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ghent

An unassuming city filled with listed buildings, cultural markers, well priced restaurants and vibrant energy.

An unassuming city filled with listed buildings, cultural markers, well priced restaurants and vibrant energy. Ghent is Flanders’ hidden gem, sandwiched between Brussels and Bruges. This attractive medieval city has long been overlooked by visitors on the traditional art-town hop between Belgium’s big three. The city sits on the junction of the Leie and Scheldt Rivers and these days it is Flanders’ biggest university town.

This medieval beauty is a melting pot of art and history. For a quick jaunt across centuries, make a trip to Ghent and immerse yourself in its successful fusion of old and new. National Geographic Traveller Magazine rates Ghent in its global ranking of ‘authentic destinations’. This beautiful, historic city is ranked 3rd out of 109!

Experiencing Ghent by night is also certainly worth its while and many historic buildings and monuments are illuminated each night from sunset to midnight. As the sites of Ghent are among the best lit in Europe, a nocturnal walk through the heart of the city is most definitely recommended. The first exhibition at the STAM Museum, which opens next year, will put the spotlight on the famously illuminated city. Ghent is the first city in Belgium to have a complete lighting plan designed exclusively for it.

Whilst in Ghent, be sure to take a look at St Bavo's Cathedral. It's a stunning gothic and Roman style building that houses some of the most famous Flemish works of art. Ghent has several museums of note, with SMAK (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art) being the best known and the most famous for its bold and original exhibitions of both Belgian and international artists.

Is there a local speciality?
Brace your taste buds! The local speciality is Mustard Tierenteyn Verlent, a traditionally home produced mustard. It is a well-known fact that Ghent is a paradise for food lovers due to its delicious meat, fish and shellfish dishes. Now, however, it is even more appealing to those who enjoy vegetarian cuisine, as in recent years Ghent has been dubbed by many as the veggie capital of Europe. Ghent offers more vegetarian restaurants per inhabitant than Paris, London and Berlin. Many traditional restaurants in Ghent also include a wide range of vegetarian options on their menus.

Looking for Somewhere to Stay?
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Ghent, take a look at websites: www.gent-hotels.eu and www.visitgent.be. Several hotels are offering a second overnight stay at half price, visit www.gentteveelvooreennacht.be for further details. You can also check out our special rates with www.superbreak.com

When's market day?
Ghent has several markets, all of which are great for picking up bargains. These will all be open most Fridays as well as at the weekends.

Interesting town fact
Ghent's city centre is the largest car free centre in Belgium. It also has more listed buildings than any other city in Flanders.

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