Leuven is perhaps the most underrated city in Europe. It doesn't get nearly the press of London, Paris, or nearby Brussels, but the architecture and cultural setting here are top-notch.
Leuven might be most famous for the beer that is brewed here, and it is definitely worth it to investigate this product firsthand! Famous labels Dumas and Stella Artois are both brewed here--Dumas is more of a dark, heavy draft, and Stella is like Europe's answer to Budweiser (popular but great-tasting). They are served at almost all the cafés in town, but for the ultimate experience, visit the main breweries.
The architecture in Leuven is beyond comparison. Start in Grote Market in the center of the city.
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Leuven is perhaps the most underrated city in Europe. It doesn't get nearly the press of London, Paris, or nearby Brussels, but the architecture and cultural setting here are top-notch.
Leuven might be most famous for the beer that is brewed here, and it is definitely worth it to investigate this product firsthand! Famous labels Dumas and Stella Artois are both brewed here--Dumas is more of a dark, heavy draft, and Stella is like Europe's answer to Budweiser (popular but great-tasting). They are served at almost all the cafés in town, but for the ultimate experience, visit the main breweries.
The architecture in Leuven is beyond comparison. Start in Grote Market in the center of the city. Here you will find the phenomenal Het Stadhuis, with its beautifully carved artifices. It is hard to believe that it was constructed in 1447. It is so intricate, it looks like a laser carved this the designs and statues on the outside of this building!
Another example of the fabulous architecture here is the St Pieterskirk Church, also located toward the center of the city. Its monstrous proportions contrast with its intricate detail.
Leuven is known amongst scholars for its university. People here are generally very bright, and the culture and surroundings cater to that. Libraries, bookstores, and other scholarly haunts abound!
Shopping in Leuven is also something that will entertain visitors. There are the typical European clothing stores, like Zara and H&M, as well as some merchants, like Blokker, that sell everyday items, but none like those you would ever find in the States. The Oude Market (near the center of town) is the main shopping district.
Quick Tips:
Cheap hotels like the Hotel La Royale exist near the outer ring of town. Do not expect luxury at these establishments, but they are good if you're on a shoestring budget.
Go to Leuven.com for a list of popular tourist events and attractions.
A free, yet very nice, place to visit is the Sport Park, which lies on the outside of the southern part of the "ring" around town. Here you can find people participating in all sorts of games in a lush park setting with beautiful grounds and statues.
Best Way To Get Around:
Leuven is not very large - it is about a 2-mile walk across the widest part of the center from the main "ring" around the city. This is probably the best way to get around, since cabs are not all that plentiful and the streets are very confusing if you were to try to drive them.
There is a train station here connecting with other destinations, such as Antwerp and Rotterdam. For more international options, you should head to the larger train station in Brussels, where you can catch "rapid" service to other European cities.
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