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'''Leuven''' is a dynamic and thriving city of about 92,000 inhabitants in Flemish Brabant, Belgium. It's a true university town in which the town is more alive during the academic year (end of September till June), although there are a lot of events in Summer. The university, with about 30,000 students every year, is the oldest Catholic University in the world, founded in 1425. The historic centre is one of the most beautiful in Belgium.
It is also the ideal starting point to discover the rest of the country: Brussels is just around the corner, the Coast is only a 1,5 hour train ride away and Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Liege, Mechelen and Hasselt are nearby.
Lately, more and more tourists visit Leuven as the city has stepped up its efforts to make tourists feel at home.
Visit the website of the Tourist Information Desk [http://www.leuven.be/showpage.asp?iPageID=2721 here] or download the multilingual [http://www.leuven.be/showpage.asp?iPageID=7947 Tourist Information Guide].
You may find that the average age of the population drastically changes during the Academic Year, when it may seem only students stroll around the city. In general however, Leuven has everything to interest both young and old. A lively nightlife, interesting and sometimes stunning historic sites, the important and world renowned University and two seemingly endless shopping streets.
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Understand
The city has a long and interesting history, being founded probably in the 10th century. It was particularly interesting because of the location, at the river ''Dijle'' and close to Brussels. Most of the city was thrashed and burned to the ground by the German invasion in World War I, and was again damaged during World War II. The historic centre itself however has been preserved and historic buildings like the University Library have been restored, partly with foreign relief funds.
Leuven is located just east of Brussels (20km). It is the capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium. This means it houses a lot of administrative services and the Province Building, where the province council is located. Its main industries are technology (due to the University) and beer. Important companies have their home base in Leuven, such as [http://www.inbev.be InBev].
Leuven contains two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the ''Groot Begijnhof'' is part of the Flemish Beguinages. The Belfry on St Peter's Church is a part of the Belfries of Belgium and France. The University buildings and the Historic Centre are also on Belgium's tentative list to become a World Heritage site in it's own right.
Get in
By plane
Land at [http://www.brusselsairport.be '''Brussels International Airport'''], which services Europe, America, Africa and Asia. The airport is quite busy and also has a lot of low-cost carriers.
There is a train and bus station on the Airport itself - follow the signs! The Airport Express Train to Brussels leaves every 30 minutes, but there are direct trains to Leuven as well, every half hour on weekdays and every hour in the weekend. Taxis wait at the arrivals area.
Travel time to Leuven is about 20' by car (with little traffic) and 13' by train.
More low-cost carriers arrive at [http://www.charleroi-airport.be Brussels South Charleroi Airport] but travel time to Leuven is considerably longer (1,5h). You can purchase a special train ticket for ? 20 that will enable you to take the bus from Charleroi airport to Charleroi railway station, and from there on to every Belgian train station. There is no direct train link between Leuven and Charleroi; you have to change trains in Brussels. More information on the airport's website.
By car
Leuven can be conveniently reached by car. The E40 highway runs from Brussels via Leuven to Liege, whereas the E314 highway links Leuven with the province of Limburg and with Maastricht and Aachen, at about 1 hour distance. The city has recently installed a Parking Guidance System that guides you to the larger parkings in the city centre. Look for the electronic signs on the city ring road.
It is advised not to start looking for a free parking spot on the street, since it's expensive and the many one-way streets can be a real maze when you're driving.
By train
Leuven's '''railway station''' is one of the busiest of Belgium. There are frequent direct trains to and from:
Brussels International Airport (13 minutes)
Brussels (Brussels North: 18 minutes; Brussels Central: 24 minutes; Brussels Zuid/Midi: 30 minutes)
Mechelen (20 minutes), Lier and Antwerp (50 minutes)
Ghent (1 hour) and Bruges (1 hour 20 minutes)
The Flemish coast, with trains to Ostend, Knokke and Blankenberge (1 hour 30 minutes) and De Panne (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Aalst, Sint-Niklaas and Kortrijk to the West
Aarschot, Diest, Tienen, Sint-Truiden, Hasselt, Genk and Tongeren to the East
Liege (1 hour), Verviers and Eupen (1 hour 30 minutes) in the eastern part of Wallonia
Mons (1 hour 30 minutes), Nivelles and Soignies in the western part of Wallonia
Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, where there is an assured connection with the train to Namur and Luxembourg
Almost all cities can be reached by train through the Brussels North or Brussels Zuid/Midi hub.
'''Thalys''' and '''Eurostar''' trains depart from Brussels Zuid/Midi.
By bus
There are '''bus lines''' from the cities around Leuven (Brussels, Tienen, Aarschot, Mechelen, Diest and Wavre), but connections by train are usually faster and cost about the same. Buses are sometimes faster if you want to go to Herentals, Turnhout, Geel or other towns in the Campine region.
By taxi
Licensed taxi's have yellow-and-blue (or the older red-and-white) colors on top. They can be found mostly at the airport. One-way to Leuven usually takes 20' (if traffic isn't dense) and costs about ?55.
Get around
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The city has recently installed several new touristic road signs and city maps at several locations, which make getting around in the city a lot easier.
Don't be afraid to ask people on the street for information, as they are usually very open and helpful towards tourists - some will even walk you to your destination.
Public transportation
The public transport company '''[http://www.delijn.be De Lijn]''' has a number of bus lines through Leuven. Centre of their network is the Train Station and the stop at the Fochplein. Since distances are not that big, you won't really need public transport unless you're going to '''Meerdaalwoud''', '''Heverleebos''', '''Campus Arenberg'''' or the hospital '''Gasthuisberg'''. There is no subway or tram line.
On foot
When arriving in Leuven by train, walk to the ''Martelarenplein'' in front of the Station and walk down the ''Bondgenotenlaan'' in order to get to the city centre: the ''Grote Markt'' (Grand Place) where the tourist information desk is situated. Discover the rest of the historic city centre from there. Note that you can also take the Diestsestraat, which is a pedestrian-only street.
By bike
The city has many special areas for cyclers and most - but not all (beware of police controls) - 1-way roads can be accessed in both ways for cycles. It's very easy and comfortable. Make sure to lock your bike to a fixed object or the bike will be stolen, it's sort of a sport among students.
You can also rent bicycles. More information at the Tourist Information Desk (near City Hall).
By thumb
In the city centre, it will prove quite difficult to get around by thumb, since most streets and squares are car-free. If you want to thumb out of the city, pick a spot on the city ring road and hope for a quick pick-up. Be advised most traffic is local or headed for Brussels. The ''Koning Boudewijnlaan'' is a good spot as well, since it leads to the offramp to Brussels and Liege.
Remember to hold up a sign with your final destination, as most people will not 'just' pick up hitchhikers.
By taxi
Licensed taxi's can be identified by the blue-and-yellow/red-and-white symbol and can be found near the Fochplein and the Martelarenplein. Although you probably won't need one, given the perfect railway connection, they're probably the easiest way to get to the Airport, for example at night.
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See
You can get more information about these sites and more at the Tourist Information Desk, situated on the Grand Place, near City Hall, or on [http://www.leuven.be/showpage.asp?iPageID=2721 the Tourism Website].
'''Gothic City Hall'''
'''The small port of Leuven'''
'''University Library'''
'''Fonske''', the "fountain of wisdom", on the Fochplein.
'''Lakenhal''', administrative centre of K.U.Leuven.
'''Beguinage''' , UNESCO world heritage.
[http://www.parkabdij.be/ '''Park abbey''']
'''Collegium Trilingue'''
'''The Law Court''', in the Rijschoolstraat.
'''St.Peter's Church'''
'''Castle of Arenberg''', in the suburb Heverlee.
'''British Military Cemetery De Jacht'''
'''Oude Markt / Old Market'''
'''Kruidtuin / Botanical Garden'''
'''Monument''' for those who have fallen in WWI and WWII, on the Martelarenplein (''Martyrs square'').
''M'', the new city museum, will open on 20 September 2009 (20/09/2009). It is located in the Vanderkelenstraat, close to the Ladeuzeplein and the Bondgenotenlaan. The first exhibition will be about the painter Rogier Van der Weyden.
Do
Culture and Landmarks
Visit the '''historic centre''', the University buildings and the St. Peters Church on the Grand Place. Information and guided tours can be found at the Tourist Information Desk.
Visit the '''Grand Beguinage''', a UNESCO World Heritage site. Easily reachable by bus.
Leuven currently does not have a '''Museum''', since the former one is being restored. The new museum 'M' should open in September 2009. Arts and culture can also be seen in the St. Peter's Church and City Hall.
Leuven has a cultural organization called '''[http://www.30cc.be 30CC]''' that organizes all kinds of cultural activities around the year, for example in the City Theater on the Bondgenotenlaan. Less frequent during Summer.
A '''City Tour Bus''' leaves for sightseeing around the city from the Fochplein, situated right next to the Grand Place and City Hall.
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Summer Events
Visit the summer events '''Beleuvenissen''' (Every Friday in July), '''Hapje Tapje''' (First Sunday of August) and '''Leuven Kermis''' ''(Leuven Carnival)'' (September).
* Beleuvenissen is a musical and cultural festival on the squares in the city centre.
* Hapje Tapje is the one day in the year all bars and restaurants put stalls outside to promote their goods.
* Leuven Kermis is a carnival situated on the Ladeuzeplein and the Hooverplein (just next to it).
Visit the '''Jaarmarkt''' ''(Year Market)'' the first Monday of Leuven Kermis (''Leuven Carnival, see above'') early September: The entire city centre is transformed into one big market. Cattle is also sold in the streets surrounding the Sint-Jacobsplein, 500m from the Grand Place, which is quite the spectacle.
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Green
Have a '''pick-nick''' in the Sint-Donatuspark in the city centre, 50m from the Ladeuzeplein.
Visit the '''[http://www.leuven.be/showpage.asp?iPageID=1360 Kruidtuin]''' or ''botanical garden'' on the Kapucijnenvoer, a side-street of the Brusselsestraat. The garden was founded in 1738 and is the oldest in Belgium.
Make a walk or have a bike ride in '''Meerdaalwoud''' or '''Heverleebos''', the green lungs of the city in the suburbs Heverlee and Oud-Heverlee easily reachable by bike or bus (15 minutes). Many good walking paths. Some parts of the forest are still untouched. A good starting point are the "Zoete Waters" - a series of small lakes in Oud-Heverlee. Take bus line 337 at the Train Station and ask the driver to tell you when you've reached your destination.
Take a boat trip down the ''Vaart'', the Leuven-Mechelen channel. More information on the [http://www.rivertours.be/en/boottochten/leuven.htm boat tour website]. Step aboard in the small port in Northern Leuven, 500m from the railway station.
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Markets
Visit the '''market''' every Friday on the Ladeuze- and Hooverplein, '''flea market''' every Saturday in the vicinity of the Grand Place (Mechelsestraat), and '''flower market''' in the pedestrian-only part of the Brusselsestraat (the street leading away from the Grand Place), every Saturday as well.
Visit the '''[http://www.leuvensekerstmarkt.com Christmas market]''': shop for Christmas gifts, taste local specialties and drink a glass of Gluhwein or brandy. Annually in December (2008: 10-21 December) on the Ladeuze- and Hooverplein.
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Other
[http://www.breweryvisits.com Visit] Inbev's main Belgian '''beer factory''' (Vaartstraat 94, ph 0032 (0)16 247 111, fax 0032 (0)16 247 497), which produces such famous names as Stella Artois, Vieux Temps and Leffe Radieuse.
'''Sports''' can be practiced in the city Sports Centre [http://www.sportoase.be SportOase], with a swimming pool (including small subtropic part with slides, sauna, steambaths and jacuzzi), fitness centre, squash courts and more.
Cheer on the Leuven teams:
* Oud-Heverlee Leuven Football Club ([http://www.ohl.be OHL])
* Spotter Leuven Basketball Club ([http://www.basketgrootleuven.be BGL])
* Leuven Chiefs Icehockey Team ([http://www.ihcl.be IHCL])
Learn
[http://www.kuleuven.be/ '''Katholieke Universiteit Leuven'''], the oldest Catholic University still in existence in the world (founded in 1425).
[http://www.groupt.be '''Group T''']
[http://www.khleuven.be '''Katholieke Hogeschool Leuven''']
Buy
Shopping in Leuven is easy: you can pick one of the two main roads both starting at the Train Station and ending at the Grand Place, near City Hall and St. Peter's Church. Stores usually close around 6pm, and at 8pm on Thursday. Supermarkets are usually open until 8pm, 9pm on Friday.
The ''Diestsestraat'' is the most important shopping street in Leuven. It has been recently changed to be for pedestrians only for the total length of the street (about 1km!). This street also has two small shopping malls, one of them housing the Kinepolis movie theatres.
The ''Bondgenotenlaan'' also features a lot of shops, but is also the main road between the railwaystation area and the centre.
Leuven has a lot of clothing stores, jewellers, some fine bookshops and of course a few ''chocolatiers'' where you can buy genuine '''Belgian Chocolate'''.
Seasonal sales provide discounts up to 70% in January and July. Expect the city to be extremely busy, especially on week-ends.
Eat
There are many good eateries and a great atmosphere (eating outside during the Summer is a can't-miss!) in the '''Muntstraat''', very different styles from classical French Belgian cuisine to Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese.
More common, bigger restaurants can be found right next to City Hall on the '''Grand Place'''.
The area around the '''Oude Markt''' (Old Market) and '''Parijsstraat''' has many smaller restaurants and bars, the Old Market is sometimes jokingly called the longest bar in Europe.
The '''Martelarenplein''' houses a lot of restaurants and bars just a stone's throw away from the railway station.
Look for cheaper restaurants on the Old Market, as that's where the student population mostly enjoys their meal.
Try fresh '''North Sea Mussels''', during their season (roughly August-March). Every year, you'll see the big signs announcing their arrival in front of many restaurants.
Smoking is not allowed in restaurants.
Drink
In Belgium, the legal drinking age in bars and cafe's is 16 for beers and 18 for spirits.
Festivals
Attend the nearby and world renowned [http://www.rockwerchter.be Rock Werchter] music festival in late June/early July, or [http://www.marktrock.be Marktrock] in the city centre, around August 15th.
Bars and Clubs
Leuven is truly a '''beer city''', with the world's largest brewery Inbev being founded here. Try the many tasty beers, but beware, some have much higher alcohol levels than in the rest of the world!
Bars are mostly entrance-free and prices are relatively low.
You can visit the many bars around the '''Old Market''' every night, but expect a lot more ambiance on Wednesday and Thursday during the Academic Year, when the student population is in the city (late September - early December and early February - early June).
The area around the '''Tiensestraat''', where there are bars owned by student organisations (Huis der Rechten for the law students, Politika for the political scientists, Pavlov for the psychology students, Dulci for the economics students, Fak Letteren for the arts students and Delibere for the industrial engineers) and other bars filled with young people (LaPaz, [http://www.thesevenoaks.be The Seven Oaks], [http://www.ronblacks.be Ron Blacks]). You can find drinks at very low rates here.
[http://www.domusleuven.be/ '''Domus'''] small homebrewery and tavern, the beer they brew is only sold there for consumption.
Most parties take place in '''clubs''' in the city centre (and require a small entrance fee, ?2-?4):
Der Machine (Naamsestraat, 100m from City Hall)
Lido (Bogaardenstraat, right next to the Ladeuzeplein)
Musicafe (Muntstraat)
Albatros (Brusselsestraat, 100m from City Hall)
'''Larger venues''' are situated outside the city centre, and have a slightly higher entrance fee (?5-?9) and drinks cost a bit more.
[http://www.silo.be/ Club Silo], near the small port of Leuven, about 500m from the Station. Lively all year long on Friday and Saturday.
[http://www.danceroom.be Club Room], about 2km from the city centre in the suburb Herent. Open on Friday and Saturday, offering theme evenings such as a gay-friendly evening every first Friday of the month.
Sleep
Hotels
Hotel La Royale. artelarenplein 6. ttp://www.laroyale.be/. rom ?50 per night. Cosy hotel with relatively cheap rooms, located on the Martelarenplein in front of the Station.
Begijnhof Congres Hotel. ervuursevest 70. ttp://www.bchotel.be. rom ?115 per night. Luxurious business hotel situated near the Grand Beguinage. More suitable for businessmen.
Holiday Inn Leuven. lfons Smetsplein 7. ttp://www.holidayinn-leuven.com/index.htm. rom ?65 per night.. Situated 50m from the Grand Place, it is ideally located to discover the city at a relatively cheap cost.
Klooster Hotel. redikherenstraat 22. ttp://www.hetklooster.com/en/hotel/klooster-hotel/. Luxurious hotel just outside the city centre, nearby the old market. Situated within an old cloister.
Novotel Leuven. uurkruisenlaan 4. ttp://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/nov/3153/fiche_hotel.shtml. rom ?115 per night.. Modern hotel about 250m from the Station. Easily accessible by car.
IBIS Leuven. russelsestraat 52. ttp://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/ibi/1457/fiche_hotel.shtml. rom ?65 per night.. Cheaper hotel located about 100m from the Grand Place.
Hotel New Damshire. chapenstraat 1. ttp://www.hotelnewdamshire.be. rom ?108 per night. Cosy, somewhat business-like hotel about 100m from the Oude Markt in a quiet street.
Theater Hotel. ondgenotenlaan 20. ttp://www.theaterhotel.be. rom ?99 per night.. Small and somewhat luxurious hotel ideally situated on the Bondgenotenlaan, 100m from City Hall and the Stadsschouwburg (Theatre Hall).
Hotel Binnenhof. aria-Theresiastraat 65. 32 (0)16 20 55 92. ttp://www.hotelbinnenhof.be/html/ENGhome.html. rom ?90 per night.. Comfortable hotel situated at 300 meters from the railway station and in the neighborhood of the Ladeuzeplein and the arts faculty.
Budget
[http://www.leuven-hostel.com/index_en.html Youth Hostel Blauwput], the only youth hostel in Leuven. It's very modern and new, with a bar, a lounge, a terrace during Summer, ... From ?17,50 per night.
'''Vrienden op de Fiets''', 2 adresses for members making a cycling or walking tour through Belgium, [http://www.vriendenopdefiets.nl].
Many Bed&Breakfasts can be found [http://www.leuven.be/showpage.asp?iPageID=1402 here], to stay over one or more nights at a relatively low price (starting from ?30).
Stay safe
Leuven is a very safe and clean city, with very low crime records.
In general, there are no unsafe spots in the city best avoided. The streets are safe, even at night.
Of course, it is advised to take the precautions tourists are urged to take everywhere (eg. to avoid pickpocketing).
The city centre police station is located next to City Hall on the Grand Place. Don't hesitate to walk in if you have questions.
Police usually patrol by car and on foot, and most of the times anonymously instead of walking around in uniform (especially at night).
Beware that police are especially harsh on traffic violations (also the ones made on a bike!), violent behavior and public disturbance.
Note that Belgium and the Netherlands have different drug regulations! Smoking pot (marihuana) is officially not allowed, although it is tolerated when done indoors. An adult can never have more than needed for 'personal use'. Expect any more to be confiscated if they are found by police and you risk being penalized.
Useful phone numbers:
Police: 101
Emergencies: 112 (can be used from mobile phones).
Local police: 016210611 (+3216210611 from abroad).
Stay healthy
Leuven has two larger hospitals, the Academic Hospital [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasthuisberg UZ Leuven ''Gasthuisberg''], located just along the ring road, and the Regional Hospital Heilig Hart, located in the city centre. As always, dial 112 when you are in distress.
For smaller health problems, Belgians usually go to their family doctor, who are often in a group practice in city areas. Ask your hotel, hostel or guide for information on the nearest doctor. Going to the Emergency Room for small health problems will not only cost you, it will also take longer to get help.
Leuven literally has a pharmacy at every corner. You can not buy medication in a supermarket.
Do's and Don'ts
Belgians don't like to talk about their income or politics, but they love to talk about beer and chocolates.
Hot topics best avoided are the Flanders-Wallonia question and the high number of extreme-right votes in Flanders, although it can spur interesting discussions.
Most people enjoy helping tourists, and a lot of people speak Dutch, English and French (especially the students). Don't hesitate to ask locals if you have a question.
Throwing garbage or gum on the street is frowned upon - don't be surprised if someone talks to you if you do. You'll soon notice Leuven is a very clean city and locals respect this and try to keep it this way. Use the many bins.
Giving tips shows that you were content with the service given, but you are certainly not obliged to do so. It is sometimes done in bars and restaurants. Depending on the total, a tip of ?0,50 to ?2,50 is considered generous.
Leuven is a student city, and therefore has had a history of minor vandalism (garbage being thrown around, throwing beer cans) and public drunkenness. Lately, this situation has improved when talks between locals, student organizations and police were installed. Stewards now keep things organized and make sure the party is kept inside instead of in the streets. It is therefore advisable to keep a low profile in the streets at night, as police and stewards will act.