature, household, creativity, historical past, tradition, innovation, adrenaline, wellness, good karma or private progress, we’ll have one thing so that you can expertise wherever you go. Click on the button under to search out out extra:
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Are you excited to go to Leuven after studying our journey tales? Be certain that to take a look at the sensible ideas under that can provide help to plan and e-book your journey with ease.
FLIGHTS TO LEUVEN
The closest airport to Leuven is Brussels Airport. Be certain that to take a look at Skyscanner for the very best offers on flights >>
Are you flying via Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam? Be certain that to obtain this € 5,- voucher for a pleasant low cost at See Purchase Fly. An awesome airport lodge at Schiphol is CitizenM (do you know that Nick’s architectural agency designed the idea of those accommodations all internationally?!), or go for the price range possibility with YOTELAIR.
Lower your expenses by reserving different airport additional’s reminiscent of parking, airport transfers or lounge entry on Vacation Extras.
Flight delayed, canceled or overbooked? You could be entitled to €600 in compensation!
TRAIN TRAVEL TO LEUVEN
Leuven is greatest reached by prepare. I travelled from Amsterdam to town in underneath three hours, which was simple and comfy. You may take the Intercity (IC) or the Thalys from Amsterdam or Rotterdam and alter at Brussels South for an area prepare, which can take you to Leuven in underneath half an hour.
For the very best offers on prepare journey, take a look on: both NS Worldwide, Trainline, Omio Trains or Eurail.
CAR RENTAL IN LEUVEN
The town of Leuven has been car-free for a number of years now, so in the event you’re arriving by automobile it’s greatest to park it on the outskirts. There are so-called “P+Bus” parking choices, the place there’s a bus service between a public parking spot and town. Extra information right here.
For the very best (airport) automobile rental choices, we advocate Hertz and Sunny Vehicles.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN LEUVEN
There’s a tram and bus service in Leuven, however to be trustworthy, it was really easy to stroll all over the place that I don’t see why you would want this. The town middle is compact and the small side-streets make for an excellent day of exploring on foot.
One other tip is to lease a motorcycle, which you are able to do proper subsequent to the station over at Leuven Leisure or Fietspunt Leuven (extra information right here). Nice in the event you’re trying to go to areas on the sting of town!
TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN LEUVEN
Make your journey additional memorable by reserving a tour or exercise from one in all our following companions:
TRAVEL GUIDE TO BELGIUM
RECOMMENDED TRAVEL PRODUCTS [CITY BREAK]
MORE ARTICLES ABOUT BELGIUM
DISCLAIMER: This was a hosted go to by Go to Vlaanderen.
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