After soaking in the rich history and vibrant student life that make up the core things to do in Leuven, day trips from Leuven offer a splendid extension to your Belgian adventure. These excursions lead you to discover Belgium’s diverse landscapes, medieval towns, and world-class breweries, providing a deeper insight into the country’s heritage and natural beauty.
Venturing beyond Leuven, you’ll uncover a wider spectrum of things to do in Belgium, from the historic battlefields of Waterloo to the charming canals of Bruges. Each destination beyond Leuven showcases the unique blend of cultural richness and scenic allure that Belgium offers to its visitors.
Choosing where to stay in Leuven becomes a strategic decision for travelers aiming to explore the city’s medieval architecture, lively market squares, and educational institutions while being well-positioned for day trips across Belgium. The right accommodation ensures a comfortable retreat within easy reach of both Leuven’s highlights and the country’s expansive attractions.
Discover Best Day Trips from Leuven, Belgium
1. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is renowned for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and as the administrative center of the European Union. Highlights include the Grand Place, Atomium, and a range of museums and galleries.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Grand Place, Atomium, museums, and galleries
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Atomium: €16
- Magritte Museum: €10
- Manneken Pis: Free
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Grand Place, Royal Palace, Atomium
Travel Tip: Try Belgian waffles and chocolates from local vendors for an authentic taste experience.
2. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a medieval city known for its picturesque cobbled lanes and dreamy canals. The Belfry of Bruges, Markt Square, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood are key attractions.
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Belfry of Bruges, Markt Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Belfry Tower: €12
- Basilica of the Holy Blood: Free (donations appreciated)
- Boat Tour: €10
Budget: Approximately €40-€70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Bruges Canals, Minnewater Park, Markt Square
Travel Tip: Take a boat tour of the canals for a unique perspective of the city’s stunning architecture.
3. Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp is a port city famous for its Diamond District, fashion, and impressive architecture like the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Antwerp Central Station. It’s also home to numerous museums and a vibrant culinary scene.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp Central Station, Diamond District
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Cathedral of Our Lady: €8
- Rubens House: €10
- MAS Museum: €10
Budget: Approximately €35-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Cathedral Square, Meir Shopping Street, Antwerp Zoo
Travel Tip: Explore the trendy Zuid (South) district for contemporary art galleries and chic cafes.
4. Ghent, Belgium
Ghent boasts a fascinating blend of history and modern culture, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, the Gravensteen Castle, and vibrant street art. The city’s canals and local breweries add to its charm.
Distance: Approximately 90 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, medieval architecture
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Gravensteen Castle: €12
- St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Free
- Ghent Altarpiece: €4
Budget: Approximately €35-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Graslei and Korenlei, St. Michael’s Bridge, Patershol district
Travel Tip: Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.
5. Liege, Belgium
Liege is known for its vibrant nightlife, rich history, and the beautiful Curtius Museum. The city’s Sunday market, La Batte, is a must-visit for local flavors and crafts.
Distance: Approximately 60 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Curtius Museum, Montagne de Bueren, La Batte Market
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Curtius Museum: €9
- Montagne de Bueren: Free
- La Batte Market: Free
Budget: Approximately €25-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Meuse River, Montagne de Bueren, Liege-Guillemins Railway Station
Travel Tip: Climb the Montagne de Bueren, a staircase with 374 steps, for a panoramic view of the city.
6. Mechelen, Belgium
Mechelen, a small but charming city, is known for its medieval architecture, the St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, and the Kazerne Dossin – a memorial, museum, and documentation center on Holocaust and human rights.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: About 20 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, Kazerne Dossin, Anker Brewery
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- St. Rumbold’s Tower: €8
- Kazerne Dossin: €10
- Anker Brewery Tour: €12
Budget: Approximately €30-€55 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Haverwerf Embankment, Grote Markt, Dijle River Walks
Travel Tip: Visit the Anker Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in Belgium, for a taste of traditional Belgian beer.
7. Namur, Belgium
Namur, the capital of Wallonia, is set at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. Highlights include the Citadel of Namur, the Felicien Rops Museum, and pleasant river walks.
Distance: Approximately 60 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Citadel of Namur, Felicien Rops Museum, River Walks
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Citadel Entrance: €8
- Felicien Rops Museum: €5
- Citadel Underground Passages Tour: €12
Budget: Approximately €30-€55 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Meuse and Sambre Rivers, Citadel Gardens, Namur Old Town
Travel Tip: Explore the citadel’s underground passages for a unique historical experience.
8. Tervuren, Belgium
Tervuren is a suburban town known for the Royal Museum for Central Africa, showcasing its history, art, and culture. The town is also famous for its beautiful park and gardens, part of the Sonian Forest.
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Travel Time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour by bus or tram
Transportation: Bus or Tram (Busbud)
Main Attractions: Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren Park, Sonian Forest
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Royal Museum for Central Africa: €12
- Park Entrance: Free
- Tram Ride: €3
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Tervuren Park, Sonian Forest, Museum Gardens
Travel Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy the natural beauty of the park, especially in the summer months.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Leuven, Belgium
What are some recommended day trips from Leuven?
Popular day trips from Leuven include visits to the historic cities of Bruges and Ghent, exploring the battlefields of Waterloo, and experiencing the vibrant culture of Antwerp.
Is a trip to Brussels worth it from Leuven?
Definitely! Brussels, being the capital city of Belgium, offers a plethora of attractions like the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and numerous museums. It’s just a short train ride away from Leuven.
Can I visit the Ardennes from Leuven?
Yes, the Ardennes region, known for its forests, hills, and quaint villages, is accessible for a day trip. It’s ideal for hiking, exploring castles, and enjoying the natural beauty of Belgium.
Are there guided tours to the historic city of Bruges?
Yes, there are several guided tours to Bruges, known for its medieval architecture and canals. These tours often cover major landmarks like the Belfry of Bruges and the Markt square.
What cultural experiences can I have in Antwerp?
Antwerp offers a rich cultural experience with its fashion scene, diamond district, and art museums like the Rubenshuis. It’s a perfect destination for art enthusiasts and shoppers.
Is a visit to the university town of Namur worth it?
Certainly! Namur, with its charming streets, impressive citadel, and position at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, offers a delightful experience.
Can I explore Belgian WWII history on a day trip from Leuven?
Yes, you can visit places like Bastogne and the site of the Battle of the Bulge, offering insights into WWII history and memorials dedicated to the soldiers.
Are there any nature reserves near Leuven for a day trip?
Leuven is close to several nature reserves such as the Zoniënwoud (Sonian Forest), ideal for hiking, cycling, and observing wildlife in a serene environment.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/leuven-l95606?activity_type=dayTrip
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