Leuven, Belgium 🇧🇪
#990
50.881253, 4.69299
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Leuven, located in Flemish Brabant, is known for its prestigious university and as a hub of education and innovation. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds of 75 Mbps with good public WiFi in cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.06 USD; widely available ATMs and flexible banking options like KBC and SNS Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Proximus, Orange, and Telenet offering prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | KBC, ING, and BNPP offer services tailored for expats. Online banking available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb, local rentals, to long-term leases via vastgoedportalen.be. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, including contactless payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Spotahome are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Happy is a well-rated affordable lodging option. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co.Station Leuven, featuring modern amenities and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Koffie on the Roc, known for its great coffee and conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Leuven Startup Cafe hosts regular meetups and networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Expats in Leuven Facebook Group for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Leuven, while local taxis can be booked via Taxitender. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Getaround and Blue-bike provide bike and scooter rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ostend Beach is about 1 hour away, accessible by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Brussels Airlines connects Leuven to major European cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Brussels Airlines and Ryanair operate from Brussels Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to E40 highway links Leuven to Brussels and Ghent. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Leuven Railway Station serves as the main public transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | De Lijn offers monthly and annual passes for local transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (NMBS) and buses (De Lijn) provide excellent connections to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | UZ Leuven Hospital is a major healthcare facility known for its broad range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogacenter Leuven offers various classes in a peaceful environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and JIMS are popular gyms with affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavomatic Leuven provides self-service laundry options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and UberEats are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local specialty 'Leuvense stoofkar bonen', a traditional bean stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Ona’s Vegan Restaurant offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Zwarte Bot serves delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Leuven Market on Wednesdays offers fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue offer fast delivery for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery services available through Albert Heijn and Colruyt. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Vestergem District is known for its lively bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Domus Brewery offers tours and tastings of local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine and Dine offers an extensive selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at the Oude Markt offer diverse culinary options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant De Werf serves a mix of Belgian and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Old Market Square is famous for its vibrant café culture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | M-Museum Leuven showcases contemporary art and hosts regular exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The University Library and Tower is a must-see for history enthusiasts. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflects Leuven's religious heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Leuven Beer Festival occurs annually, celebrating local brews. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Molenbeek district is known for its artistic vibe and small galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Stadsschouwburg Leuven hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Every Wednesday, the market at Sint-Geertrui offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Ancienne Belgique organizes concerts and events featuring local and international artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals in the city center, especially around the Vaartkom area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Attend classes at 'Koken met Koffie', where you can learn local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Gallery De Zwarte Panter features works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Town Hall of Leuven is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Leuven has a rich heritage connected to its university and beer culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kessel-lo Park is a beautiful green space ideal for relaxation and walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hoge Kempen National Park, a 1-hour drive away, offers stunning nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Canal Bike Path provides scenic views and a smooth cycling experience. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Overlooking the city from the University Library Tower offers stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Heverleebos forest is a prime spot for birdwatching in Leuven. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Blaarmeersen is known for its designated bonfire areas in warmer months. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bpost serves as the primary delivery service in Leuven. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | The Apple Service Provider Leuven offers reliable tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Club Leuven is the go-to venue for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Encora provides Dutch classes tailored for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The University Library offers ample study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | De Kruidtuin serves as a cultural hub for various activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameOver Leuven offers gaming sessions and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Spa is a notable nearby option for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate, 6% for primary residence. |