Botanical Garden
Kruidtuin

Botanical gardens are nature’s art gallery. Refresh in the garden and don’t miss even the art exhibitions in the greenhouse.

Is anyone surprised that the local botanical garden was first built for medicine students? Leuven is the student city par excellence of Flanders, after all.

These days, the 2 hectare botanical garden is open to all. But back in 1783, it was an exclusive student-only herb garden for them to study. A lot of students still use it as a hangout and reading spot. Take a break from studying and stressing to chill in the garden.

• A world of plants: you’ll get to see an insane amount of plants here, from typical ones to the most exotic and tropical species. Make sure to check out the daffodil bulbs (around the outdoor areas of the garden) and the splendid purple wisteria flowers (on the Southern wall of the Orangery).
• Either oranges or art: the garden also houses an “orangery” where orange trees are kept safe and sound in winter. But in spring and the summer, art shows are showcased here. And they change all the time, so there’s something new to see.
• A greener world starts with a greenhouse: a must-see! The 450-m² complex is home to leafy greens, tropical and even aquatic plants that you really can’t find anywhere else in the city.