Viewing Ghent
Features
Essence
Time Line
Peace & Quiet
Famous People
It sometimes seems that Ghent itself is unaware of its own character and attraction as a tourist destination. You would think that a city boasting the largest number of listed buildings in Belgium would play a bigger part in the tourism industry than it does. However, the local people seem to take their beautiful buildings for granted and this is precisely what gives Ghent its charm and ensures that there is life everywhere. In order to discover what makes the city unique you really need to explore it on foot. That way you will get the most from Ghent's beautiful historic buildings and you won't miss anything that happens on the spur of the moment. Just when you least expect it, something interesting seems to be going on in a little square tucked away in the back streets.
The 10 Essentials
If you have only a short time to visit Ghent and would like to attempt a really complete picture of the city, here are the essentials.
Take a boat trip round the Ghent basin and see the guild houses on the Graslei as well as the idyllic Lieve canal.
Discover six centuries of painting and visit The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb as well as S.M.A.K., with works from the Flemish primitives to post-modernists.
Go on a pub crawl and taste a number of Belgian beers.
Treat yourself to a special meal in the Patershol, a medieval labyrinth in the heart of the city.
Go to an event or a performance in the Vooruit Arts Centre and discuss it over a drink in the foyer.
Look at Gravensteen through the eyes of a child, daydream about knights and shudder at the instruments of torture.
Stroll round one of the many markets that are held here and there in the city between Friday morning and Sunday afternoon.
Stop at a chocolate shop and sample the famous Belgian chocolates; real Ghent chocolates are made by Daskalides.
Climb a church tower or bell tower and enjoy the view.
Visit the Kinderen Alynshospitaal, a medieval place of worship that now houses the Museum voor Volkskunde.
Take a boat trip round the Ghent basin and see the guild houses on the Graslei as well as the idyllic Lieve canal.
Discover six centuries of painting and visit The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb as well as S.M.A.K., with works from the Flemish primitives to post-modernists.
Go on a pub crawl
and taste a number of Belgian beers.
Treat yourself to a special meal in the Patershol, a medieval labyrinth in the heart of the city.
Go to an event or a performance in the Vooruit Arts Centre and discuss it over a drink in the foyer.
Look at Gravensteen through the eyes of a child, daydream about knights and shudder at the instruments of torture.
Stroll round one of the many markets that are held here and there in the city between Friday morning and Sunday afternoon.
Stop at a chocolate shop and sample the famous Belgian chocolates; real Ghent chocolates are made by Daskalides.
Climb a church tower or bell tower and enjoy the view.
Visit the Kinderen Alynshospitaal, a medieval place of worship that now houses the Museum voor Volkskunde.
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