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 learn how to spend the proper in the future in Ghent, in addition to what to know earlier than you go.
Please be aware that Ghent is called Gent in Flemish (the native language). With this being stated, everybody we encountered had a fantastic stage of English and so that you gained’t discover it laborious 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 means you’ll get one of the best of the climate as winters could be fairly chilly and moist, which doesn’t make for one of the best climate for exploration.
I personally cherished visiting town in April because the temperatures have been heat sufficient for exploring however it wasn’t practically 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 in the future sufficient time in Ghent?
One day is sufficient time to go to Ghent if that’s all you’ve gotten. After all, this provides you with adequate time to see town’s main points of interest, check out just a few pubs and eating places, and snap images of the highest issues to do.
Ideally, when you do have time to spare throughout your Belgium journey, you’ll need to put aside two or three days to totally take pleasure in Ghent. For extra Belgium concepts, try these high Belgium ideas and these high info about Belgium.
Suggested itinerary for spending in the future in Ghent
Ghent’s Belfort
Truth be informed, probably the greatest methods to grasp any new metropolis is to get to know the lay of the land through a chook’s eye perspective. One of one of the best views in Ghent could 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 reality, the Belfort is the tallest of the three historic towers in Ghent. Climbing the tower is not going to solely offer you a fantastic 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 known as the Ghent Altarpiece) is a Fifteenth-century polyptych altarpiece that’s broadly regarded to be one of the vital spectacular artworks from the Middle Ages.
Enjoy the view from St Michael’s Bridge
Begin your exploration of the previous a part of Ghent on the St Michael’s Bridge. Right subsequent to St Michael’s Bridge, you may also go to the St Michael’s Church, an ecclesiastical constructing courting again to the Fifteenth-century. Entrance contained in the church is free and it’s additionally a fantastic place to flee the rain if it occurs to be raining throughout your Ghent go to.
Wander across the previous city
Truth be informed, like many European cities, probably the greatest methods to get to know Ghent is just to walk across the previous city and see the place your ft lead you to. Some spots to not miss when exploring Ghent embody:
Vrijdagmarkt: This is among the predominant squares within the metropolis centre and is the place an open air market is held each Friday. If you’re visiting on Fridays you’ll be able to anticipate finding distributors promoting all the pieces from native cheeses to contemporary greens.
Korenlei and Graslei: These two quays line both aspect of the River Leie and are linked by the Grasburg bridget. They’re simply one of the vital picturesque locations within the metropolis to take images in.
Patershol: Wandering round this space appears 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 favor to get to know town along with an area information, then you’ll be able to e book a guided strolling tour like this one. Another possibility for many who take pleasure in biking is to go on a bicycle tour like this one.
Lunch at one among Ghent’s many cafés
It could appear a bit 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 (all the pieces is vegan on this bakery).
Boat experience
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 totally different corporations and final round an hour. I personally loved taking a ship experience after lunch because it was a non-strenuous technique to digest and provided a bit extra perception into the historical past of Ghent. Find extra particulars right here.
Visit Gravensteen
Ghent’s former fort has been reworked right into a museum that gives 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 over time, together with as a mint, court docket, maintain, and as a cotton manufacturing facility. 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 notably like to attract your consideration to, it’s the Graffiti road, which is especially distinctive to the Belgian metropolis and is a should wander by means of whereas in Ghent.
Within the center of town, steps away from the historic metropolis centre, one road is exclusive in that it is among the solely locations in Belgium the place graffiti is just not solely authorized however is actively inspired by the authorities. This ever-changing and offbeat road could 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 nicely price admiring when you’re passing by…
Begijnhofdries (Holy Corner) Ghent
Within town limits of Ghent in the present day, there stay just a few beguinages you’ll be able to nonetheless discover without spending a dime. Commonly discovered all through the Netherlands and Belgium, ‘Hofjes’ as they’re so-called in Dutch have been sometimes 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 depart a deposit of a shoe in change for a glass? Well, in Ghent you’ll be able to! Pub de Dulle Griet could be discovered on a sq. of the identical identify.
The bar is open day by day of the week and boasts the biggest collection of Belgian beers in Ghent, in addition to a conventional Flemish pub inside!
when you’re searching for one of the vital 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 wood stand), however that to be able to be given your tipple, you’ll want handy over a shoe, which is then hung over the bar in a bit metallic cage! The bar is money solely. Proost!
Go on a beer tour
If you favor to get to know extra about Belgian beer along with an area, then you’ll be able to 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 numerous totally different locations to remain in Ghent to swimsuit numerous totally different tastes and budgets. The metropolis additionally makes a fantastic different to staying in close by Bruges as it’s much less touristic and due to this fact barely cheaper.
Budget- KABA Hostel: This low-cost hostel has a stylish vibe and options facilities similar to free Wi-Fi and mattress lights, plus murals painted by native artists. There’s a variety of rooms accessible, together with combined dorms, feminine solely dorms, and personal rooms for an additional payment. Check costs and availability right here.
Mid-range- The House of Trade: This quaint resort 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 e book your self into this resort which boasts a pool. Other highlights embody flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, plus minibars, Nespresso machines and tea making amenities. 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 following sundown shot or consuming one thing candy. She at present splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.