Ghent to Leuven and Mechelen: Private day trip

Leuven blends the buzz of a student town with centuries of history. From the soaring Gothic buildings to the birthplace of Stella Artois. Begin your stop in Leuven at the town hall on the Grote Markt. Its spiky towers and carved figures are a Gothic masterpiece. Stroll through the quiet courtyards of the University of Leuven. It’s one of Europe’s oldest universities and is still buzzing with student life. The University Library was rebuilt after WWI and is both a beautiful and symbolic reminder of the city’s resilience. Beer fans will know Leuven as the home of Stella Artois, brewed here since 1926. For something calmer, head to the UNESCO-listed Grand Begijnhof for a maze of cobbled streets and hidden gardens.

Mechelen might be small, but it’s full of surprises. It's sky-high cathedral views and royal history woven into every street. Start at St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and climb the belfry for city-wide views. Listen to the chime of carillon bells echoing across the rooftops. Mechelen was once the seat of power under Margaret of Austria. You can still feel that history in its squares and old palaces. Don’t miss the Royal Tapestry Workshops, where you can see centuries-old weaving traditions that still produce pieces for churches and royal homes. As you wander, you’ll spot guild houses, indie shops, and cafes that feel genuinely local. Compared to more touristy places, Mechelen feels refreshingly down-to-earth.