What Is So Special About Ghent?

Are you considering taking a trip to Belgium? Whether you’ve already got your itinerary planned, or you’re just starting to think of ideas, you should add Ghent to your list. This charming city is considered one of the gems of the Flemish part of Belgium, often overlooked in favour of its more famous sibling, Brussels. But that doesn’t mean Ghent doesn’t offer plenty of experiences for any kind of traveller. So, what is so special about Ghent?

One of the top attractions in Ghent is its preserved and restored old town, which serves as a window into Ghent’s rich medieval past. The amazing structures of the old town draw tourists from near and far. You can explore the amazing architecture at places like the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral with its impressive stained glass windows, the Gravensteen Castle, St. Nicholas’ Church, and the City Hall.

Featuring many outdoor urban spaces, Ghent is also quite a green city — it features an impressive number of unique parks, like Korenmarkt Park, Botanical Gardens, the Citadelpark, and prominent squares in the city center such as Goudenleeuwplein, Groentenmarkt, and Sint-Michielsplein. Being near rivers and canals adds to the charm and beauty of this amazing spot. In summertime, there are plenty of parks to explore, with many events like street food markets and live music evenings to check out during these months.

Ghent also offers excellent opportunities for art lovers. This city prides itself on being home to numerous popular art galleries such as The Museum of Fine Arts and The Museum of Design and Fashion. The SMAK museum is located here as well, offering some modern and contemporary art pieces that will pleasantly surprise any traveler visiting this city. For a step back in time, you can visit STAM which offers an amazing journey through centuries of local history.

As you’d expect from any major Belgian city, Ghent also offers an excellent selection of delicious food worth trying. You’ll find many traditional BELGIUM dishes such as carbonnade (simmered beef in ale), rabbit stews, stoemp (creamy mashed potatoes with vegetables) and the local specialty paling in “t groen. Be sure to make a stop at Kookeet for a unique fine dining experience for all foodies.

It is easy to understand why Ghent has received several prestigious awards throughout its history, including the title of European City of Culture for 2013. Ghent is unique for its history, but also for its attractions that draw locals and tourists alike. Take a history walk through the well-preserved cobbled streets, tour world-class museums, or simply eat your way through the city — the possibilities are endless.

Visit Ghent is an excellent source for planning your stay in Ghent and discovering what this charming city has to offer.

An Insider’s Guide: What is so special about Ghent?

Ghent, a small city in Belgium, has been coined as “Europe’s Best-Kept Secret” by Lonely Planet, and for good reason. Ghent is a hidden gem with beautiful scenery, ancient history, exquisite architecture, and a lively atmosphere. With a rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone in Ghent. In this insider’s guide, we shall go through some of the city’s best attractions, dining hotspots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Attractions

First and foremost, no visit to Ghent is complete without a visit to Gravensteen Castle. A fully restored medieval castle that was built in the 9th century, Gravensteen Castle allows visitors to take a step back in time. Visitors can explore the castle’s dungeons, towers, and torture chamber. The view from the top is mesmerizing, and you can see the entirety of the city.

Take a walk through the city’s historic centre, and you’ll come across the iconic St. Bavo’s Cathedral, a 14th-century church that houses the famous painting, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Other notable landmarks include the imposing Belfry, the historic city hall, and the three medieval towers that dot the city’s skyline.

If you can, rent a bike and explore the city’s scenic canal network. Many of Ghent’s residents use bikes as their primary mode of transportation, and it’s easy to see why. The bike trails run through the green belt, around the Graslei pier, and along the water’s edge.

Dining

Ghent is a foodie’s paradise, featuring a wide variety of delicious Belgian cuisine. Head over to the Vrijdagmarkt Square, where you’ll find an abundance of restaurants that serve traditional Belgian fare. This bustling square is an excellent place to grab a quick bite, a drink, or just sit back and watch the world go by.

Don’t miss out on trying the famous Flemish Stoverij, a stew made with beef and a rich beer-based sauce, or the Ghent waterzooi, a soup with vegetables, potatoes, chicken or fish, and cream.

If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t leave Ghent without trying one of their many varieties of waffles, dripping with Nutella, or the famous Belgian chocolate.

Cultural Experiences

Ghent has a rich artistic and cultural heritage. The city is home to several art galleries and museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an extensive collection of Flemish art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The SMAK Museum of Contemporary Art is another must-visit, exhibiting both Belgian and international artists.

The Vooruit is a perfect example of Ghent’s architectural prowess. Originally constructed as a socialist meeting house in the early 20th century, The Vooruit later became a club for artists and musicians before finally being transformed into an arts centre.

For a unique experience, hop on a boat tour or get lost in one of the city’s many green spaces, such as the Citadel Park, Bijloke, and the Bourgoyen nature reserve.

Local History

Ghent has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. During the middle ages, Ghent was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, and much of it can still be seen today in the form of the city’s awe-inspiring architecture.

Ghent was also the site of one of the most significant uprisings in Belgian history, known as the Battle of the Golden Spurs, which saw the Flemish rise up against the French in 1302. Visitors can learn about the city’s fascinating history at places like the Ghent History Museum and the MIAT Industrial Museum.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

If you’re looking for something unusual and quirky, visit the House of Alijn, a museum dedicated to everyday life. The museum showcases the history of everyday objects, such as toys, domestic appliances, and clothing, and how they have all contributed to shaping our lives.

Alternatively, visit the Werregarenstraat, a small alley that has been turned into an ever-changing street art canvas. The graffiti here is vibrant and always changing, making for a unique experience every time you visit.

In conclusion, Ghent is a city that is often overlooked by tourists but is undoubtedly worth a visit. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, there is something for everyone in Ghent.