Ghent – sights and walking tour

Björn put the flea in my ear! Almost two years have passed since the day I tried to explain to an uncomprehending looking hostel receptionist that I had booked a four-bed room together with three people I didn’t know and didn’t know if they had already arrived because I didn’t know what they looked like (um, are you confused too?). We had booked the room together because we were attending a summer school in London together. However, it was not so much the school that left a lasting impression on me, but rather the entertaining Belgian guy. No, no, not in the way you think. Rather, he made Flanders and especially his student city of Ghent palatable to me during the ten days. Before that, I would probably never have thought of travelling to Ghent.

Two years later, the time has finally come. Our train arrives in Ghent-Dampoort. Some fellow passengers become restless. “Is this the main station?” we are asked? This question is quite justified, because strangely enough, Ghent has two decentralised stations (Dampoort and Sint-Pieters) and without local knowledge you don’t really understand which of the two is the actual central station. Later we learn that Sint-Pieters has the status of “main station”, but we did everything right when we got off at Dampoort station, as it is closer to the historic centre.

With the next pictures I will take you on a virtual tour through Flanders’ most beautiful city. This much can be revealed in advance: Björn rightly raved about Ghent to me!

Too many sights for one day

Medieval Pearl Necklace

You can get a first overview of the impressive medieval skyline consisting of various towers along the Limburgstraat. We start with the classic in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Inside it is the “Adoration of the Lamb of God”, a masterpiece of medieval painting. The Flügelalter is truly impressive with its bright colors and the outstanding precision of the individual brush strokes.

Directly opposite is the town hall with its impressive Gothic façade and the mighty belfry, from whose tower you can marvel at the turret parade from a bird’s eye view. With the new city hall, Ghent has set an eye-catching architectural accent. The idiosyncratic architecture is still a thorn in the side of some. Nevertheless, the square is actively used for festivals, markets, concerts and as a general meeting place. The individual buildings are lined up like pearls. Our walk ends at the foot of the mighty Count’s Castle.

Vorzeigefassaden

It happens on St. Michael’s Bridge. Ghent finally wraps me around my finger with the panoramic view over the facades of the houses along the Graslei, the central harbour. But who can resist this charm? I could have sat here for hours on the quay wall, dangling my legs comfortably over the quietly flowing Leie and watching the hustle and bustle all around. A place that still puts a smile on my face even in retrospect, when looking at the pictures.

Detailliebe

Ghent is great to explore on foot. Between Vrijdagmarkt, Kouter and Grafenburg there are not only old mighty buildings, but also hip, colourful streets and many small parts to discover. My tip: take your time and stroll aimlessly through the alleys.

Gent Smaakt – Waffeln

Another tip: bring your hunger with you! Ghent offers gourmets, connoisseurs, gourmets and beer lovers everything their hearts desire. For a little “gluscht” in between, I can recommend the Moochie Frozen Yogurt in a central location directly behind the St. Niklauskirche. Everywhere you will also find stalls selling the so-called “Gentse Neuzen”. The cone-shaped Belgian candy with its sticky jelly-like consistency doesn’t quite meet my taste. But I ate the best waffle of my life in Ghent. No wonder, it is said that the famous Brussels waffles were invented in the Waffle House Max in the middle of Ghent. But I bought my waffle directly from the Graslei at a simple sales stand. If you prefer it hearty, salty, you are well supplied with Belgian fries.

Sweet seduction

In waffle heaven

Fantastic fries

Butcher’s Hall and Galgenhuisje

In the former butcher’s hall, ham is still dried today. Right next to it is the cute ‘t Galgenhuisje, one of the smallest restaurants in the city with a large terrace. Perfect for a boozy-happy-relaxed beer break (oh yes, and if you don’t order beer, the waitress will look at you pretty funny…)

Simply Good | Du Progrès Korenmarkt 10

When it comes to dinner, you’re spoilt for choice. Ghent has a lot of great places. Good and inexpensive food is available at the “Du Progrès” in a central location. The beer costs 3.80 euros, the appetizer around 12 euros and the main course around 25 euros. Here you can also meet many locals at a cozy get-together.

Brasserie-Chic | Warehouse | Schuurkenstraat 4

For more exclusive dining, head to Brasserie Pakhuis. Personally, I was impressed by the restaurant simply because of its idiosyncratic architecture. Here, a lot of emphasis is placed on seasonal and local products. Fantastically composed dishes that convinced in all facets in terms of taste. The two of us paid around 100 euros each for a starter, a main course and a shared sinfully delicious chocolate dessert (Belgian chocolate what else?).

Faerie Dawn

Ghent not only delights in daylight, but also offers unique moments after dark. The city has received several international awards for its lighting concept. If you want to experience the finely tuned and well-thought-out light spectacle for yourself, you can take a two-hour walk along the illuminated buildings, streets and monuments after dusk. But beware, after midnight there is a switch from mood to functional lighting.

And what else?

• We stayed at the Novotel Ghent centre (central location)
• Visit the Blumenmark on the Kouter on Sunday
• or make a detour to one of the beguinages
• Visit the Stam
• Take a day trip to Bruges (preferably during the week)

… and fall head over heels in love with the cosiest city in Flanders. Tot ziens!

Note: This trip was supported by Tourism Flanders and Visit Ghent. Thank you very much for this! As always, my readers can be sure that I always represent my views and enthusiasm.