15 Must Have Apps When Living in Leuven

To make the most of your time in the beautiful city of Leuven, it's essential to have the right tools at your fingertips. In this blog, we will explore a selection of must-have apps that will help you navigate Leuven seamlessly and enhance your daily life.

By
International House Leuven
15 February 2024

Transportation

De Lijn

De Lijn is the official app for public transportation in Leuven and across Flanders. It provides real-time information about bus and tram schedules, routes, and delays. With the app, you can plan your journeys, check the next departure times, and receive alerts for any disruptions. It also offers a convenient ticket purchase feature, allowing you to buy and store your tickets directly on your smartphone. De Lijn does not allow you to get tickets for STIB, which caters to Brussels.

NMBS/SNCB

NMBS/SNCB app is a must-have for anyone living in Leuven who uses public transportation. It provides real-time train schedules, platform information, and updates on delays or disruptions, allowing you to plan your journeys more efficiently.

NodeMapp Hike

NodeMapp Hike is a fantastic app for outdoor enthusiasts in Leuven. It offers a collection of well-maintained hiking trails in the region, complete with detailed maps, route descriptions, and points of interest. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking to explore nature around Leuven, this app is a great companion.

Fietsknoop

Fietsknoop is an essential app for cyclists in Leuven. It provides a comprehensive network of cycling routes, including dedicated paths, junctions, and scenic trails. The app helps you plan your cycling trips, discover new routes, and navigate easily, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable biking experience.

Cargoroo

Cargoroo is a convenient sharing app specifically designed for electric cargo bikes in Leuven. It allows you to easily locate and book cargo bikes for various transportation needs, such as carrying groceries, transporting children, or running errands. Cargoroo promotes sustainable mobility and offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional car rentals.

Cambio

Cambio is a popular car-sharing app in Leuven that provides access to a fleet of shared cars parked throughout the city. With Cambio, you can easily reserve a car for short-term use, making it ideal for occasional trips or when you need a vehicle for a specific purpose. The app provides flexibility and cost-effective transportation options.

Finance

Your Bank App

If you're a customer of for example KBC, CBC or BNP, their respective mobile banking apps are incredibly convenient. They allow you to manage your accounts, transfer funds, pay bills, and access other banking services right from your smartphone. The apps provide a secure and user-friendly banking experience, making it easy to stay on top of your finances.

Payconiq

Payconiq is a convenient mobile payment app widely used in Leuven. It enables you to make secure payments directly from your smartphone, whether you're shopping in local stores, dining out, or paying bills. Payconiq supports seamless transactions and often integrates with loyalty programs, making it a versatile app for managing your finances.

Sustainability

2dehands

2dehands App is a popular online marketplace in Belgium, including Leuven, where you can buy and sell used items. It provides a convenient platform for individuals to find great deals on a wide range of products, from furniture and electronics to clothing and vehicles. With the 2dehands App, you can easily browse listings, communicate with sellers or buyers, and arrange transactions.

Recycle!

The Recycle! App is a valuable tool for environmentally conscious individuals living in Leuven. It helps users easily find information about waste sorting and recycling practices in the city. By simply entering an item, the app provides clear instructions on how to correctly dispose of it, including which bin or recycling center to use.

Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go is a fantastic app for reducing food waste and enjoying affordable meals in Leuven. It connects users with local restaurants, cafes, and bakeries offering surplus food at discounted prices. You can browse the available offers, reserve your food, and pick it up at the designated time. It's a win-win situation, as you get to enjoy delicious meals while contributing to sustainability efforts.

Admin

Itsme

Itsme is a digital identity app that allows you to securely authenticate yourself and access various online services in Leuven. With Itsme, you can conveniently log in to government websites, banking platforms, and other online platforms, eliminating the need for multiple usernames and passwords. It offers a streamlined and secure way to verify your identity digitally. However, please note: if you do not have an Apple ID from Belgium you cannot access it.

nexuzhealth

nexuzhealth app helps you to seamlessly manage your healthcare needs in Leuven. With the nexuzhealth app on your phone, you have instant access to your medical records, test results, and appointment schedules, all in one place. This app is not a must-have, but it is definitely convenient since the two hospitals in Leuven cooperate with nexuzhealth.

Community

Hoplr

Hoplr is a neighborhood-focused social networking app that connects residents in Leuven. It provides a platform for local communities to communicate, share information, organize events, and discuss topics of common interest. Hoplr fosters a sense of belonging and helps neighbors stay connected and engaged with their surroundings.

Meetup

Meetup is an app that connects people with similar interests and facilitates the organization of local events and gatherings in Leuven. Whether you're interested in sports, hobbies, professional networking, or socializing, Meetup helps you find like-minded individuals and join relevant activities happening in and around the city. International House Leuven uses Meetup for almost all its events, so keep an eye on this app or use the website!

Good to know

A few apps are only available if your phone (and SIM) are in the Belgian region, so it can be impossible or difficult to find some apps if you don’t yet have a Belgian SIM, or your device settings are in a different region.

As an international living in Leuven, having the right apps on your smartphone can enhance your experience and simplify daily tasks. Whether it's navigating public transportation, exploring the city's attractions, or staying connected with essential services. Enjoy this beautiful city and remember the International House Leuven is here to help if you have any questions or concerns about living in Leuven.

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This page was last updated on: 14 March 2024