The ideal city walk in Leuven

Admittedly, it's a bit arrogance to call a city walk "the ideal"... But when I wanted to visit Leuven, I found SO MANY walks that I was convinced I shouldn't do one myself. I ended up with the route from "GPS Guide" ( City Walk Leuven Belgium - Recreational Walking Route | RouteYou ), which I think covers most of Leuven's sights. But after an overnight stay in Leuven, I discovered a few other hidden gems that are also worth visiting. So I optimized that route , and this is the result.

The walk starts at the train station, making it easily accessible by public transport or car. Parking is quite expensive in Leuven, but behind the station, towards Kessel-Lo, street parking is free (I use the interactive map on the website seety.co to find parking rates).

The walk first takes in the famous library , then continues through Sint-Donatus Park to explore the old city walls . After a short detour, we pass through St. Michael's Church and Van Dale Park before arriving at the large beguinage . A beautiful piece of heritage!

Passing through Dijlepark and the Dijle River, a ubiquitous feature of Leuven, we arrive at the famous old market square . Time to refuel? No problem here!

It continues past the large market square, which we'll explore in detail later, to the Augustinian monastery and the wooden velodrome, and finally to the beautiful botanical garden . A true gem! Even in the sweltering summer of 2022, the grass was as green and trimmed as a billiard cloth.

We'll continue along the Dijle River, past the restored old city wall at the Handbooghof , to the small beguinage . Back to the main market square, past St. Peter's Church. Feeling a bit peckish? Then wait until you reach Muntstraat and Tiensestraat , which are a little further on.

We return to the starting point via the M-museum and the car-free Diestsestraat (shopping street).

Be sure to check out the information about the sights once you're there . They'll explain what you'll see!

2022