There’s a smug satisfaction fostered by visiting places reached by roads that are truly less travelled. Off the well beaten Belgian tourist track, lying just a 30 minute train ride from Brussels, is the ancient university town of Leuven.

Ok, strictly speaking it’s a city, but its quiet, lazy, hazy calm bestows upon it, and the unsuspecting traveller, a simple beauty which is Flemish stew for the soul.

The obscenely detailed wedding cake of a Stadshuys, the imposing Sint Pieterskerk, impressive Grote Markt or romantic Begijnhof just a twenty minute stroll from the centre, are all imbued with an unpretentious beauty that simply make you sigh and smile.

Of particular note is the city’s famous statue of Fons Sapientiae, lovingly known as Fonske. He resides in Rector De Somer Square, near the Town Hall and facing in the direction of the train station. Fonske was created by sculptor Jef Claerhout and gifted to Leuven by the university in 1975, to celebrate its 550th anniversary. A working fountain, the little figure hiolds a book in one hand and a glass in the other, poring what some say is wisdom, others beer, into his head.

Leuven may not have the canals of Bruges or trams of Ghent, but arguably, it doesn’t need them, providing something altogether different; a retreat, a break from the world at large, a slice of vigorous peace.

Alive with a student population and all that is thus attendant, Leuven offers affordable food and drink against a backdrop that can be embraced or left alone, depending on your mood, desires and dreams.

It is a city in which one can simply pass a few uncomplicated hours, or hole oneself up in for a few days of rest and relaxation.

Either way, it has a purity and charm that will stay with you, and must not be overlooked as a destination for those seeking solace, and perhaps just a little excitement.

World Travel Blog especially recommends:

Café Belge
A trendily kitsch bar straight out of the old Stella Artois adverts can be found tucked away on Leuven’s Oude Markt…
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Notre Dame Quasimodo Restaurant
Dine in style while looking out over Leuven’s fabulous Grote Markt in this large but soulful eatery with a great menu…
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Toeareg Eethuis
Moroccan dining par excellence in this unassuming little North African restaurant will provide a tasty alternative treat…
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llaollao
Tired and fractious while exploring in the beautiful Leuven sunshine? Save the tears and indulge in a delicious frozen yoghurt…
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In Den Engel
Hazy, lazy summer days should be spent like this, sipping a cool beer and watching the world go by on Leuven’s Grote Markt…
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Café Brouwershuis
Breakfast, brunch or lunch in style without blowing the budget, and you might even pick up a bit of knowledge from Fonske…
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Living Lounge
Bloody hell, Harry – how did that robot get into your suitcase? Pass me a Messiah mint… Kitsch lovers, meet Paradise…
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An Aladdin’s Cave of kitsch and wonders awaits your exploration in Leuven.

If you actively seek out that certain kind of shop whenever you’re in a new town or city – you know, the one that sells all the wacky cards, wall plaques, tin robots and, in fact, all manner of automata – then you’ll while away more time than is good for you in Leuven’s Living Lounge, which can be found at Parijsstraat 27.

When you’ve done cackling at the downright evil and offensive, yet hysterically funny range of cards, postcards, fridge magnets and wall notices, you can indulge yourself further in the fabulous collection of charming toys and gadgets, cushions and cups and stuff you’d never imagine in your wildest dreams.

Well stocked, and with treats seldom seen and most certainly not the usual fare, Living Lounge is somewhere in which you can lose yourself for a happy hour, spend far too much money, and still come out with a big smile on your clock, knowing you’ve had a real treat, and you’re worth it.

Just make sure you have enough room in your suitcase!

Living Lounge
Parijsstraat 27
3000 Leuven
Belgium

Visit www.living-lounge.be

Tel.: 0032 16 22 77 45

Email info@living-lounge.be

Ok, so you don’t want the overpriced breakfast on offer in your hotel, or to be tied to the timetable it imposes.

You want to get up at a time that suits you, have a little stroll around the city, and then find a spot for the perfect brunch. Surely that’s what city breaks are made of?

While you’re in Leuven, such a lifestyle can be accomplished if you choose to patronise the Café  Brouwershuis, which can be found on Margarethaplein, immediately opposite the Fonske fountain statue.

Enjoy a milky latte, house omelette, or whatever takes your fancy, for a few euros and a fabulous view of the town hall square and Sint Pieterskerk, while you indulge in a spot of people watching.

Service is quick and friendly and, of course, they offer much more than a simple breakfast or brunch.

Fascinating on the inside, summer café society on the outside, this little Leuven gem will have you coming back for more… and more.

Café Brouwershuis
Margarethaplein 12
3000 Leuven
Belgium

Tel.: 0032 16 22 15 29

Overlooking the Grote Markt, affording fine views of the town hall, Sint Pieterskerk and all life that is Leuven, In Den Engel is a quaintly simple beer house, and offers a great way to enjoy the finery of this historic Belgian city.

Forget the hustle and bustle of the main, sun soaked bars of the square, with their would be punters flapping like vultures around tables promising an imminent vacation of their patrons; just make your way calmly over to the quiet shade of this modest little bar and watch the frantic squabbles over who was there first, with a refreshing beer in hand and a table to yourself.

With prices reflecting Leuven’s student scene, you can enjoy a couple of local ales with plenty of change out of a fiver (euros, of course).

A perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.

In Den Engel
Grote Markt 15
3000 Leuven
Belgium

Visit www.denengel.be

Tel.: 0032 16 22 06 21

While strolling around, soaking up the sights, sounds and culture of the fine old Belgian university seat of Leuven, you might want some refreshment that doesn’t centre around Belgian beer houses or coffee bars.

If so, you could do a lot worse than indulge in a deliciously natural frozen yoghurt from llaollao.

This European chain has branches in many towns and cities, and the Leuven one is a particularly good example.

Ideally placed at Oude Markt 56, on the corner of the square, this little sun trap is a great situation at which you can take five from the arduous fun that is exploring a city.

With generous portions and a range of toppings from fresh fruit to rather more indulgent chocolates, caramels and coulis, you can at least pretend you’re going for a healthy option.

With smoothies on offer too, you can grab a quick sugar rush as a pleasing alternative to alcohol or caffeine.

So, relax in the refreshing outdoors and give yourself a treat with a difference.

llaollao
Oude Markt 56
3000 Leuven
Belgium

Visit www.llaollao.be

Residing neatly on a corner, at Parijsstraat 37, is authentic Moroccan restaurant Toeareg eethuis.

You’ll only need to have one foot in the door of this stunning little tardis of an eatery, bedecked throughout in tastefully beautiful North Africana, to realise you’ve stumbled across something extra special.

Its considerable menu comprises deliciously traditional Moroccan fare, and there’s even a daily lunch special catering for both veggies and carnivores. All is rounded off nicely, of course, with a refreshing glass of mint tea.

Alternative dining experiences are plentiful throughout most Belgian cities, but they really don’t come much finer than this. Highly recommended.

Toeareg eethuis
Parijsstraat 37
3000 Leuven
Belgium

Visit www.toeareg.be

Tel.: 0032 16 23 15 55

Brasserie Notre Dame Quasimodo, situated on the Grote Markt and sprawling back almost to Brussels, is a tour de force when considering restaurants in Leuven.

Huge, but still bursting at the seams, it has a quiet yet convivial atmosphere, making it one of those rare places that suits most tastes and palates.

Hearty food, served in more than ample proportions, and cooked to perfection, place Notre Dame Quasimodo streets ahead of its competition.

Add to the mix an expansive selection of Belgian beers, some of which boast an almost obscene ABV, together with a plethora of fine wines and a fairly priced menu, and you have dining perfection.

Undoubtedly, this is one of Leuven’s finest, and should not be missed.

Brasserie Notre Dame Quasimodo
Grote Markt 11
3000 Leuven
Belgium

Visit www.notredame-leuven.be

Tel.: 0032 16 22 37 62

Email notre.dame1@telenet.be

About half way along Oude Markt opposite the College of the Holy Spirit, is the remarkable Café Belge.

With an atmosphere reminiscent of those wonderful old Stella Artois television ads, this warm and friendly watering hole offers a huge array of beers at unbelievably low prices, together with a tempting range of light beer snacks

With plenty of outside seating, it makes  for the perfect venue to sit and people watch, whatever the season or clemency of the weather.

Café Belge leaves you in no doubt whatsoever that you are very much in the heart of a student city, but offers all the quirky charm that goes with that, so if you’re lucky enough to fetch up in this wonderful metropolis, make sure you seek it out.

Café Belge
Oude Markt 35
3000 Leuven
Belgium

Visit www.facebook.com/pages/Café-Belge-Leuven/154278367916247

Tel.: 0032 497 10 72 06

Email cafe_belge_leuven@hotmail.com

Dublin is a fantastic location for a stag do, a holiday with the lads, or just a quick escape for a change of scenery. The flights are nice and short (just 1 hour and 15 minutes from London Heathrow) and although prices have risen in recent years, it’s still possible to have a great holiday in Dublin on any budget.

If you want to get to the non-touristy places your best bet is to rent a car so that you can go where you please. That way you’re not relying on public transport to take you everywhere everyone else goes. If that’s not an option or you want to stick to the city centre, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Night life

If you don’t fancy a Guinness-guzzling getaway there are plenty of alternatives that still allow you to appreciate the best that Ireland’s capital has to offer.

The most famous Dublin bar of them all is The Temple Bar, but you’ll also find most of the population of the city there, as well as lads having a stag party in Dublin. If you want somewhere less touristy try Grogan’s for an authentic experience with a bohemian young crowd, or Kehoe’s, labelled as one of Dublin’s best kept secrets. Of course, if you decide you do want to get in a bit of Guinness appreciation, you should visit the infamous Guinness factory which showcases the history of the black stuff, the brewing process and teaches you how to pour the perfect pint.

For Irish music in the evening, stroll over to The Cobblestone in North Quays which has a music corner downstairs and a paying venue upstairs which books traditional and folk bands. Andrew’s Lane is another option, which has recently been transformed from a theatre into a music venue. This site hosts more leftfield and unusual acts.

The next morning, feed your hangover with a fry up and coffee from Bewley’s Cafe on Grafton Street in the city centre!

Beside the seaside

If the beach is your bag, you’re spoilt for choice with the sandy getaways along Dublin’s coastline. Seapoint is the best for immersing yourself in local culture; Loughshinny, a small village in North County Dublin has a quiet sheltered bay with a fishing harbour, while Dollymount Strand is great for kite surfing. If you’re after watersports, mind, Surfdock Watersports offers lessons in sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding. This video shows Stand Up Paddleboarding from the school:

Claremont Beach’s West Pier is home to some of Ireland’s best sea food: Ivan’s has a modern feel while Nicky’s Plaice is much more traditional; and Nicky’s will even smoke your caught fish for you.

Cultural activities

If you’re looking for specific activities to do during your stay in Dublin, you won’t be disappointed. One of the most popular Irish pastimes is going to the dogs; and Shelbourne Park in Dublin is one of the country’s best greyhound racing sites. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of the bookies, you won’t be able to stop yourself cheering on the greyhounds when they’re chasing that little bunny round the corner. The Stag Company arranges Dublin stag weekend packages which can include a night at the dogs as well as other activities.

Alternatively, find out about the ancient traditional games of Ireland by taking part in a Gaelic Games Experience: play the customary Irish games of Hurling, Gaelic Football and Handball – then find out how to beat an Irish Bodhrán drum and learn about Irish Ceilí dancing.

To get a preview of the fashionable side of Dublin, go on a Le Cool Walking Tour. Introducing you to all the latest in cool culture such as pop up stores, street art, emerging music artists and the latest trends, this two hour tour will introduce you to the city’s cultural staples.

Don’t forget that locals are the best tour guides so if you’re stuck for ideas or want a local’s point of view, ask around and make some friends – you’re bound to find out more about the best places off the beaten track.

The Exmouth Arms in Camden represents traditional English pubs at their best, and has a fabulous furry feline to boot…

It has been my habit by choice, of late, to undertake journeys to northern and central Europe, wherever possible, by train. This adventure starts within twenty or so minutes of my home, at which point I catch my trusty Virgin Pendolino along the west coast mainline to London Euston where, if I have the time, I like to enjoy an evening in the capital. Sometimes this might include a trip to the theatre, others a relaxing dinner and, more often than not, a couple of beers in what I now refer to as my London local, the Exmouth Arms.

Situated on Starcross Street, a mere stone’s throw from my hotel and, indeed, Euston Station itself, this lively London institution is named after one Edward Pellew, the first Lord Exmouth, and the street itself after the village of Starcross, which can be found, predictably, just outside Exmouth in Devon. According to the pub’s website, Pellew masterminded the great victory against piracy at the battle of Algiers and was truly one of our foremost naval heroes. His remains rest at Christow in Devon.

Although tucked away in a quiet corner of suburbia, there is nothing more pleasant on a sunny day than sipping a quiet beer among the abundant and bountiful hanging baskets, simply letting the world go by. With its fairly constant and eclectic chorus of both locals and commuters, this is a traditional English pub in every sense of the word. As warm and cosy in winter as it is airy and inviting in more clement weather, the Exmouth offers a pleasing range of bitters, lagers, ales and, for those connoisseurs of the black stuff, beautifully kept Guinness. There is also a varied menu available, with classic pub grub to satisfy the hungriest of bellies – many’s the time we’ve intended of an evening to move on to a restaurant, but been in such thrall from this establishment’s charm that we’ve opted to stay on and avail ourselves of its excellent, tasty fare. It’s never been a mistake!

Staff are friendly and personable, but without doubt the master of the house is your host, Sylvester, the pub’s fabulous, friendly, sleepy black and white cat. Only the thing is, a few years ago we named him Camden, and that’s who he’ll always be to us, although we have reached amicable agreement with the licensee and her team to call him by his new, official, full name, Sylvester Camden. If you’d like to see a picture of this magnificent and ancient moggy, check out the gallery on our Frittens of the World volume two.

Exmouth Arms
1 Starcross Street
Camden
London
NW1 2HR

Visit www.exmouth-arms.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)20 7387 5440

Email: info@exmouth-arms.co.uk