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Ghent, Belgium musts - do, eat, drink, visit
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items When people think of Belgium, Bruges or Brussels often come to mind, but Ghent is an undeniable gem. This city is not only breathtaking and rich in history, but it also has fewer tourist crowds and is much more affordable. Having spent half my life here with family roots in Ghent, these recommendations come with plenty of love.
Map
Sections
3
Visit
Eat and Drink
Bonus
Visit
Top sites to visit.
A square in the centre of the city, stop take in the cathedrals lined up and admire the breathtaking old post office building.
The Korenmarkt
The iconic stretch of Flemish buildings along the river. A great place to sit and have a beer overlooking the river.
Graslei
The historic square that for centuries held the ‘Friday Markets’, take in the beautiful views, with plenty of bars, restaurant options to stop and enjoy.
Vrijdagmarkt
The most popular shopping street, parallel streets offer boutiques and querky stores that offer charm.
Veldstraat
If you feel comfortable doing so, this cathedral is well worth a visit - it’s incredibly beautiful.
Sint-Baafskathedraal
Ghent’s iconic castle, if you do not want to head into the castle, the square in front of it has plenty of bars to sit and admire the view.
Gravensteen
Firstly an absolutely gorgeous building, secondly Ghent has a deep, century spanning history and you can learn a lot about this small but mighty city by visiting this museum.
STAM - Ghent City Museum
If you fancy a bit of greenery, this is a gorgeous park offering plenty small pockets to enjoy some time in nature.
Citadelpark
Eat and Drink
All my favourite food and drink spots.
If you are a meat eater, I highly recommend ‘Stoverji/Flaamse stoovlees’ - it’s a Belgian beef beer stew, similar to goulash - best enjoyed with frites and mayo, this restaurant does the best (that I’ve had in the city).
Brasserie Keizershof
If you fancy trying Stoverji but are short on time, I would recommend this spot where you can have a portion of frites with Stoverji as a topping - delicious.
Frites Atelier
One thing you will notice, the Belgians love their soup and sandwiches! This bustling lunch cafe offers an array of high quality and delicious soups and salads, perfect for a lunch option.
Soup'r
Offering an Asian Fusion menu, a spot popular with the local students - this is another great spot for a delicious bite to eat!
Knees to Chin
My favourite coffee shop in central Ghent, it’s cosy, inviting with wonderful staff. Wonderful spot in summer to grab a coffee and sit outside.
Take Five Espressobar
Grab your coffee at ‘Take Five Espresso’ and then head here for a delicious array of pastries and bread.
Kultur Bakery
A roastery offering incredible specialty coffee, kit and plenty recs for anything coffee related you may want to know.
WAY Coffee Roasters
My absolute favourite traditional Belgian ‘pub’. I have visited this spot every visit. If you are feeling adventurous - order a ‘Kwak’ - you will have to give something as a deposit, it's super fun and a Belgian tradition.
Dulle Griet
My other ‘go to’ place to enjoy a few beers, it's a fantastic spot on the riverside on a nice day.
Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant
This one is a favourite with the locals, step into the historic building to enjoy a drink, it has a small seating area riverside and out front.
het Spijker
Need to do some laundry? There are a few of these in Ghent, offering patrons the chance to do their washing and enjoy a few drinks and a meal - clever concept!
WASBAR - Korenmarkt
This used book cafe is incredibly cute and a perfect pitstop if you need to work, want a time out or just fancy a hot or cold drink.
Le Bal Infernal
Bonus
A few stores I always visit.
A gorgeous independent bookstore offering a beautifully curated english section, my go to when visiting!
Paard van Troje
Another stunning bookstore offering up a wide selection of titles, this one is very quaint.
bookstore Limerick
This chain is incredibly popular across Benelux and perfect for any homeware lovers, offering affordable prices and gorgeous goods!
Dille & Kamille
The ‘Oliver Bonas’ of the Benelux region - I am a sucker for their homeware section!
Sissy-Boy