What to see in Ghent?

Must see: 

• Gravensteen: The highlight of the city. Walk around on the castle walls, visit the dungeons, climb the tower. Make sure to take the audio guide, written by a local comedian. Reservations are necessary during weekends in summer!

• Belfort (or Belfry): This UNESCO world heritage site is my favorite monument in the city. A 14th century tower, symbol for the wealth and civil power of medieval Ghent.

• Saint Bavo's Cathedral: In this impressive cathedral hangs one of Europe's great masterpieces: The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Lam Gods) by the Van Eyck brothers. Make sure to read up on the painting before going (teaser: it's the most stolen painting in history!).

Should see:

• STAM: the museum of local history is my favorite in the city. Make sure to check out the displays in each room, which tells the story of Ghent with beautiful visualizations. 

• Visit the Ruins of the Saint-Bavo's Abbey, a hidden gem. The city does not promote this site to the general public, mostly to preserve this historical place. But its significance to our town cannot be overstated. It was on this location that the first monastery of modern day Belgium was built in 630, at the point of confluence between the rivers Lys and Scheldt. This effectively kickstarted the growth of our medieval city. Free to visit during the weekend.

• Another hidden gem is the Hotel D'Haene Steenhuyse. Not a hotel, but an 18th century "city palace". Visit the ballrooms, the beautiful salons and climb the wooden staircases. Free to visit during the weekends only!

Nice to see

• If you like art museums, go to the SMAK (Modern Art) or MSK (Fine Arts).

• Discover our student district with some architectural gems: De Krook (public library), the Winter Circus and the Book Tower on just a short walk.

• If you want to dive into our industrial heritage, visit the Museum of Industry.

Where to go eat in Ghent?

• Flemish Classics: Meme Gusta (try the Flemish stew or Vol-au-vent), De Rechters, Aba-jour

• Belgian fine dining: Pakhuys, Ombra, Bistro Bastien

• Belgian lunch: Brasserie 'HA, De Rechters, Brasserie Bridge.

• Fries: Frituur Hooiaard (ask for the Flemish stew with meat!), Frituur Tartaar (they have vegan stew), Frietketel (lots of vegan options!).

• International: Mosquito coast

• Spanish: La Malcontenta (great cocktails AND great tapas!)

• Thai: Khin Khao (best Thai in Belgium according to the GaultMillau guide)

• Pizza: Ottomat (modern style), Plant a Pizza (vegan pizza), or Neapolis (classic style)

• Japanese: Steamy Windows

• Indian: Indian masala (center), mission Massala, Indian curry house

• Lebanese: Yalla Yalla

• Vegan or vegetarian: Le Botaniste, Greenway (fast food), Lokaal, Warempel, Epiphany’s kitchen, Knol & Kool

• Waffles: Geraard, The Waffle House

• Ice cream: San Pietro (station area), Valeir (Portus Ganda), Nonno (center)

• Chocolates: Vandenbouhede (center), Marijn Coertjens (center), Deduytschaever

• Brunch: Oats Day Long, Alice

• Bakery and pastry: Marijn Coertjens, The Bakery by Joost Arijs