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. Each of these 3 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Leuven just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 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 14-day road trip through Laeken - Laken, Jambes, Ottignies, Wavre, and Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek 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 14-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, Ottignies, Wavre, and Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek by public transport, renting a car in Belgium opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 14 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: Bruxelles - Brussel
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Zinneke Pis

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, Koekelberg, and Bruxelles - Brussel

• Destinations: Laeken - Laken, Koekelberg, and Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 29.69 km, approx. 1 hour and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Grand Place, Atomium, Parc Elisabeth, Choco-Story Brussels, and Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
• Recommended tour: Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop

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

Day 3: Discover Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek and Bruxelles - Brussel

• Destinations: Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek and Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 13.52 km, approx. 1 hour and 18 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Parc de Bruxelles, Josaphat Park, Leopold Park, Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences, and St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels
• Recommended tour: Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

Spend the day exploring Parc de Bruxelles, Josaphat Park, Leopold Park, Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences, and St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel

• Destinations: Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 48 km, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Parc de Laeken - Royal Parc, Place Royale Bruxelles - Statue de Godefroy de Bouillon, Royal Palace of Brussels, and Musée Magritte Museum
• Recommended tour: Antwerp BeerWalk with English Guide

Continue your journey through Laeken - Laken and Bruxelles - Brussel, where you can explore Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Parc de Laeken - Royal Parc, Place Royale Bruxelles - Statue de Godefroy de Bouillon, Royal Palace of Brussels, and Musée Magritte Museum. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Antwerp.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Ixelles - Elsene, Bruxelles - Brussel, and Antwerpen

• Destinations: Ixelles - Elsene, Bruxelles - Brussel, and Antwerpen
• Driving distance: 120.55 km, approx. 2 hours and 28 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, Bois de la Cambre, Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire, and Escape Rush - Escape Game Bruxelles
• Recommended tour: 3-Hour Private Tour in Antwerp

Drive through Ixelles - Elsene, Bruxelles - Brussel, and Antwerpen, stopping to visit Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, Bois de la Cambre, Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire, and Escape Rush - Escape Game Bruxelles. Embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems off the beaten path.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Willebroek, Meise, Muizen, Antwerpen, and Mechelen

• Destinations: Willebroek, Meise, Muizen, Antwerpen, and Mechelen
• Driving distance: 130.51 km, approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Plantentuin Meise, ZOO Planckendael, Grote Markt, and Fort Breendonk
• Recommended tour: Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp

Spend time discovering Plantentuin Meise, ZOO Planckendael, Grote Markt, and Fort Breendonk, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Antwerpen

• Destinations: Antwerpen
• Driving distance: 14.61 km, approx. 57 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Provincial Domain Rivierenhof, Cathedral of Our Lady, Het Steen, and Zoo Antwerpen
• Recommended tour: Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

Explore Provincial Domain Rivierenhof, Cathedral of Our Lady, Het Steen, and Zoo Antwerpen at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Boom and Antwerpen

• Destinations: Boom and Antwerpen
• Driving distance: 41.53 km, approx. 1 hour and 48 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Rubenshuis, Park Spoor Noord, Provinciaal Recreatiedomein De Schorre, Plantentuin, and MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
• Recommended tour: Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Antwerp

Continue your road trip through Boom and Antwerpen, enjoying the flexibility to explore Rubenshuis, Park Spoor Noord, Provinciaal Recreatiedomein De Schorre, Plantentuin, and MAS - Museum aan de Stroom and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Leuven and Antwerpen

• Destinations: Leuven and Antwerpen
• Driving distance: 128.07 km, approx. 2 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Antwerp, e.g., B&B Hotel Antwerp Centre
• Sightseeing: Grote Markt, Ladeuzeplein, Botanical Garden, Leuven Oude Markt, and Saint Peter's Church
• Recommended tour: e-Scavenger hunt Antwerp: Explore the city at your own pace

Visit Grote Markt, Ladeuzeplein, Botanical Garden, Leuven Oude Markt, and Saint Peter's Church as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye.

Day 10: Uncover Liège and Antwerpen

• Destinations: Liège and Antwerpen
• Driving distance: 136.58 km, approx. 2 hours and 5 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Liege, e.g., Hotel Ibis Styles Liege Guillemins
• Sightseeing: Montagne de Bueren, La Boverie, Parc d'Avroy, Place Saint-Lambert, and Parc Boverie
• Recommended tour: e-Scavenger hunt Liège: Explore the city at your own pace

Continue your exploration of Montagne de Bueren, La Boverie, Parc d'Avroy, Place Saint-Lambert, and Parc Boverie, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Liege.

Day 11: Journey Through Stavelot, Luzery, Liège, and Baelen

• Destinations: Stavelot, Luzery, Liège, and Baelen
• Driving distance: 247.91 km, approx. 3 hours and 26 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Liege, e.g., Hotel Ibis Styles Liege Guillemins
• Sightseeing: Lake Gileppe, Les Cascades de Coo, Bastogne War Museum, and High Fens-Eifel Nature Park
• Recommended tour: Castle Guided Tour (English)

Take in the highlights of Lake Gileppe, Les Cascades de Coo, Bastogne War Museum, and High Fens-Eifel Nature Park, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings.

Day 12: Travel Through Jambes, Han-sur-Lesse, Maredsous, Liège, and Dinant

• Destinations: Jambes, Han-sur-Lesse, Maredsous, Liège, and Dinant
• Driving distance: 223.79 km, approx. 3 hours and 29 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Liege, e.g., Hotel Ibis Styles Liege Guillemins
• Sightseeing: Domain of the Caves of Han, Maredsous Abbey, Citadelle de Dinant, and Citadelle de Namur
• Recommended tour: Liege Walking Tours

Take the opportunity to explore Domain of the Caves of Han, Maredsous Abbey, Citadelle de Dinant, and Citadelle de Namur, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature.

Day 13: Enjoy the Best of Ottignies, Wavre, Opheylissem, and Liège

• Destinations: Ottignies, Wavre, Opheylissem, and Liège
• Driving distance: 122.62 km, approx. 2 hours and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Rêves Woods, Provincial domain of Hélécine, and Walibi Belgium
• Recommended tour: Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour

Explore Rêves Woods, Provincial domain of Hélécine, and Walibi Belgium as you near the end of your road trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to delve into local culture, whether through a museum visit or a tasting experience. Wrap up the day by settling into a new hotel in central Brussels.

Day 14: Maximize the Last Day in Ottignies, Wavre, Opheylissem, and Liège

• Destinations: Bruxelles - Brussel
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brussels, e.g., Motel One Brussels
• Sightseeing: Mount of the Arts
• Recommended tour: The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels

Enjoy your last full day on the road, visiting Mount of the Arts and making time for spontaneous detours or local events. Return to Brussels for your final night. End the day's journey with a check-in at a top-rated hotel in Brussels.

Day 14: Bid Farewell to Brussels

• Departure city: Bruxelles - Brussel
• Driving distance: 956 metres, approx. 12 minutes
• Sightseeing: Mount of the Arts

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 the route is around 2137 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Leuven. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 14-day road trip itinerary through Laeken - Laken, Jambes, Ottignies, Wavre, and Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek is an excellent choice.

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

Enjoy a 4-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 4-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 Leuven Oude Markt.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at Portogalo, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

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 Groot Begijnhof Leuven, Arenberg Castle, Botanical Garden, and Park Abbey.

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!

A 4-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 4 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 Leuven Oude Markt, 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 Groot Begijnhof Leuven early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Botanical Garden, stopping by Arenberg Castle for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Leuven

No itinerary in Leuven is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Vlierbeek Abbey.
• Afternoon: Explore Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 4 - 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!