The Most Famous Sightseeing Attractions in Ghent

Ghent is a beautiful city in Belgium that offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and modernity. The city is filled with stunning landmarks, museums, and tourist attractions that attract millions of visitors every year. With so much to see and do, it can be challenging to decide where to begin. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the most famous sightseeing attractions that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Ghent.

Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen Castle is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ghent. Built in the early 12th century, this impressive castle is located in the heart of the city and offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. The castle boasts a unique history, and visitors can explore the various towers, dungeons, and even the torture chamber. Gravensteen Castle is an excellent place to visit for anyone interested in medieval history and architecture.

Sint-Baafskathedraal

The Sint-Baafskathedraal, also known as St. Bavo’s Cathedral, is one of the most famous landmarks in Ghent. This beautiful Gothic-style cathedral was constructed in the 14th century and features stunning stained-glass windows, intricate wood carvings, and an impressive high altar. Visitors can also view the world-famous painting, “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck. The cathedral is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, and architecture.

Belfry of Ghent

The Belfry of Ghent is another iconic landmark in the city. This towering structure was built in the 14th century and served as a watchtower and belfry. Today, visitors can climb the 91-meter-high tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The climb to the top is not for the faint of heart, as it involves climbing up 366 steps, but it is worth it for the view alone. The Belfry of Ghent is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see landmark in the city.

Graslei and Korenlei

Graslei and Korenlei are two picturesque quays located in the historic center of Ghent. The two streets are lined with charming old buildings, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and take in the stunning views of the city. Graslei and Korenlei are especially beautiful at night when the old buildings are illuminated, and visitors can enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

The Ghent Altarpiece

The Ghent Altarpiece, also called “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” is a world-famous masterpiece of art. Created by the Van Eyck brothers in the 15th century, the altarpiece is known for its intricate details and stunning colors. Visitors can view the altarpiece at St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and there is also a special exhibition space dedicated to the piece. The Ghent Altarpiece is one of the most famous works of art in the world and is a must-see for anyone visiting Ghent.

Ghent City Museum (STAM)

The Ghent City Museum, also known as STAM, is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the city. The museum is located in the Bijloke site, an old hospital transformed into a modern cultural center. The museum features interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and a vast collection of artifacts showcasing Ghent’s history. Visitors can learn about the city’s past, present, and future and gain a new perspective on this beautiful city.

Conclusion

Ghent is a beautiful city with so much to offer visitors. From stunning landmarks like Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo’s Cathedral to picturesque quays like Graslei and Korenlei, there is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, art, or simply want to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, Ghent is a city that will not disappoint. We hope this blog post has given you some inspiration for your next visit to Ghent.

An Insider’s Guide to Ghent – Beyond The Obvious Sights

If you’re someone who craves seeing more of the world than the usual tourist activities, Ghent is an excellent destination for you. Ghent is not just a beautiful city with breathtaking old buildings, market squares, and romantic riverside promenades, but it also offers a different sort of charm that is unique to this city. Here is our insider’s guide to make the most out of your trip to Ghent:

Local Attractions in Ghent- Hidden Gems to Visit

When visiting Ghent, it’s practically impossible to avoid the usual sightseeing circuit, with its landmarks like St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Belfry, Gravensteen Castle, and St. Michael’s Bridge. But while these attractions are undoubtedly impressive, they tend to be swarming with tourists. For a more authentic experience, here are some hidden gems that you won’t find in guidebooks:

– Design museum Ghent: Displays different designs from 20th-century furniture to contemporary objects.
– A water tower at the Drongen Forest: visit the unique and striking watertower designed by the architect Emile Wauters.
– Cera headquarters: this building uses glass, steel, and natural light to create a modern design in a historic city center.
– The Beguinages: the covered alleys of Begijnhof ter Hoye or Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth are a must-visit. It is a little historical district with small houses.

Dining Spots – Food and Culture in Ghent

In Ghent, there are various local delicacies you should try. If there’s one must-try when you’re in Ghent, it’s the “Gentse Waterzooi,” a hearty soup with either chicken or fish, vegetables, and cream. Here are some restaurants where you can find it and other delicious local food:

– JEF (Ramen), this restaurant has Asian influences and offers sandwiches, ramen noodles bowls, and cocktails.
– Café Parti: A local café that offers organic and regional products and serves “Gentse Waterzooi.”
– Balls & Glory: a restaurant specializing in meatballs, where you can have everything from traditional beef meatballs with gravy to vegetarian balls with tomato sauce.
– Het Moment: The perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and pastries while overlooking the historic St. Bavo’s Cathedral.

Cultural Experiences – Traditions and Festivals in Ghent

Ghent is a city of creative people, and cultural activities take center stage. If you want to experience the city’s artistic and musical offerings, here are a few suggestions:

– Ghent Festivities: A ten-day free festival that revels in music, street theatre, and colorful processions. It’s held annually in July.
– International Film Festival of Ghent: One of the best European film festivals, held annually in October.
– The Christmas Market: Ghent’s Christmas Market is held in December at the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and is the perfect place to soak up some holiday cheer.

Local History – Fascinating Stories From The Past

Ghent has long-standing ties to traditional textile production, reflected in abundant guild houses and quality garment items from skilled artisans – famous among them is Jacob van Artevelde, who led his city to prosperity as well as ruin. A few stories from Ghent’s past that will inspire you:

– Ghent Altarpiece: This is Ghent’s most famous painting, located at St. Bavo’s Cathedral. It is believed that Hitler took it during World War II and later recovered—it has since gone through multiple renovations.
– The Great Butchers’ Rivalry: Historically the country was divided into the butcher’s guild and the linen weaver’s guild. In 1539 the two factions got into a heated conflict, which resulted in the death of over 500 people.
– Statue of Jacob van Artevelde: In 1345, Jacob van Artevelde, who was one of the wealthiest merchants of the town’s golden age, was exiled, returned, and eventually killed for his politics.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions – Unique Experiences in Ghent

If you’re looking for something extraordinary, Ghent offers plenty of unconventional experiences:

– Graffiti street art tour: The city authority authorized some of the best graffiti artists to make street murals – such tours bring you to lesser-known areas in Ghent to see impressive artwork and hear insights by the locals.
– Ghent by Night: experience the atmosphere and the magic of the city’s historic architecture at night during a walking tour. You can see the city lights reflected on the waterways and enjoy the vibrant nightlife that Ghent has to offer.
– The Ghent University Botanic Garden: The Botanic Garden has a collection of over 10,000 plants representing 20 different biotopes.

In conclusion, Ghent is an intriguing city with a historical and cultural background. The city is full of surprises, and even the usual tourist attractions offer new experiences – but visiting the hidden gems and trying out the local food is just as important. We hope this insider’s guide has whetted your appetite for an unforgettable trip to Ghent.