Sint-Pieters-Leeuw Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, how to get around, and more with this ultimate Sint-Pieters-Leeuw travel guide.


Introduction to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is a charming Belgian municipality situated in the Flemish Brabant province, in Flanders, Belgium. This picturesque town is located in the heart of the Pajottenland area, known for its rolling hills, scenic countryside, and historical landmarks. The town is home to several cultural attractions, natural wonders, places to stay, and a fantastic food scene.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of nature, a leisure traveler, or an adventurer, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, how to get around, where to eat and drink, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Coloma Rose Garden - This picturesque rose garden boasts over 3000 types of roses and offers a tranquil escape to visitors.
  • Liberation Memorial - This monument commemorates the Allied Forces’ liberation of the town during World War II.
  • Old Grammar School Museum - This historic building was once a school and now houses a museum showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Natural Attractions of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Zuun Valley - This lush green valley offers an idyllic setting for a picnic, hike or bike ride.
  • Kasteel van Gaasbeek - This medieval castle is surrounded by a moat and beautifully maintained gardens. Explore the park and walk through the orchards and forest trails.
  • Trio Forest - This extensive forest area offers countless trails and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and picnics.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

Hiking and biking are popular activities in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw and the surrounding areas. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Rose Garden Walk - This 5km walk takes visitors through the Coloma Rose Garden and the surrounding parklands.
  • Lion Walk - This 9km route takes visitors through the stunningly beautiful Pajottenland countryside.
  • Zenne Valley Bike Route - This flat, 30km cycle path is ideal for beginners and takes visitors through several picturesque villages.

Best Things to Do in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw: Activities and Tours

  • Food Tasting Tour - This guided tour takes visitors through the town’s best food and drink vendors, allowing them to sample some of the local specialties.
  • Brewery Tour - This tour takes visitors through a local brewery steeped in history and offers the chance to taste some of the best beers of the region.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride - Get a bird’s-eye view of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw and the surrounding countryside by taking a hot air balloon ride.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

  • Day 1: Arrive in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, explore the Coloma Rose Garden and enjoy a picnic lunch.
  • Day 2: Visit the Kasteel van Gaasbeek, tour the castle and gardens, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
  • Day 3: Spend the day hiking and exploring the Zenne Valley before enjoying a local beer tasting.
  • Day 4: Discover the Old Grammar School Museum and learn about the history of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw before trying some local foods.
  • Day 5: Take a hot air balloon ride over the town and the surrounding countryside before exploring the nearby Lion Walk.
  • Day 6: Rent a bike and explore the Pajottenland countryside before enjoying a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Day 7: Depart from Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, stopping at the Trio Forest along the way.

Food and Drink Scene of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is home to a diverse culinary scene and an array of local and regional specialties. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stoemp - This traditional Belgian dish is made from mashed potatoes, vegetables, and sausage.
  • Waterzooi - This creamy fish or chicken stew is a staple in Flemish cuisine.
  • Witloof - This bitter endive vegetable is commonly used in regional dishes.

Local Beverages

  • Gueuze - A sour beer made from a mix of young and aged beer, it is known as the champagne of Belgian beers.
  • Jenever - A juniper-flavored spirit often used in traditional Belgian cooking and as a digestif.

Where to Stay in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw has a wide variety of accommodations available. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Hotel Groenenberg - A boutique hotel located in a classic Flemish building with a charming garden terrace.
  • Kasteel Gravenhof - A stunning castle with modern rooms that are rich in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • B&B Hof te Zibbeek - A cozy bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of the town.

What to Buy in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Chocolate - Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and Sint-Pieters-Leeuw has several excellent chocolatiers.
  • Lace - Lace-making has been a tradition in the region for centuries, and visitors can purchase unique handmade lace pieces.
  • Beer - Take home a few bottles of the town’s local brews to enjoy back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

The culture and customs of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw are heavily influenced by its location in Flanders and Belgium. Visitors can expect to experience a rich tapestry of art, music, and food.

Best Time to Visit Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

The best time to visit Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is during the summer months between June and August. During this time, the weather is warm, and the town is at its most vibrant with numerous outdoor festivals, concerts, and markets.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

Do:

  • Try the Local Foods - Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is renowned for its excellent cuisine, and visitors should take the opportunity to try as many local specialties as possible.
  • Be Respectful of the Locals and their Customs - Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is a small town, and locals take pride in their community and heritage. Visitors should be respectful of these customs and take care not to litter or engage in behavior that might cause offense.
  • Take Time to Explore the Scenic Countryside - Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is surrounded by some of the most scenic countryside in the region, and visitors should take the time to explore it fully.

Don’t:

  • Forget to Try the Beer and Local Beverages - One of the highlights of any trip to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is the chance to sample local beer and other beverages. Visitors should not miss this opportunity.
  • Disrespect the Environment - Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is renowned for its natural beauty, and visitors should take the time to enjoy and appreciate this environment. Visitors should not engage in behaviors that might damage this environment, such as littering or vandalizing.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is a relatively safe town, and visitors should not experience any significant safety concerns during their stay. As with any trip, it is always advisable to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to protect your belongings.

Health in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw has an excellent healthcare system, and visitors should not encounter any significant health risks during their stay. Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance in case of an emergency.

Getting to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is easily accessible from all major cities in Belgium, including Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. Here are some transport options:

Airports Near Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

The nearest airport to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is Brussels Airport, which is located approximately 30 minutes away by car or train.

Bus Stations Near Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is well connected by bus to nearby towns and cities. The De Lijn bus service operates regular services to Brussels and other towns in the region.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Sint-Pieters-Leeuw by train, with regular services from Brussels, Ghent, and other major cities.

How to Get Around in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is a small town and is best explored on foot. Visitors can rent bikes for longer excursions or use local taxis or buses for transport.

Where to Go Next from Sint-Pieters-Leeuw: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions visitors can take from Sint-Pieters-Leeuw:

  • Brussels - The capital city of Belgium is located just 15 minutes away by train from Sint-Pieters-Leeuw.
  • Antwerp - This historic city is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and diamond trade.
  • Leuven - This charming student town boasts stunning old architecture, great shopping and dining options, and an excellent craft beer scene.

Conclusion

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is a beautiful town that offers visitors a wealth of cultural attractions, natural wonders, and opportunities for adventure. With this ultimate travel guide, visitors can discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around, making sure their trip to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw is unforgettable.