What to see in Ghent?

Must see: 

• Gravensteen: the #1 tourist attraction in my city is this 12th century castle. You can walk around on the castle walls, visit the dungeons. Make sure to take the audio guide, written by Belgian comedian Wouter Deprez. It is necessary to make a reservation during weekends in summer!

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

• Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral: In our cathedral hangs one of Europe's great masterpieces: The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Lam Gods) by the Van Eyck brothers. Don't skip the augmented reality tour through the 12th century crypts of the cathedral.

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 want to see some art museums, then I'd recommend the SMAK (Museum of Modern Art) or MSK (Museum of Fine Arts)

• Ghent has more than just the Old Town. Discover our student district, with some great architectural gems: De Krook (new public library), the winter circus and the book tower on just a few hundred meters from each other.

• Did you like the STAM museum? Then dive into our industrial heritage and visit the Museum of Industry.

Where to go eat in Ghent?

• Flemish or Belgian food: Meme Gusta (try the Flemish stew or Vol-au-vent), Pakhuys ($), Bompa

• Belgian lunch: Brasserie 'HA, 't Vosken, Brasserie Bridge (recommended for mussels), .

• 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 Waffles 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