Lokeren(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Louvain, the standout choice is Hotel de la Paix, a century-old boutique hotel nestled near the Church of Our Lady and Town Hall. Its original 19th-century wooden beams and hand-painted murals reflect Flemish heritage, while modern design elements enhance comfort. The hotel hosts regular exhibitions by local artists and vintage markets, offering guests an immersive experience in East Flanders' cultural identity. Stay here to live like a true local.

The Old Town (Vieux-Louvois) is perfect for first-time travelers. Located just steps from the Market Square, Bell Tower, and Flemish Craft Workshops, this district offers quiet streets, historic architecture, and easy access to public transport. Stay at B&B Maison des Arts, which provides authentic Flemish breakfasts and free bike rentals—ideal for exploring the city’s heart at your own pace.

Don’t miss the Annual Flemish Weaving Festival held at the Louvain Textile Museum, where guests can try traditional medieval looms and learn Flemish tapestry techniques. During summer, enjoy open-air opera performances in the Town Hall Garden, featuring local choirs and classic operas paired with Belgian beer and grilled meats—creating a rich Low Countries atmosphere unlike any other.

Yes, FamilyStay Louvain stands out as a top family-friendly option. Located beside the Children's Park, it features a playroom, kids’ cooking workshops, and complimentary cribs. The hotel also offers a family-friendly map highlighting child-safe attractions like the Animal Cottage Zoo and interactive water playground, ensuring every member enjoys a stress-free vacation.

Visit the Louvain Bell Tower (Cloche de Louvain), built in the 14th century and now housing the Flemish Historical Archives. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the old town and the Rhineland River tributaries. Another must-see is the St. John’s Abbey Ruins, once a major medieval academic center. Today, it serves as an archaeological site showcasing ancient manuscripts and reconstructed monastic life, revealing deep religious and scholarly roots.

Many hotels partner with Michelin-starred restaurants to offer exclusive culinary packages. For example, Hotel du Château features a "Flemish Flavors Trio Box" with beef stewed with potatoes, crispy fried fish with sauerkraut, and a handmade almond cream cake, all made using farm-fresh ingredients. Some hotels even host cooking classes where guests learn to prepare traditional dishes with Flemish special sauces, deepening their connection to regional gastronomy.

Try Le Jardin Secret, a secluded boutique hotel hidden behind a rose garden alley. Each room has a private terrace and a starlight skylight. The hotel offers custom candlelit dinners featuring Belgian chocolate and cherry brandy desserts. Start your day with hot chocolate and Flemish pancakes at the garden café, then stroll across the Louvain Bridge at sunset—perfect for creating unforgettable memories together.

Louvain is highly accessible by public transit. It’s just 30 minutes by train from Antwerp and 50 minutes from Brussels. While there’s no metro, the city has a dense bus network and bike-sharing stations. Most hotels provide free shuttle buses from the train station to the city center. Additionally, the Louvain Station offers car rental services, making it easy to explore nearby Flemish countryside and wine villages at your leisure.

Yes, nearly all hotels employ multilingual staff fluent in English, French, Dutch, and German. Premium properties like Hôtel de l'Église offer Chinese audio guides and bilingual menus. Front desk personnel are trained in international hospitality standards and can assist with ticket bookings, guided tours, or emergency needs—ensuring seamless travel for non-European language speakers.

During the Winter Christmas Market (late November to December), the Market Square transforms into a magical light-lit village. Hotels like Lakeview Garden Hotel offer Winter Stay Packages with hot glühwein, gingerbread sets, and limited-edition souvenirs. Demand spikes during this period, so HopeGoo at least six weeks in advance is recommended. In spring, the Flower Festival draws crowds—Garden View Hotel offers a "Flowers & Bikes" combo tour combining scenic views with ecological education, a season-exclusive highlight.