Belgium
Leuven experiences four distinct seasons, each needing specific clothing. Locals generally dress in a casual yet neat manner. For visits to churches or other religious sites, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees shows respect.
Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are fundamental. Leuven's city center has many cobblestone streets, which challenge uncomfortable footwear. Support and cushioning come first. If you plan to rent a bicycle, comfortable, breathable clothing suits you. Helmets for safety are good; some rental places supply them. For most common tourist activities, specialized equipment holds no necessity.
Proper footwear helps comfort, especially on Leuven's cobblestone streets. Select shoes for various weather and activities.
For everyday wear, Comfortable, supportive walking shoes stand as a must. In rainy weather, waterproof or water-resistant shoes come in handy. For summer, breathable Sneakers or Comfortable sandals work well, but always with sufficient support for walking.
Keeping documents organized and secure makes travel simple.
Carry photocopies of your passport's identification pages and store them separately. Keep digital copies on your phone or in cloud storage.
Your original passport, visa documents (if applicable), Travel insurance policy, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to drive outside the EU.
Belgium uses Type E power sockets (230V, 50Hz). A Type E travel adapter or Universal travel adapter is necessary. Bring a Portable charger for on-the-go power.
Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked for a local SIM. Consider an ESIM. Download Google Maps, De Lijn app, and Translation app. Backup photos and documents to cloud storage.
A well-stocked kit and awareness of local provisions help.
Pack a Compact travel first aid kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), Anti-diarrhea medication, and blister treatment. Water purification is not needed for tap water.
Bring enough prescription medications in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription. Pack common over-the-counter medications. Insect repellent useful in summer. Include Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for Sun protection.
If exploring surrounding forests or taking longer walks, a Small daypack for essentials (water, snacks, light jacket) comes in handy. Comfortable hiking shoes are important if venturing onto trails.
If cycling extensively, padded shorts increase comfort, especially on longer rides. Helmets typically see recommendations for safety, and some rental places supply them.
Bicycles Easily rent in Leuven via Blue-bike or local shops.
This avoids the hassle of bringing your own bike. For most common tourist activities, specialized equipment has no requirement.
Most commonly needed travel items can be found in Leuven. Specific brands or unique items are best brought from home.
Common travel items are readily available in Leuven at reasonable prices.
If you have unique comfort items or specific brands of toiletries, bringing them home assures preference.
