Story
Authentic Belgian experience in Ghent
Ghent has Bruges' canals and medieval charm, but with a university-town energy that keeps it alive after dark.
- Country
- ๐ง๐ช Belgium
- Region
- Europe
- Destination type
- City break
- Best months
- AprilโOctober
Introduction
Stuck between the bigger Brussels and the more renown Bruges, Ghent is a city that gives you the best of the two worlds. It might not have the same picturesque sights as Bruges, but it sure is pretty. It is also a huge university center and is much more active during the evenings. Young people gather around the terraces in the old town and on the banks of the canals, especially around the Graslei area.
What to do
The old town of Ghent is quite compact and very walkable. You can spend some time roaming the streets, discovering cute houses with small shops and restaurants. The symbol of the city is the 91m tall belfry located right next to the St. Bavo Cathedral. You can also visit the 10th century Gravensteen castle in the middle of the city, 10 minutes away from the belfry.
The Sint-Michielsburg is also a great spot to take a snapshot before the sun goes down. As the evening comes, make sure you grab a Gentse Tripel or any other strong Belgian beer at one of the open terraces. We spent only a day in Ghent during the same Interrail trip back in 2013, but we would love to get back some time in the future.
