Shopping in Leuven, Belgium : top streets, boutiques & must-sees
Where to go shopping in Leuven, Belgium ?
Leuven is one of those cities that surprises you the moment you arrive. With its Gothic spires, cobblestone squares, and buzzing cafés, it feels steeped in history.
This mix of old and new makes shopping in Leuven more than just an activity, it turns it into an experience.
In this article, you will explore Leuven’s lively shopping streets, unique boutiques and also cultural highlights. And because shopping is even better when it’s smarter, discover how you can claim back VAT easily with Zapptax.
Let’s dive into the shops and cultural gems that make Leuven unforgettable !
Discover how VAT refunds works in Belgium with our complete guide.
Key points
- Where to shop : Bondgenotenlaan, Diestsestraat, Mechelsestraat & Parijsstraat.
- Must-visit boutiques : Les Soeurs, Liv Store, Harvest Club, Cyaankali, Essentiel Antwerp Outlet.
- Cultural highlights : Grote Markt, Town Hall, Sint Pieterskerk, University Library, Museum Leuven, plus vibrant street art.
- Shop smarter : Use Zapptax to claim your VAT refund easily, in any store.
The main shopping streets in Leuven
Imagine walking through car-free streets, bags in hand, while the iconic town hall towers over the Grote Markt. Just across the square, the Gothic façade of Sint Pieterskerk adds to the magic. And around the corner, colorful street art transforms alleys into open-air galleries.
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Bondgenotenlaan & Diestsestraat : the busy heart
Start your shopping journey where most locals do : on Bondgenotenlaan and Diestsestraat. These long pedestrian avenues connect the station to the city center, lined with fashion chains, bookstores and cozy cafés. Perfect if you like a lively atmosphere and a wide selection of brands in one place.
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Mechelsestraat & Vismarkt : design and elegance
This elegant district is home to chic boutiques, culinary shops, and interior design stores. Strolling here feels slower and more refined, making it the perfect place to find unique pieces.
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Parijsstraat : young & trendy
Colorful and trendy, Parijsstraat reflects Leuven’s youthful energy. From second-hand fashion to quirky gift stores and eco-conscious concept shops, it is a street where creativity thrives.
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Oude markt & friday market : tradition with a twist
Known as the longest bar in the world, the Oude Markt isn’t only about nightlife. On Fridays, the square transforms into a market (Markt Leuven) filled with flowers, produce, cheese, and chatter.
10 must-visit boutiques in Leuven
- Liv Store & Ulla by Liv
Luxury multibrand boutique with a Scandinavian and French touch : soft knits, clean cuts, and timeless pieces that make effortless style feel natural.
📍 Mechelsestraat 16, 3000 Leuven
- Essentiel Antwerp Outlet
Belgian fashion brand with bold prints and stylish pieces at outlet prices. Essential Antwerp is a very popular brand in Belgium and the outlet is ideal for bargain hunters.
📍 Vaartstraat 8, 3000 Leuven
Run by three sisters, this boutique blends Belgian fashion, jewelry, and lifestyle items in a feminine yet playful atmosphere.
📍 Mechelsestraat 18, 3000 Leuven
A stylish multibrand boutique carrying GANNI, Essentiel Antwerp, Ulla Johnson and more, perfect for trendsetters !
📍 Mechelsestraat 37, 3000 Leuven
A pre-loved and vintage fashion gem, offering denim, leather jackets, and eclectic accessories with a modern twist.
📍 Diestsestraat 153, 3000 Leuven
- Rawette
Carefully curated second-hand pieces with a contemporary edge, Rawette is the ideal shop for sustainable fashion lovers.
📍 Den Tempst 13, 3000 Leuven
- Harvest Club
Sustainable fashion at its best. Harvest Club is a concept store that brings modern designs, eco-friendly fabrics, and timeless essentials.
📍 Mathieu de Layensplein 7, 3000 Leuven
Scandinavian-inspired interiors and gifts, from furniture to sleek accessories, in a bright, elegant setting.
📍 Justus Lipsiusstraat 18, 3000 Leuven
- RIOT
A trendy concept store mixing streetwear, edgy fashion, and lifestyle pieces. Perfect for shoppers looking for bold, urban style.
📍Diestsestraat 205, 3000 Leuven
Café and boutique combined, enjoy a latte while discovering ceramics, décor, and handmade jewelry.
📍 Vaartstraat 12, 3000 Leuven
Cultural highlights in Leuven
Beyond shopping, don’t miss Leuven’s cultural highlights that make every stroll richer.
Right across the square, Sint Pieterskerk dominates the skyline, while the University library, a symbol of resilience after its destruction in World War I, offers breathtaking views from its tower.
For art lovers, Museum Leuven (M-Museum) is unmissable. It combines Gothic treasures with contemporary exhibitions, and even has a stylish museum shop filled with books and design objects. Together, these landmarks turn a shopping trip into a true cultural journey.
Leuven transforms your shopping journey into a cultural adventure.
How to shop tax-free in Belgium with Zapptax ?
If you’re a non-EU visitor shopping in Leuven, Zapptax makes VAT refund simple : no paperwork, no stress, just smart savings.
Here is how it works :
- Shop anywhere in Belgium, from major streets to small boutiques. You can also do your shopping online and have your order delivered in Belgium.
- Ask for VAT invoices addressed to Zapptax (details are in the app) and upload them to the Zapptax app.
- The app combines your purchases to reach the €125,01 Belgian threshold. At the end of your trip, Zapptax generates your tax-free form.
- Before leaving the EU, present your electronic tax-free forms to Customs for validation. If you’re departing from another EU country, you can print your forms in advance and get them stamped at your exit point.
- Submit in the app : Once validated (digitally or with a stamp), submit your form in the app. Zapptax handles the rest.
- Receive your refund : Get your money back via bank transfer, credit card, PayPal or Alipay, with lower fees than traditional operators.
Note that to be eligible for VAT refund, you must export the goods outside the EU within 3 months and before using or consuming them.
Conclusion
Shopping in Leuven is more than retail : it is a cultural journey.
From trendy concept stores to sustainable fashion, Leuven offers something for every style. The atmosphere is lively, authentic, and full of charm.
And with Zapptax, you can make it even smarter : shop anywhere, claim back your VAT easily, and enjoy your purchases without the hassle.
FAQ
- Where can I go shopping in Leuven?
Start with Bondgenotenlaan and Diestsestraat for big brands, then head to Mechelsestraat and Parijsstraat for independent boutiques and concept stores
- Which shops are open on Sundays in Leuven?
Most shops in Leuven are closed on Sundays, except for cafés, restaurants, and some convenience stores. On the first Sunday of the month, many shops open for “Shopping Sunday.”
- What are the best places to shop in Leuven?
Main shopping streets include Bondgenotenlaan, Diestsestraat, Parijsstraat, and Mechelsestraat. Don’t miss concept stores like Les Soeurs, Harvest Club, or Thelma Store & Café.
- Can I combine shopping with sightseeing in Leuven?
Absolutely. The Grote Markt, with its Gothic town hall and Sint Pieterskerk, is just steps from shops. The university library, Museum Leuven, and colorful street art are also close by.
