Leuven, Oldest University Town

Leuven has the honour of being Belgium's oldest university town, as it is where the "Katholieke Universiteit Leuven" (Catholic University of Leuven) - founded in the 15th Century - is located. Like most university towns, it is vibrant and lively with a good nightlife.

Leuven's other claim to fame is that it is also the "Beer capital of Belgium", and the hometown of the world-famous Stella Artois brewery. There is also a domestic brewery called "Domus", that produces local brews called "Nostra Domus" (beer) and "Con Domus" (unfiltered lager), as well as a special Christmas brew "Nen Engel". All worth a try if only to get a taste of a local specialty!

The city centre itself is a living testimony to Gothic and Baroque architecture; like other Belgian cities, it has a Town Square, with a magnificent Town Hall at one end and guild houses (now converted into shops) dotted around it. Other notable buildings include St. Peter's Church, St. Michael's Church and the Park Abbey.

Leuven is a compact city and getting around on foot is a pleasant experience, for most of the cobblestone streets in the old quarter (where the main shopping area is) are pedestrianised, clean and safe.

Eating out is relatively inexpensive (mainly due to the large student population), with a good mix of local fast-food joints, chinese take-outs, cheap cafes and more upmarket establishments.

Highli recommended for a short weekend break if you are visiting Antwerp or Brussels; train connections are fast and efficient so getting to Leuven is convenient and easy.

Quick Tips:

Cafe Leffe is a great place to hang out for a couple of drinks and good reasonable food. A tour in a horse-drawn carriage is a good way to get an overview of the city - a great deal at only 3 Euros per person (1.50 Euros for children under 12).

Best Way To Get Around:

We had the good fortune to stay at the Klooster Hotel in Leuven for 3 nights, as my husband was on a business trip. A wonderfully cosy boutique hotel located inside an old building, it was renovated to accommodate all the conveniences that a discerning traveller would expect. Prices are not cheap (ranging from 200 to 280 Euros per night, depending on the room selected), but the accommodation is luxurious and very comfortable. Our room was on the ground floor and came with a four-poster bed, fireplace, and attached bathroom, with wonderful views of the outdoor terrace and gardens outside. We were there in early spring, so the fireplace was very welcoming for cold mornings and evenings. Each room has different furnishings, so you if you think this room sounds good, be sure to ask for the "ground-floor double room with the four-poster bed!"

The location of the hotel is very central and convenient, as it is situated in the city centre itself (but along a quiet narrow lane away from pedestrian traffic) and is near the main shopping street. There are numerous restaurants and cafes within a 5- to 10-minute walk and a minimart a few minutes away (good for buying necessities like bottled water, beer, snacks, etc.). It is highly recommended if you have the budget for it! The hotel's website is http://www.hetklooster.com/.

The Cafe Leffe in Leuven is a great place to sample traditional Belgian food and beers, with the Leffe beers taking centre stage, since this cafe is run by the folks who own the Leffe brewery. It has a great casual ambience, and reasonable prices mean that it is also a favourite with the university students as well as local residents. It is something of Belgium's equivalent to the Hard Rock Cafe - bustling and busy, with a bar at one end and tables on the other, a friendly waitstaff, and a great vibe. It is a great place to chill out with some local beers and indulge in good traditional Belgian food (huge portions!). It is highly recommended.