Experience the university

The university is present throughout the city

Discover Leuven as a university city. For more than 600 years, the university has shaped the city’s appearance, atmosphere and daily life. Walk past historic college buildings, admire impressive heritage sites and experience the vibrant student city of today.

6 places that complete your university visit

University Library and Tower

Discover the iconic University Library of Leuven and enjoy a stunning panorama over the city from the tower.

Great Beguinage

Stroll through a network of streets, squares, and parks. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

University hall

The university's nerve centre houses a coffee bar, cosy work spots and KU Leuven gift shop.

Arenberg Castle and Park

Just outside the city centre lies this impressive castle, surrounded by a beautiful park.

Museum of Zoology

The museum houses the zoological collection of KU Leuven and is located in the Koningscollege.

Colleges

Buildings steeped in history, the university’s beating hart.

From Saturday 12 December 2026

Living care and science

Vesalius Museum

Vesalius Museum is opening in the heart of the city: a place where healthcare comes to life and science is at your fingertips.

Discover the university with a guide

Visit a university building

Take a look behind the scenes of the university. With a guide, you can visit buildings that are often closed to the public.

Sun 11 October 2026

Heritage Tour KU Leuven: Arenberg Castle external link

Visit the nicely decorated salons of this monumental castle, set in the middle of a beautiful park. For many centuries the castle was the home of noblemen, today it is mainly visited by students and university staff.
Sun 18 October 2026

Heritage Tour KU Leuven: University Hall external link

For many centuries, this has been the headquarters of KU Leuven. A guide will take you through the beautiful Rector’s Salons, the impressive Promotion Hall, and up to the top floor for a panoramic view of Leuven.
Sat 31 October 2026

Heritage Tour KU Leuven: Holland College external link

With its beautiful chapel, library and winter garden, this is definitely one of the most beautiful and best-preserved old colleges of KU Leuven.

Discover all guided tours of university buildings

Explore university heritage on foot 

The university showcases its rich cultural heritage. Every weekend, you can join a guided walk.

With a guide, every Saturday

Walk: Six centuries of the university in Leuven

Ready to discover six centuries of history? Take a guided tour of the historic centre in English.
Sun 6 December 2026

Heritage Walking Tour: Colleges and Laboratories, Hidden Science in Leuven external link

Over the past six centuries, scientific research has taken on an increasingly important role at the University of Leuven. A guide takes you past seven colleges where scientific research once took place and outlines the evolution of scientific thought, from Mercator to Lemaître.

Discover at your own pace

Explore the university whenever it suits you. Head out with an app or brochure.

Bruggetje in het Groot Begijnhof
With an app

Explore the KU Leuven Campuses

With the KU Leuven Walking Tours app, you can explore the different campuses at your own pace. Discover centuries of history and surprising stories.
With a brochure of an app

Art and science route: And So, Change Comes in Waves external link

Art and science combined in a single walking route. Discover eight works of contemporary art and eight poems.
With a brochure

Walk through the universe

Urban artwork 'Primeval Atom'.

More inspiration for your visit

Read our blog with tips, stories and surprising places to discover Leuven as a university city.

Universiteitsbibliotheek / University Library

Experience the university in Leuven

Leuven is captivated by its university and students, and it shows. Throughout the city there are traces of its history and the current student life

Do you have a question?

Contact us. We are happy to help.

Call us

+32 16 20 30 20

Mail us

visit@leuven.be
You will get an answer as soon as possible.

Visit us

Address

Jozef Vounckplein 2
3000 Leuven

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