Overall Score
On the coast of Belgiums Flemish River, the city of Leuven, which lies just east of the capital city of Brussels, has sprung up in the Flemish countryside of Leuven. It shares borders with municipalities such as Holesburg, Lubeck, Rothselaerlare, Aude-Heuserle, Birmingham, Birchbeck, Haht and Heerent. In 891 it was written about in the Fulda Annals. At that time it was overrun by the warring Vikings after the siege. From the 11th to the 14th centuries, the city was an economic and developmental center. Consequently, it became famous for its production of linen clothing. Education began to develop in the city. In 1425, the University of California was founded here. It was founded by Pope Martin V. Today it is considered to be one of the oldest institutions of higher learning, as well as the best in quality education. In addition to the Belgians, nearly 10 percent of the worlds foreigners study there.
Levin is home to one of the largest beer companies. The brewing industry developed in the 18th century. In the second half of the 18th century there were about 50 breweries in the city. The most popular was the variety Stella Artois, which made Leuven world-famous and recognized. In the 20th century, Stella Artúa merged with a brewery organization from Bologna, Piedrabeuf. As a result, a new company of world renown was born.
The city suffered great destruction during the two world wars. During the First, in the late summer of 1914, a barrage of deadly shells from German guns rained down on the city. As a result, no building remained in the city. The World War II raid destroyed the library and the university town. After the bombardment, the city turned into ruins. As a consequence, historic buildings and structures were rebuilt according to historic blueprints that had been preserved. Among the notable features are the Cathedral Building, the marketplace, St. Peters Church, and the Bekinage, a town in the city that was built from the 13th to the 14th centuries.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 39 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 98,000 people
- GDP: $41,199 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 52 Mbps
- Best wireless: Proximus
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: Tipping in Belgium isn’t a standard practice, as service is typically included in the final bill. Most restaurants add a 10 to 15 percent service charge to the bill, so there is no need to tip anything extra.
- Apartment listings: AirBnb
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee 24/7: Startit BE
- Best taxi: Taxi.eu
- Online electronics shop: Coolblue
- Best hospital: Hospital Gasthuisberg Leuven
- Best short-haul air carrier: Lufthansa
- Best intl air carrier: Lufthansa
- Monthly costs for expat: $1900
- Monthly costs for family: $4100
- Monthly costs for local: $1150
- Meal: $12
- Small Cola: $2.5
- Beer 1 Pint: $4
- Coffee: $3.5
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