Leuven is one of those Belgian cities that instantly charmed me. Smaller and quieter than nearby Brussels, it’s filled with beautiful historic buildings, independent shops, cosy cafés, and peaceful green spaces. If you’re only visiting for one day, you can still experience plenty without rushing from one attraction to the next.
In this itinerary, I’ll take you along the exact walking route I followed through Leuven, combining one of Belgium’s oldest botanical gardens with cosy cafés, unique independent shops, and the city’s most impressive historic church. It’s the perfect mix of sightseeing, shopping, and great food, making it an ideal day trip from Brussels or even the Netherlands.
Botanical Garden Leuven – Kruidtuin
I recommend starting your day at the Kruidtuin, Leuven’s beautiful botanical garden. If you’re arriving in Leuven by train, it’s about a 30-minute walk from the station, but only 12 minutes by bus. I recommend starting at the botanical garden, because it offers a peaceful start to your day before heading into the busier city centre.
The Kruidtuin is actually the oldest botanical garden in Belgium, dating back to 1738. Originally created for medical students at the University of Leuven to study medicinal plants, it’s now a beautiful public garden that anyone can visit completely free of charge.
One of my favourite parts was the collection of tropical greenhouses. Walking through them almost felt like stepping into another climate, surrounded by towering palms, colourful tropical plants, and lush greenery. Outside, you’ll find beautifully maintained flower beds, ponds, winding pathways, and benches where you can simply sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
I always try to visit botanical gardens whenever I travel, and although this one isn’t huge, I thought it was absolutely lovely. Since admission is free, it’s an easy addition to any Leuven itinerary and a great way to start exploring the city at a relaxed pace.
From here, it’s only a short walk towards one of my favourite cafés in Leuven!
Elisa by JAVA Coffee
After exploring the botanical garden, it’s only about a five-minute walk to Elisa by JAVA Coffee, making it the perfect next stop on this itinerary. Located on Brusselsestraat, this cosy café is an ideal place to recharge before continuing your walk into Leuven’s historic centre.
The café itself is beautifully decorated, but my favourite feature is the stunning open-roof courtyard in the middle of the building. Filled with lush plants, fairy lights, and plenty of natural light, it creates such a cosy and relaxing atmosphere that you’ll happily linger over lunch or a cup of coffee. It almost feels like sitting in a little urban greenhouse.
When I visited, I couldn’t resist ordering a slice of red velvet cake, and it was absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, coffee, or simply somewhere to take a break from sightseeing, Elisa by JAVA Coffee is a lovely spot to unwind before continuing your day in Leuven.
📍 Brusselsestraat 134, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
The Grasshopper
After lunch, continue your walk towards Leuven’s shopping streets, where you’ll come across one of my favourite independent shops in the city: The Grasshopper.
This family-run Belgian toy shop has locations in both Leuven and Brussels and was founded with the idea of bringing together high-quality toys, games and gifts from around the world. Rather than filling the shelves with the same products you’ll find everywhere else, the team carefully curates their collection by visiting national and international toy fairs each year, making every visit feel like a treasure hunt.
Although the shop sells everything from board games and puzzles to creative craft kits, children’s books, dolls, wooden toys and educational gifts, it’s probably best known among visitors for its incredible Jellycat collection. If you’re hoping to bring home one of the brand’s iconic plushies, this is easily one of the best places I’ve come across in Belgium. The shelves are packed with every shape, size and character imaginable, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot one you haven’t seen before.
Even if you’re not shopping for children or aren’t planning to buy anything, it’s simply a lovely shop to browse. The colourful displays, nostalgic toys and playful atmosphere make it difficult to leave empty-handed, and it’s exactly the kind of independent business I love discovering while travelling.
📍 Mechelsestraat 24A, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Animaux Spéciaux
Just a short walk from The Grasshopper, you’ll find another independent shop that’s unlike anywhere else in Leuven.
Animaux Spéciaux first opened its doors in 2014 and has since grown into what the owners describe as a real cabinet of curiosities. Created by artist and taxidermist Jeroen Lemaitre, the shop is filled with an eclectic collection of carefully selected gifts, paper goods and curious objects that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
As you wander through the shop, you’ll discover everything from beautiful stationery, art prints and candles to botanical decorations, quirky home accessories, fascinating books and even taxidermy and preserved insects. It somehow manages to feel both mysterious and inviting at the same time, making it one of those places where every shelf seems to hold another surprise.
I absolutely loved browsing around here because it felt so different from the usual souvenir shops you find in most cities. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a beautiful notebook, or simply want to explore one of Leuven’s most unusual independent stores, Animaux Spéciaux is well worth adding to your itinerary. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, stepping inside is an experience in itself.
📍 Mechelsestraat 17, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Saint Peter’s Church
Finish your day at Saint Peter’s Church, one of Leuven’s most impressive historic landmarks, located right on the beautiful Grote Markt.
The church dates back to the 15th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Brabantine Gothic architecture in Belgium. It was originally designed with three towering spires, but due to unstable ground and financial difficulties, they were never completed, giving the church its distinctive appearance today. While the exterior is already stunning, it’s definitely worth stepping inside. Admission to the church itself is completely free, allowing you to admire its soaring vaulted ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows and remarkable collection of historic artworks.
The interior feels incredibly spacious, with towering vaulted ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows and centuries of history surrounding you. It’s one of those places where it’s worth slowing down for a few minutes to admire all the architectural details.
Even if you’re not usually someone who visits churches while travelling, I’d still recommend popping inside. It’s peaceful, beautifully preserved, and a wonderful way to end your day exploring Leuven.
Leuven may be smaller than cities like Brussels, Bruges or Ghent, but that’s exactly what makes it such an enjoyable day trip. Everything is within walking distance, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace while discovering beautiful gardens, cosy cafés, unique independent shops and impressive historic landmarks along the way.
This itinerary combines everything I personally love about travelling: supporting local businesses, finding peaceful green spaces, enjoying good food and stumbling upon places that make a city feel truly memorable. If you’re planning a day trip to Leuven, I genuinely think this route offers the perfect introduction to one of Belgium’s most underrated cities.
If you’ve already visited Leuven, I’d love to hear about your favourite discoveries in the comments. I’m always looking for an excuse to return!
Xo Bug Girl
Instagram: @thebuggirladventures
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