A small-scale trip to Leuven in Belgium, travel through the Middle Ages and immerse yourself in one of the world's top university cities!

If you want to explore a city in Belgium that has both a profound historical heritage and is full of youthful vitality, then Leuven is definitely a place you cannot miss! The city has medieval Gothic architecture, a world-class university atmosphere, and the best beer culture in Belgium. My one-day tour route includes the must-visit attractions in Leuven, and can be used as a reference for those who want to travel. Travel route planning (1-day tour) 🚶‍♂️ Morning: The collision of history and culture 📍 Leuven City Hall (Stadhuis van Leuven) → St. Peter's Church (Sint-Pieterskerk) → Grote Markt In the morning, we arrived at the heart of Leuven, the Grote Markt, which is surrounded by rows of exquisite Gothic buildings, the most dazzling of which is the Leuven Town Hall! It has 236 statues, and every detail is worth a careful look. Standing in the center of the square, you will feel like you have traveled back to the Middle Ages, with the whispers of history all around you. Opposite the Town Hall is St. Peter's Basilica, which houses Rubens' famous painting "The Last Supper", which is worth going in and quietly appreciating. 🍽 Lunch: Taste the authentic Belgian flavor 🔹 Recommended restaurants: Domus Café or Den Angelus After visiting the major landmarks, your stomach should start to growl, right? Why not find an authentic Belgian restaurant nearby, order a plate of beef stew (Stoofvlees) with French fries, and a glass of locally brewed craft beer, and experience the taste feast of Leuven! 🌿 Afternoon: Immerse yourself in academics and tranquility 📍 University of Leuven Library & Bell Tower (Universiteitsbibliotheek & Bibliotheektoren) → University College (Groot Begijnhof) After lunch, we came to the world-renowned University of Leuven. The library and bell tower here were rebuilt after the war. Climbing the bell tower, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the whole Leuven. Strolling around the campus, you can feel the academic atmosphere of this top European university. You may encounter students rushing to class with backpacks on their backs, and feel the youthful pulse of this city. Next, head to the World Cultural Heritage Groot Begijnhof, which was once the living quarters for nuns in the 13th century and is now a tranquil complex of red brick buildings. Walking in the cobblestone alleys, it feels like entering an isolated town, and every corner is a great background for taking photos! 🍻 Evening: Have a drink and enjoy the nightlife of Leuven 📍 Oude Markt (Old Square) or Stella Artois Brewery Leuven is known as the "longest bar street in the world", and this street is Oude Markt (Old Square)! In the evening, the lights in the square came on and the open-air seats were filled with young people. Everyone sat together chatting and drinking, and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed. Find any bar, order a glass of Belgian local Hoegaarden or Stella Artois, and experience the charm of Leuven's nightlife! If you are a beer lover, you can also visit the Stella Artois brewery to learn about the brewing process of this world-famous beer and have a glass of fresh beer right out of the factory! Useful Information Tips ✅ Transportation: It takes 15-25 minutes to reach Leuven by train from Brussels, and you can visit the main attractions in the city on foot. ✅ Best season: The weather is pleasant from April to June and from September to October. There is a Christmas market in December, which is very romantic! ✅ Note: Many museums and shops in Belgium are closed on Sundays. Please confirm the opening hours in advance when planning your itinerary.