Ghent
Ghent (Dutch: Gent, French: Gand) is a city in East Flanders in Belgium. Ghent is a city with a population of 265,000 in 2020, with rich history. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe. The impact of this rich past can be clearly seen when viewing the imposing architecture of churches and the houses of rich traders. The city centre is restored, and breathes the atmosphere of a thriving late-medieval city state. It is free of cars, so it is a very welcoming and open area.
Understand
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Ghent was once considered the second largest city north of the Alps, after Paris. It has a relatively high proportion of young people, and a significant seasonal student population. Unlike Leuven, another university town in Flanders, youth is not the only category of people living there. There is an interesting mixture of foreigners who came to live there, professionals working for major international firms, and artists among the people of Ghent. This mixture makes the people more tolerant and open-minded. This atmosphere seeps into every aspect of city life, making the city different from the smaller provincial cities or the bigger city of Antwerp.
- Visit Ghent website
Get in
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By train
[edit]Ghent is a 30-minute train ride away from Brussels and is on the line from Brussels to Bruges and the coast. If you're planning to visit Bruges and Brussels, definitely stop over in Ghent as well. There are also direct trains to Brussels Airport (BRU IATA), Antwerp, and Lille.
The main station is 1 Gent-Sint-Pieters. 
Trip planning and ticket purchase can be done on the SNCB website[dead link] or the SNCB app.
By car
[edit]The dense highway network in Belgium allows you to access Ghent easily by car. Two main highways E40 (Liège-Brussels-Ghent-Bruges-Ostend) and E17 (Antwerp-Ghent-Kortrijk-Lille) cross at Ghent. Brussels and Antwerp are 40 min away, Bruges 30 min. During rush hour you can easily double these times.
By plane
[edit]The two biggest airports nearby are Brussels (Zaventem, Belgium) and Lille (France). Direct trains are available from Brussels Airport to Ghent. Brussels-South airport, in Charleroi, is farther away, but popular due to the large number of flights (mainly Ryanair).
By boat
[edit]DFDS operates a cargo line to Gothenburg, Sweden.
Get around
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On foot
[edit]The centre of Ghent is quite small, so you can walk around on foot. However, the main station (Gent Sint-Pieters) is not in the city centre, but takes a walk of about half an hour. The best option is to take the tram, which takes you directly to the centre in 10 to 15 minutes.
By bicycle
[edit]A bicycle is the recommended way to get around in Ghent. However, there are many roads with cobblestones that make cycling a shaking experience. Also make sure you stay clear of the tram rails. Nevertheless, you will see you are not alone on your bike: many inhabitants use bikes to get around. Even the former mayor uses his bicycle all day. There are many bike stands around to make it easy to lock your bike (important!) Many one-way roads are made two-way for bikes.
By public transportation
[edit]The transport system is Ghent is excellent and usually on time. The transportation company is De Lijn[dead link]. A single ticket costs €2.50 if bought in the bus or tram (contactless only from white card reader) or from ticket machines near stops. Such a ticket is valid for an hour's travel on all trams and buses. If you are planning to stay for a while, either buy a three day pass for €15 or 10 trips for €17 — they are valid for within the city and can also be used throughout Flanders (e.g. Antwerp or Bruges). The trams are the quickest and most comfortable way to travel, especially from the railway station to the city centre. There are 3 tram lines 1 , 2 & 4 .
There is a De Lijn app available for Android or IOS smartphones which offer journey planning, real time travel info and ticket purchase in English.
Tickets purchased on a card should be validated on the reader (not the white one) when entering the bus/tram while tickets purchased on the website or app should be validated before entering the vehicle. With a few exceptions, the tickets are usable throughout Flanders.
In the Lijnwinkel kiosk, near Sint-Pieters train station, you can get a free map of city and surroundings, with all bus and tram lines.
See
[edit]- 1 Belfort en Lakenhalle (Belfry and Cloth Hall), Emile Braunplein (tram 1 or 4 to Sint-Baafsplein), ☏ +32 9 223 99 22. Daily 10:00 — 18:00; free guided tours of Belfry Easter vacations and May-Sep: Tu-Su 14:10, 15:10, and 16:10. The Belfry was a symbol of the city's autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380. This municipal tower holds the great bells that have rung out Ghent's civic pride through the centuries. Take the elevator to the Belfry's upper gallery, 66 m high, to see the bells and take in fantastic panoramic views of the city. The Cloth Hall dates from 1425 and was the gathering place of wool and cloth merchants. €10 adults, €1.6 U19.
- 2 Sint-Baafskathedraal (St. Bavo's Cathedral), Sint-Baafsplein (tram 1 or 4 to Sint-Baafsplein), ☏ +32 9 269 20 45.
Cathedral: Apr-Oct M-Sa 08:30-18:00, Su 13:00-18:00; Nov-Mar M-Sa 08:30-17:00, Su 13:00-17:00.
Mystic Lamb chapel and crypt: Apr-Oct M-Sa 09:30-17:30, Su 13:00-17:00; Nov-Mar M-Sa 10:30-16:00, Sun 13:00-16:00. Don't miss this cathedral. Rather unimpressive exterior of Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture. However, the interior is filled with priceless paintings and sculptures, including the 24-panel altarpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, completed by Jan van Eyck in 1432. Simply spellbinding, this work was commissioned by a wealthy city alderman in 1420. Original altarpiece Adoration of Mystic Lamb is temporarily and partially closed. Since 2010 a scientific study and conservation works have been in progress. Visitors can follow the activities trough a glass wall). Other art treasures in the cathedral include Rubens's restored The Conversion of St. Bavo from 1623. Cathedral: free admission; Mystic Lamb chapel and crypt: €4 adults (+€1 audio guide in English, recommended), €1.50 children 6-12, free for children under 6.
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The mystery of the Just Judges
Ghent was deeply shocked in 1934 when 2 panels of Jan and Hubert van Eyck's famous The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb were stolen from St. Bavo's Cathedral, an event known as "the bold theft" as stealing religious inventory was unheard of at the time. The culprit demanded ransom from the diocese of Ghent, and returned one of the panels to support their claim. The diocese refused to pay, but at this point the theft had become infamous enough to make a sale or auction of the other panel, called The Just Judges, impossible. A search operation of unseen proportions was initiated stretching well beyond Belgium's borders, but to no avail. The only clues were given by Arsène Goedertier, who confessed on his death bed that only he knew where the missing panel was stored, and that "no one can recover it without drawing considerable attention from the public". Detectives found letters to the diocese in his office, linking him to the crime, but he died before he could reveal the location of the panel. The confession sparked a treasure hunt which continues until today, as the panel remains missing. Numerous professional and amateur detectives are on the case, and every few years one of them comes out with a theory credible enough to justify excavations. Churches and chapels in Antwerp, Tervuren, and many other places have been searched and have even had walls broken out in the hope of recovering the lost panel, but all efforts have been unsuccessful. There are even rumours that the SS exhumed Arsène's body from his grave during the Second World War hoping to find more clues. Some think the panel has been lost in time, but many others firmly believe it still exists, and it could very well be hidden in Ghent! If you choose to participate in the treasure hunt during your visit to the city, who knows? Perhaps you could find it. |
- 3 Het Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), Sint-Veerleplein (tram 1 or 4 to Sint-Veerleplein), ☏ +32 9 225 93 06. Apr-Sep: daily 09:00-18:00; Oct-Mar: daily 09:00-17:00. Closed Jan 1, Dec 24-25 and 31. Built by Count Philip of Alsace, count of Flanders, soon after he returned from the Crusades in 1180 with images of similar crusader castles in the Holy Land. If its walls (2 m thick), battlements, and turrets failed to intimidate attackers, the count could always turn to a well-equipped torture chamber inside. You can view relics of the chamber in a small museum in the castle. Climb up to the ramparts of the high central building, the donjon, which has great views of Ghent's rooftops and towers. €10 adults (movie guide included), €6 Discount (groups of min. 15 p, +55 years, 19-26 years), Free: under 19 years, companions of the disabled persons, €3 Movieguide.
- 4 Sint-Niklaaskerk (St Nicholas's Church), Korenmarkt (entrance on Cataloniestraat) (tram 1 or 4 to Korenmarkt), ☏ +32 9 225 37 00. M 14:30-17:00; Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. A mixture of surviving Romanesque elements of the Flemish architectural style known as Schelde Gothic, the impressive 13th- to 15th-century church was paid for by Ghent's wealthy medieval merchants and guilds. It has undergone extensive renovation work that's still ongoing. The tower is one of the "three towers of Ghent" - in fact, it was the first of the three to grace the city skyline. Free admission.
- 5 Vooruit, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23, ☏ +32 9 267 28 20. With its strong socialist tradition, Ghent is laden with historic buildings testifying to power of the social-democratic movement. The cooperative 'Vooruit' (Progress) was running shops, bakeries, a newspaper, a cinema and a cultural centre for the labour movement. Some of the buildings are exquisite examples of late 19th- and early 20th-century art nouveau and art deco. Main examples can be found on Vrijdagsmarkt (the headquarter 'Ons Huis' (Our House) still in use today by the trade union) and the Kunstencentrum Vooruit on Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, cultural temple of the labour movement and today in use as an Arts Centre and concert hall.
- Groentenmarkt, Korenmarkt & Vrijdagmarkt. Groentenmarkt (literally: vegetable market, Korenmarkt (literally: corn market) and Vrijdagmarkt (literally: Friday market) are 3 public squares in central Gent. These 3 squares are in close proximity and feature classic buildings, cafes and restaurants.
- Leie. The Leie is a canal-like river going through the city. Along much of the river, there are walkways, and near the city centre you can see classic buildings along the banks. At the south end of Lindenlei (a street along the Leie south of the city centre), one can see a somewhat old-fashioned drawbridge.
- 6 Graslei. The medieval harbour is a beautiful setting with many historic buildings, including the house of the Grain Weighers, the toll house, and the Guildhall of the Free Boatmen, fronting onto the river Leie.
- 7 Groot Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth (Old Saint Elisabeth Béguinage), Begijnhofdriespark (1 km west of Gravensteen). This béguinage (dutch: begijnhof) was founded in 1234 and was soon named after Saint-Elisabeth who was canonized in 1236. The last beguines departed from here in 1874 for the new Sint-Amandsberg béguinage.
- 8 Begijnhof Sint-Amandsberg, Engelbert Van Arenbergstraat or Jan Roomsstraat (about 1¼ km east of Korenmarkt; ½ km east of Station Gent-Dampoort). This begijnhof (Béguinage) has several curved streets. Gates are off of Engelbert Van Arenbergstraat or Jan Roomsstraat.
- 9 Begijnhof Ter Hoye, Lange Violettestraat (about 1¼ km south-east of Korenmarkt). This béguinage (begijnhof) has several streets.
- 10 City Hall (Stadhuis), Botermarkt 1 (near Korenmarkt). There is a Gothic facade facing the street Hoogpoort and a Renaissance facade facing the street Botermarkt. (Botermarkt literally means butter market.) Indoors, there are different styles. The belfry is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 11 Graffiti alley, Werregarenstraat (between Hoogpoort and Onderstraat). Where the local graffiti artists are allowed to do their work. Although other around the town on buildings are of better quality and artistic value.
- 12 Groot Vleeshuis (Meat house), Groentenmarkt 7. See the hams hanging from the timbers of the roof which is constructed without the use of nails.
- 13 Rabot (Old Gate), Opgeëistenlaan 1. 15th-century gate over the canal into the city. The canal used to connect the town to the north sea but now stops at this gate which is framed by 1960s housing blocks.
- 14 Campo Santo Cemetery, Verkortingstraat, ☏ +32 9 210 10 10. Daily 07:00—20:00. This monumental cemetery is located on a small hill in the suburb of Sint-Amandsberg. Many famous and important Belgians that lived in Ghent are buried here.
Museums
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- 15 STAM – Ghent city museum, Godshuizenlaan 2 (Bijlokehof 2 Verlorenkost 1 4 ), ☏ +32 9 267 14 00. Tells the story of Ghent in the 14th-century Bijloke Abbey. The abbey refectory shows pre-Eyckian wall paintings. STAM illustrates the story of Ghent by means of more than 300 historical objects and interactive multimedia applications with a lot of visual material. Temporary exhibitions reflect on different aspects of urbanity. The visitor can build Ghent in Lego bricks. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
- 16 The Museum Dr. Guislain – a museum on the history of mental health, Jozef Guislainstraat 43 (Guislainstraat 1 ), ☏ +32 9 216 35 95. It was founded in 1986, and its exhibits address the history of psychiatry in a permanent collection and through a series of half-yearly changing thematic exhibitions. These temporary exhibitions highlight a certain aspect of the history of mental health so as to tell a broader story about our society’s way of dealing with normality through the arts, history, and science. Comprehensively, the Museum seeks to educate the public and rectify the misunderstandings and prejudice associated with treatment for mental illness. The Museum Dr. Guislain attracts about 65,000 visitors each year. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and all texts are in Dutch, French and English.
- 17 SMAK (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst) (bus #70 passes close). Modern arts museum located in NE corner of citadelpark. Cafe on site. €12.
- Museum of Fine Arts (MSK), Fernand Scribedreef 1 (a 10-minute walk from Gent Sint-Pieters Station). Fine arts museum in Citadelpark. In this museum there are top works of classical visual art. Magritte, Jeroen Bosch, Rubens, van Dyck and James Ensor are just a few of the names that they find here.
- 18 Design museum Gent, Jan Breydelstraat 5, ☏ +32 9 267 99 99, museum.design@gent.be. Closed until 2026. Design museum Gent is the only design museum in Belgium. It possesses an extensive collection of Belgian design objects, supported by international pieces. The collection spans the era from the art nouveau of Henry van de Velde up to today's avant-garde design.
- 19 Museum of Industrial Archaeology and Textiles (MIAT), Minnemeers 9 (Sluizeken 4 ), ☏ +329 269 42 00. This museum housed in a former industrial building brings industrial heritage to life by means of exhibitions, workshops and film Sundays. Industry, labour and textiles are seamlessly interwoven. €8 for adults, €2 for people aged 19 to 25, 0-18 free.
- 20 Huis van Alijn (The House of Alijn), Kraanlei 65 (Gravensteen 1 ), ☏ +32 9 235 38 00, info@huisvanalijn.be. Tu-Sa 11:00-17:30, Su 10:00-17:30. The House of Alijn displays cultural artifacts of Flemish recent and not so recent past. The visitor attains more insight into Flemish heritage by looking at old photograph albums, jewelry, old toys and so on. These objects reveal the spirit of the times as well as ways and customs and they remind us of the days in the past. €6 for adults, €2 for people aged 19 to 26.
- 21 University Museum (Gents Universiteitsmuseum or GUM), Ledeganckstraat 35, ☏ +32 9 264 49 30, MuseumCollections@UGent.be. M Tu Th F 09:30-17:30, W closed, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. Known formerly as the Museum for History of Sciences, the University Museum has collections on archaeology, ethnography, morphology and other sciences. Full €8.50, 65+ €6, 19-26 €2, -18 free.
Do
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- De Bootjes van Gent (Rederij Dewaele Canal Cruise), Graslei or Korenlei, ☏ +32 9 223 88 53. Apr-Oct: daily 10:00-18:00; Nov-Mar: Sa Su 11:00-16:00. A cruise on the canals is a good way to view the city's highlights. The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes; longer tours are available. €7 for adults; €6.50 for seniors, students, and those under 26; €4 for children aged 3 to 12; free for children under 3.
- Jan Plezier Boottochten, Snepkaai or Ketelvest, ☏ +32 475 69 68 80. Large parties can reserve themed cruises along the waterways of Ghent. Among the themes are the pancake cruise (pancake boat), the spareribs cruise, and the shrimp cruise. These cruises are most often held for large parties; individual tourists are better off choosing a tour of Dewaele or hiring a boat to steer yourself. pancake boat €11.50 for adults; €9.50 for children aged under 6 to 12; free for children under 6.
- Football: KAA Gent play soccer in Pro League, Belgium's top tier. Their home ground Ghelamco Arena (capacity 20,100) is 3 km south of city centre.
- 1 Go Swimming at Badhuis Van Eyck, Vermeerplein (bus# 17&18). see website. An 1880 Art Deco pool restored in 2001, it that retains individual changing rooms. The old entrance is still there but the modern entrance is at the opposite end of the building. Adults €6, -26 & +65 €3.30.
Events
[edit]- Film Fest Gent: October, Leeuwstraat 40b, ☏ +32 9 242 80 60, fax: +32 9 221 90 74, info@filmfestival.be. Every year in October the film festival of Ghent takes over the lion's share of the city's screening rooms. During ten days in over 4 cinemas more than 100 movies and documentaries are screened. A bilingual schedule is provided and several films are shown with English subtitles. On the red carpet you could spot some high-profile celebrities, but the festival's most defining characteristic is its focus on film music. The World Soundtrack Awards (WSA) is an initiative of the festival and every year an impressive award ceremony is held in addition to one or more concerts with world-renowned composers. Events are held parallel to the movie screenings, such as talks, seminars, and exhibitions, a number of which are available in English. €70 for a 10-trip ticket (shareable between multiple persons), €40 for 5 trips; individual ticket prices vary from €8-13, depending on screening time and eligibility for reductions. (date needs updating)
- Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival): July. Gentse Feesten is a cultural music and theatre festival held throughout the city in July. It is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, attracting about 2 million visitors every year. The multitude of squares in the city centre are taken over by stages, each of them with their characteristic programming, e.g., popular music is played on the Sint-Baafsplein and Korenmarkt, some of the most entertaining cover bands can be found on the Groentenmarkt, dance initiations and world music in Baudelo parc. Young up-and-coming bands and arises get their chance in the intimate "mirror tent" in that same parc. The Beverhoutplein is taken over by French chanson. The roots of the festival are at the Sint-Jacobs square, where you can find Belgian and world artists, blues and rock music. Last-but-not-least in this non-exhaustive list is Vlasmarkt, where the party literally (i.e. not figuratively) never ends. It defies description and comparison and needs to be experienced to be understood. And for once these are not idle words. Party until long after the sun comes up and get a botram me uufflakke or sjoko (a sandwich with meat or chocolate paste). Besides this musical programme, the city's cultural houses and organisations open their doors. There are theatre and comedy shows, puppetry and workshops for kids and adults alike, exhibitions, guided tours and many random street acts such as mimickers, buskers, etc. Additionally a number of festivals within the festival are held, like Ghent Jazz for jazz music, 10 Days Off for electronic music and Boomtown for the most traditional music festival atmosphere, all three consistently having an impressive and international line-up. The festival starts on the Friday before July 21 (Belgium's national holiday) and lasts ten days. All of this: mostly free!. (date needs updating)
Buy
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- 1 Prondelmarkt bij Sint-Jacobs (Sint-Jacobs flea market), Beverhoutplein near Sint-Jacobs. F Sa 08:00-13:00, Su 08:00-14:00. Antiques, second-hand records, books, and others can be found in the weekly flea markt at Sint-Jacobs. Prices can be high, but keen eyes can find a lot of gems.
- 2 Tweedehandsboekenmarkt (Second-hand books market), Ajuinlei. 9am to 1pm on Sundays. Inspired by the second-hand booksellers of Paris (Bouquinistes), every Sunday 09:00-13:00 you can stroll along the Ajuinlei to find a large assortment of second-hand books. The supply includes English books from the bookshop 'English Book Shop', also in the Ajuinlei (and also open at regular hours in the rest of the week), movie posters, art books, children's books and a smattering of various other niches.
- 3 Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market). Vrijdagmarkt has been a fixture since the 13th century. It is the scene of a lively street markets on Friday (07:30-13:00) and Saturday (11:00-18:00), as well as the Sunday bird market (07:00-13:00).
- 4 Cuberdons sold by street vendors, Kortemunt, near Groentenmarkt. Every day in Korte Munt near Groentenmarkt, two street vendors are selling cuberdons or Gentse neuzen (Ghent nose). These candies are purple cone shaped gum Arabic sweets with a raspberry centre. If you stop, you will shop because these vendors are experts at promoting this Ghent specialty, so much so that they infamously got into a small fist-fight due to them competing for customers. One of the vendors also sells the pastries of the adjacent bakery 'Himschoot's'.
- 5 Tierenteyn-Verlent, Groentenmarkt 3, ☏ +32 9 225 83 36. Hot mustard shop.
- 6 Bookstore Limerick (Boekhandel Limerick), Kon. Elisabethlaan 142, ☏ +32 92221757. Bookstore with many Dutch books and some English. Lots of literature, psychology, and sociology books.
Eat
[edit]Ghent provides an excellent and affordable sample of Flemish cuisine, which in the eyes of the locals is one of Europe's finest as it combines French delicacy with northern European sturdiness. Try some local specialties like mussels, spare ribs or 'stoverij' (a kind of tender meat cooked for three hours in dark beer with a brown gravy) with Belgian fries.
Another dish from Ghent is the "Gentse waterzooi" (litt. "boiled water from Ghent"), which was the food for the poor originally, a stew of cheap fish (usually turbot) and vegetables. Now it is often made with chicken as well.
Belgian waffles are available from a number of street stalls around the town.
The restaurants on Korenmarkt and Vrijdagmarkt are a good deal, reasonably priced; the menus and 'menus of the day' at the Brasserie Borluut provide terrific value and this includes Gentse waterzooi.
The real upmarket restaurants are to be found in the 14th-century quarter called 'Patershol', near the Castle. There is also a big Turkish community in Ghent, centred around Sleepstraat a bit further north, which is home to numerous Turkish restaurants.
Budget
[edit]City centre
[edit]- 1 Soup Lounge, Zuivelbrugstraat 6. 10:00-19:00. Popular place to get a soup.
- 2 Frituur Bij Sint-Jacobs SYMPA, Walter De Buckplein 3.
- 3 Vandevoorde / Olivier, Steendam 20.
- 4 HFC Korenmarkt-Gent, Jan van Stopenberghestraat 5.
- 5 Seli's Noodlebar, Limburgstraat 28.
- 6 Tashun, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 120.
Heuvelpoort
[edit]Mid-range
[edit]- 13 Neptune, Sint-Veerleplein 10. Really pleasant and friendly little place immediately opposite Gravensteen castle. Run by a husband and wife team (with two children running around for good measure). Neither food nor prices are as touristy as expected. Yummy local specialties, the Stoverij (beef stew) is particularly good. €30-40.
- 14 Pampas, Burgstraat 1, ☏ +32 9 233 68 66. The place to go if you need a meat protein boost. €30-40.
- 15 De Lieve, Sint-Margrietstraat 1 (one block away from Gravensteen castle), ☏ +32 9 223 29 47. Kitchen 11:00-23:00. Formerly serving haute cuisine and having Michelin stars, this restaurant has stepped out of the culinary rat race and changed its focus to the 'classics'. A great place to try Flemish cuisine. It's part bar, so don't be surprised when you see the regulars coming in for a drink.
- 16 Osteria Delicati, Drabstraat 17.
- 17 Le Piranha, Keizer Karelstraat 173.
Splurge
[edit]There are many high-class restaurants in town.
Vegetarian and vegan food
[edit]Information on vegetarian restaurants and shops is available from the campaign group EVA. Paper copies of their Guide to Veggie Ghent map is stocked by the Tourist Information Office on Veerle Plein.
- 20 De Appelier, Citadellaan 47 (south of the historic centre, near St. Pieters Station), ☏ +32 9 221 67 33. A restaurant serving traditional vegetarian food (with vegan options on request).
- 21 Tasty World, Hoogpoort 1, ☏ +32 9 225 74 07. A fast-food bar selling vegetarian & vegan burgers, smoothies and juices, with two branches in Ghent. There are some tables for eating in.
- 22 Lekker Gec, Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein 6. Vegetarian restaurant, close to the main train station.
- 23 Greenway Ghent, Nederkouter 42.
- 24 Le Botaniste, Hoornstraat 13 (Korenmarkt 1 4 ), ☏ +32 9 233 45 35. 11.30-21.30. Organic, plant-based food with some outdoor seating close to the Leie.
Drink
[edit]For authentic pubs, go to St. Veerleplein (the square in front of the Castle), the pubs around St. Jacob's church (especially during weekends), or the student area around Blandijnberg (Mount Blandin), especially in the proximity of the School of Arts and Philosophy, recognisable from afar by the 64-m-tall art deco Library Tower. Ghent is known for its many pubs and clubs and most have friendly staff. If you visit Ghent for its great nightlife, be sure to check out the bars listed in the "Off the beaten path" section.
Central Area: Castle-Korenmarkt-Graslei
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- 1 Waterhuis aan de bierkant (The Waterhouse on the beerside), Groentenmarkt 9 (near the Castle), ☏ +32 9 225 06 80, waterhuis.aan.de.bierkant@skynet.be. Boasts about 400 different kinds of Belgian beer, but is fairly touristy.
- 2 Het Galgenhuis (the Gallows house) (near Waterhuis aan de bierkant). A tiny tavern in a lean-to built on to the Gothic Butchers' Hall. A good selection of draught and bottled beers.
- 3 't Dreupelkot, Groentenmarkt 12 (near the Castle), ☏ +32 9 224 21 20, dreupelkot@skynet.be. 200 kinds of Belgian genever, a number of which are homemade. Try the pepper genever if you are a tough guy or girl (be cautious!) Pol, the owner, is a friendly guy, although it might look the other way at first sight. Around €2 for a regular-sized genever.
- 4 Het Velootje (The Little Bike), Kalversteeg 2 (between the Castle and Vrijdagmarkt). Considered as the only tourist trap of Ghent, but even with this negative reputation it's worth a visit. The bearded owner Lieven calls his place a museum café with an authentic atmosphere by candlelight. This is all true but forgot to mention his collection of 200 antique bikes decorating the place. Drink prices are steep. everything costs €4.50.
- 5 Damberd, Korenmarkt. Live jazz pub.
- 6 Gentse Stadsbrouwerij Gruut (Gruut Brewery), Rembert Dodoensdreef 1, ☏ +32 9 269 02 69. Brews beers with herbs for flavouring; a style commonly found throughout mediaeval Europe before the widespread cultivation of hops.
Sint-Jacobs & Vrijdagmarkt (Vlasmarkt-Beestenmarkt)
[edit]- Charlatan, Vlasmarkt 6. Popular club with many live concerts.
- Surrounded by the bars Jos, Vlasmarkt 7 and Bar des Amis, Vlasmarkt 5.
- de Dulle Griet, Vrijdagmarkt 50. A traditional Flemish bar with a variety of 250 drinks (mostly Belgian beers).
- More alternative bars are Kinky Star, Vlasmarkt 9, 't begin van 't einde, Vlasmarkt 14 and Video, Oude Beestenmarkt 7, all have regular live concerts.
- Trollekelder, Bij Sint-Jacobs 17. A cafe with a large selection of beer.
Student area
[edit]- Overpoortstraat is a street packed with 34 pubs and bars where during the week (especially Wednesday and Thursday nights) all the students go crazy. Because on Thursday it is so crowded over there, dancing usually happens on the tables. Some notorious bars/clubs are Decadance (house, techno, drum&bass), Boom Boom (rock'n roll), Den Drummer (rock and metal), Twieoo (often new wave and holebi parties), Cuba Libre[dead link](also known as the Puta Libre) (commercial, R&B, etc.), The Frontline underground concert venue featuring mainly metal, punk and hardcore concerts.
- 7 Porter House, Stalhof 1 (near the Overpoortstraat). The official pub for Erasmus students from over Europe.
- 8 Plan b, Verlorenkost 17, ☏ +32 498 10 66 03. Typical cosy local bar located in the center of Ghent. Nice view on the river.
- 9 De Geus van Gent, Kantienberg 9, ☏ +32 9 220 78 25, geusvangent@gmail.com. Monday to Friday: from 16:00, on Saturdays from 19:00. Closed on Sundays. 20 beers on top with very pleasant outdoor seating next to the river in summer.
Off the beaten path
[edit]Want to try some bars you won't find in any tourist guide? This is a great selection:
- 10 Het Gouden Hoofd (The Golden Head), Slachthuisstraat 96. If you find yourself on the other side of the canal, in the area known as "De Visserij", hungry and/or thirsty, be sure to check out this great place. It has moved to a former slaughterhouse. They have great dishes and the local beer on tap, Gulden Draak, is also great.
This is not the only great place in De Visserij. Check out the cosy De Kleine Kunst and jolly Fabula Rasa along the canal at the Ferdinand Lousbergkaai. Drinks and food are generally quite cheap in this area.
- 11 Hotsy Totsy, Hoogstraat 1. Not far from the Graslei you can find this pearl. In a roaring twenties style this place breathes jazz. It's a good alternative for the sometimes crowded Hot Club De Gand. Prices are average to expensive, but the atmosphere is one of a kind.
- 12 Old Fashioned, Hoogpoort 1. Ghent doesn't have a lack of bars, but finding a good cocktail bar might be tough. You might be glad with some other cocktail bars near the centre that have fruity drinks with cheap alcohol and not a drop of fresh juice, but some local connoisseurs consider Old Fashioned to be the only "Cocktail & Absinth bar" that is worth its name. They serve all the classics in a beautiful Medieval decor.
- 13 De Spinnekop, Einde were 44 (nearest bus stop across main road on next parallel street Beneluxpleinn #38, 39). M-Th 18:00-. If you have found this bar on your own you must have been really lost. The name of the street means "End of the world", and it feels like it. This was Ghent's best kept secret and has existed for many years, but now it's in the open. This bar is what people in Ghent call a "brown bar". It's a bit quirky but the owners are very friendly. The food is simple although the home made pesto pasta is amazing. Really cheap as well. It has the widely known beer, La Chouffe, on tap for around €3, food is €13 max and has great vegetarian alternatives. 90% chance that you will hear Bob Dylan or Tom Waits. In the summer you can sit outside in the garden. Food served till 22:00, F-Su closed.
- 14 Dok Brewing Co., Hal 16, Dok Noord (bus# 5&8 Dok Noord (shortcut down Denise de Weerdt), Heilig-Kerst 4 + 5 mins walk.). Tu-Su 11-23. Large out of town micro-brewery with food, located in a former transformer hall in the old dock area. Lots of outdoor seating. Very large selection of beers.
Sleep
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Budget
[edit]- 1 Hostel 47. Nice hospitality and service.
- 2 Youth Hostel De Draecke, Sint-Widostraat 11, ☏ +32 9 233 70 50, fax: +32 9 233 80 01, gent@vjh.be. This hostel is on a quiet street in the centre. Free breakfast and bedsheets are provided. A bar on the premises offers a range of Belgian beers. HI Hostel.
- 3 Hostel Uppelink, Sint-Michielsplein 21, ☏ +32 9 279 44 77, info@hosteluppelink.com. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A beautiful building, beautifully furnished and right in the middle of the most scenic part of the city. Breakfast included, bar open until 23:00. from €24pppn.
- 4 Brooderie, ☏ +32 9 225 06 23. Primarily a cafe & bakery, but with three rooms located on Jan Breydelstraat opposite the Design Museum. Shared bathrooms and showers with the cafe below but a cheap way of getting a fine room in a superb location - delicious bread with breakfast. €50 for a single, €70-75 for a double.
- 5 Ecohostel Andromeda, Bargiekaai 35, ☏ +32 486 67 80 33. Low-energy, low-budget (beds start at €22) hostel-on-a-boat, 10 minutes walk from the centre. Creative, modern interior, surprisingly spacious and with better showers than many "land" hostels! Internet and breakfast available.
- 6 Hotel Ibis Centrum Kathedraal, Limburgstraat 2, ☏ +32 9 293 90 00.
- A list of B&Bs can be found at:
- 7 [dead link] Bed in Gent (Bed in Ghent), Lucas Munichstraat 18 (a 5-minute walk from Gent Dampoort train station), ☏ +32 495 94 49 17, info@bedingent.be. A roomy guest-house, with bright south-oriented bathrooms and a shared dining room with a dash of modern retro. €50 and up.
- 8 Ibis Budget, Koopvaardijlaan 29. Budget hotel located near Dampoort Station.
Camping
[edit]- 9 [dead link] Camping Blaarmeersen, Campinglaan 16 (2 miles W of city centre), ☏ +32 9 266 81 60, camping.blaarmeersen@stad.gent. Check-in: 14:00 (flexibility in practice), check-out: 11:00. More than 200 pitches. Shop (08:00-20:00). Cafe. Free Wi-Fi. 1 person, 1 tent, 1 bike €15.80.
Mid-range
[edit]- 10 Novotel Gent Centrum, Goudenleeuwplein 5, ☏ +32 9 224 22 30.
- 11 Hotel Trianon, St-Denijslaan 203, ☏ +32 9 220 48 40, fax: +32 9 220 49 50. Close to St. Pieter's train station. Prices start at €62 per night; breakfast is an additional €5. Each room has an attached bathroom. The luxury rooms are equipped with jacuzzi.
Splurge
[edit]- 12 Best Western, Cour Saint-Georges, Botermarkt 2, ☏ +32 9 224 24 24, fax: +32 9 224 26 40. 'The oldest Hotel in Europe, since 1228'. Right in the centre, near the towers. €125-200.
- 13 NH Gent Belfort, Hoogpoort 63, ☏ +32 9 233 33 31. In the historical quarter of the city, offers 174 modern and comfortable rooms. Rooms from €109.
- 14 Marriott, Korenlei 10. Great position right in the middle of the old city centre with a view on the river Leie. Reasonable size and quality rooms, but only a few with view of the river. Friendly, helpful staff. Underground parking, at peak times should book ahead.
- 15 Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof, Hoogstraat 36, ☏ +32 9 235 40 70. Arguably the best and most luxurious hotel in Ghent. This is the 18th-century mansion which was the former home of Baron Reylof. The hotel retains its traditional architecture, but combines it with modern comforts. Contains a gym, spa and small pool. Hotel contains 157 bedrooms, most of which have terraces or balconies, a fine bar and a Michelin Star restaurant. Minibar contents are complimentary. €200 region for the night and breakfast.
- 16 Ghent River Hotel, Waaistraat 5, ☏ +32 9 266 10 10, info@ghent-river-hotel.be. Lovely location by the river.
Connect
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As of June 2022, Ghent has 4G with Base / Telenet and Orange, and 5G with Proximus / Scarlet. Wifi is widely available in public places.
Go next
[edit]The Belgian train system is very efficient and the country not that large, so getting between major cities by rail is easy – in the day. A day trip to even multiple cities is easily doable. From Ghent, multiple railway lines radiates to major destinations in Flanders:
- Bruges, famous for its canals and medieval heritage as well, is 20 minutes by train from Ghent
- In the opposite direction, the often-overlooked town of Sint-Niklaas, with Belgium's largest market square, is also 20 minutes away
- Just across the Dutch border, the very well-preserved historic fortified city Hulst attracts lots of day-trippers from Belgium. It was once part of Flanders, and its main street and city entrance gate still refer to Ghent.
- Kortrijk, a charming and historically important provincial city in West Flanders is 30 minutes away
- Antwerp, Brussels, Mechelen and the seaside resort of Ostend are around 40 minutes away
- All the major cities in Wallonia are within 1.5 hours of train ride - either direct or with a quick change in Brussels
- The French city of Lille is an hour away by direct train
- Sint-Martens-Latem is very near and offers a great half-day trip to those who are interested in arts.