population: 0.1 million

extension: 57.38 square kilometers

Museums

If you're interested in museums, you may want to check out M-Museum Leuven, which has an extensive collection of art and artifacts. Other nearby museums include the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (M HKA) in Antwerp and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Leuven, Belgium include:

1. Stoofvlees: A traditional Flemish beef stew that is slowly cooked with beer and served with fries.

2. Vol-au-vent: A puff pastry shell filled with a creamy chicken and mushroom mixture.

3. Waterzooi: A hearty soup made with chicken or fish, vegetables, cream, and herbs.

4. Belgian fries: Thick-cut fries served with mayonnaise or other sauces like ketchup, curry, or andalouse.

5. Carbonade Flamande: Another classic Flemish beef stew, this one prepared with onions and brown beer.

6. Speculoos: A type of spiced biscuit that's often served with coffee or tea.

7. Belgian waffles: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these are usually topped with whipped cream, chocolate, or fruit.

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes you can try in Leuven, and I'm sure you'll find plenty of other local favorites as well!

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Leuven, Belgium are:

1. Enjoying a beer at one of the city's many cafes or bars, such as De Blauwe Kater or Café Belge.
2. Exploring the historic city center and its landmarks, such as the Gothic-style Town Hall and St. Peter's Church.
3. Biking or walking through the nearby countryside, such as the Hageland hills or the Brabantse Kouters.
4. Shopping for local goods at the weekly farmers market on Saturdays or the antique market on Sundays.
5. Attending a cultural event, such as the Leuven Jazz Festival or the Hapje-Tapje culinary festival.