When you mention Belgium to somebody, most of the cases, you will not find excitement or curiosity in the other person’s reaction. This is due to the bad reputation that this small but lovely country has, compared to others such as Italy or France, where almost everybody is aware of their charm and attractiveness.
Today, we will walk through the streets of Leuven, an historical treasure which is about 30 km away from Brussels and that it is the capital of the Flemish Brabant.
University City
Leuven is an university city since 1425 thanks to the university KU Leuven, the largest university of Belgium, with currently sixty thousand students and more than twenty thousand employees. Considering that the total population of Leuven is one hundred thousand of people, we can state without hesitation that Leuven is a university city.
The university is the heart of the city, giving it a vibrant ambient and a non-sleepy spirit. It gives a dynamic atmosphere, prone to creativity and innovation. When we think about university world, we immediately think about parties, noise and hangovers. However, Leuven is much more than that!
Beer
Beer has been part of the Belgian culture since Middle Ages, when monasteries needed to sustain themselves economically, and they found that beer was a profitable way to do it. Nowadays, there are monasteries producing beers following the old traditions, known as Trappists, such as Chimay or Orval.
Leuven has at least 30 breweries, among which you will find the biggest, Stella Artois. It is not only the biggest in this city, but the biggest brewery group (AB InBev). You can visit the brewery and take part of the interactive tour to discover the secret sauce of how beer goes from its grains to your tongue.
Cyclism
Leuven, as a Flemish city, has the bike as a main means of transportation. Once you put one foot there, you realize that you are one of the exceptions that is walking instead of using a wheeling vehicle. Students and university staff embrace cycling as an eco-friendly option. Not only for that, Leuven hosts several cycling events during the year, like the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, a one-day race that marks the beginning of the Belgian cycling season.
If you want to cycle in Leuven, you will find the city very safe and respectful. It has an extensive network of cycling paths and cards and pedestrians will respect you, so you can cycle calmly.
Festivals
Leuven is known for its vibrant festivals and events that are organized throughout the year. The city has something for everyone, from music and cultural festivals to food and drink-centered events. One of the most popular festivals in Leuven is the Leuven Jazz Festival, which takes place in March every year. The festival features jazz concerts by international and Belgian musicians in venues throughout the city, as well as jazz films, exhibitions, and other events, with free admission to many.
Another popular event in Leuven is the Belgian Beer Festival, which is held in the summer months. The festival showcases beers from around the country and provides a great opportunity to explore Belgian brewing culture.
What to visit
- Begijnhof
- St. Peter’s Church
- University’s library
- M-Museum
- Stella Artois brewery
Summary
- University
- Full of life
- Hosts many art festivals
- Let you cycle all around the city