Ghent, a romantic city

I discovered the city of Ghent several years ago and since then I have returned many times, mostly, for a weekend. I particularly like this city, perhaps even more than Bruges for the simple reason - there are far fewer people in Ghent. Fewer tourists. They visit basically Bruges. This is why I would also advise you to visit as a matter of priority... Ghent: D Because you can enjoy it more and it is easier to discover unusual places, unlike Bruges where all the guides have already covered all the places.

Getting to Ghent is easy. Just take the train to Gent-Sint-Pieters station located not far from the city of Brussels (one hour away and only half an hour from Bruges). You can also see both cities in a day but then I advise you to get up early as there is so much to see, especially if you visit the museums. For, as you may know, the Flemish (Belgians from the northern part of the country) are famous for their painters of the XV-XVI centuries. It is the period called "Flemish primitive art".

Once you arrive in Ghent, you have to go to the city center. It is a thirty minute walk from the station. You can also take a bus or a tram if you do not want to walk but it is not bad to walk there, it is not far from the center and the way to get there is not ugly and is well indicated. If you are in a hurry take a tram as a lot of walking awaits you; )

There is a lot to see in Ghent but the best thing, according to me, is just to walk around the streets and let yourself be guided by your instinct. Now, if you are rather a "map" person, you can always stop at the tourist office. It is close to the two churches on the main square called Korenmarkt. You can already start your visit around the city by visiting these two churches. Recently, a large building (the municipal hall) was built right next door. It is very strange because it is surrounded by a sort of scaffolding wall that gives the impression that it is still under construction... But perhaps you will like this new art form...

Just behind this square there is a river, which I recommend going to. You will find there old houses of commerce from the middle ages (the city of Ghent was an important commercial city at the time). These docks are called "les quais aux grains" and "les quais des herbes". In the evening it is also very nice when it is illuminated. In summer, people sit by the water or on a terrace and enjoy a nice beer. This part of the city is an ancient medieval port. You can go on a boat ride but I have never tried it and I do not know the prices. It's our "Venice in Belgium" :)

A little further, you will find the Castle of the Counts. It is located in the heart of the city. So if you are on a guided tour (with an audio guide) I recommend the visit. But if you do not have a guide (this is the case when you visit a little before closing or at the end of the day) I do not advise going there because everyone is in a rush and it is not that interesting. You get to see everything very quickly and it is not worth your moeny (four euros for children under the age of 26). Otherwise, with a video it is great! We see how the place has changed... The castle dates back to the twelfth century.

On the other side of the square, from the station (on the other side of the Koren markt) towards the two churches (including the Saint Bavon Cathedral) is the Belfry. The Saint Bavon Cathedral can be visited free of charge. It is in this cathedral where Charles Quint was baptized. It was a Romanesque church but then it was transformed and Gothic elements were added. It is really beautiful inside, there are large rooms with magnificent frescoes. Through the windows, you can admire interesting views.

Belfry can be visited and costs a little less than four euros. Belfry is a high tower with a clock. I haven't climbed it, therefore I will not speak about the views. But do not hesitate to complete this information with a comment!

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For eating/drinking, I can't really recommend anything... But I can tell you a few that seemed quite good to me:

• A café (which name I forgot) next to the Castle of the Counts. Opposite, there is a small place. I'm not talking about the cafes that are there but a café that is a bit further away, near a small bridge. It does not look like much, in summer there are just two tables out on the sidewalk, but they sell beer which is not too expensive.
• A pastry shop, next to the Castle of the Counts. Right before the pedestrian crossing and along the waterside. It is often crowded! So I had bought some take-away pastries and ate them on the terrace a little further. And they were... excellent!
• Restaurants where you can eat spars ribs at will. At least you get what you pay for. On the other hand I do not recommend the restaurants on the square where the Cathedral and Belfry are. They are not very good and cost quite a lot.
• Behind the fish market, going back towards one art museum, there are some tables set at the waterside, under fir trees. It is really quiet and beautiful to sit down for a couple of minutes in order to have a cup of coffee.