Last Updated on eighth March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Delightful canals and structure that appears as if it has been plucked straight from a film: you’ll uncover all this and extra do you have to decide to go to the Belgian metropolis of Ghent, a lesser-known and but simply as price visiting vacation spot than its close by neighbour of Bruges. Here’s how you can spend the proper at some point in Ghent, in addition to what to know earlier than you go.
Please notice that Ghent is called Gent in Flemish (the native language). With this being mentioned, everybody we encountered had an excellent degree of English and so that you gained’t discover it exhausting to get by in English!
When’s one of the best time to go to Ghent?
The greatest time to needed to Ghent is between early April and late September. This method you’ll get one of the best of the climate as winters will be fairly chilly and moist, which doesn’t make for one of the best climate for exploration.
I personally beloved visiting the town in April because the temperatures had been heat sufficient for exploring however it wasn’t almost as busy or as costly throughout excessive peak season (i.e. July and August). The greatest cherry blossoms in Ghent bloom round mid-April and there’s a complete alley of sakura at Ijzerlaan.
Is at some point sufficient time in Ghent?
One day is sufficient time to go to Ghent if that’s all you might have. After all, this gives you enough time to see the town’s main sights, take a look at out a number of pubs and eating places, and snap photographs of the highest issues to do.
Ideally, for those who do have time to spare throughout your Belgium journey, you’ll need to put aside two or three days to totally get pleasure from Ghent. For extra Belgium concepts, try these prime Belgium ideas and these prime info about Belgium.
Suggested itinerary for spending at some point in Ghent
Ghent’s Belfort
Truth be informed, top-of-the-line methods to know any new metropolis is to get to know the lay of the land by way of a fowl’s eye perspective. One of one of the best views in Ghent will be discovered within the type of Ghent’s Belfort, which is of such significance that it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This historic tower is a part of the Cloth Hall, a later Twentieth-century addition to the Belfry itself. In truth, the Belfort is the tallest of the three historic towers in Ghent. Climbing the tower is not going to solely provide you with an excellent view of the city but additionally rewards those that climb the steps with an up shut view of the bells and music field.
Admire the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
Located inside St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (additionally referred to as the Ghent Altarpiece) is a Fifteenth-century polyptych altarpiece that’s broadly regarded to be one of the spectacular artworks from the Middle Ages.
Enjoy the view from St Michael’s Bridge
Begin your exploration of the outdated a part of Ghent on the St Michael’s Bridge. Right subsequent to St Michael’s Bridge, you may as well go to the St Michael’s Church, an ecclesiastical constructing relationship again to the Fifteenth-century. Entrance contained in the church is free and it’s additionally an excellent place to flee the rain if it occurs to be raining throughout your Ghent go to.
Wander across the outdated city
Truth be informed, like many European cities, top-of-the-line methods to get to know Ghent is just to walk across the outdated city and see the place your toes lead you to. Some spots to not miss when exploring Ghent embody:
Vrijdagmarkt: This is likely one of the major squares within the metropolis centre and is the place an open air market is held each Friday. If you’re visiting on Fridays you possibly can anticipate finding distributors promoting every little thing from native cheeses to recent greens.
Korenlei and Graslei: These two quays line both facet of the River Leie and are linked by the Grasburg bridget. They’re simply one of the picturesque locations within the metropolis to take photographs in.
Patershol: Wandering round this space seems like stepping again into the Middle Ages. A maze of cobbled streets and quaint little retailers, it’s the proper spot to choose up a memento in one of many little boutiques.
If you like to get to know the town along with an area information, then you possibly can guide a guided strolling tour like this one. Another possibility for many who get pleasure from biking is to go on a bicycle tour like this one.
Lunch at one in every of Ghent’s many cafés
It could appear a bit of bit random, Ghent is definitely one of many greatest vegan cities in Europe. Some of the highest vegan eating places within the metropolis embody Le Botaniste (this restaurant is about towards the backdrop of a classic pharmacy retailer and their slogan is even ‘let food be medicine’) and WAY Plantbased Bakehouse (every little thing is vegan on this bakery).
Boat journey
One of one of the best methods to get to know Bruges is on the water. Canal boat rides are operated by a number of completely different corporations and final round an hour. I personally loved taking a ship journey after lunch because it was a non-strenuous approach to digest and provided a bit of extra perception into the historical past of Ghent. Find extra particulars right here.
Visit Gravensteen
Ghent’s former fortress has been reworked right into a museum that provides spectacular views of the water surrounding it and the remainder of the Belgian metropolis past. Gravensteen was constructed within the Twelfth-century.
Up till 1353, the fortification was the residence of the Counts of Flanders. It then served numerous functions through the years, together with as a mint, court docket, preserve, and as a cotton manufacturing unit. Today, it’s used as a museum, which takes round an hour and a half to go to.
Graffiti road
If there’s one hidden gem of Ghent that I’d significantly like to attract your consideration to, it’s the Graffiti road, which is especially distinctive to the Belgian metropolis and is a should wander via whereas in Ghent.
Within the center of the town, steps away from the historic metropolis centre, one road is exclusive in that it is likely one of the solely locations in Belgium the place graffiti shouldn’t be solely authorized however is actively inspired by the authorities. This ever-changing and offbeat road will be discovered between Onderstraat and Hoogpoort.
This mural was created by graffiti artist Bart Smeets on the nook of Predikherenlei and Van Stopenberghestraat and is definitely properly price admiring for those who’re passing by…
Begijnhofdries (Holy Corner) Ghent
Within the town limits of Ghent right now, there stay a number of beguinages you possibly can nonetheless discover without spending a dime. Commonly discovered all through the Netherlands and Belgium, ‘Hofjes’ as they’re so-called in Dutch had been usually religious-founded almshouses the place older ladies and people most in want would reside.
This beguinage was based as early because the Thirteenth-century byCountess Johanna van Constantinople and is now one of many quietest secret areas in Gent.
Have a drink at Dulle Griet
Have you ever been to a bar, solely to go away a deposit of a shoe in change for a glass? Well, in Ghent you possibly can! Pub de Dulle Griet will be discovered on a sq. of the identical title.
The bar is open daily of the week and boasts the biggest choice of Belgian beers in Ghent, in addition to a conventional Flemish pub inside!
for those who’re on the lookout for one of the uncommon issues to do in Ghent, it must be ordering the proef onze max van het huis (‘max of the house’ home beer). After all, even the actual fact of ordering the drink is a novel expertise in of itself.
Not solely will you quickly uncover that the form of the glass is most uncommon (and comes with its personal little picket stand), however that with the intention to be given your tipple, you’ll want at hand over a shoe, which is then hung over the bar in a bit of metallic cage! The bar is money solely. Proost!
Go on a beer tour
If you like to get to know extra about Belgian beer along with an area, then you possibly can go on a guided tour like this one. On the tour you’ll have the chance to pattern a mix of well-known and small-scale craft beers. Check costs and availability right here.
Where to remain in Ghent
There are various completely different locations to remain in Ghent to swimsuit various completely different tastes and budgets. The metropolis additionally makes an excellent different to staying in close by Bruges as it’s much less touristic and due to this fact barely inexpensive.
Budget- KABA Hostel: This low-cost hostel has a classy vibe and options facilities akin to free Wi-Fi and mattress lights, plus murals painted by native artists. There’s a variety of rooms out there, together with combined dorms, feminine solely dorms, and personal rooms for an additional charge. Check costs and availability right here.
Mid-range- The House of Trade: This quaint lodge is well-reviewed and is about towards the backdrop of a Nineteenth-century constructing. Highlights embody free Wi-Fi and breakfast for an additional cost.
Luxury- Pillows Grand Boutique: For an opulent keep in Ghent you gained’t overlook in a very long time, you’ll need to guide your self into this lodge which boasts a pool. Other highlights embody flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, plus minibars, Nespresso machines and tea making services. Check costs and availability right here.
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Sophie Nadeau loves canines, books, journey, pizza, and historical past. A fan of all issues France associated, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the subsequent sundown shot or consuming one thing candy. She at the moment splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.