EVENT LOCATION
Conference​
International Party
Leuven, a town on the outskirts of Brussels, is home to Belgium's biggest university. Belgian cities are well-connected by train and a ride to the centre of Brussels takes around 25 minutes.
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TIP: If you're travelling in a group of 5 or more, consider buying Go Pass 10 for 53€, which would make a return journey cheaper. Several people can use the ticket simultaneously.
Faculty of Social Sciences
Parkstraat 45, 3000 Leuven
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It's a 20 minutes walk from the station through Maria Theresiastraat
All presentations and workshops would take place here.
Barvista - 't Gewelf
Oude Markt 7-8, 3000 Leuven
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The party would take place on Oude Markt (10 min by foot from the conference building, close to multiple other bars). When entering Barvista ask for 't Gewlf zaal.
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Dress code TBA
ARRIVAL TO LEUVEN
BY TRAIN​: All neighbouring countries have train connections to Belgium, so check the website of your local train company (Thalys, ICE, NS). Most likely you will travel through Brussel Midi/Zuid, from where there is a direct train connection to Leuven (with Belgian NMBS/SNCB).
BY CAR: Be careful when using Google Maps or another navigation system in Leuven as it may not reflect the city's circulation plan correctly. You can find a list of parkings with payment information here.
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BY PLANE: You will arrive in Belgium through one of the two airports:
1. Brussels - Zaventem: You can take the direct train to Leuven which takes less than 15 minutes (1 stop). In addition to the regular ticket, you will need to purchase the Diabolo fee (5.40€ airport supplement). When buying a single journey ticket at machines placed on the airport station, the fee would be automatically added, but remember to get it separately in case of using Go Pass 10.
2. Brussels - Charleroi: While most budget airlines fly there, Charleroi airport sits further away from Leuven and you can expect up to two hours to reach the city. Firstly, you should buy the Brussels city shuttle ticket online (we recommend that you do it ASAP as its price is lower when booked in advance.). With the shuttle, you will arrive in Brussel Midi/Zuid from where there is a direct train connection to Leuven.
WHERE TO STAY?
Leuven is a small student city and crossing its diameter takes only around 30 minutes. ​We suggest not to book your accommodation too far from the centre, so your room is nearby after a night out (Oude Markt, where most bars are located is right in the centre of the city).
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Find your AirBnB on the map below.
​RECOMMENDED HOSTELS
If you prefer to stay in a hostel instead of an AirBnB, check out the hostels below:
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NEAR THE STATION
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Hostel Blauwput
Martelarenlaan 11a
Breakfast included
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Ibis Budget Hotel
Martelarenlaan 10
NEAR THE CENTER
Getaway Studios Leuven
Vital Decosterstraat 23
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Leuven City Hostel
Ravenstraat 37
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In case you have any questions regarding arrival or accomodation in Leuven, please don't hesitate to contact us at synbio@igemleuven.be​