Oude Markt Leuven
Oude Markt Leuven
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The liveliest square in the heart of Leuven. During the day, you can enjoy some drinks on one of the many terraces. At evening, the ideal place the have a dinner or a drink to unwind after a tiring day. The longest bar in Europe with over 30 bars and restaurants. Also the place for a lot of (musical) events during the year.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
859 reviews
Excellent
414
Very good
372
Average
57
Poor
10
Terrible
6
Abbas
Leuven, Belgium372 contributions
May 2020
Its like a big bar that can fit 4000 people. Great atmosphere with the crowds and drinking beer and enjoying themselves. I visited during pandemic and it was empty but i can imagine how great in normal days it is.
Written May 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExploreTraveler
Alaska226 contributions
Apr 2016
A very enjoyable cafe area within the older architecture, and character of old Belgium. Nice place to get coffee, a beer or dinner.
Happy Travels,
ExploreTraveler
Happy Travels,
ExploreTraveler
Written April 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ineverwrit
Leuven, Belgium3 contributions
The Oude Markt is more an experience than a destination. While the architecture is beautiful, it is really no different than most of the city center in Leuven. Once you have seen all the tourist spots, or mid-way through if your feet are tired from all the walking, head over to the Oude Markt and take a break.
Follow these simple steps:
1) Choose any available table at one of the numerous bars (20+ bars line this market).
2) Sit with your back to the building you are closest to (Locals usually sit facing the passersby in order to people watch. Even with two people together, they frequently sit side-by-side facing the action).
3) Relax, and wait for the server to come to you (table service is standard here).
4) Order a beer "van 't vat" (almost any beer is great, you are in Belgium. Beers listed as "van 't vat" are on tap. What's more, most beers are 2-3 Euros and, in many cases, cheaper than water!)
5) Munch your peanuts and drink your beer! (Beers usually come with small munchies. You may be able to order some snack food, but don't expect much more than a croque monsieur, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. If you want serious food, you will probably need to go to a restaurant. No worries, take almost any of the side streets out and you are bound to run into something tasty and inexpensive).
6) If beer is not your style, there is a gelato place (Billy's) and a few restaurants (several high-end dining spots and Ugh, Pizza Hut are in the market).
Follow these simple steps:
1) Choose any available table at one of the numerous bars (20+ bars line this market).
2) Sit with your back to the building you are closest to (Locals usually sit facing the passersby in order to people watch. Even with two people together, they frequently sit side-by-side facing the action).
3) Relax, and wait for the server to come to you (table service is standard here).
4) Order a beer "van 't vat" (almost any beer is great, you are in Belgium. Beers listed as "van 't vat" are on tap. What's more, most beers are 2-3 Euros and, in many cases, cheaper than water!)
5) Munch your peanuts and drink your beer! (Beers usually come with small munchies. You may be able to order some snack food, but don't expect much more than a croque monsieur, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. If you want serious food, you will probably need to go to a restaurant. No worries, take almost any of the side streets out and you are bound to run into something tasty and inexpensive).
6) If beer is not your style, there is a gelato place (Billy's) and a few restaurants (several high-end dining spots and Ugh, Pizza Hut are in the market).
Written June 9, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Umberto
16 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
The largest bar in the world is the best definition for this square, former Old Market now full of restaurants, bars, pubs and tables with chairs.
Atmosphere is amazing as during a sunny day, as over the student parties nights.
It is a place to live on your skin
Atmosphere is amazing as during a sunny day, as over the student parties nights.
It is a place to live on your skin
Written August 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Werther Veulemans
Leuven, Belgium1,078 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
One of the most authentic and charming places to visit in Leuven. You go here as a tourist, group of friends or even as a couple to sit down and enjoy the place while drinking one of the most beautiful things that's ever been created on this planet: A beer and all of the Belgian beers are a must-try, so why are you still reading this, go and enjoy those beers!!!
Written January 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MuranoG
Concord, NC132 contributions
Jun 2012 • Solo
I never believed there can be place like this. Full of locals and visitors in bars at night. Great place to visit at night....
Written July 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosselliot
Leuven, Belgium18 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
As mentioned in another review, this is the longest bar in the world - it is literally just a big open square filled with nothing but bars after bars after bars, each with their own unique style and music and crowd. There's literally everything for everything and if you're willing to go a litte crazy...you cannot NOT have a good time! Enjoy some stella on tap and just have a blast!
Written October 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndyKe2
Carrickfergus, UK93 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Great for a relaxed afternoon people watching over a beer or coffee. Lively, warm atmosphere and buzz.
Light meals and snacks are available in most of the cafes as well as a wide range of beers, cocktails spirits tea and coffees. The square stays busy into the early hours of the morning but antisocial behaviour is seldom seen.
Highly recommend a visit
Light meals and snacks are available in most of the cafes as well as a wide range of beers, cocktails spirits tea and coffees. The square stays busy into the early hours of the morning but antisocial behaviour is seldom seen.
Highly recommend a visit
Written March 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Savvas Raptis
Stockholm, Sweden42 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
Oude Markt is the place you have to go if you want to see many people and go out for a coffee or a beer.
there are numerous bars and pubs to go by night that stay open long after midnight. In the morning and if the weather is good enough, Old market is crowded with people walking around and enjoying a soft drink, a coffee or a beer.
If you come to Leuven you should certainly see this place for yourself!
there are numerous bars and pubs to go by night that stay open long after midnight. In the morning and if the weather is good enough, Old market is crowded with people walking around and enjoying a soft drink, a coffee or a beer.
If you come to Leuven you should certainly see this place for yourself!
Written December 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martine_Erik
Leuven, Belgium23 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
Wonderful place to have a drink outside, many concerts during summer.
Place where you find young and old and all nationalities.
Place where you find young and old and all nationalities.
Written July 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the Fish market(Vjis market) near the Old Market Square???
Written June 29, 2017
It s nearby, Leuven is small and easily accessible on foot.
Written July 12, 2017
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