Gent (or Ghent) is one of Belgium’s most beautiful medieval cities. Situated at the junction of the Lys (Leie) Canal and the Scheldt (Schelde) River, and just a short 30 min train ride from Brugge, this stunning town is a must stop on any trip to Belgium.
Gent is one of Belgium’s oldest cities and the historical capital of Flanders. As such it is filled with medieval charm, castles, underground pubs lit by candlelight and cobblestone streets in every direction. When it comes to visiting Belgium, aside from Brugge it really doesn’t get any better than Gent.
Where to Stay
Fournished Apartments Gent – A bunch of fully furnished apartments that offer great flats to stay in around the city center.
Best Things to Do in Gent
Visit Gravensteen Castle
Built in 1180 this incredibly well preserved medieval castle is known as the “Castle of the Counts” in Dutch. Today it houses one of the best self-guided audio tours we’ve ever been on in a European Castle, an Arms Museum and a Museum of Judicial Objects. Here you’ll see medieval weaponry and torture devices, including a guillotine and the famous “Mask of Shame.”
Below the castle is a fully functioning medieval bar where you can try some of Gents best Belgium beers. At the top of the castle you will be treated to some of the best 360 degree panoramic views of Gent’s medieval town center. This is one of the few places that you can see the 4 Medieval Towers of Ghent on the skyline.
Cross the Picturesque St Micheal’s Bridge
One of the most picturesque areas of Gent and a great place to view the incredible architecture down river towards the central market.
Here you can find one of the best photo locations in all of Gent. From this bridge you can see three of the Medieval Towers (St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry of Gent and St Bavo’s Cathedral) – all aligned for a great photo.
Check out Gent’s Iconic Towers/Cathedrals
St Bavo’s Cathedral – Gorgeous 11th Century Cathedral and home to The Adoration of The Mystic Lamb painting at its alter.
St Bavo’s Abbey – Not open every day to help preserve this crumbling structure. Check HERE to see when it is open for visitors.
Gent Belfry – You can climb this 91m high tower for a stunning view
Visit Vrijdagmarkt (The Friday Market)
Every Friday since the 12th century this market has popped up with stalls selling food, drinks and local wares.
Visit Design Museum Gent
Visit Gruut Brewery
Located just outside of the town center on the corner of Baudelopark. One of the few breweries to use a mix of herbs and spices, known as gruut, instead of traditional hops. Try all five of their brews: White, Blond, Amber, Brown and Inferno. Also…make sure to check out the unique urinals in the bathroom if you’re a guy.
Visit Tierenteyn-Verlent
This old apothecary sells jars of spices, herbs and mustards. No preservatives are used so the stuff you buy can only be sold on the premises. Everyone comes here for their unique mustard that dates back to 1790. Once you try the mustard you’ll be ruined from enjoying Dijon every again.
Visit Het Hinkelspel
A unique cheese shop featuring organic cheeses made with non-pasteurized milk. Make sure you try their Dulse, flavored with red algae, and their Pas de Bleu, which pairs perfectly with the dairy’s own beer, Lousberg.
Best Restaurants in Gent
Volta – Built in an old electric factory this chic dining experience is a must for any foodie in the city of Gent. You’ll start out by grabbing interesting cocktails, upstairs in their bar before heading to your table for some truly stunning dishes. Click HERE to see more photos of our meal at Volta.
Oak – Chef Marcelo Ballardin delights your senses with small plate tasting menus that are detailed and exquisitely balanced.
Holy Food Market – A Former church houses a bar and more than a dozen food counters.
Cochon de Luxe – Belgium/French fusion. A hidden gem with a friendly staff and jokes galore sprinkled throughout the menu. Creative, fun menu and a must stop on any trip to Gent.
Heritage – One of Gent’s best Michelin Starred tasting menus. Expect a seasonal menu with fish straight out of the sea, freshly harvested vegetables and foraged herbs. Vegetables play without a doubt the leading role in our well balanced and full-flavoured palate, which is served in a refined and contemporary interior. A classical touch and attention to detail add style to the overall experience.
Giuseppe’s Pizza Forno a Legna – Wonderful little pizza joint
j.e.f. – a former chef at a Michelin star restaurant makes simple, hearty, home cooked and minimalistic meals
De Vitrine – Flemish tapas served across a butcher’s marble counter. Must book way in advance.
Yuzu – A chocolate lovers dream. This off the beaten path chocolate Mecca showcases the creations of local chocolatier Nicolas Vanaise. He makes all the chocolates fresh at 5 am each day. He travels regularly to Japan for inspiration. His truffles which combine incredibly odd flavors often resemble calligraphy art works.
C-Food Meersschaut – You have to take a cab to get to this former fishmonger’s spot, but the drive is worth the trip. Guido Meersschaut was one of Gent’s last remaining fishmongers at its once famous fish market. Now he serves up some of the best seafood and oysters you’ll ever have.
Best Bars in Gent
Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant – Sitting along the Leie River is the absolute perfect place to sit and enjoy a Belgium beer outside along the river. With over 165 beers available you won’t be at a loss for options. They have a 3 beer limit though since the beers are so strong. Homey décor, riverside views and convivial tavern atmosphere make this a must stop on your trip. Choose from the extensive list of Trappist-brewed ales, sour suds and other Belgian brews — around 170 in all.
The Cobbler – Upscale cocktail bar in the new 1898 Post hotel. The soaring ceiling, majestic fireplace, Oriental rugs and book-lined shelves evoke a nobleman’s salon, as do drinks with names like Queen Anne’s Revenge (genever, rum, vermouth, absinthe, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup; 16 euros) and Le Marquis (calvados, Talisker scotch, Oloroso sherry, grenadine, cacao; 15 euros).
De Dulle Griet – Medieval bar with the largest collection of Belgium beers in Gent, boasting more than 500 domestic and international brews. If you’re feeling particularly thirsty you can try the tavern’s extra-strength brew called ‘Max Van Het Huis. This beer is served in a kwak, a massive glass boot. But, beware, the kwak is expensive and you are required to give one of your shoes as collateral to drink out of one.
’t Dreupelkot – An old-time apothecary with warm brick walls and wooden bar serves Dutch jenever (a type of flavored Dutch gin). Traditionally the drink is poured straight into shot glasses and filled to the very brim. You are supposed to put your hands behind your back, bend over at the waist and drink the shot straight from the table.
Ona – Chic candlelit bar devoted to organic and biodynamic wines
Cafe Theatre – Dark, sultry cocktail bar in a cool two story room.
Hotsy Totsy – Inspired by Al Capones favorite Chicago speakeasy, this jazz bar has some rocking live sessions and a great atmosphere.
Jigger’s – Gent’s best cocktail bar. Make sure to make a reservation in advance.
Roomer Aperitif – These brothers invented a unique aperitif using Heath Robinson like stills and their grandmother’s elderflower wine.
’T Velootje Bar Peculia – “The strangest pub in the Northern Hemisphere,” as they like to call themselves. Every square inch of this bar is covered with random, piles of junk and weird objects.
