Sightseeing in Leuven - what to see. Complete travel guide

The main symbol of Leuven is located in the heart of the city; the old Town Hall, Stadhuis, is a true example of the so-called ‘Flamboyant Gothic.’ Construction of the building began …
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First mentions of Leuven are referred to 884 AD. At that time it was used as a stay for Normans. Starting from the IX century Leuven became the residence of earls. In 1106 it became the official residence of dukes of Louvain. During XI – XII centuries Leuven got sufficient popularity as the center of trading and textile industry. However, it lost its importance already in XV-XVI centuries. During both World Wars the town was occupied by the German troops.
Leuven is the lively student city, where there are beautiful parks, bustling pubs and nightclubs, as well as abundance of stylish shops. Nature lovers will enjoy the local Botanical Garden - …
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1. Travelers, who are in Leuven for the first time, are sure to visit the tourist office located next to the Town Hall. There you can purchase a great set of colorful cards and booklets …
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In Leuven, shopping fans will have a chance to explore not only interesting stores but also colorful markets. Near the Cathedral on Smoldersplein Street, you'll find a wonderful flea market …
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Leuven is famous for its historical monuments and picturesque parks. Special entertainment can be found here for tourists with children. There is an excellent amusement park in the city …
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This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Leuven is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Leuven and surroundings
Reference information
Survived castles around Leuven
♥ Castle 'Arenberg Castle' , 2.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Château Pastur' , 20.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Zétrud-Lumay Castle' , 20.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Royal Palace of Laeken Belgium' , 23.9 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Royal Palace of Brussels' , 24.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Arenberg Castle' , 2.1 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Château Pastur' , 20.7 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Zétrud-Lumay Castle' , 20.8 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Royal Palace of Laeken Belgium' , 23.9 km from the center. On the map


♥ Castle 'Royal Palace of Brussels' , 24.1 km from the center. On the map


National and city parks around Leuven
♥ National Park 'Grenspark de Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide' , 61.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'De Loonse en Drunense Duinen' , 91.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'De Groote Peel' , 91.6 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'De Biesbosch' , 97.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Regional Nature Park 'Scarpe-Escaut' , 101 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Grenspark de Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide' , 61.6 km from the center. On the map


♥ National Park 'De Loonse en Drunense Duinen' , 91.2 km from the center. On the map


♥ National Park 'De Groote Peel' , 91.6 km from the center. On the map


♥ National Park 'De Biesbosch' , 97.1 km from the center. On the map


♥ Regional Nature Park 'Scarpe-Escaut' , 101 km from the center. On the map


Sights around Leuven from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Hallerbos Forest
From the series “Stunning Beauty Places of the Earth, Unknown to Tourists”
Check on the map:
Distance from Leuven center - 34.5 km.
The forest is located in the surroundings of the town of Dvorp and is only a 30 minute drive from Brussels. The fact that the sight is located in the immediate vicinity of the large industrial centers makes it even more strange. According to the approximate bills, the age of the unique Blue Forest forms about 400 years. The researchers believe that so extensive hyacinth thickening has formed on its territory in the course of a few centuries. Today, the forest is the unique ecosystem that serves as a location for rabbits, deer and rare birds. If you are lucky, you can meet the forest inhabitants during the hike. …
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Mini-Europe
From the series “Famous Miniature Museums of Architectural Objects and Cities”
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Distance from Leuven center - 25.6 km.
The park is famous not only for its variety of realistic miniatures, but also for its amazing landscape decorations. At its registration, beautiful lawn, various dwarf trees and bushes have been used. Enjoy this beauty is best of all in summer. According to approximate estimates, the Mini Europe miniature park is visited by about 375000 people annually. The annual income of the park is about three million euros. As a rule, tourists spend at least two hours on sightseeing. The park can be visited from early March to early January. …
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Atomium
From the series “Top 16 Most Amazing Buildings of the Planet”
Check on the map:
Distance from Leuven center - 25.2 km.
The unique building, whose design was developed by the outstanding architect Adre Waterkeyn, is today the landmark of national importance. The huge pipes that connect the spheres have not only a decorative purpose. Inside are the escalators and high-speed trains, with the help of which visitors of the 'atom' can move freely through their entire space. In 2006 the unusual building was completely renovated, after which it even looked more attractive. In the evening Atomium is illuminated by the wonderful illumination. The building is surrounded by the picturesque park with fountains and comfortable recreation areas. …
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Expo 2020 in Dubai Was Visited by More Than 7 Million Visitors
If you haven’t visited this event yet, there is still time to book a hotel in Dubai because Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31 March 2022. People who are unable to visit the emirate can make a virtual tour on the Expo 2020 website. By the way, the virtual visitation has already reached 31.6 million by the end of December.
Read this
02.10.2023
If you haven’t visited this event yet, there is still time to book a hotel in Dubai because Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31 March 2022. People who are unable to visit the emirate can make a virtual tour on the Expo 2020 website. By the way, the virtual visitation has already reached 31.6 million by the end of December.

02.10.2023
Search touristic sites on the map of Leuven

