Seek and find
20 X the best hotspots in Leuven for a wonderful weekend away
Leuven is a fantastic city for a weekend getaway. You can get there from Amsterdam in just 2,5 hours, and it really feels like you're getting away from it all. Not familiar with Leuven yet? To help you get started, we've compiled all the great addresses in one city guide. We'll show you the most beautiful hotels, the best restaurants, and the best shops. We'll also give you tips for fun activities in this Flemish student city, so you won't be bored for a second when you visit. Leuven Go ahead. Have fun during your staycation!
Traveling to Leuven by train? Search here train tickets to Leuven from €29.
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𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟵, 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮
This is one of those weekends that's packed with cool events!
Catch the last cherry blossoms, hunt for vintage treasures or feast on oysters.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 71 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… vintage, culture, markets or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆?
@eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember.
Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤
Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here!
📍 Eetcafé de Reiger
Jordaan, Amsterdam City Centre
Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam.
And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A cookbook from Grandma. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home.
The Sühring brothers do not cook based on trends; they cook from memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations.
@relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care.
This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception.
Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly?
🍴 Labskaus with caviar
🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar
🍴 Game pie
🍴 Dry aged Duck
TIP: If you go to Sühring, reserve the seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux
In this reels I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three Michelin starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the nicest free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself in various places in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can, we’ll go again.
📍In this video, I show where you can fill your bucket.
Comment oester for the comprehensive guide with all details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules.
Important to know:
– Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket)
– For personal use only
– Do not scoop or scrape the soil
– Go at low tide
Handy to take with you:
Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes and garbage bags (for the oysters and dirty clothes).
And of course: also bring an oyster knife, lemon and champagne 🍋🥂Because you want to taste something right away!
The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing.
In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them without much effort. Leave a comment and I'll send it to you right away!
Who do you want to go oyster collecting with soon?
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🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Happy weekend in Amsterdam! I made a list with 79 (!) fun 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯, 𝟰, 𝟱 & 𝟲. This week's guide is packed because of Easter weekend and I saved the best tips for you in the guide on 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 79 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend? Markets, Easter lunches, or a festival?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is the time to make plans for Easter in Amsterdam 👀🐣🐰
Are you team lunch or dinner?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Ps: More tips for Easter in Amsterdam, from restaurants to markets, on WWW.YOURLITTLEBLACKBOOK.ME
Anti-Guide, going around to God that a good thing is!
So close and perfect to go by train, with endless great places to visit.
Think: delicious food, nice hotels, coffee shops for your matcha ;-) and wine bars you actually don't want to leave. During our last trip, we added a few new favorites to the Antwerp Little Black Book once again.
Save this guide for your next city trip to Antwerp. Have fun!
**
⦁ @osakaantwerp
⦁ @mea.antwerp
⦁ @glouglouborgerhout
⦁ @le_pristine_antwerp
⦁ @hertog_jan_at_botanic
**Illegible**
⦁ @hotelfranq
⦁ @viaantwerp
⦁ @hoteldewittelelie
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @millesime.antwerp
⦁ @dogmacocktails
⦁ @cafe.bobby
⦁ @cafezeezicht
⦁ @billiesbierkafetaria
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ @bakkerijfunk
⦁ @polly.antwerp
⦁ @cafe.betty
⦁ @tinsel_antwerp
⦁ @caffenation_coffee
I
⦁ Roof farm @paktantwerpen
⦁ For thrift store finds: Antwaarpe Goeiemorgen
⦁ Shop at @frnchparisofficiel
⦁ For all fashion lovers @momuantwerp
⦁ Must-visit museum @rubenshuisantwerpen
💌What is your favorite hotspot in Antwerp that I absolutely have to visit next time?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it)
📍 Rijksmuseum
📍 Fruittuin van West
📍 Westerpark
📍 Jozef Israëlskade
📍 WG grounds
📍 Nelson Mandela Park
📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen
📍Amstelpark
By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment.
I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
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🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟴 & 𝟮𝟵
This is one of those weekends where your only problem is how you're going to fit everything into this last weekend of March (yes already?!).
From a free event to try new Limited Subs at @ijveramsterdam to slow mornings, a market stroll (or two), maybe finally ticking off that new restaurant that's been on your list for weeks… and ending somewhere with a good glass of wine while telling yourself “just one more” 😉
𝗡𝗲𝘄-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @caferestaurant.meyer
📍 @kamer.bar
📍 @rondo.restaurant
📍 @weinlokalstern
📍 @enotecadeolyphant
📍 @tonton.noord
📍 @yusu.coffee (centre)
📍 @eetcafe.vanbeeren
📍 @kidamsterdam
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 47 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, cocktails or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
3 x where the entire grill tip is located
Not too big,
everything within walking distance,
But plenty of nice hotspots!!
These services (and what clothing) are in the Netherlands perfuse for you to tip this line!
I've got massive spring fever, so it's time for a mini-escape: everything is within walking distance, there are lovely coffee shops, boutiques for shopping, and enough gems to discover in 48 hours ✨
Which city is at the top of your list for a spring getaway?
Let me know in the comments & save for your next girls' trip. 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your sign to plan your next weekend brunch with friends in Amsterdam 👀
@ottolenghi_amsterdam is officially open and the new go-to hotspot for flavors of the Levant.
Open from breakfast to dinner and I can't wait to go back for a lazy weekend brunch with a table full of dishes and good conversations.
Save this one to your Amsterdam Little Black Book 📓!
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
____________________________
Ottolenghi Amsterdam is a new all-day restaurant near Museum Square by chef and entrepreneur @ottolenghi in @mo_hotels @conservatoriumhotel.
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟭 & 𝟮𝟮
It wouldn't be Amsterdam if the weekend wasn't packed with plans. Spring is in the air and I feel like new hotspots are popping up all over the city. HELLO @ottolenghi & @ottolenghi_amsterdam :-)
And yes, market season is officially back. Think vintage finds, design treasures and sunny terrace stops in between.
Plus, plenty of feel-good plans: from a Korean Sunday brunch @nikotin.restobar to a kid-proof pizza nights.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 67 tips straight to your DMs.
Curious… where are you going this weekend? ☀️
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in The Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
Martin's Klooster Hotel
3 X the best hotels in Leuven // Leuven City Guide
Penta Hotel: Do you love urban-style hotels? Then keep the Penta Hotel in mind if you're planning a staycation in Leuven. Industrial-style rooms, yet with a classic touch and vibrant pink accents. Late-night cravings? You can order room service 24/7!
Alfons Smetsplein 7, Leuven, pentahotels.com
Martin's KloosterIn the heart of Leuven, Martin's Klooster is a wonderful hotel to stay in. Here you'll be staying in a former 16th-century monastery where the historical details are still clearly visible. From the hotel, you can walk to the Grote Markt in five minutes.
Our Lady Street 18, Leuven, martinshotels.com
Trumpet HouseNot in the heart of Leuven, but the Trumpet House is highly recommended for a weekend getaway with friends. Situated on a wooded hillside, you have a view of the city from your terrace.
Koestraat 1, Leuven, trumpethouse.com
© Trumpet House, Leuven
5 x the best RESTAURANTS in Leuven // LEUVEN CITY GUIDE
Bar Stan: On Sundays, this neighborhood café is the hotspot for brunch, but during the week, you'll find everything from breakfast to dinner. When the weather is nice, you can relax in the lovely city garden.
Constantin Meunierstraat 2, Leuven, barstan.be
Sausage: Craving comfort food? Then don't miss the Würst and order one of the unique hot dogs with a craft beer.
Margarethaplein 1, Leuven, wurstdogs.be
Coffee Onan: When the weather is nice, you can enjoy people-watching from the terrace at Koffie Onan while drinking a good cup of coffee made from home-roasted beans.
Parisstraat 28, Leuven, koffieonan.be
Sticks & Bowls: For the tastiest poké bowls, head to the hotspot Sticks & Bowls in Leuven. My favorite is the bowl with quinoa and salmon, but you can also opt for chicken or vegetarian.
Naamsestraat 45, Leuven, sticksandbowls.be
Zappaz: Looking for a culinary evening? Book a table at Zappaz, just outside the city center, and enjoy the culinary tapas. One of the best restaurants in the city!
Schipvaartstraat 22, Leuven, zappaz.be
© Zappaz, Leuven
8 X The nicest shops in Leuven // LEUVEN CITY GUIDE
Inlevel5: This mix-and-match store proves beyond any other that sustainability, eco-friendliness, and hipness go hand in hand these days. Here, you can shop guilt-free and fill your wardrobe with the most beautiful pieces. Highly recommended!
Vaartkom 3, Leuven, inlevel5.be
Special Animals: For the most beautiful (botanical) wonders of nature for your interior. You'll definitely want to stop by during your visit to Leuven!
Mechelsestraat 73, Leuven, animauxspeciaux.be
Cyanide: At this secondhand clothing store, someone else's designer mispurchases become your new fashion acquisitions for next to nothing.
Diestestraat 153, Leuven, cyaankali.be
Coffee and Steel: At first glance, it's just a specialty coffee bar, but Koffie en Staal is so much more than that! Here you'll find the most beautiful, handcrafted furniture and jewelry. A must-see hotspot in Leuven, if you ask me.
Mechelsestraat 140, Leuven, koffieenstaal.be
PLACE: If you walk into Plek, there's a good chance you'll leave with something beautiful. From tableware to African baskets, you'll find it all here.
Mechelsestraat 123, Leuven, plekshop.be
© Plek, Leuven
Design District: Lovers of Scandinavian design will want to check out this shop. From the smallest vase to the most beautiful sofa, items from both established brands and emerging designers.
Justus Lipsiusstraat 18, Leuven, design-district.be
Belva: This shop sells only accessories from Belgian designers that owner Sophie personally knows and selects. Find the most beautiful handbags, shoes, jewelry, scarves, and other small designer items here.
Parisstraat 5, Leuven, belva.be
liv: This multi-brand boutique focuses on Scandinavian and French designers. Owner Evelyne selects the most timeless pieces that are easy to mix and match.
Mechelsestraat 16, Leuven, liv-store.com
© Liv, Leuven
4 X Leuven BUCKETLIST // LEUVEN CITY GUIDE
Visit a breweryj: In Leuven and the surrounding area, you'll find several breweries you can visit. The Stella Artois Brewery is undoubtedly the most famous, but it's much more fun to visit one of the smaller breweries, such as the Domus brewery. Tip: order a tasting of three different beers.
domusleuven.be
Snack Tap: On the first Sunday of August, Leuven transforms into one giant open-air restaurant during the Hapje Tapje food festival. Foodies? Plan your visit this weekend, follow the route, and sample culinary delights and local beers at various stalls and restaurants along the way.
facebook.com/hapjetapje
Urban Art Bike Tour: Renting a bike in a city is always recommended. It's a great way to see a lot in a short time and explore the neighborhoods outside the city center. In Leuven, it's even more fun to combine cycling with an Urban Art Tour! In two hours, you'll discover the city's most beautiful street art.
facebook.com/leuvenurbanart
M: M stands for Museum Leuven, and it's definitely worth a visit, especially on a rainy day. The building's striking blend of modern and traditional architecture makes it a striking sight. Want a beautiful view of the city? Don't miss M's rooftop terrace!
mleuven.be
© René Heyvaert, M for Museum Leuven
Have fun in Leuven!
Do you have any other great tips for Leuven? Let us know via the button below and TIP THE EDITORS!
Have you read my book Staycation yet?
You can find more tips like those in this blog in my book STAYCATION. A book with the best addresses and travel tips for a holiday close to home. STAYCATION Find 22 city guides to surprising (and well-known) cities in the Netherlands and Belgium. With tips for great places to stay, nice restaurants, shops, and things to do. Read more about the content here >> Want to order your own copy? Click the button below!
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⋙ Are you following me on Instagram yet? @YOULRBB I share (almost) every day personal tips about delicious food, new places to eat, and a personal glimpse into my life as an entrepreneur and mom of a two-year-old. Do you like kids' tips? Then also follow my dedicated @TRAVELKIDS.CO account about family travel and fun things to do with kids.
⋙ Want to get inspired for a STAYCATION in the Netherlands? Get my Staycation book in-house with 22 guides to the best cities in the Netherlands and Belgium and more weekend getaways in your own country.
Are you already dreaming of far-flung travels? In my Wanderlust books, I share my best tips from 8 years of Your Little Black Book. With guides for destinations from Cape Town to Sri Lanka.
> Shop Feed Your Wanderlust – Guide to a Bohemian Lifestyle here.
> Order Wanderlust – Your Urban Travel Style Guide here.
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With love,
Anne
| PS: Do you know Your Little Black Book's Green PolicyHere you'll find my personal tips on how to travel and live greener, and I'll explain why and how I offset the CO2 emissions from all the trips #teamyourlbb makes.
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