Spend a Weekend

Arrive on a Friday evening and check into either B&B Keyser Carel or the Klooster Hotel, both of which are close to the heart of town.

Start with a drink in either the B&B, which has an honesty bar, or the hotel or, if you wish to venture further afield, in the Oude Markt. Follow it up with dinner at any number of excellent restaurants, including Kapsiki (Parijstraat 34) serving world food or the tapas restaurant De 3 Tonghen (Busleidengang 6a, Vismarkt).

On Saturday morning, visit the weekend flower and produce market on Brusselsestraat, followed by a visit to the Grand Begijnhof. Wander through the university section of town and, if the weather is good, stop off at a local grocery store and enjoy a simple picnic in either Sint-Donatuspark or, if you feel like walking a little further afield, in Kruidtuin, the botanical garden. If it's not picnicking weather, then stop at the trendy De Werf (Hogeschoolplein 5) where diners can eat outside even in the less warm months, wrapped up in blankets provided by the restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the delights of the Grote Markt, before heading along Mechelstraat for a spot of retail therapy. If you have enough energy, make sure you climb the small hill on which sits St Geetruikerk's Church for great views over the city.

As it's Saturday night, splash out on a Belgian gastro experience at either d'Artagnan (Krakenstraat 9) or Zarza (Bongenotenlaan 92).

On Sunday, you will have time to explore the countryside surrounding Leuven. If it's summer, it's definitely worth visiting the Castle of Arenberg, where the picturesque gardens are open to the public. The castle is a 20-minute walk from the city centre. A little further afield, around a 30-minute walk from the heart of Leuven, is Park Abbey, which has more to offer with the church and several other monastery buildings being open to the public in the afternoon (from 4pm).