Leuven is Belgium's answer to Oxford or Cambridge, a university town with a long history and a dynamic modern economy.

The historic centre is dominated by the market square, with its ornate Gothic Town Hall and massive Saint Peter’s church. The Gothic style is well represented in buildings such as the Cloth Hall, the Sestich House and many of Leuven's churches, with the Baroque strong in later religious buildings.

The 13th century beguinage complex, now occupied by the university, has cobbled streets, gardens and stylish 17th century houses. Other distinctive college buildings include the imposing neo-renaissance library, an 18th century octagonal lecture theatre designed for anatomy lessons and a botanical garden with a neo-classical orangery.

The Park Abbey complex on the edge of the city mixes architectural styles, with a strong Baroque element. Its extensive grounds include ponds, meadows, orchards, gardens and woodland. Leuven also boasts the beautiful neo-Gothic Arenberg Castle in Heverlee, surrounded by lakes. The city's canal and the river Dijle provide other opportunities for water scenes, and there are numerous parks and gardens.

The student population and a vibrant arts scene give Leuven a bohemian feeling, along with its colourful bars, restaurants and pavement cafés. Breweries provide 19th century and later industrial style, while modern commercial settings can be found in the city's high-tech business parks. Contemporary design marks the railway station, municipal library and redeveloped industrial zones.

The neighbouring municipalities of Heverlee, Kessel-Lo, Wilsele and Wijgmaal also offer diverse rural and urban locations.