Discover Vlaams Brabant
56 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Groot Begijnhof Leuven
A serene 13th‑century Beguinage with narrow cobbled lanes, whitewashed brick houses, small gardens and a central chapel—ideal for intimate architectural and historical street photography. Visit early weekday mornings or at golden hour for soft light and empty lanes; blue hour enhances the chapel and street lamps. The site is pedestrian, generally free to enter, and in a quiet, residential conservation area—respect local residents. Limited on‑street parking; use nearby city or university carparks
Grote Markt
Grote Markt in Leuven is a compact, photogenic medieval square anchored by the ornate Gothic Town Hall and the façade of St. Peter’s Church, framed by lively cafés and terraces. Photograph detailed stonework, bustling street life, and illuminated façades at blue hour. Best at golden hour and after dusk for warm light and evening illumination; weekday mornings are quieter. The square is pedestrian-friendly; parking is limited (use nearby Park & Ride or Ladeuze/Brusselsestraat garages). No entry,
Universiteitsbibliotheek en bibliotheektoren
The red‑brick University Library and its bell tower dominate Ladeuzeplein — an architectural and historical landmark. Photograph the tower and façade framed with the oversized globe sculpture, sweeping square, and tram lines. Best at golden hour or blue hour when textures and tower lighting pop; weekday mornings are quieter. Accessible on foot from Leuven station; public parking nearby. Tower access and interior shots may require a ticket or permission — check opening hours. Respect library hush
Leuven Oude Markt
Long, narrow plaza nicknamed 'the longest bar in Europe' — terraces, historic facades and cobbled lanes create lively daytime and neon-lit night scenes. Photograph daytime street life and architectural details at golden hour; return at blue hour and after midnight for dramatic terrace lights and reflections. Easily reached from Leuven station; pedestrianized but limited nearby parking (public garages a short walk). No entry fees; expect a student crowd and lively atmosphere, especially weekends.
Botanical Garden
Historic University Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin) offers formal beds, seasonal bulbs, glasshouses and a tranquil pond — ideal for macro florals, greenhouse details and calm landscape compositions. Best in spring for tulips/bluebells and autumn for color; golden hour or overcast mornings give soft light. Central, mostly free entry, paved paths are wheelchair-friendly; nearest parking and train station in Leuven city center. Weekday mornings are least crowded. The garden's medicinal-plant history &
Trapbootjes Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo
Small lake and pedal-boat area in Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo — ideal for calm waters, reflections, parkland compositions and seasonal color. Photograph boats, tree-lined shore, paths and people relaxing. Best light at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm tones and reflections; autumn and spring offer strongest color. Easily accessible by car or bike; on-site parking and paths are flat and stroller-friendly. Weekends are busy with families; visit weekday mornings for solitude. No special entry is
Natuurreservaat grootbroek
Natuurreservaat Grootbroek is a lowland marsh of reedbeds, ponds and meadow with abundant birdlife and reflective water patterns—ideal for intimate nature and waterscape shots. Visit at dawn or dusk for golden light, mist and active birds; autumn and early spring offer strong colors and migrations. Well-marked trails and boardwalks provide close access; parking available near the reserve edge. No entry fee; expect quiet, respectful use of the habitat.
Horses’ procession
The Hakendover Horses’ Procession is a colorful, traditional parade of mounted riders, decorated horses and local pageantry — ideal for dynamic portraits, action shots and cultural detail. Photograph riders, tack, banners and crowd reactions; capture wide compositions of the procession moving through village streets and intimate close-ups of horse gear and faces. Best visited during the event day (check local calendar); golden hour adds warm light and long shadows. Streets are narrow with modest
Stadspomp
Stadspomp is a decorative historic town pump on Zoutleeuw’s Grote Markt framed by medieval buildings and the belfry—ideal for intimate architectural and street scenes. Shoot close-ups of cast-iron detail against cobbled foregrounds, wide compositions including the belfry and cloth hall, or moody evening shots when market lights turn on. Best at golden hour or blue hour; weekday mornings are quiet. Central, pedestrian-friendly square with paid parking nearby; no entry fee. Respect local foot- and
Ladeuzeplein
Ladeuzeplein is Leuven’s large university square dominated by the imposing neoclassical university library and its bell tower; wide open paved space, terraces and frequent events create strong architectural and urban-composition opportunities. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm façades, and at blue hour when the tower and café lights contrast against sky. Weekdays and early mornings have fewer people. Central, easily reached by tram/bus; street parking nearby is limited. Library interior or
Kasteel en domein Groenenberg
Groenenberg is a small historic castle set in an English-style domain with tree-lined avenues, ponds and formal gardens — ideal for architecture details, seasonal foliage and water reflections. Best at golden hour and in autumn for rich colors; early weekdays have fewer visitors. The park is publicly accessible though the castle sometimes hosts private events — check opening hours. Easy drive from Brussels with local parking; grassy paths require weather-appropriate footwear.
Grote Markt, fontein & overdekking
Central market square in Vilvoorde featuring a sculptural fountain, covered market (overdekking) and façades of civic and merchant buildings. Photograph architectural details, market life and water reflections; the square is pedestrian-friendly, no entry fee, short walk from Vilvoorde train station. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm façades and illuminated fountain; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Street-level cobbles and occasional events add variety.
Woluweveld
Woluweveld (Woluwebos) is a mixed woodland and meadow park on Zaventem’s edge — avenues of mature trees, open grassland and small ponds offer seasonal color, reflections and intimate nature scenes. Easy access from Woluwebos road with street parking and footpaths; no entry fees. Best at golden hour (sunrise for mist and low sun through trees; sunset for warm meadows). Visit spring for fresh greens and flowers, autumn for foliage; weekdays are quieter. Near Brussels Airport so occasional aircraft
Zoetwaterpark
Small urban nature park centered on a pond with reeds, boardwalks and mature trees — great for reflections, intimate landscapes and birdlife. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; autumn and spring offer color and migration activity. Easily accessible from Maurits Noëstraat with limited street parking; free entry and compact layout makes short visits practical. Weekday mornings are quiet.
Valleibos
Valleibos is a mixed deciduous woodland with ponds, meandering trails and open clearings—great for moody forest scenes, reflections, autumn color and intimate nature shots. Visit at golden hour or early misty mornings for soft light and low crowds. Easy access from Broekstraat; roadside parking nearby. No entry fee; stick to marked paths and respect wildlife.
Strebelle "Flight in Mind"
Strebelle’s “Flight in Mind” is a large public sculpture near Zaventem Airport—an abstract, dynamic form that complements aircraft and airport architecture. Photograph details and sweeping silhouettes against sky or include passing planes for context. Best at golden hour or blue hour for dramatic color and contrast; weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Easily accessible from nearby roads with limited street parking; no entry fee. Respect airport security and private property—stay in public,
Wolvepoortpad
Wolvepoortpad is a leafy riverside pedestrian path near Leuven’s medieval Wolvepoort gate and city walls, offering intimate compositions of historic stonework, riverside reflections on the Dijle, and framed urban greenery. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and calm water; autumn and spring give strong color. Easily reached on foot or bike from Leuven center; limited roadside parking nearby and regular public transport. No entry fees; expect pedestrians and cyclists—weekday mornings
De Vistrap
De Vistrap is a small riverside stretch and historic bridge over the Dijle in central Leuven, framed by brick buildings, moored boats and cobbled quays—great for intimate urban waterscapes, reflections and architectural details. Best light is at golden hour for warm facades and calm water; blue hour adds lamps and glassy reflections. Easily reached on foot from Leuven centre; limited street parking nearby and many pedestrian approaches. Weekday mornings are quieter; be mindful of local residents
Totemannenbak
Totemannenbak is a quirky public sculpture/fountain on Tienen’s Grote Markt — great for close-up textural shots and environmental portraits against historic townhouses. Visit at golden hour or after rain for reflections on cobbles. Central, easy to reach by foot; paid parking and train station nearby. No entry fee; expect weekend market crowds and local events that add context.
Tombe Middelwinden
A low grassy burial mound set in open Hesbaye farmland — photogenic for minimalist landscapes, textured earth forms and historic context. Best at golden hour or under low winter sun when ruts and turf cast long shadows; misty autumn mornings add atmosphere. Easily reached from Landen by car or bike; roadside parking and short walk likely. No entry fee; respect protected archeological site and surrounding private fields.
De schaapsheuvel
A small grassy hill offering sweeping views over the Hesbaye countryside — ideal for wide rural panoramas, intimate nature foregrounds (wildflowers, grasses) and dramatic skies. Accessible from Diestsesteenweg with informal roadside parking; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and long shadows; late autumn and spring offer the most color and texture. Expect easy walking paths and occasional local visitors; check weather for cloud drama.
De ontvoering van Europa
Outdoor bronze/stone sculpture 'De ontvoering van Europa' captures the mythic scene in Provincieplein, Leuven. Photograph the figures, textures and surrounding civic architecture; easy public access with no entry fee. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light or dramatic sky; weekday mornings are quieter. Nearby parking and Leuven station are a short walk; watch for events on the square.
Nationaal Monument van de Weerstand
A solemn World War II resistance monument set in a leafy park near Leuven’s university district. Photograph sculptural forms, engraved plaques and the interplay of stone and mature trees. Visit at golden hour or blue hour for dramatic side-lighting and long shadows; overcast days reveal texture and mood. Easily reached by bus/bike; limited on‑street parking nearby. No entry fee or restrictions; respectful behavior required near memorials.
Tuinpaviljoen van de Zusters van de Goede Herder
Small historic garden pavilion within the former Sisters of the Good Shepherd complex in Leuven — intimate architecture, manicured planting and tranquil paths offer close-up details and atmospheric wide shots. Best at golden hour or soft overcast for even light; weekday mornings have few visitors. Site may have limited public access (check local signage or church office); street parking and paid lots nearby. Quiet, culturally rich setting next to other heritage buildings in the city.
Muurschildering Brusselsestraat
A large street mural on Brusselsestraat in Leuven — vibrant public art ideal for color-rich, graphic compositions and city-culture shots. Easily reached on foot or bike; no entry fee. Best photographed at golden hour or on overcast days for even colors; weekday mornings avoid crowds. Limited street parking—use nearby paid lots or public transport. Part of Leuven’s growing street‑art trail, great for both wide environmental frames and close texture/detail shots.
Waterpomp Markt
Waterpomp Markt is a compact town square in central Leuven with a historic water pump, café terraces and surrounding brick facades — great for intimate urban and street scenes. Best at golden hour or after rain for reflections; evenings offer warm terrace lights. Easily reached on foot from Leuven station; limited on-street parking, use public transport. No entry fees; accessible year-round. Weekday mornings are quieter; weekends host markets and lively crowds.
Fonske (statue)
Fonske is a small, iconic bronze student statue on Rector De Somerplein, set against Leuven’s university buildings. Photographers can capture its whimsical pose, contextual shots including the surrounding neoclassical architecture, and intimate portraits of the statue within busy square life. Visit at golden hour or after dusk when building lights add warmth. Public, free access; limited on-street parking—use Leuven station or walk from the city center. Weekdays are less crowded. A local symbol,
Kraainem skatepark
Compact outdoor concrete skatepark in suburban Kraainem—great for dynamic action, low-angle lines, and gritty urban detail (rails, bowls, graffiti). Best light is golden hour or late afternoon for warm side-light; overcast days work for even light and saturated colors. Easily accessible by car or public transport; street parking and short walk from local stops. No entry fee; respect skaters and ask before shooting close-ups. Weekday mornings are quieter; weekends get busy with local youth.
Katelijnepark
Katelijnepark is a compact, centrally located city park with lawns, mature trees, a reflective pond and seasonal flower beds — an intimate green space framed by Leuven’s historic architecture. Photograph tranquil reflections, tree-lined paths, and close-up flora. Best at golden hour or blue hour for soft light and reflections; autumn brings vivid foliage, spring offers blossoms. Easily accessible on foot or by public transit from Leuven center; free entry. Limited on‑street parking—arrive early,
Zoet Water
Small freshwater reserve with reed-fringed ponds, tree lines and reflective water — ideal for intimate waterscape and landscape shots. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and glassy reflections; misty autumn/winter mornings add mood. Accessible by road with limited street parking on Maurits Noëstraat; easy walking trails and no formal entry fee. Weekdays are quieter; expect cyclists and local walkers.
Museum Toreke
Small local museum on Tienen’s Grote Markt offering a mix of period interiors, civic history and ornate façade details set against the cobbled market square and nearby belfry. Photograph exterior architectural details, street scenes with café life, and curated interior exhibits. Best light: golden hour on the square and early evening when façades and belfry are warm; weekday mornings are quieter for interiors. Centrally located with street parking and paid lots nearby; modest admission and usual
Mater dolorosa by Rik Poot
Outdoor public sculpture 'Mater dolorosa' by Rik Poot on Leuvensestraat. Photograph its expressive form, textures and patina against the urban backdrop; ideal for intimate portrait-style shots and contextual street scenes. Visit in soft light—overcast or golden hour—to reveal surface detail and mood. Easily accessible from the street with on-street parking and short walks from Vilvoorde center; no entry fee. Respect nearby residences and any local religious context when shooting.
Aan Onze Helden - WW I
A World War I memorial ensemble with sculptural figures and inscribed plaques set near a tree-lined avenue in Zaventem. Photograph details (names, reliefs), the monument's silhouette against sky, and contextual shots including surrounding plane-lined streets. Best at golden hour or soft overcast for texture; weekday mornings are quiet. Easily accessible from Hector Henneaulaan with street parking nearby; no entry fee but observe respectful distance during commemorations.
Dam
Small dam and reservoir set in rolling Flemish countryside offering calm water reflections, reed beds and walking paths — good for tranquil waterscapes, seasonal colors and birdlife. Best at golden hour or overcast for moody reflections; early mornings reduce people and wind. Accessible by road with limited roadside parking near Koeweidelos; bring waterproof shoes for shoreline access. No entry fees; respect private farmland and nesting birds in spring.
Kat
Kat is a small, characterful spot on Portaelsstraat in central Vilvoorde—great for capturing intimate café/shopfront details, local street life and the mix of Belgian brick architecture with painted signage. Best visited early morning for soft light on facades or late afternoon for warm side lighting. Easily accessible on foot from the train station; limited street parking. No special entry requirements for exterior shots; ask permission before shooting inside. Works well as a local-portrait or街
Zoet Water park - Atrium
Indoor leisure water park with a glass-roofed atrium, pools, slides and tropical plantings — great for dynamic action, reflections and architectural lines. Shoot midday when skylights flood the space; weekdays/mornings are least crowded. Accessible parking nearby and paid entry; check pool rules on tripods and flash. Roof highlights dramatic backlit silhouettes and wet reflections.
Statue Of Justus Lipsius
Bronze statue of Renaissance scholar Justus Lipsius set in Leuven’s historic university quarter. Photograph for portraiture against ornate façades, contextual street scenes, and detail textures. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and contrast; weekday mornings offer fewer tourists. Easily accessible on foot or by local bus; no entry fee. Limited on-street parking—use public transport. Cultural interest: links to Leuven’s academic history and surrounding Gothic architecture.
Speelbos Everzwijnbad
Small themed play-forest with winding trails, wooden play sculptures, streams and dense beech/pine stands — good for intimate woodland scenes, textural details, and environmental portraits of families. Best at golden hour or misty autumn/spring mornings for soft light and atmosphere. Compact site with informal paths; wheelchair access limited in places. Free entry likely; park in nearby lot on Weertsedreef and walk in. Weekdays are quieter; expect children and local families on weekends.
Mariapark
Small urban green in central Leuven with lawns, mature trees and paths—ideal for intimate landscape, seasonal color and quiet street-life frames. Easy walk from the city centre and public transport; free entry and limited on-street parking. Best at golden hour or early weekday mornings for soft light and fewer people; autumn and spring offer strongest color contrasts.
Geosite Goudberg
Exposed geological outcrop on Goudberg showing layered bedrock and soil profiles set against open Hageland countryside. Shoot textures, stratification and sweeping rural panoramas; educational panels add context. Best at golden hour or after rain when layers and colors pop. Easily accessible from Reugelstraat with roadside parking and a short walk; no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings have few visitors. Respect signage and private land boundaries.
Parc JOURDAIN KRAAINEM
Small suburban park with ponds, mature trees, winding paths and seasonal planting—great for intimate landscape and nature frames. Best at golden hour or after rain for strong reflections; spring and autumn offer color. Easily accessible from Steenweg op Zaventem, free entry and informal street parking; quieter on weekday mornings. No permits required for casual photography.
Tintin Rocket
The Tintin Rocket is a life-size, colorful replica of the iconic rocket from Hergé’s Tintin comics outside Terminal A at Brussels Airport. It’s a playful subject against airport architecture and moving traffic. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for soft light; weekdays are quieter. Easily accessible from the terminal with short walking routes and airport parking; no entry fee. Good for fans of pop culture and bold graphic compositions.
Kraainemwandeling
Kraainemwandeling is a suburban nature walk with mixed deciduous woods, small ponds and winding paths—great for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and quiet wetland scenes. Best at golden hour and in autumn for color or after rain for reflections and mist. Easily reached from Kraainem center by foot or local bus; free access and limited roadside parking. Expect muddy trails after rain and modest wildlife (ducks, songbirds). Weekday mornings offer the fewest people.
Cargill Park
Small municipal park with mature trees, lawns, a reflective pond and walking paths — good for intimate nature, seasonal color and candid local life. Easy to reach from Vilvoorde centre by foot or short drive; limited on‑street parking. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon for low light and pond reflections; weekdays are quieter. No entry fee; weather in spring/autumn brings best foliage and migratory birds.
Kunstwerk bombardonstraat
Kunstwerk Bombardonstraat is a public street artwork in Liedekerke—an accessible mural/sculptural installation that brings local character to a residential street. Photograph colorful details, patterns and interaction with surrounding houses and trees. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for soft side-light and long shadows; golden hour adds warmth. Easily reached on foot or by car; street parking nearby. No entry fee. Visit weekdays to avoid local traffic and respect residential quiet
Woluwedalpark
Woluwedalpark is a small, leafy urban park with meandering paths, ponds and mature trees — good for serene landscape, waterscape and nature shots. Best at golden hour and in autumn for color and reflections. Easily accessible on foot or by local bus/tram from Zaventem; free entry and limited street parking nearby. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect locals walking dogs. No permits needed for casual photography.
Standbeeld van de pionier
Bronze/stone monument honoring local pioneers in Bekkevoort — strong sculptural lines and patina offer contrast against sky and street scenes. Best at golden hour or overcast for even texture. Easily reachable on foot from town center; roadside parking nearby. Quiet on weekdays; no entry fees. Useful for combining close-up detail shots with contextual wide angles including nearby church and village streets.
Activités Bruxelles
Activités Bruxelles is a local activity and events hub in Zaventem offering workshops, classes and community events — ideal for capturing candid human moments, close-up details of crafts and energetic group scenes. Visit during scheduled events or weekend workshops for peak action; weekday evenings or mornings are quieter. Lighting is mostly indoor/artificial — bring fast glass and a flash or LED panel. Accessible by car with nearby parking and public transit links to Brussels Airport; alwaysask
Hondenloopweide "Woluwe"
Small off-leash dog meadow in suburban Zaventem — great for dynamic pet action, candid owner-dog interactions, seasonal lawns and tree-lined edges. Best at golden hour or weekday mornings for soft light and fewer people. Easily reached by car or local bus; free entry and modest parking nearby. Flat terrain makes composition and mobility easy.
Zavelbos Sterrebeek (Zaventem)
Small mixed woodland near Zaventem offering intimate forest scenes, seasonal color (especially autumn), winding paths and occasional meadow clearings — good for close-up nature, moody landscapes and environmental portraits. Easy public access with no entry fee; street parking or small lots nearby. Best at golden hour or misty mornings for soft light; weekdays are quieter. Note proximity to Brussels Airport can add distant aircraft in sky compositions.
Regionaal Landschap Zuid-Hageland
Rolling hills, hedgerows, orchards and small village lanes around Tienen offer classic Flemish landscape shots — seasonal blossom in spring, warm golds in autumn and intimate rural details year-round. Trails from the visitor centre (Schoolpad 43) are on public land, easy to walk, with free parking nearby. Best visited at golden hour for directional light; weekdays and early mornings avoid walkers. No entry fee; bring waterproof shoes in wet season.
Toerisme Affligem
Small tourism office in the historic heart of Affligem, a good base for photographing the nearby Affligem Abbey, traditional Flemish brick buildings, narrow lanes and pastoral scenes. Best at golden hour or blue hour when warm light brings out brick textures and abbey towers; weekday mornings are quieter. Easily accessible by car with limited street parking; exterior shots are freely permitted, interior access to abbey/church may be restricted or timed. Cultural context: quiet monastic village,季
Weerstation Meteo Tollembeek
Small rural meteorological station set against open Flemish farmland — great for minimalist compositions of instruments, towers and wide sky. Shoot dramatic cloudscapes, storms or golden-hour light; station detail shots (anemometer, radiation shields) add context. Accessible from local roads with informal roadside parking; respect fences and private property. Best at sunrise/sunset or during active weather; winters offer low-angle light, summer evenings for long cloud streaks.
Kessel-Lo Falls
Small woodland cascade set in a leafy Leuven park — ideal for intimate water studies, mossy rock details, and seasonal foliage. Best after rain or in spring when flow is stronger; golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) gives warm side-light and fewer visitors. Easily reached via a short walk from nearby street parking; free access on well‑kept paths. No permits required. Charming for close‑up long exposures and contextual shots with surrounding trees.
Springkonijntjes
Small neighborhood play area named Springkonijntjes featuring colorful playground equipment and playful rabbit motifs set amid suburban greenery. Shoot intimate detail shots of textures and sculptures, environmental portraits of children (with permission), and wide compositions that include tree-lined Imbeekstraat. Best light: golden hour or soft overcast; weekdays mornings are quieter. Easy street access and likely free; parking along Imbeekstraat. Be mindful of privacy and local families.