Explore Belgium
Belgium and its regions
Belgium is a beautiful country with three main regions: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. Flanders is the northern part of Belgium, where Dutch is spoken. It is known for its medieval cities, such as Bruges and Ghent. Wallonia is the southern part of Belgium, where French is spoken. It is famous for its natural landscapes, such as the Ardennes forest and the Meuse valley. The Walloon region also has a small German speaking part in the East. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the seat of the European Union. It has a cosmopolitan city vibe with a rich cultural diversity and vibrant nightlife. Look below for recommendations on places to visit in Leuven and Belgium.
Leuven
Kruidtuin (Botanical Garden)
The Botanical Garden in Leuven is a beautiful place to visit. It is the oldest botanical garden in Belgium, created in 1738. You can enjoy the many plants, flowers and trees that grow there, and the peace and quiet that reigns there. The Botanical Garden also has a greenhouse, a pond, a rock garden and a bee hotel. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, but also for those who just want to relax in a green oasis. The Botanical Garden is free to enter and open all year round.
Arenberg Castle and park
Arenberg Castle is a stunning example of Flemish Renaissance architecture, located in Heverlee. It was built in the 16th century by the lords of Heverlee, and later renovated in neo-Gothic style by the dukes of Arenberg. The castle is now owned by KU Leuven, and hosts the Engineering and Architecture campus. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, where you can enjoy nature and history. Arenberg Castle is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Leuven!
Stella Artois Brewery
Stella Artois is one of the most famous beers in the world, but did you know that it originated in Leuven? The brewery was founded in 1366 and still produces beer for all over the world. You can visit the brewery on Saturdays and Sundays and enjoy an interactive tour. You'll learn all about the brewing process, history, and taste of Stella Artois. Afterwards, you will be offered a freshly tapped Stella, straight from the brewery.
The University Library Carillon
One of the most distinctive features of the University Library in Leuven is its carillon, a musical instrument consisting of 63 bronze bells that are played by a keyboard. The carillon was installed in 1928 as a gift from the American people to commemorate the reconstruction of the library after it was destroyed by German troops in World War I. The carillon plays every quarter hour, as well as concerts on special occasions and holidays. The music ranges from classical to modern, and sometimes even includes popular songs.
KU Leuven Museum of Zoology
The Museum of Zoology in Leuven is a fascinating place to discover the diversity and evolution of the animal kingdom. You can admire more than 5000 animals and skeletons, from shells and insects to fish and mammals. One of the highlights of the museum is the huge skeleton of a bowhead whale, which hangs from the ceiling. If you love animals and nature, then this museum is definitely worth a visit! It's also free to visit!
Heverlee(bos) Forest
If you love nature and recreation, then Heverleebos in Leuven is an ideal destination for you! This beautiful urban forest offers you plenty of opportunities to walk, cycle or enjoy the peace and quiet and green surroundings. You can also admire exotic tree species in the arboretum, or learn more about the history of the forest as a remnant of the old Coal Forest.
Belgium
Bruges
Bruges is a beautiful city in West-Flanders, famous for its medieval architecture and canals. You can admire the medieval architecture, visit the museums and art galleries, enjoy the canal cruises and horse-drawn carriage rides, and the belfry tower. Bruges is also known as the Venice of the North because of its many bridges and waterways. You will love exploring this charming and romantic city with its rich history and culture.
Spa
Spa is the world's original spa resort famous for its natural springs that have been praised for their healing properties since ancient times. You can enjoy the benefits of these waters at the new spa centre, or admire the elegant pavilion that shelters the Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand spring. Spa also has many attractions to explore, such as the oldest casino in Europe and the Galerie Léopold II with its beautiful wooden ceiling. You can also have fun at the zipline park, or the skydiving centre. Spa is a charming town that will make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Ghent
Ghent offers a combination of medieval and modern city vibes. Whether you are interested in history, culture, art, or nature, you will find something to enjoy in Ghent. Some thing should not miss are The Cathedral of St. Bavo, the scenic Graslei and Korenlei. And of course you can not forget the Fortress of Gravensteen as a student due to the students who took over and captured this fortress in 1949. Ghent also has a vibrant nightlife for the party folks.
Dinant
Dinant is a charming city in Wallonia, that offers many attractions for visitors. You can admire the stunning Citadelle de Dinant, a fortress that overlooks the Meuse river. You can also visit the Maison Leffe, a museum dedicated to the history and production of the famous Belgian beer. If you are looking for some nature and history, you can explore the Parc de Furfooz, a natural reserve that contains ancient ruins and caves. Or you can enjoy a relaxing stroll on the Charles-de-Gaulle Bridge, decorated with colorful saxophones that pay tribute to Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone and a native of Dinant.
See-through Church in Borgloon
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a church that you can't see? Well, you can do just that in Borgloon, where there is an amazing art installation called the invisible church. It is made of steel plates that are cut in the shape of a traditional church, but with gaps between them. The result is a stunning optical illusion that makes the church blend in with the landscape. Depending on the angle and the light, the church can appear or disappear from view. It is a fascinating and beautiful way to explore the concept of spirituality and nature.
Mini Europe in Brussels
Want to visit all of Europe wthout spending to much money? Well, now you can at Mini-Europe, a park where you can discover the most iconic monuments of Europe in miniature. From the Grand Place of Brussels to the Eiffel Tower, from the Vesuvius to Big Ben. You can also interact with the monuments and enjoy live action scenes, such as a bullfight in Seville, a Viking attack or a Brexit demonstration. Mini-Europe is not only fun, but also educational, as you will learn about the history and culture of the 27 member states and the UK.
National Park in Hoge Kempen
If you love nature, you should visit Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen in Belgium. It is the first national park in the country and it covers more than 12 000 hectares of beautiful landscapes. You can enjoy walking, cycling, mountain biking or horse riding on more than 440 km of trails. You can also discover the diverse flora and fauna, the stunning views and the rich history of the region. Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen is a place where you can relax and reconnect with nature.
Bouillon
Bouillon is famous for its medieval castle, where the crusader and King of Jerusalem Godfrey of Bouillon lived. You can explore the castle and admire its impressive fortifications, dungeons and weapons. You can also enjoy a stunning view of the city and the river from the Bouillon Belvedere, a tower that rises 30 metres above the forest. Don't miss the Ducal Museum, where you can learn more about the history and culture of Bouillon and see some fascinating artefacts. Bouillon is also a great place to enjoy nature, as it is surrounded by the beautiful Ardennes forest. You can hike, bike or kayak along the scenic Semois river and discover its enchanting loops and valleys.
Caves of Han
If you are looking for an amazing adventure, you should visit the Caves of Han in Wallonia. These are some of the most beautiful caves in Europe, with incredible rock formations and chambers. You can explore them with a guided tour and marvel at the Origin show, a spectacular sound and light show that takes you back in time. You can also learn about the history and wildlife of the caves at the PrehistoHan museum and the Wildlife Park.