What to do and see in Leuven, Flanders: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

February 20, 2022 Deane Carmody

The old Burgundian university town of Leuven offers a range of adventures for overnight visitors or day-trippers from Bruges and Brussels. Tourists will find everything from gastronomic tours to architectural gems like the Gothic Town Hall. Nature lovers won’t be disappointed. The Kruidtuin Botanical Garden’s herbal gardens are the oldest in Belgium, and Heverleebos, a “city wood,” offers a respite for urban dwellers. The exploring is easy in Leuven, on foot or on one of the ubiquitous bikes.
Restaurants in Leuven

1. Train day trip to Leuven from Brussels

Brussel-Centraal, Carrefour de l'Europe, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Buendia Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

During the day trip to Leuven, you will discover the main sights of the old town. Starting at the majestic Martelarenplein, we will go all over the alleys and small streets of the city centre to discover the most beautiful corners of Leuven, a city full of History. We will visit its Grote Markt, in it we will find the imposing Church of Saint Peter and the famous Town Hall, a masterpiece of Gothic Brabantine. You can also see "the longest bar in the world" in the Oude Mark. We will bring you closer to the story of Father Damien, considered a hero, in the city where he studied. We will also walk through the most impressive beguinage in Flanders. And of course, you can see the college and the impressive library, rebuilt after World War II. Our style combines history, art and legend with entertainment and oddities.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide, City tips, Discounts (discounts at restaurants, chocolate shops, museums etc.)

Exclusions: Train ticket (7euros go& return) - clients must buy on the station before departure, Food and drinks, Gratuities, Museum entrance

Reviewed By Levesqme

As a family with teenagers, it is always a challenge to find an activity that will be entertaining for all. Although they are not history enthusiasts, my kids said that this tour was the best day of our stay in Belgium (1 week). They especially liked the tour guide, Jamal and his dry sense of humour. Jamal was able to point out funny historical details, do little games with the group and make recommendations on restaurants and activities. He made all the difference. Thanks Jamal for this wonderful (rainy) day! Things to be improved: we should have taken a tour for only 1 city. If you like to stroll in leisurely in the city, visit museums, etc., the tour is a bit fast paced and won't allow you to shop, visit independently museums and historic buildings. Also, you'll be paired with Spanish groups going on the bus. Not the best logistical arrangements. However, the price is well worth it. 10/10 would do again.

2. Leuven walking city tour

Martelarenplein, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Buendia Tours
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

During the 2.5-hour walking tour in Leuven, you will discover the main sights of the old town of Leuven. Starting at the majestic Martelarenplein, we will go all over the alleys and small streets of the city centre to discover the most beautiful corners of Leuven, a city full of History. We will visit its Grote Markt, in it we will find the imposing Church of Saint Peter and the famous Town Hall, a masterpiece of Gothic Brabantine. You can also see "the longest bar in the world" in the Oude Mark. We will bring you closer to the story of Father Damien, considered a hero, in the city where he studied. We will also walk through the most impressive beguinage in Flanders. And of course, you can see the college and the impressive library, rebuilt after World War II. Our style combines history, art and legend with entertainment and oddities.

Inclusions: Professional English-speaking guide, City tips, Discounts (discounts at restaurants, chocolate shops, museums etc.)

Exclusions: Museum entrance, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Levesqme

As a family with teenagers, it is always a challenge to find an activity that will be entertaining for all. Although they are not history enthusiasts, my kids said that this tour was the best day of our stay in Belgium (1 week). They especially liked the tour guide, Jamal and his dry sense of humour. Jamal was able to point out funny historical details, do little games with the group and make recommendations on restaurants and activities. He made all the difference. Thanks Jamal for this wonderful (rainy) day! Things to be improved: we should have taken a tour for only 1 city. If you like to stroll in leisurely in the city, visit museums, etc., the tour is a bit fast paced and won't allow you to shop, visit independently museums and historic buildings. Also, you'll be paired with Spanish groups going on the bus. Not the best logistical arrangements. However, the price is well worth it. 10/10 would do again.

3. Bright Brussels Highlights BikeTour ENGLISH

Boulevard Adolphe Max 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Cities By Bike
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

See more in 3,5 hours by bike than in 3 days on foot! No boring explication - fun facts - short stops - pleasure and experience. See the 10 different views of Brussels just like your are visiting 10 different cities ;-)

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Snacks, Bottled water

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Reviewed By 365fransv

We had a lovely cycling tour last sunday. Leuven has a lot to offer and Robin clearly loves his city. Very well spend afternoon and I can highly reccomand it.

4. Private 6-hour Tour to Leuven from Brussels with driver and guide (in Leuven)

Brussels, Belgium Tour Travel & More Belgium
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Leuven is a city east of Brussels, Belgium, known for its breweries. On a central square is the 15th-century town hall, with its tall spires. The building is decorated with hundreds of statues of local figures, biblical characters and saints. Opposite, the late Gothic St. Peter’s Church houses a “Last Supper” by the Flemish Primitive painter Dieric Bouts. Nearby, Oude Markt is a long square lined with bars and cafes.

Inclusions: Private vehicle with chauffeur for 6 hours, Private offcial tour guide for 2 hours in Leuven, Private tour, Taxes

Exclusions: Entrance fees, Food and drinks

5. Old Historical Flemish Towns Surrounding Brussels

Brussels, Belgium Mike Eyns Tours

No visit to Brussels could be complete without taking some time out to tour a few of charming historical Flemish villages. Away from the typical tourist routes, these enchanting towns give you a chance to really immerse yourself in history and legend as you enjoy a private guided tour to three nearby locations: Leuven, Mechelen and Lier. A private tour of these historical Flemish towns is a pleasant excursion that everyone who participates also enjoys. The tour begins with a visit to the town of Leuven and its magnificent Town Hall, an elaborate Gothic structure that dominates the Grote Market. Next stop is picturesque Mechelen, where we'll take a guided walking tour to see fairy tale palaces and intriguing public buildings. Lier is the final town on the itinerary for your private tour of historical Flemish towns. This intriguing walled village boasts magnificent construction, most notably its spectacular Town Hall adjoining a 14th century Gothic medieval siege tower.

Inclusions: Private transportation

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Reviewed By jimsZ2896HZ

Thankfully, the battlefield is largely as it appeared in 1815. Rolling hills, farm fields, the wooded and walled Hougoumont (well-restored) and la Haye Saint (not so much). Still, the vibe and the atmosphere is evocative of the crucial Napoleonic struggle that took place here. The museum is excellent. Creative displays, lots of artifacts. The great Lions mound is a bit of a distraction. But it does afford spectacular views of the entire battlefield. Two downsides: the busy road that runs right through the field, north to south, is a little offputting. And Napoleon’s command position was overgrown with shrubs when I was there.

6. Private 8-hour excursion to Mechelen and Leuven from Brussels with Hotel Pick Up

Brussels, Belgium Tour Travel & More Belgium

Leuven is a city east of Brussels, Belgium, known for its breweries. On a central square is the 15th-century town hall, with its tall spires. The building is decorated with hundreds of statues of local figures, biblical characters and saints. Opposite, the late Gothic St. Peter’s Church houses a “Last Supper” by the Flemish Primitive painter Dieric Bouts. Nearby, Oude Markt is a long square lined with bars and cafes. Mechelen is a city between Brussels and Antwerp in northern Belgium. Inside the 13th-century St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is an imposing altar and a work by Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck. The attached St. Rumbold’s Tower offers 360-degree views of the city. Deportees to WWII concentration camps were held at Kazerne Dossin military barracks, where a museum and memorial commemorate the Jews and Gypsies who passed through.

Inclusions: Private vehicle with chauffeur 8 hours, Private official tour guide for 8 hours, Private tour, Taxes, Pick up and drop off in your hotel or place of choice in Brussels

Exclusions: Entrance fees, Food and drinks

Reviewed By Tasty_Tipper

It was a great day to visit the city since there was not so many people in the city - the architecture in this student city is very gothic and intense. This was a day trip and I hope to visit again some day to take more stunning architecture photos.

7. Magic Christmas tour in Leuven

Historical Leuven Town hall, Grote Markt 9, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Fun Top Fun Belgium

- The exclusive tour only in the Christmas period! This special times brings magic in Leuven. Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most beautifully decorated places in Leuven. You will feel spellbound with the charming atmosphere, which you can feel only this time of the year! What is the story of the Christmas tree? Who was the first to decorate it in the world? What magical things can happen during the Christmas period? Have you heard about Christmas spells? You will hear miraculous Christmas legends about Leuven. You will visit the Christmas market. What makes it so popular? What local products must taste at Christmas? Fill your heart with the joy and experience magic of Leuven.

Inclusions: Local Professional Guide

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Reviewed By BOBBYKOLLAM

Very confusing title....Brussels city tour by car.....That means we have to bring our own car..They provide only guide...Just for the guide we have to pay this much amount....Please don’t choose this tour

8. The best of Leuven walking tour

Arenberg Castle, Kardinaal Mercierlaan 94, 3001 Leuven, Belgium Fun Top Fun Belgium

Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will see Stadhuis most iconic building in Leuven. You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Did you know that Belgium’s biggest university is in Leuven? You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of Leuven. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

Inclusions: Local Professional Guide

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Reviewed By BOBBYKOLLAM

Very confusing title....Brussels city tour by car.....That means we have to bring our own car..They provide only guide...Just for the guide we have to pay this much amount....Please don’t choose this tour

9. Romantic tour in Leuven

Arenberg Castle, Kardinaal Mercierlaan 94, 3001 Leuven, Belgium Fun Top Fun Belgium

An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. You will hear what plants grow in Kruidtuin botanical garden. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones.We'll visit Groot Begijnhof in the most beautiful district of the city This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

Inclusions: Local Professional Guide

Exclusions:

Reviewed By BOBBYKOLLAM

Very confusing title....Brussels city tour by car.....That means we have to bring our own car..They provide only guide...Just for the guide we have to pay this much amount....Please don’t choose this tour

10. Private Self-Guided Walking Tour in Leuven

Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein 17, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Leuven Qula City Trail

Get to know the city in a unique and affordable way. We offer you a 2.5 Hour self guided tour that you can do via our free app and enjoy the city. Use GPS to find the nicest squares, streets, and monuments. And get the most interesting facts about the city. In the meantime, you play a game and answer questions about the locations, and do search-assignments. All on your smartphone. Log in on our app and play along. Not a guide, but you decide where you stop and pause. Instructions for starting the tour will be given after booking. You can do this tour anytime you choose.

Inclusions: A super exciting City Trail for a team of maximum of 6 people

Exclusions: Smartphone and Data

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