Leuven · Backpacking

The Hi Flanders hostel at Martelarenlaan 11A, directly behind Leuven station through the pedestrian tunnel: 116 beds in 2, 4 and 6-bed rooms, all en-suite, with a bar (The Rusty Elbow) and space for 40 bikes. Book by phone or email if online payment fails.

A UNESCO-listed 13th-century walled quarter of alleys, courtyards and gardens at Groot Begijnhof 7, now KU Leuven student housing. Free to walk through year-round, about 2 km from the station; it is people's homes, so keep the noise down.

Belgium's oldest botanical garden, laid out in 1738 for the university's medical students, at Kapucijnenvoer 30. Free, with a 450 m² glasshouse complex; open from 08:00, closing at 20:00 May to September and 17:00 in winter.

SNCB's weekend fares cut 30% off adult tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and 40% if you are under 26 or over 65. Since Leuven sits on the main Brussels–Liège line, that is the single easiest saving on a Belgian rail trip.

M Leuven is €16, or €6 if you are 19–25 and free under 18. The Kruidtuin, the Great Beguinage, the Sluispark and the Heverleebos woods cost nothing. A day of sightseeing here can genuinely be under €20 before food, which is not true of Bruges or Brussels.