Top 3 Itineraries in Leuven

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Leuven.

If you only have a few days, Leuven weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Leuven offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Leuven are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Leuven’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Leuven offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Belgium's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Leuven truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Leuven belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Leuven are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Leuven and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Leuven itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Leuven for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Leuven without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Leuven!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Laeken - Laken, Jambes, Louvain-la-Neuve, Cokaifagne, and Leuven is one of the best ways to experience Belgium. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Leuven can easily be combined with other top destinations in Belgium without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Laeken - Laken, Jambes, Louvain-la-Neuve, Cokaifagne, and Leuven by public transport, renting a car in Belgium opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Brussels

• Arrival city: Laeken - Laken, Jambes, Louvain-la-Neuve, Cokaifagne, and Leuven
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Brussels. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel

• Destinations: Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 35.11 km, approx. 1 hour and 19 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Grand Place, Atomium, Royal Palace of Brussels, Musée Magritte Museum, and Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
• Recommended tour: Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Grand Place, Atomium, Royal Palace of Brussels, Musée Magritte Museum, and Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Gent

• Destinations: Gent
• Driving distance: 105.14 km, approx. 2 hours and 54 seconds
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bruges, e.g., Grand Casselbergh
• Sightseeing: Saint Michael's Bridge, Gravensteen, Saint Bavo's Cathedral, and Belfry of Ghent
• Recommended tour: Historical Walking Tour in Belgium: Legends of Bruges

Spend the day exploring Saint Michael's Bridge, Gravensteen, Saint Bavo's Cathedral, and Belfry of Ghent. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Bruges.

Day 4: Experience Brugge

• Destinations: Brugge
• Driving distance: 4.06 km, approx. 32 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bruges, e.g., Grand Casselbergh
• Sightseeing: Groeninge Museum, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Minnewater Park, Belfry of Bruges, and Boniface Bridge (Bonifaciusbrug)
• Recommended tour: Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips

Continue your journey through Brugge, where you can explore Groeninge Museum, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Minnewater Park, Belfry of Bruges, and Boniface Bridge (Bonifaciusbrug). Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Antwerpen

• Destinations: Antwerpen
• Driving distance: 116.25 km, approx. 2 hours and 36 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Rubenshuis, Cathedral of Our Lady, Zoo Antwerpen, and MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
• Recommended tour: e-Scavenger hunt Antwerp: Explore the city at your own pace

Drive through Antwerpen, stopping to visit Rubenshuis, Cathedral of Our Lady, Zoo Antwerpen, and MAS - Museum aan de Stroom. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Antwerp.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Leuven

• Destinations: Leuven
• Driving distance: 126.27 km, approx. 1 hour and 56 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Namur, e.g., Hotel Ibis Styles Liege Guillemins
• Sightseeing: Grote Markt, Leuven Oude Markt, and Saint Peter's Church

Spend time discovering Grote Markt, Leuven Oude Markt, and Saint Peter's Church, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Namur.

Day 7: Spend Time in Jambes, Namur, and Dinant

• Destinations: Jambes, Namur, and Dinant
• Driving distance: 71.1 km, approx. 1 hour and 42 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Namur, e.g., Hotel Ibis Styles Liege Guillemins
• Sightseeing: Citadelle de Dinant, Citadelle de Namur, and Musée Provincial Félicien Rops

Explore Citadelle de Dinant, Citadelle de Namur, and Musée Provincial Félicien Rops at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Liège

• Destinations: Liège
• Driving distance: 68.27 km, approx. 1 hour and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Liege, e.g., Hotel Ibis Styles Liege Guillemins
• Sightseeing: Montagne de Bueren, La Boverie, Le Grand Curtius Museum, and St. Paul's Cathedral in Liege
• Recommended tour: e-Scavenger hunt Liège: Explore the city at your own pace

Continue your road trip through Liège, enjoying the flexibility to explore Montagne de Bueren, La Boverie, Le Grand Curtius Museum, and St. Paul's Cathedral in Liege and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Liege.

Day 9: Wander Through Louvain-la-Neuve and Cokaifagne

• Destinations: Louvain-la-Neuve and Cokaifagne
• Driving distance: 205.08 km, approx. 2 hours and 52 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Musée L, Cascade Leopold II, and Hergé Museum
• Recommended tour: Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour

Visit Musée L, Cascade Leopold II, and Hergé Museum as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Brussels.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Brussels

• Departure city: Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 1.42 km, approx. 18 minutes
• Sightseeing: St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Brussels. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1311 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Leuven.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Leuven for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Leuven with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Leuven without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Leuven

Arrive in Leuven and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Botanical Garden.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Portogalo is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Leuven's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Leuven by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Grote Markt, Arenberg Castle, Historic Leuven Town Hall, Leuven Oude Markt, and Saint Peter's Church.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Leuven in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Leuven

Spend your last few hours in Leuven soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Leuven, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Leuven travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Leuven offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Leuven itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Leuven weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Leuven

Arrive in Leuven around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Botanical Garden, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Leuven’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Leuven with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Ladeuzeplein early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo, stopping by Historic Leuven Town Hall for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Depart from Leuven

Make the most of your last few hours in Leuven before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Leuven. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Leuven itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Leuven, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Leuven for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Leuven in a way that feels truly unforgettable!