Ghent is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Belgium. The strong medieval features combined with the youthful style create an atmosphere that you will fall in love with. Anyone visiting Belgium always makes a stop in Ghent, because its impressive temples, dreamy canals and castles will seduce you.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +32
Nearest airports from city center: Antwerp Airport (63km), Brussels Airport (65km), Lille Airport (81km), Charleroi Airport (108km), Eindhoven Airport (146km), Maastricht Airport (174km) and Amsterdam Airport (220km),
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** GRAVENSTEEN (Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent)
In Dutch it means “Castle of the Count” and it opened its gates in 1180. It was originally used as the seat of the Governor of Flanders until the 14th century and then as a court, prison and factory. Visit the museum and see various instruments of torture, such as a guillotine.
*** GHENT CITY CENTER
It is the meeting point of the locals and whoever visits it will think they are in an open museum of medieval architecture. Enjoy the beautiful buildings and discover every alley of the historic center.
*** SAINT BAVO’S CATHEDRAL (Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Gent)
The magnificent temple that opened its gates in 942 AD. is one of the most important attractions of the city. Its architecture is a combination of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles. The Diocese of Ghent was founded in 1559 and then essentially acquired its current form.
*** MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS (Fernand Scribedreef 1, 9000 Gent)
Visit the museum to see a collection of art from the Middle Ages up to the 2nd century, focusing on Flanders and France.
*** STADHUIS GENT (Botermarkt 1, 9000 Gent)
It took 4-5 centuries to complete the building. It opened its gates in 1881 and the Town Hall is one of the most historic medieval buildings in the city.
*** SAINT NICHOLAS CHURCH (Cataloniëstraat, 9000 Gent)
From the beginning of the 13th century, the Gothic architectural church began to be built and essentially replaced the old Romanesque church that had been destroyed by fire. Watch the light come in through the stained glass windows and climb the Bell Tower.
*** ST. MICHAEL’S BRIDGE
Enjoy the bridge which is one of the most romantic in the whole world and see the charming beauty of Ghent. We would suggest you to visit it in the evening as well.
*** STAM – GHENT CITY MUSEUM (Godshuizenlaan 2, 9000 Gent)
If you want to know everything about the History of the city, then you must visit this museum.
*** S.M.A.K. STEDELIJK MUSEUM VOOR ACTUELE KUNST GENT (Jan Hoetplein 1, 9000 Gent)
It opened its doors in 1999 and is considered the museum with the country’s most important collection of contemporary art by artists from several countries. You can see what is important to the next generations.
*** MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY GHENT (Minnemeers 10, 9000 Gent)
It is worth a visit to this museum which highlights the history of the city which was an industrial city in the past. Housed in a cotton mill.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** The city is famous for its museums. A walk to the Design Museum Gent, Museum Dr. Guislain and GUM – Gents Universiteitsmuseum is well worth it.
*** Sint-Michielsbrug! It is an arched bridge and one of the most popular to take many photos.
*** A boat trip on the canals is a must!
*** The infamous ‘Korenlei’ quay is perfect for taking a stroll and letting yourself travel back in time.
*** Sint-Pietersabdij is a historic abbey with a museum and garden. If you have time, you must visit it.
*** If you like churches, then Saint Michael’s Church will leave you speechless! The Sint-Jacobskerk is also of particular interest.
*** Huis van Alijn will take you on a “journey” to how the locals lived in the 20th century.
FOOD AND DRINK
In Ghent you will find all the classic foods of Belgium. From famous chocolates and waffles to mussels and plenty of beer to accompany your meal. However, Ghent is famous for one food that is worth trying: Gentse Waterzooi which is a classic Flemish food. It is a rich broth with chopped vegetables and chicken “tied” with cream. Of course you will find all cuisines, American, Asian, Latin and European.
WHERE TO STAY
In the historical center of the city you will find several hotels, most of them have high prices. But it’s worth staying close to the center. A little further from the center, you can find cheaper options for your stay.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** In Koning Albert I Park you can walk and store enough oxygen in your body.
*** If you like swimming pools and saunas, then go to LAGO Gent Rozebroeken.
*** Graffiti Street! If you like street art, then it’s worth spending a few minutes of your time.
*** If you like sports activities, then Playground Blaarmeersen is the place to be.
*** If you have children on your trip, then visit The World of Kina Garden and you will be impressed.
*** The historic center of the city is an ideal place for your shopping.
*** Ghent also has several shopping malls such as Shoppingcenter Gent Zuid and De Post.
*** For your shopping you can visit the East District, the commercial area around Henegouwenstraat, Bennesteeg, Mageleinstraat and Voldersstraat.
*** SoGo is the biggest shopping area!
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bike.
CITIES NEAR GHENT
Major cities close to Ghent are Brussels (55km), Antwerp (58km), Mechelen (66km), Lille (73km), Leuven (85km), Charleroi (109km), Eindhoven (141km), Genk (149km), Liege (151km), Rotterdam (158km), The Hague (180km), Utrecht (185km).
