General summary of the city:
Ghent, also known as Ghent, is an incredibly popular destination in Belgium. The word “Gent” is actually the Dutch spelling for the city of “Ghent” and the two terms are often used interchangeably. Ghent is full of exciting things to see and do, and travelers will not be disappointed with Ghent’s recreational offerings. Travelers can immerse themselves in the culture and history of Belgium by seeing the myriad of abbeys, beguinages, churches, castles, historical monuments and museums scattered throughout the city of Ghent.
Gent was, at one point, second only to Paris in terms of popularity and size. In the 1830s Ghent showed significant signs of industrialization as more and more factories were established within the city. Gent is a dynamic city, with a population of over 500,000 people. It is also estimated that more than 30,000 people travel to Ghent every day, for work and social activities. Since 1950, the city has undergone a major revival phase: the canal has brought many businesses to Ghent. Today, with its transportation network and many job opportunities, the city of Ghent continues to thrive and is the capital of East Flanders, Belgium.
Places of interest:
The city of Gent has as many things to see as it does to do. Travelers can get a perfect panoramic view of the entire city by touring the Belfry or the Castle of the Counts in the historic city of Ghent. In fact, from the top of each location, other famous sites are easily visible; sites including Veerleplein, Vleeshallen, St. Niklaas Church, University Library, Medieval Harbour, St. Michiels Church, and Gent’s Mall.
In the heart of Ghent, travelers will also find St. Baafs Cathedral, a historic building filled with Biblical artwork. Artwork at St. Baafs Cathedral includes images of Adam, Eve, and the serpent in the Garden of Eden; The Tree of Life; The Holy Cross and the images of the different Counts of Flanders also appear in the Cathedral. Additionally, the cathedral houses the tombs of Flemish bishops and houses four pillars that were a gift from the Tudors of Britain. Finally, the cathedral has some of the most impressive stained glass art imaginable.
While in Gent, travelers should not miss a visit to the 15th-century canon, now a monument, located near the Vrijdagmarkt. The Vrijdagmarkt is a square in Ghent that offers travelers and residents of Ghent the chance to get a taste of medieval life by viewing existing medieval architecture.
Things to do:
During your time in Gent, there is certainly no shortage of things to do. First, travelers will want to make sure they see as many churches and cathedrals as possible, because no two churches are exactly alike; each church has its own unique artwork and architecture, making each religious site harder to miss as you make your way through the city.
The Sint-Baafskathedraal Cathedral was built in the 14th century. Sint-Baafskathedraal in St. Bavo’s Square has no entrance fee, unless the traveler wishes to see “The Adoration of the Lamb,” a prized and beloved painting by Jan Van Eyck. The entrance fee to view Van Eyck’s work is nominal, and the cathedral is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
The Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, at Sint-Veerleplein 11, was built by Philip of Alsace in the late 19th century. The word Gravensteen is actually Dutch which, when translated literally, means “castle of the counts”. It is the first stone castle erected in Ghent. Before Gravensteen, only wooden structures existed. Finally, the Gravensteen has been restored to its former glory and a number of medieval exhibits can be seen inside the castle: offering viewing pleasure for all the family.
Food and drink:
Those craving seafood can dine at Vier Tafels at Plotergracht 6. The Vier Tafels is a bar and restaurant offering international delicacies, wines, cocktails, fresh seafood, salads, rice, salmon, prawns, mussels and more. Vier Tafels is honored for its universal cuisine, so there is something for every palate.
‘t Keteltje at Nederkouter 1 is the perfect place to dine if one is looking for a romantic dinner during their stay in Gent. Fully dressed tables and a variety of seasonal dishes make ‘T Keteltje one of the best places to dine in Belgium. Also, De Foyer Brasserie at Sint-Baafsplein 17, is located in the former Royal Dutch Theater. The De Foyer serves fine dishes such as Tomato Shrimp, Gray Shrimp, Aqua Chicken, Crème Brulee, Chocolate Mousse, Tiramisu and Tarts, among other incredible desserts.
The Chez Leotine restaurant at Groentenmarkt #10-11 also serves Waterzooi, Flemish beef stew and French fries. Waterzooi is a unique Belgian dish, much like cream of chicken, that has chicken, carrots, celery, and onions in the mix. After eating at Chez Leotine restaurant, travelers may find that the portion sizes on offer there have left little to no room for dessert.
Hotels and Accommodation:
Entertainment:
Entertainment-seeking travelers can enjoy Ghent’s nightlife when they stop at Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant. Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant at Groente Markt 9 offers an excellent selection of beers, both for guests and seasonal. Weary travelers can kick back and relax while drinking their beer of choice and enjoying the panoramic view of the canal.
Families can also enjoy a bit of culture when they visit the Alijnhuis, a museum located at Kraanlei 65, which offers hours of entertainment and fun. With craft rooms, exhibitions that portray medieval life in Ghent; wedding artifacts and the like, the Alijnhuis is entertaining for the whole family. Finally, in the Alijnhuis some games for children are offered.
The Friday market in Gent’s city center is an open-air market that gives travelers the opportunity to enjoy a day of shopping. Olives, fresh fish, sausages, chicken, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, breads and baked goods are offered at many of the market stalls. Additionally, travelers can shop for souvenirs, clothing, furniture, wood carvings, trinkets, and a variety of other items that are sold every Friday. The Friday market surrounds one of Ghent’s most popular city square monuments: the Jacob Van Artevelde, a monument to one of Ghent’s formidable political figures.
