The Best Pub Crawl Experience in Ghent: A Guide to the City’s Out and Out Culture

Ghent is a charming city located in the northwest of Belgium, known for its picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and bustling pub culture. For those visiting Ghent, it is a must to take part in a pub crawl, a beloved tradition that has been embraced by locals and tourists alike. In this blog post, we will be exploring the pub crawl culture in Ghent, taking a closer look at the best pubs and bars, and providing you with some helpful tips to ensure you have the best pub crawl experience possible.

What is a Pub Crawl?

A pub crawl is an event that involves a group of people moving from one pub or bar to another, typically having one drink at each location, under the supervision of a designated organizer or tour guide. In Ghent, pub crawls are popular amongst tourists looking to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and among locals who want to share their passion for beer and socializing.

Why Pub Crawl in Ghent?

Ghent’s reputation as a beer lover’s paradise is well-deserved. The city boasts more than 500 different types of beer, including local and international varieties. The city’s pubs and bars are known for their relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making pub crawling a great way to meet new people and immerse yourself in the local culture. Moreover, with its compact size, Ghent is an ideal city for a pub crawl, as all of the best pubs and bars are within easy walking distance from each other.

The Best Pubs in Ghent

Ghent has plenty of amazing pubs, each with its unique charm, but here are some of the best ones to include on your pub crawl:

De Dulle Griet

De Dulle Griet is one of the most popular pubs in Ghent and a must-visit during your pub crawl. Known for its impressive selection of beers, including the infamous Kwak beer, De Dulle Griet is a rustic bar with an extraordinary atmosphere. However, one thing that sets this pub apart is its iconic tradition of beer served in a ‘maxi glass.’ A deposit of 50€ must be paid to get the glass served, which will be returned to you if you return it undamaged.

Gruut

Located in the heart of Ghent, Gruut is a microbrewery that brews its beer using the traditional method of using herbs in place of hops. The result is a refreshing beer that is a break from the normal taste of beers. Gruut is a perfect example of the Ghent city beer culture.

Trollekelder

Trollekelder is a must-visit if you’re looking for a unique pub crawl experience. Located in a medieval basement, this pub has a unique atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Moreover, Trollekelder is known for its impressive collection of over 100 different types of beers.

Tips for a Perfect Pub Crawl Experience

To have the best pub crawl experience in Ghent, here are some helpful tips:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Ghent is a walking city, and to ensure you have the best pub crawl experience, it is essential to wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking from one pub to another, and comfort is key.

Don’t Drink Too Much

While pub crawls are exciting and fun, it is essential to drink responsibly. Have fun but remember to pace yourself and drink plenty of water in between beers.

Try Local Beers

One of the best things about pub crawls is trying out different beers. In Ghent, don’t hesitate to try local beers like ‘Gruut,’ ‘Gentse Strop,’ or ‘Kwak.’ It’s a great way to discover new tastes and experiences.

Conclusion

Ghent is a city with a vibrant pub culture and a perfect destination for pub crawls. With its amazing selection of beers, charming pubs, and bars, Ghent is a must-visit for anyone who loves beer and socializing. With the information provided in this blog post, we hope you have the best pub crawl experience possible in Ghent. Don’t forget to explore different pubs, sample different beers, and make new friends. Enjoy your Ghent pub crawl!

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Ghent: Discovering Hidden Gems and Out-and-Out Culture

If you’re looking to explore a vibrant and culturally rich city, Ghent should be at the top of your destination list. This Belgian gem has plenty to offer, from Gothic masterpieces to lively music scenes, to the charming ancient streets. However, if you want to experience the true off-the-beaten-path culture of Ghent, a pub crawl is the perfect way to go.

The Best of Ghent’s Hidden Attractions

While Ghent is famous for its architectural beauty, the city has even more hidden historical and cultural secrets to discover. One of the most underrated attractions is the Vooruit – an early 20th-century socialist building that now serves as a cultural center for the city. The Vooruit hosts concerts, exhibitions, and debates throughout the year. Another hidden gem is the De Kristalijn glass museum, showcasing contemporary glass art that will leave you in awe. Finally, the sweet toothed visitors shouldn’t miss the opportunity to discover the local specialty – cuberdon – a cone-shaped raspberry-flavored candy found only in Ghent.

The Ghent Food Scene

Ghent is a city that appreciates food and drink in equal measure. While Belgian cuisine is well-known for its delicious moules-frites (mussels and fries), Ghent has some unique local dishes that you can’t miss. If you’re looking for something simple, head to the local neighborhood bar to try ‘ghentse kop’, a homemade pate made of pork liver. Also, the dish ‘Gentse Stoverij’ is a mandatory experience, consisting of a stew made of local beer, beef, carrots, onions, and spices, served with crusty bread. Finally, don’t forget to sample some famous Belgian chocolates, or treat yourself to a waffle topped with whipped cream and strawberries.

The Unique Cultural Experiences of Ghent

Ghent has a rich artistic and cultural heritage, offering an array of activities ranging from history and art museums to live music venues. One of the most famous cultural experiences is the Ghent Light Festival, held once every three years in the historic city center, where the city is illuminated by light art installations, making it a mesmerizing spectacle. Alternatively, if you’re a music lover, you can’t miss the ‘Gentse Feesten,’ a 10-day street festival in July that transforms the city into a huge open-air music venue.

The Fascinating History of Ghent

Being over a thousand years old, Ghent has a rich and fascinating history. To really understand the depth of the city, head down to the Gravenstein Castle, one of the most prominent landmarks. The castle’s foundation dates back to the 10th century, and today it houses a museum showcasing various objects narrating the story of the castle and the city. Additionally, the Patershol neighborhood is another fascinating area, offering a glimpse into the history of this ancient city. It was once a home for the working class people of Ghent, and despite its clean streets and modern infrastructure, the buildings still exude the old-world charm that characterized the area.

The Off-The-Beaten-Path Gems of Ghent

For those looking for something different and exclusive, Ghent offers a few hidden off-the-beaten-path spots that would make your trip unforgettable. Firstly, if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can’t miss the underground bunker ‘B401,’ which provides a glimpse into the secret world of the Belgian air force. Secondly, you can choose to explore Ghent’s waterways by boat, and appreciate the city’s architecture from a unique perspective. Lastly, visit the graffiti alley street, Werregaren Straat, which allows visitors to leave their mark on the Ghent streets.

As you can see, Ghent offers so much more than the usual tourist activities. Most of the city’s hidden gems and cultural experiences can only be found with the help of locals, so make sure you indulge in one of the pub crawls of the city, through which you can meet some extraordinary people and learn the secrets of this charming city.