Our 5 top tips for visiting Ghent
Fancy the idea of a trip to Ghent? Take the train to Ghent-Saint-Pierre and from there jump on a number 1 tram in the direction of Evergem. Go as far as Kouter and all the nice destinations can easily be accessed on foot. Another thing that is highly recommended if you're passing through the cycling capital of Ghent is to hire a Blue bike. Hiring these bikes is easy and inexpensive! They are available in Ghent-Saint-Pierre and Ghent-Dampoort railway stations.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast
Ghent has a wide range of trendy and appealing places where you can enjoy breakfast. If the weather is nice, don't hesitate to go to Pain Perdu (Walpoortstraat 9). You can also savour their breakfast and brunch set menus in their pretty garden or on their terrace.
Huize Colette (Belfortstraat 6) is also a highly reputable place, particularly popular amongst lovers of chocolate and books. This welcoming haven of peace is well-known for its wide selection of fresh milk chocolate drinks and second-hand books, which you can read while you're there or buy to take away with you. You can also enjoy breakfast made of produce of the highest quality.
Visit a museum
They're everywhere in Ghent, the city abounds with a variety of museums. Most are open on Sundays, which is perfect for a weekend away. STAM (Godshuizenlaan 2), the museum on the city of Ghent is unmissable in the city of Buffalos. Here you can hear a fascinating explanation of the past, present and future of the city of Ghent.
Fancy something a bit more alternative? Then you need to visit the Dr. Guislain museum (Jozef Guislainstraat 43)! Here you will discover the entire history of psychiatry as it has evolved in an asylum dating back to 1857.
Back in time at the Castle of the Counts
Torture devices, narrow tower steps, imposing battlements, stables... Gravensteen has everything for a historical dive into Ghent's history. Moreover, the high towers give you a wonderful view over the city. And as icing on the cake, with a Discovery Ticket you can get 50% discount on your train journey when visiting the castle!
Discover street art
Embark upon a journey of discovery through Ghent with the Street Art Map and explore the city in a rather different way. Along this route you will find a hundred or so graffiti artworks, which are spread across the city. It really is the best way of getting to know Ghent. Along the route you will also find the famous 'Graffiti street', also known as Werregarenstraat, where street artists can do their own thing. Safe to say that this street looks different every day.
Go and enjoy a tasty meal
There are countless restaurants in Ghent where you can take your time to enjoy delicious food. We can certainly name a few favourites within the picturesque district of Patershol. In La Malcontenta (Haringsteeg 7) you can enjoy delicious authentic Spanish tapas with a modern twist and Canarian influences. Prefer Belgian food instead? Then we highly recommend De Stokerij (Tichelrei 2A). Here you will find classic brasserie dishes and an original vegetarian menu in the beautiful setting on an old, renovated gin distillery.
