Universiteitsbibliotheek en bibliotheektoren

You have pretty limited access to the library but it could be because the students are actively using them. The main attraction at least is to visit the tower. It’s not too high but you get a clear view of the city from the top.

It’s worth a visit. It costs 8 euros for library and tower. Not much you can see at the library itself. After the fifth floor (289 steps) to get to the tower but the view is spectacular.

Beautiful library with a lot of old books that you can peak. The view from the tower is spectacular though a bit of a climb. Totally worth it though.

The library underwent severe bombings and damage during two world wars but re-built again. It is a mixture of the old and new. The clocktower gives you the best view over Leuven. The small photos and explanations on the sides of the top balcony tells you what each building is. The entrance is free to students and 7 euros for adults.

The Universiteitsbibliotheek en bibliotheektoren (KU Leuven library and tower) is worth a visit. The exterior alone is eye catching. To tour the library and tower, purchase tickets onsite, download the app to hear the audio guide (remember to bring your headphones / earplugs) and enjoying learning about the history of the historic landmark. Touring the tower includes at least 150 steps from the entrance to the tower up to the top. The ascent is broken up with information provided on each floor. Both the tour of the library and the tower is highly informative and includes the history of the library and the international ties that made the refurbishment of this historic landmark possible. For the visit, there are lockers for free for anything you are carrying with you are it is prohibited to enter with bags of any kind. Highly recommend. Entrance including tour of the tower was €8.

The building is absolutely stunning from the outside. We paid €2 each for the student-rate library tour, which included entry to the room shown in the photos. However, access was limited to a small 2x3 meter area — we weren’t allowed to walk around or explore further. In our opinion, the library tour alone isn’t worth it, as everything you’ll see is already shown in the photos. The ticket also includes a mobile app tour audio, but unfortunately, it didn’t work for us. We didn’t do the tower tour, so we can’t speak to that experience. On a positive note, the staff were very friendly and welcoming.

Beautiful library worth a visit even if not to read. It was rebuilt after the 1914 fire, but it still has beautiful wood panelling, large windows and huge industrial, early 1900 lamps. We visited when it was open to the public, otherwise visitors can enter the library by buying a daily card (5 eur?).

Super Leuven view. You shouldn’t miss this beautiful 360 degree view. Two remarks: it only pays back your energy invests when the sky is blue and sunny 😎. And secondly: Watch your steps! I do strongly recommend the guided tours offered by the tourism office. The guides are well educated, with a lot of historical knowledge and the educational background needed.