Bar Crawl
Don't take taxi's as it will only take you longer. The preferred way to do this bar crawl is by foot or by bike.
There's two ways to do the bar crawl:
Do the big walking tour (it's a lot of walking) , all pubs should be in the tour.
Improvise (might be less walking), but you'll have to figure the route out yourself.
If you're not into beer and just want to walk a little, you can do the small tour of the city center. Check the bigger one if you don't mind to walk longer.
In den engel
On the great market you'll find hidden in a corner a little café "in the angel". There were mentions of this cafe since 1390 in the city archives. It has played a role in multiple wars (ask the owner about the prisoner exchange in the peasants war).
This is the place to drink (from tap) Abdij van Tongerlo 6°Nox (dark or blond) or a Westmalle. They also have the original beer "Geuze". Try Old Geuze Cuvée René, or Geuze Lindemans if you want to taste beer tradition since the 17th century.
Café Allee
You can order the same beer in different sizes.
- Smaller glass (boerke - 20 cl)
- normal beer (pintje - 25 cl)
- large beer (33 cl, the three above sometimes are the same price).
- Half liter
Huisbrouwerij Domus
Since 1985, this brewery pub has been serving its own beer straight from the tap in Tiensestraat. A pipeline runs directly from the brewery to the bar, ensuring the freshest brew.
Taste their different beers! They also have a great burger or spaghetti.
Leuven Central
This is a warm, welcoming spot with a local vibe. People from Leuven, but also many students frequent this place.
Not sure which beer to try? Try a Duvel, La Chouffe, Hoegaarden (from the tap) or ask for the Beer of the moment.
Jeeskesboom
Café Jeeskesboom (literally translated: the jesus tree) is probably the most local pub in Leuven. It’s not uncommon to see someone enjoying a Stella here in the morning!
De Bierkelder
A Leuven institution! The only underground bar on the Oude Markt, with many legendary student stories attached. The party really kicks off here at night!
Café Belge
A touch of nostalgia and Belgian history on the Oude Markt, offering around 50 different beers. In the evenings, you can dance the night away, and musicians sometimes take advantage of the free stage.
They also have a nice beer menu. Need some inspiration? Ask for a Trappist or a Delirium Tremens, a Golden Dragon (Gulden Draak) or the more local Vlierbeek.