SHOPPING IN LEUVEN The best addresses for every taste and style
For homebodies p.4
For homebodies or real, aspiring Leuven residents, cosy family people or eco-minded lovers of life, everyone really finds their thing in this city. We treat you to a selection of addresses not to be missed on your next shopping trip!
Do green p.9
That’s typical Leuven! p.16
Handsome little ones p.22
FOR HOMEBODIES A cosy blanket, a pile of cushions, watching a series and a view of beautiful odds and ends on a perfectly set table. These are top tips for cocooners!
1. DE TAFEL VAN FELIZ You would be happy with less at a table with coloured tiles for coasters, fine white goods and the most beautiful crockery. Whatever party you want to set the table for: this shop has the perfect items. Mechelsestraat 11 · detafelvanfeliz.be
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2. MIRTE FLOWERS They have been covering colourful facades, party halls and shop windows for 20 years, but you can also just buy a bouncy bunch of flowers for someone you like or just for yourself. With matching flower pots and vases from Belgian brands. Mechelsestraat 41 · mirte.be
MIRTE FLOWERS
3. ANIMAUX SPECIAUX Many people gaze at the stuffed animals under a bell jar in the shop window. But inside you will discover many more treasures. Wonderful decoration and stationery and curious gadgets. Here you will find the perfect gift. Mechelsestraat 17 · animauxspeciaux.com
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4. PLEK In PLEK there is room for slow living, enjoying, coming home. The things you see are timeless, honest and high-quality, from coffee pot to cupboard. Ready to last for generations! Mechelsestraat 123 · plekshop.be
PLEK ©LiefstLeuven
5. DESIGN DISTRICT Whether it’s a refined piece of furniture, fresh and homely accessories or a tailor-made advice plan for your entire living space, you can find it all here! In this business, they fall for strong visual language, sustainable quality and brands that remain, such as Hay, Muuto and ferm LIVING.
DO GREEN Here everything is eco, sustainable, pre-loved and beautiful. What you find is sweet for you and the planet!
Justus Lipsiusstraat 18 · design-district.be
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6. KOFFIE EN STAAL It once started out as a showroom of design furniture where you happened to be able to drink coffee as well. Now homemade, seasonal and organic dishes and pastries are stealing the show just as much as the beautiful decor in which they are served. Dirk Boutslaan 12 · koffieenstaal.be
SWAY ©Marie Van Der Heijden
1. RIOT
3. HARVEST CLUB
Shiny boots and killer heels, camel-coloured leather jackets, trendy Adidas vests or the ultimate woollen shirt for your guy. Riot selected the second-hand pieces based on trends and quality! Or as it says on the wall: rebel, revolt, reuse, recycle, riot!
Shop here from grandchild to grandparent: as long as you want to look colourful. You can recycle your jeans, score a vegan handbag or sneaker, or have a natural nail polish or shampoo bar packed.
Diestsestraat 205
Mathieu de Layensplein 7 · harvestclub.be
4. SWAY White walls full of beautiful brands. Sway is fair, eco and unique. With nice lifestyle items, local jewellery and cool clothes from brands like Armed Angels and Brava. There is something for everyone!
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2. CYAANKALI The presentation, the mannequins, the decor, the clothes... Here you really don’t feel like you’re walking around a second-hand shop. Each piece has barely been worn – or is even a brand new showroom model – and brands such as Essentiel and Prada become immediately much more accessible! Diestsestraat 153 · cyaankali.be
Parijsstraat 14 · swaystore.be
5. RAWETTE Excess does not harm... at all! Everywhere you look, you can see racks full of coats, dresses and blouses, shelves with beautiful shoes and heaps of accessories. All pre-loved and carefully selected. Den Tempst 13 · rawette.be
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6. SPORE NURSERY Open the door and leave the bustle outside! The code word of this plant coffee bar is unwind. With your steaming mug at your table on the cement tiles or herringbone parquet between the hanging plants, with accessories and top advice for every season: from summer terrace to Christmas market. Koning Leopold I-straat 30 · sporenursery.com 12 13
7. LIFE BAR Ready for a purple Açai Glow or supercharge orange juice? This is the place where you can swap your sandwich and soft drink for banana bread or hummus toast with an irresistible smoothie. Parijsstraat 48 · lifebar.be
LIFE BAR ©Karl Bruninx
For homebodies p.4 5
Do green p.9 That’s typical Leuven! p.16 Handsome little ones p.22 C ME
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THAT’S TYPICAL LEUVEN! And why would you head to Leuven? Well, for this! These shops are nowhere else to be found. Stroll from one boutique to the next and sniff the real Leuven cosiness.
1. HEXAGOON Since 1986, this has been a hidden place of unadulterated cosiness with walls full of pearls, charms, yarn, buttons, earrings, beautiful fabrics and creative cards. A feast for the eyes of every creative person! Meanwhile, the second generation is behind the counter with advice and the sweetest smile. Ravenstraat 81 · hexagoon.be
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2. HELT Streetwear and homewear for men who fall for sneaker-friendly costumes and socks with a nod. Scandinavian as well as Belgian brands that look good with the trendy father and son. Mechelsestraat 48 · helt.be
LEUVEN CENTRAL © Jan Crab
3. THELMA Here you’ll find everything you need to give your style as well as your interior a boost. Chic or cosy, bold or with glitter, something for everyone! This multi-brand store offers fashion and design with a sustainable lifestyle that’s absolutely irresistible. And pick up another cup of coffee and pastry along the way. Vaartstraat 12 · thelmastore.be
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4. BILBO RECORDS Is there anything better than the soft crackle of an LP? Only the experience of leafing through records could compare. At Bilbo Records, you can browse, whether you’re a student or a nostalgic person. Because this has been the record shop of the university city for about 30 years. Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein 2 · bilborecords.be THELMA © LiefstLeuven
5. BOEKAREST
7. HOPS ‘N MORE
Give a few keywords and an employee will give you the book tip of your dreams and if necessary climb up the ladder to the highest echelons of this spacious business. With a fun children’s reading corner and novels, poetry and non-fiction all the way to the elegant ceiling.
Two friends, one passion: beer! Jelle and Koen prove that Leuven is more than just Stella. Their shop is brimming with speciality beers from Leuven, Belgium and the world. You can choose between 500 (!) types. Eight of them are ready on the tap, to take away or to taste on site.
Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein 12 · boekarestleuven.be
Parijsstraat 27 · hopsnmore.com
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6. MIXTE
8. LEUVEN CENTRAL
This used to be the oldest pub in Leuven, but now the shelves are full of French and Scandinavian brands. Thanks to the tailormade advice, you will almost always leave with a full outfit. And after hours you can shop by appointment!
An authentic café where they know customers’ orders by heart. With your perfectly tapped pint you can order a piece of bloodpudding or cervelat! Leuven Central has been a favourite of the real Leuven people for many years.
Mechelsestraat 39 · mixte.be
Margarethaplein 3 · facebook.com/leuvencentral/
HANDSOME LITTLE ONES
1. NUVOLA Shiny Italian quality for small feet or tops of Petit Bateau or Mayoral on their bodies. Parents who love classy and classic come shopping here, with personal service and welldressed little ladies and gentlemen who walk out again with beautiful items and a small gift!
Classic or unique, bold or cute, book or trouser suit. Walk in here with your family and you’ll never want to leave again!
Bondgenotenlaan 121 · nuvolakinderboutique.be
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2. MONSTERTJES For everything that is cuddly, soft, surprising and stylish. Yes, your little one can look tough, and that’s possible thanks to this urban baby store! From pouf to pill organiser and from booklet to bed. Let yourself go, because everything – yes, absolutely everything – looks good. Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 29a · shop.monstertjes.be © LiefstLeuven
3. DE KLEINE JOHANNES Never too young for a good book! The most imaginative, inspiring and educational books are on the shelves here. Thanks to the top tips of the sellers, you go home with a stack of reading fun. Tiensestraat 17 · de-kleine-johannes.be
5. LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES Here you will find playsuits in pastel colours or earth tones or with prints that you would rather like for yourself. Everything you need for cool enfants terribles: from bibs to their first sandwich box. Mechelsestraat 52 · les-enfants-terribles.be
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4. GRASSHOPPER Robots and rubber ducks on the left, a grab bag and music boxes on the right. And above your head a ceiling full of funny mobiles and giant lamps. Plenty of reasons for the children to dart around here again and again with blinking eyes and itching fingers! Mechelsestraat 24a · thegrasshopper.be
©Karl Bruninx
6. GREATAT8 The independent children’s clothes shop for tough youngsters aged 2 to 16. Whether it’s romping or partying, here they have colourful, vibrant and contemporary items from European brands ready to go. No boys and girls corner, here you can wear whatever you want. Jan Stasstraat 8 · greatat8.com
facebook.com/visitleuven facebook.com/shoppeninleuven @visit.leuven @shoppeninleuven
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7. LEO PANCAKES No, this is not your “next door” pancake house. Think fresh, casual and informal yet top quality. No coincidence that this is a must-visit for families! Mechelsestraat 45 · leopancakes.be
For the calendar of shopping events and shopping tips from locals: visitleuven.be/shopping TIP
Shopping Sunday: every first Sunday of the month, most shops are open from 1pm to 6pm.