A Beginners Guide To Ghent
This is my beginners guide to Ghent and everything you’ll need to know. Ghent is a lovely port city in northwest Belgium, at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers. During the Middle Ages it was a prominent city-state. Today it’s a university town and cultural hub. The pedestrianised center is famous for it’s medieval architecture such as the 12th-century Gravensteen castle and the stepped gable style of roof you can see on many of their buildings. You can either spell it Ghent (Belgian) or Gent (Dutch) – although it doesn’t matter which way you spell it.
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO GHENT // WHAT TO SEE, DO AND EAT
WHAT TO EXPECT IN GHENT
Ghent is a gorgeous port city filled with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants for you to browse and relax. It’s a very busy and happening city so it’s perfect if you are looking for some atmosphere and nightlife. It is a university city and there are a lot of international students residing there. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around the main square for somewhere to eat or drink. Their performing arts centre is amazing to watch many live performances. The city is mainly focused around the canal so if you fancy catching a boat trip or hiring some kayaks up the canal it’s the perfect way to spend a day in the sunshine.
READ MORE: A Beginners Guide To Antwerp
HOW TO GET TO GHENT
The best way of getting to Ghent is by train. We caught the train to Ghent from Brussels Midi Station. The journey takes about 40 minutes. You can find out how much the train costs to Ghent in my post How To Get Around In Belgium. The train ticket cost around €9.00 (£7.90) via the ticket booth or £10.15 via the Trainline App but prices may vary since I was there.
It is quite a walk from the train station to the centre, if you don’t fancy the walk you can always catch the tram into the centre for a small cost. Make sure you check how much the tram costs and it’s pick up points before you visit. From what I remember, the tram station wasn’t too far from the main train station and you can find them on the map below.
NAVIGATE YOUR WAY AROUND GHENT…
THINGS TO DO IN GHENT
- • Eat some delicious pizza at Otomat
- • Visit Gravesteen Castle
- • Do some shopping down their streets
- • Relax by the riverfront with a cold drink or ice cream
- • Check out their marzipan and chocolate shops
- • Have a cocktail in Ray, a greenhouse bar right next tothe Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
READ MORE: 5 Places To Eat In Belgium
HIGHLIGHTS FROM GHENT
VISIT GRAVESTEEN CASTLE
Gravesteen Castle is a gorgeous medieval castle in the middle of Ghent surrounded by the river and moat. The current castle dates to 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint (coin factory), and even as a cotton factory.
EAT SOME DELICIOUS PIZZA AT OTOMAT
Me and Amy stopped at Otomat for lunch which is an adorable pizza cafe that do pizzas and salads, perfect for a sit down lunch. Outside is a small outdoor eating area with benches and high chairs with fairy lights hanging above. The pizza was the perfect thickness and it filled you up just right with a side salad which is part of their lunch time deal.
RELAX BY THE RIVERFRONT
Relaxing by the riverfront on a hot sunny day with a cold drink or ice cream is the perfect way to chill and watch the world go by.
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Are you planning a trip to Ghent soon? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy travels,
Oh wow what a lovely place! I want to explore more of Europe xx
I highly recommend it, I have so many more places in Europe on my list still to visit 🙂
Ghent seems like a lovely, quiet little city! I’ve never travelled before, but this seems like a perfect little trip – plus, I LOVE pizza – thanks you for sharing x
Nellé | https://realnelle.wordpress.com/
It’s such a lovely city, definitely worth a visit 🙂
Wow looks so beautiful there. I’m actually looking for city break next year for the weekend and I think this would be perfect.
I definitely recommend adding Belgium to your list, it’s so easy to travel around Europe for a weekend break 🙂
I wish to travel more. Ghent seems like a lovely place to visit.
You definitely should, so many amazing places out there 🙂 x
There looks like there is so many eating places in Ghent! Love the graffiti art too!
Isobel x
http://www.fashionistachic.co.uk
SO many yummy restaurants to eat at! The graffiti is great, better than the rubbish we get in London sometimes aha x
Sounds like a really lovely place to visit! 🙂
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip || Latest Post
It really is a lovely city, should definitely be on everyone’s list x