Dining with a view
At the Vaartkom, you can eat and drink overlooking the cosy marina, right in the middle of Leuven’s trendiest district. Enjoy a gastronomic dinner at HOP Gastrobar, eat fully plant-based and have your plate weighed at Noordoever, imagine yourself in Miami on the terrace of Bar Florida, or find a spot among the locals at coffee bar Madmum or cultural meeting place Café Entrepot.
Water games
Of course you can also play in the water itself, especially on a hot summer’s day. Young and old alike can head to Herbert Hooverplein, near the University Library, where the large fountain invites you to run through its jets. Or let your children loose in the small water playground in Sluispark, at the Vaartkom.
Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo
Everything here revolves around water. Just outside the city centre, you’ll find the Provinciedomein with a large and a small pond (for fishing) and a huge water playground. Best of all? From 1 April to 30 September, you can go boating on the large pond in rowing boats, pedalos, or pedal boats for children.
Action on the water
Two waterways run through Leuven: the Leuven-Dijle canal (known locally as De Vaart) and the Dijle River. You can explore both by canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Take your pick from The Shelter, Dijle Floats, or Dobber (SUP rental only).
Unwinding
Need some peace and quiet? Find a spot by the water. For example at the Dijleterrassen: benches along the Dijle river where you can learn more about the Leuven legend of Fiere Margriet. Or visit one of the parks where water plays a starring role: the brand-new Hertogenpark in the heart of the city, where the Dijle has been uncovered once again, the Bellefroid Ponds in Wilsele (a 10-minute bicycle ride from the city centre), or the ponds in Park Abbey (a 30-minute walk from the city centre).
Staying by the water? Why not! The Begijnhof Hotel and Martin’s Klooster are located close to Leuven’s Dijle river.