Vintage shopping in Leuven

Anouk.on.rails

Starting from the beautiful train station and the square in front, this guide takes you through my favourite vintage and second hand shops in the small university city of Leuven. Perfect to do by foot (except one store, where I recommend a bike or bus). 🌱 Veggie and vegan food options included. ☕ coffee spot included.

Read less

Updated ago

Save

Leuven Station

@anouk.on.rails

If you don't already start your day at the station for traveling by train or bus, this is a good starting point. The station itself is worth visiting and has some decent snack opportunities in and around the station if you need them. Leave the station from track (spoor) 1 up the stairs to end up on Martelarenplein (or go arround through the tunnel), the plaza from which you can admire the station.

Add to

Details

Let's get shopping (preloved)

These stores are all open 10 AM - 6 PM, except Kapstok which closes at 5PM and at 4:30PM on saturday. All are closed on Sunday.

Think Twice Leuven

@anouk.on.rails

Curated second hand cloting and accesoiries store. I especially like the pants and dresses sections and sections dedicated to tvintage trends like crochet dresses at the moment. There are also a lot of T-shirts, vintage sweaters, denim jackets, skirts, shirts. They have shoes and accesoires . Also good selection for men, but less varied.

Add to

Details

Kringwinkel Leuven

@anouk.on.rails

Let the treasurehunt begin! Anything second hand can be found here. About half of the store is clothing, but the other half has household items, books, records and CD's, electronics, furniture, ... Perfect to find a small sustainable souvenir. Prices are very afordable, since the store is donation-based. Between 0,50 - 3 EUR for decorations and smaller items, between 1 and 5 EUR for books. Clothing is between 3 and 7 EUR, based on the type of item (eg. T-shirts are €3). And so on. Across flanders also many other 'Kringwinkels' can be found, that are similar.

Add to

Details

RIOT Leuven

@anouk.on.rails

Another curated second hand clothing store. I personally tend to find unique items here. They offer more edgy vintage, good basics and unique pieces. They sell the usual clothing, shoes, belts, purses and bags, sunglasses, ... Prices range between 8- 30 EUR in general.

Add to

Details

Cyaankali

@anouk.on.rails

High-end second hand clothing and accesoires. This store has curated items from designer brands like Levi's at reasonable prices. For those used to shop cheap second hand (like me), this will be a leap, but remember this is a different product and business.

Add to

Details

Kapstok

@anouk.on.rails

The hidden gem of Leuven's preloved scene! Kapstok (which means hanger) has a limited amount of well selected pieces, generally from mid-range brands. Occasionally you can find a designer brand (I once bought a Moschino mesh top). I like their belts and jewellery as well and they sell shoes and bags too. Prices range from 5-40 EUR generally. Unlike most, they close at 5PM.

Add to

Details

Kringwinkel Heverlee

@anouk.on.rails

This is the second and bigger Kringwinkel in Leuven. Here you can also find all things second hand, like clothes, household items, decor, craft supplies (not consistently), books, furniture, small electronics, big appliances. A typical thrift store I would say. This one has the bigger items, compared to the one near the station, like beds, closets, fridges, ... Very affordable for clothing and all other offering.

Add to

Details

Getting hungry?

Piccolo

@anouk.on.rails

Best price-quality option for a sandwich. The offering is one of common belgian sandwiches and some specialties. They also sell paninies, never tried. Between 3 and 7 EUR. Usually around lunchtime there is quite a queu, so be on time.

Add to

Details

Falafel Top

@anouk.on.rails

🌱 Best falafel in Leuven. Available in a wrap with different vegetable combinations or as a salad. Mainly falafel no meats or other options. Take away or find one of the few tables. Tables outside in summer. Vegan and low waste if you get a sandwich. 'Schotels' (which means plate) come in styrofoam-like packaging unless you Bring your own.

Add to

Details

Habibi Leuven

@anouk.on.rails

🌱 Good place for Israeli (fast) food. Known for their falafels and mezze with babaganoush, hummus and other typical appetizers. Right accros from falafel top, so a real dillema 😬. Also burgers with fries, never tried those. This one certainly has more choice and nice atmosphere while Falafel Top (the other one in this guide) is perfect for a quick bite!

Add to

Details

Time for a break?

MOK specialty coffee roastery & bar

@anouk.on.rails

Cute place for warm drinks. Never been, looks cozy when people sit outside the door on the terasse.

Add to

Details

* * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anouk.on.rails

Joehoe! I am a young, open minded traveler who likes to explore the world in a sustainable way. Keep your eye out for my content if you like traveling by train and other means of public transportation (I have a thing for metro's), councious consuming (that includes vintage) but also cultural curiosities, going out and overall budget friendly travel. I know travel can have a negative impact on the environment of travel destinations and the climate in general. With my travel content I want to help travelers minimize their negative impact and maximize their positive impact! I was born in Asse, a city near Brussels in Belgium, 23 years ago and it is still my save haven between adventures. I studied in Brussels and lived in Leuven. As a student I also lived in Sevilla for 5 months and in Bordeaux for 4 months. I used to travel a lot with my parents and I am now starting to travel by myself. I like to travel solo or with small groups. I don't usually like to travel in big groups. Find me @anouk.on.rails on Instagram!

Read less

Send A Tip

Support Anouk.on.rails’s work.

Select your tip amount

$10

$20

$50

Or type in other amount

Explore related destinations

Leuven, België