Leuven has two larger hospitals. The Academic Hospital UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg (http://www.uzleuven.be/en) is the largest hospital in Belgium and is located just along the ring road. The Regional Hospital Heilig Hart (http://www.hhleuven.be/) is located in the city centre. As always, dial 112 when you are in distress. You will be taken to either of both hospitals.
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 ~45 minutes.
Leuven literally has a pharmacy at every corner. You can not buy medication in a supermarket.
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, although you better avoid public gardens at night. Even though most of them have closing hours which vary throughout the seasons.Of course, it is advised to take the precautions tourists are urged to take everywhere eg. to avoid pickpocketing. If you have a bike, make sure it is secured with a decent lock as students tend to 'borrow' bicycles. Similarly, jackets left unattended in bars may be at risk.
The city centre police station is located next to City Hall at Grote Markt. 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.Try to avoid the area around Sint-Maartensdal and De Bruul located in between Brouwersstraat and Pereboomstraat. There are also some spots in the suburb Kessel-Lo which are better avoided at night.Casablanca and Vredespleintje
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.
respect
Belgians don't like to talk about their income or politics, but they love to talk about beer and chocolates.
The Flanders-Wallonia question and the high number of separatist and extreme-right votes in Flanders are controversial topics.
Most people enjoy helping tourists, and a lot of people speak, apart from Dutch, also English, French or German 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 â¬0,50 to â¬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.