Take a bike ride along the Leuven Canal
Autumn temperatures in Leuven are generally mild. There are some rainy days, but luckily there are sunny ones too. So take a bike and ride along the Leuven Canal to get some fresh air. The tall trees along the canal show their most vivid colours every autumn.
After a nice bike ride, you can stop at the Vaartkom, near the Leuven Canal. Stop by coffee bar Madmum for a warm cup of coffee and a delicious pastry. Or visit one of the many other cosy coffee bars that Leuven abounds with.
Autumn walk and brewery visit in Kessel-Lo
In need of some rest? Leave the centre of Leuven behind and make your way to the Provincial Domain in Kessel-Lo. The Provincial Domain is the perfect place to spend time in nature when autumn is in the air. Young and old come to the beautiful park to walk, play, exercise, or explore the ecocentre.
Kessel-Lo is also home to the friendly neighbourhood brewery De Coureur. Brewers Bart & Ine brew and tap the most flavourful beers, serve homemade soft drinks, and offer tasty snacks.
Time travel to Arenberg Castle
Plot twist: time travel is real. And it's not that hard − just pay a visit to Arenberg Castle. This historic castle park is part of Science and Technology at KU Leuven, Leuven's university, and is overrun by students in the autumn. Autumn is the perfect time to visit the castle and the green estate around it and watch the colours change.
Need another tip for a beautiful autumn day? Follow a guided tour of the castle as well as the other historical university heritage in Arenberg Park. In 2025, KU Leuven celebrates its 600th anniversary and there will be almost that many opportunities to visit these heritage gems.
Discover Park Abbey
Park Abbey in autumn is highly recommended, and especially for a family visit. Visit Museum PARCUM, the abbey museum that exhibits the historical rooms of the 12th-century abbey. Fun for kids, because the museum offers special quests and an audio tour.
The park around the abbey is a green, peaceful area on the outskirts of the city, which looks beautiful in autumn. The three large ponds with many birds, swans, and ducks and the beautiful surrounding trees create the perfect autumn walk full of crisp leaves and seasonal colours.
Psst. There is a very easy and child- and pram-friendly walk around the lake that takes about 30 minutes. So bring the whole family!
Street art at your own pace
Did you know Leuven has beautiful street art all over its buildings? A beautiful autumn day is the perfect time to go on a tour of the many artworks yourself! Our tip: Download the free Street Art Cities app for a full list of all street art with information on the artist and artwork. Take a photo in front of your favourite artwork and tag @visitleuven in your post on social media so we can see and share your photos!
Comfort food
Few things will lift your spirits more than a warm plate of Belgian beef stew or vol-au-vent when it gets cold outside. Leuven has plenty of addresses where it is nice and cosy in the autumn, and where the best Belgian classics are served. From De Hoorn in the Vaartkom to De Abdijmolen, the restaurant in Park Abbey’s restored abbey mill.
There’s too much to explore in one autumn day! So do yourself a favour: book a night in one of Leuven’s charming B&Bs or stylish hotels.
