Travel Budget for Leuven Visit Leuven on a Budget or Travel in Style

Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
Europe / Belgium / Flanders /
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Leuven is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Leuven?

You should plan to spend around $243 (€214) per day on your vacation in Leuven. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $96 (€85) on meals
  • $70 (€61) on local transportation
  • $211 (€185) on hotels

A one week trip to Leuven for two people costs, on average, $3,407 (€2,996). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $243
    €214
  • One Week Per person
    $1,704
    €1,498
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,407
    €2,996
  • One Month Per person
    $7,301
    €6,420
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,407
    €2,996
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,814
    €5,992
  • One Month For a couple
    $14,602
    €12,840
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Leuven cost?

A one week trip to Leuven usually costs around $1,704 (€1,498) for one person and $3,407 (€2,996) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Leuven on average costs around $3,407 (€2,996) for one person and $6,814 (€5,992) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Leuven will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Leuven on average costs around $7,301 (€6,420) for one person and $14,602 (€12,840) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Leuven expensive to visit?

Leuven is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Leuven can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $101 (€94) per day, mid-range travelers spend $231 (€214) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $442 (€408) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Leuven.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Leuven is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Windsor or Kitzbuhel.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Leuven Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Leuven?

The average Leuven trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Leuven travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Leuven cost?

Leuven on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$46
(€41) 		$105
(€93) 		$201
(€177)
Local Transportation1 $30
(€27) 		$70
(€61) 		$133
(€117)
Food2 $42
(€37) 		$96
(€85) 		$184
(€162)
Entertainment1 $11
(€9.95) 		$26
(€23) 		$49
(€43)
Alcohol2 $6-19
(€5-16) 		$14-43
(€13-38) 		$27-82
(€24-72)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your budget for Leuven. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $101 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Leuven is packed with plenty of hostels, including Leuven City Hostel. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Leuven, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $231 per person, per day.

There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Leuven. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. B&B Guesthouse Begijnhof is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Martin's Klooster is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Leuven here.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $442 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city with Mercedes V class 7 pax - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Leuven

The cost of hotels in Leuven can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $81, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $151. Budget hotels range from $57 to $222, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Leuven for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $211 (€185). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $105 (€93) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $105
    €93
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $211
    €185

Hotels in Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Leuven? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Leuven

The average hotel room price in Leuven based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $81 in the low season and $151 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Leuven include:

  • The Fourth - Tafelrond starting at $142
  • Martin's Klooster starting at $105
  • B&B Guesthouse Begijnhof starting at $130
  • B&B Daya starting at $89
  • B&B Lodgingat8 starting at $116
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Leuven

By skipping and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Leuven

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $70 (€61) per person, per day, on local transportation in Leuven. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Leuven is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $70
    €61

The nearest major airport is Brussels Airport, which has international flights serving Europe, America, Africa, and Asia. A train and a bus station are located right at the airport with trains to Leuven running every half hour on weekdays and every hour on the weekend. Taxis are also available. It takes about 20 minutes by car and 13 minutes by train to reach Leuven from the airport.

Leuven's busy railway station is also connected to multiple locations in Brussels, Mechelen, Lier, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Liege, Mons, the Flemish coast, and many more.

Transportation Tips

Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) <-> City Center 1-3 PAX (ONE WAY) for $115 details
  • Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) <-> City Center 7 PAX (ONE WAY) for $162 details
  • PRIVATE MPV TRANSFER FROM/TO BRUSSELS AIRPORT (Max 6 pax) ONE-WAY for $126 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Leuven
How much does it cost to go to Leuven? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Leuven
The price of renting a car in Leuven will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Leuven

Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Leuven can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Leuven is $96 (€85) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $96
    €85

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Leuven is around $92 (€85) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $175. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Leuven are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $28
  • Lunch: $14 to $37
  • Dinner: $28 to $64
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

Most people think of Belgium food specialties and they think chocolate, waffles, and beer. Inventors of the chocolate bar and the praline, the Belgian chocolate industry indeed has produced some of the highest quality chocolate since the 17th century. Waffles are, of course, a common street snack and dessert, while beer is produced in a range of more than 1,000 varieties-each matched with a different food dish. Some meals even use beer as an ingredient, such as carbonade which consists of a stew of beef cooked in beer, similar to boeuf bourguignon. Fries are also extremely popular, as they most likely originated in Belgium. They are usually served with sauces, most often mayonnaise or ketchup. Other common dishes include moules-frites (mussels with fries), steak-frites (steak with fries), waterzooi (a rich stew of chicken or fish, vegetables, cream, and eggs), and boudin (a kind of sausage).

In Leuven most restaurants are tasty and affordable due to the student population. Muntstraat has a variety of options from traditional Belgian to international restaurants like Chinese, Mexican, or Italian. Other great waypoints for dining include Grand Place, Oude Markt (Old Market), and Parijsstraat.

Food & Dining Tips

Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.

Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.

If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Leuven. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Mechelen Food Tour for $93 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Leuven

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Leuven typically cost an average of $26 (€23) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $26
    €23

The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, abbreviated KU Leuven, is a university that conducts teaching and research in the sciences, engineering, humanities, medicine, law, and social sciences. It is also the oldest Catholic University in the world still in existence, founded in 1425. Although much of the city suffered damage during both World Wars, the historic center has been preserved and buildings like the University Library have since been restored.

Leuven also contains two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of these sites is the Groot Begijnhof (Grand Beguinage), which includes a completely restored historical quarter south of downtown Leuven. It is also one of the largest remaining beguinages (an architectural complex created to house beguines, or religious women) in the Low Countries. The second UNESCO site is St Peter’s Church, whose belfry is a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France. The University buildings and Leuven's historic center are also on Belgium’s tentative list to become a World Heritage Sites.

Another impressive site is the Leuven Town Hall whose Gothic edifice is decorated with hundreds of statues of local figures, biblical characters, and saints.



Whether explored on one's own or via guided tour, Leuven's historical landmarks and architecture are worth visiting. Most are located within the city's historical center. For those who enjoy art museums, Leuven is also home to the M-Museum, which exhibits a combination of modern art and work from the past centuries. Since the city is also known for its breweries, you may also want to experience the beer-drinking scene. Inbev’s main Belgian beer factory is located in Leuven, producing famous brands such as Stella Artois, Vieux Temps, and Leffe Radieuse. Depending on the day of the week there are also various markets, as well as seasonal markets like the Christmas Market where visitors can shop for Christmas gifts, taste local specialties, and drink a glass of Gluhwein or brandy. Various events and festivals are held year-round.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Leuven. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen for $79 details
  • Pub Trail Mechelen: an adventure full of surprises for $13 details
  • Belgium Mechelen Guided Tour Guide for $30 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Leuven

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $29 (€25) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Leuven per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $29
    €25
Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.



Travel cost data last updated: Mar 6, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Leuven

  • Peak season brings higher prices and more people to the destination. To avoid the chaos and save some money, consider a trip during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Slowing your travel tempo can not only save you money but also let you enjoy the stunning beauty of your surroundings. When you pack each day with activities, costs can rise rapidly. However, a more relaxed pace usually leads to lower expenses and a more enjoyable experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • With limited public transportation in Leuven, it could be wise to rent a car or arrange for transportation, such as a tour. Just keep in mind that this might affect your budget in other areas.
  • If you're hoping to find a hostel in Leuven, you might be disappointed. Instead of dorms, consider searching for affordable hotels or apartment rentals.
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Traveling in Leuven
Leuven Leuven, Belgium

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.



Neighborhoods & Around

In Leuven, the best place to start to orient oneself is at the center. Old Market, or Oude Markt, lies in the midst of it all. Not only is the market a pedestrian area, but there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to indulge in. The Grote Markt (Grand Place) is where the tourist information desk is situated. Also in this central location is a 15th-century town hall with its iconic tall spires, across from which sits the late Gothic St. Peter's Church. The university lies just southeast of here, making it very easy for students to frequent the city center.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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