Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Louvain-la-Neuve, the top family-friendly hotel is Hotel Le Relais de la Croix Blanche, located near the city center and close to UCLouvain and Notre-Dame Church. It offers spacious family rooms, child-friendly amenities, and a garden with play areas. The nearby Parc Marc provides green space for outdoor activities, making it ideal for parents seeking quiet, safe accommodations.

Another excellent choice is ibis Styles Louvain-la-Neuve, which features modern design, smart room tech, and a breakfast buffet with local Belgian treats like fresh croissants, cheese, and ham. Both hotels provide shuttle services to the train station and airport, ensuring seamless travel. Their welcoming atmosphere blends academic charm with family comfort, perfect for students, families, and explorers alike.

The best area for hotel stays in Louvain-la-Neuve is around the UCLouvain campus and central square, where you’ll find a vibrant mix of academic energy, cultural venues, and daily conveniences. This district offers easy access to the Town Hall Square, Art Museum, and numerous cafés and bookshops, creating a lively yet peaceful environment.

The historic Old Town section, with its 19th-century stone buildings and narrow alleys, is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity. Whether you're visiting for research, leisure, or study, staying here ensures proximity to universities, public transport, and green spaces. Plus, it’s just 30 minutes from Brussels by train, making it an ideal base for exploring Belgium’s capital.

In Louvain-la-Neuve, don’t miss the University Festival (Fête de l'Université) held annually in spring, featuring live music, art exhibitions, student markets, and open lectures—perfect for experiencing youthful creativity. Visit the main building of UCLouvain and its world-class medieval library, housing over 200,000 rare manuscripts, a true treasure of European academia.

Join a guided historical walking tour through the old stone streets and Notre-Dame Church, learning about the town’s industrial past and urban planning evolution. For art lovers, the Louvain-la-Neuve Art Gallery showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary Belgian artists, reflecting the region’s commitment to innovation and intellectual exchange. These experiences offer deep insight into the town’s identity as a knowledge-driven community.

Yes, hotels in Louvain-la-Neuve are exceptionally convenient for reaching Brussels. The Louvain-la-Neuve Train Station offers direct high-speed rail connections to Brussels South Station in just 25 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day.

Hotels like Hotel Le Relais de la Croix Blanche and ibis Styles Louvain-la-Neuve provide free or discounted shuttle services to the station. Many also partner with the Brussels City Card, granting unlimited public transit and free entry to major attractions. This seamless connectivity makes Louvain-la-Neuve an ideal base for travelers who want to enjoy a calm, academic setting while easily accessing Brussels’ museums, shopping districts, and international events.

For couples, the most romantic option in Louvain-la-Neuve is Le Clos des Chèvres, a boutique guesthouse nestled in a tree-lined lane, offering private gardens, a starlit terrace, and spa tubs with luxury amenities. Each room is thoughtfully designed with soft lighting and handmade chocolates.

Another top pick is the Romantic Suite at Hotel Le Relais de la Croix Blanche, featuring red-themed décor, a double Jacuzzi, and a secluded balcony overlooking Parc Marc. Both properties are in quiet neighborhoods near poetic walking paths along the university. Pair your stay with dinner at La Table du Vigneron, a Michelin-recommended restaurant serving classic French-Belgian cuisine, for a truly unforgettable experience.

Yes, nearly all hotels in Louvain-la-Neuve offer excellent breakfast services. ibis Styles Louvain-la-Neuve and Hotel Le Relais de la Croix Blanche serve a generous buffet with authentic Belgian items such as freshly baked croissants, artisanal bread, local cheeses, smoked ham, and fresh juices.

Some boutique hotels go further with "Local Flavour Breakfast"—featuring farm-fresh eggs, regional honey, and handcrafted pastries sourced directly from nearby producers. Certain establishments also provide late check-out options and takeaway breakfast boxes for early departures. These meals not only fuel your day but also introduce guests to Belgium’s rich culinary traditions, making mornings a delightful part of the journey.

Photography enthusiasts should visit the main facade of UCLouvain, with its striking Gothic architecture and stained-glass dome—especially stunning at golden hour. The Parc Marc fountain surrounded by century-old oaks creates a natural frame perfect for landscape shots.

Explore the old town’s cobbled streets and colorful windows for vintage urban scenes. The Notre-Dame Church tower and interior stained glass offer dramatic religious imagery. For candid moments, visit the weekend University Market Square, where students, street performers, and artisans create dynamic, spontaneous compositions. These locations combine architectural beauty, historical depth, and human stories—ideal for both professional and personal projects.

Yes, Louvain-la-Neuve is highly suitable for long-term stays. Hotels like Hotel Le Relais de la Croix Blanche and ibis Styles Louvain-la-Neuve offer extended-stay packages with laundry services, dedicated workspaces, and free high-speed Wi-Fi—perfect for researchers, remote workers, or students.

The area is home to UCLouvain, technology parks, and numerous co-working spaces, creating a productive academic ecosystem. With abundant green spaces, bike lanes, and quiet residential streets, it supports a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Guests can also join local events like literary salons and music nights, fostering deeper integration into the community—making it more than just a place to stay, but a living environment.

Hotels in Louvain-la-Neuve actively foster local immersion. Hotel Le Relais de la Croix Blanche hosts monthly "Local Table Evenings," where guests dine with residents and sample family recipes like carbonade flamande and oyster pie.

Many hotels partner with the Louvain-la-Neuve Public Library, offering complimentary access to study materials and event calendars. Others organize weekend tours to independent bookshops, antique stores, and craft studios, highlighting local artisans. These initiatives go beyond hospitality—they build bridges between visitors and the community, allowing travelers to truly experience the intellectual and cultural heartbeat of this knowledge-based town.

In Louvain-la-Neuve, must-try local dishes include Carbonade Flamande—a rich beef stew simmered in beer with caramelized onions and potatoes—and Oyster Pie, a savory pastry filled with fresh mussels and herbs, often served with white wine.

Don’t miss the Amande Galette from Boulangerie du Marché, a delicate almond cake with a hint of orange blossom. For dessert, visit Café L’Épicurien for a warm Belgian chocolate lava cake paired with expertly brewed coffee. These dishes reflect the region’s agricultural roots and culinary craftsmanship, offering a delicious way to explore authentic Walloon culture during your stay.