Ghent

There are towns in Europe that have preserved the lively spirit of history in the narrow corridors of their old streets. In the case of Ghent, this seems to me a real miracle. The city is beautiful and majestic: desolation is not felt on any of its streets. No cobwebs or cracks, only a small noble coating of antiquity. Ghent's houses, streets, churches and castles seemed to have been transferred from the Middle Ages to the present by the wave of a magic wand.

Despite the fact that Ghent is one of the main cities in Belgium, tourists do not come here very often. Such cities as Brugge, Brussels or Antwerp gained great popularity among them. But while Brussels and Antwerp are multinational, colorful, constantly evolving cities, and Bruges looks like a retouched tourist postcard, then Ghent is incredibly authentic in its architecture. This is a very real Belgian city, which is worth coming to see the true face of Belgium.

I did not live in Ghent, but I often went here while I studied and worked in the capital of the European Union. Each time Ghent seemed to me a sort of hidden pearl of Belgium. Everyone who came to a foreign land to visit me, I certainly brought it here.

How to get there

Getting to Ghent is easy. Belgium was not in vain chosen as the administrative center of the European Union. This small country has a favorable geographical position and a developed transport system. So you can get to Ghent, like other Belgian cities, by train, plane or car.

By plane

Airport Brussel-Nationaal-Luchthaven

Your trip to Ghent is likely to start from the main Belgian airport Brussel-nationation-luchthaventhat is 66 km. from Ghent. This is the nearest airport.

Read more about how to get from Russia by plane to Brussels here.

Compare ticket prices here.

How to get from Brussel-Nationaal-Luchthaven to Ghent

From Brussels Airport to Ghent can be reached either by train or by car. If you have chosen the first option, get down to the lowest floor of the airport, buy a ticket at the ticket office and take either a direct train to Ghent (it takes about an hour, direction La Panne) or a train to Bruxelles-Midi, where you can transfer to a faster train around Ghent. In this case, you can keep within 40 minutes.

In the dark, I advise you to avoid transfers at the Bruxelles-Nord station. This is the most criminal station in Brussels. One day, not too successful, they robbed me there. As a result, I was forced to return home without a passport and wallet. And although the Belgian police found almost all of my things (except for the chocolates that I brought as a gift), it took several months.

Driving from Brussels to Ghent by car will also take about an hour. You will need to go onto the E40 highway, which will actually lead you straight to the city.

Airport Brussels South Charleroi Airport

A number of domestic European carriers, as well as low-cost companies such as Ryanair or Wizzair, arrive not at Brussels airport, but at Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Do not be fooled: the word Brussels is present in the name of the airport solely as a decoy. In fact, Charleroi Airport is located quite far from the main Belgian city. Ghent is also longer to get from here than from Brussel-Nationaal-Luchthaven (111 km).

How to get from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Ghent

To get from Ghent, the second largest Belgian airport, you will first need to take bus A, which takes you to the main station of Charleroi in 20 minutes. There you can catch the Brussels train (direction: Anvers). In Brussels, in turn, take the direct train to Ghent. You will have to spend about 2 hours on the way.

By train

How to get by train from Brussels to Ghent, we already know. You can get to Brussels by rail with transfers or without transfers from almost any major EU city.

From Moscow

Theoretically, by train to Ghent can be reached directly from Moscow. To do this, you will need to take the Strizh, which provides rail links between Moscow and Berlin. In Berlin you will need to take a regional train to Cologne. From Cologne in the same way you can get to Brussels. Well, then you already know everything.

The total travel time will be about 30 hours, 20 of which you will spend on the Moscow-Berlin section. Ticket prices for the Swift range from 169.5 to 667.5 EUR depending on the class. The cost of traveling by rail in Europe will be another 150-170 EUR.

By bus

From European cities

You can get to Ghent by bus from a number of European cities with the help of the budget company Flixbus. Here is a rough list of destinations with the lowest prices:

The company also travels between Ghent and French Paris and Lille, as well as Amsterdam. All Flixbus buses arrive at the Gent-Dampoort Station area. It is approximately 1.5 km. from the city center. You can either overcome them on foot or take the tram number 3, 7, 18, 38, 39.

From Moscow

If you are so brave and desperate that you are ready to go on a trip to Ghent by bus directly from Moscow, there is an option for you! A bus leaves twice a week from the capital Shchelkovo station Ecolines. In less than 2 days, it will take you to the main station of Brussels (Bruxelles Centrale). Tickets can be bought online on the Ecolines website. An important point: on the way you have to change the bus once. Transplantation is carried out in Warsaw. You will need a bus from Riga to Paris (Riga-Paris).

At Brussels train station, take the train to Ghent.

The total cost of such a trip: approximately 160 EUR. You will have to spend about 45 hours on the road.

By car

Getting to Belgium by car is not more difficult than to other countries of Western Europe.

From Moscow

The distance from Moscow to Ghent is 2,562 km.

In order to overcome them, in addition to a reliable iron horse, you need international car insurance (green card), as well as ingenuity and preparedness for unexpected situations on the road. When you travel such long distances, anything can happen. However, I will give you some tips:

  • Store a trifle for toll roads.
  • Think in advance where you will spend the night.
  • Do not load the machine with unnecessary things and attachments (otherwise it will lose its maneuverability).
  • Before choosing which border crossing to go, look on the Internet where there is less queue (this can be done on the website of the Belarusian customs).
  • Morally prepare for the broken roads in Belarus.
  • Calculate how much the trip will cost you. Most likely, you will burn gasoline for 300-400 EUR. Spend a couple of hundred more nights.

From St. Petersburg

The distance from St. Petersburg to Ghent is 2,480 km. They are also easy to overcome by car. For this it will be necessary to pass through Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany.

tooltip: Ghent - time is now15: October 13Difference in hours: Moscow & plus; 1 Kazan & plus; 1 Samara & plus; 2 Yekaterinburg & plus; 3 Novosibirsk & plus; 5Vladivostok & plus; 8

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

Western Europe is so good because it is almost always a "season". Tourists come to Belgium at any time of the year. So Ghent can be a good destination for Christmas, May holidays, vacations or just for any of your free weekends. Choose you!

Ghent in the summer

Visiting Ghent in the summer is a great idea. Firstly, because of the grand Genst festivals taking place in July. Secondly, in the summer the city has excellent weather for walks and inspections of ancient structures. The average temperature in these months is +17 degrees. There are a lot of tourists during this period, but there are few students who go on vacation to their homes.

I really love Ghent in the summer. The chilly Belgian weather leaves not so many sunny days a year for tourists and locals. Therefore, in the summer everyone tries to walk up a year ahead, and the atmosphere of relaxation and carelessness reigns in the city.

Ghent in the fall

Ghent in the fall not only does not lose its majestic medieval beauty, but also becomes even more picturesque. However, the autumn trip to Ghent has its drawbacks: eternal damp weather and eternally noisy students. Average temperature: +11 degrees.

Ghent in the spring

Ghent blooms in spring, and the revived beauty of nature is in perfect harmony with medieval neat houses. The average spring temperature in Ghent: +10 degrees. However, I advise you to dress warmer: in the spring months in Ghent, there is still a cold wind from the sea. Tourists at this time are not very many.

Ghent in winter

In winter, in Ghent, it is just as easy to find something to your liking as in summer. The weather is cold, of course, but the mulled wine bought at the Christmas market will help you survive this. The average temperature in the city during the winter months: +4 degrees. Sometimes a little snow can fall.

In winter, I advise you to take winter things on a trip: it always seemed to me that in the winter months the weather in Belgium is colder than the average in Moscow. All due to high humidity. In any case, in December-January I always wrapped myself in warm scarves and did not forget about gloves and a hat.

Ghent - monthly weather

Hint: Ghent - weather for the months of January January ± 3.6 February ± 3.4 March ± 6.2 April ± 8.2 May ± 11.8 June ± 14.8 July ± 16.6 August ± 17.0 September ± 14.4 October ± 11.4 November ± 7.0 December & plus; 5.4

Areas. Where is better to live

Administratively, Ghent is divided into 14 districts. All of them are safe, but not all are interesting from a tourist point of view.

As you can see on the map below, the bulk of the hotels are located in the city center - in the Gent area. Here you will find hostels, hotels, and apartments (although the number of the latter is not very high). Most tourists are farther from this area of ​​the nose and do not stick out and even believe that the city of Ghent is limited to the Ghent region. It is understandable: all the main attractions are located in the city center.

Unfortunately, I can’t share with you my personal experience of a guest stay in Ghent (I always went to spend the night to my home), but I’m sure that the quality of hotel service in Belgium is very decent everywhere.

A number of hotels and apartments for rent can be found in areas adjacent to the center Gentbrugge, Sint-denijs-western and Zwijnaarde. Accommodation here is on average lower. However, the difference is not so big as to take it into account.

It’s convenient to choose and book accommodation at Bucking. You can see the prices for apartments here, and compare the cost of hotel rooms at this link.

What are the prices for vacation

Prices for holidays in Ghent are not cheap. Lunch at inexpensive restaurants will cost you around EUR 15 per person. A room in a three- / four-star hotel "gets up" somewhere in 100 EUR. A taxi ride around the city will cost approximately 20 EUR.

Entrance tickets to various tourist spots can be saved. To do this, you need to purchase City Card Gent. It gives you free entry to the main museums in Ghent, free use of public transport, one trip on a pleasure boat and the ability to rent a bicycle for one day. It costs 30 EUR for two days and 35 EUR for three days. The card can be purchased at the tourist office of the city at Sint-Veerleplein 5.

hint: Cost of food, accommodation, transport and other currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Prices in restaurants and cafes
Eating (lunch / dinner) in a reasonably priced restaurant1071 rub
Lunch / dinner for two, 3 course, middle class restaurant4607 rub
McMill at McDonald's or similar combo lunch572 rub
More details

The main attractions. What to watch

I would say that the main attraction of the city of Ghent is its entire center. It is necessary to walk along it slowly, examining architectural details and looking for evidence of past centuries. But more specifically: Ghent is famous for its sacred structures. So do not apply to go to the main churches and temples of the city, even if you are not too religious.

Top 3

Belfort van Gent (Watchtower)

The 95-meter watch tower of the XIV century was and is a symbol of the city. I advise you to take the elevator to the very top to see the huge bells and beautiful views of the city.

Attention: on the elevator you can overcome only part of the way. For the most desperate, there is an option all the way to walk. Actually, the first time I did so, but then I felt a little unwell from the claustrophobia and the fear of falling from the frayed narrow steps.

Entrance fee is 6 EUR for adults, 2 EUR for people from 19 to 26 years old, 4.50 EUR for pensioners. For persons under the age of 19, admission is free. The tower is located on Emile Braunplein and is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00.

By the way, inside the tower you will find a completely unique and ancient mechanism, similar to a barrel organ. It is he who controls the ringing of bells.

Het Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts of Flanders)

Built by Philip of Alsace, Earl of Flanders, after his return from the Crusade in 1180. Therefore, in its architecture, the castle resembles similar buildings in the Holy Land. Wall thickness - 2 meters! Inside there is a torture chamber. From above, a wonderful view of the city opens.

Entrance costs 8 EUR for adults, 6 EUR for groups, as well as senior citizens and youth from 19 to 26 years. Entrance for persons under 19 years of age: free of charge. Open from April to September every day from 9:00 to 18:00, from October to March every day from 9:00 to 17:00. Closed January 1, December 31, December 24-25.

Graslei and Korenlei (Graslei and Korenlei)

Many people believe that Grasliy and Korenley are the most beautiful embankments in Europe. These people can be understood. Neat toy houses, turrets, glare of the sun on the water, floating boats and colorful umbrellas of cafes create a unique atmosphere here.

Beaches. Which are better

There are no beaches in Ghent. However, a sea lover may rush from Ghent to Ostend (61 km) or Knokke (49 km) - the famous resort cities of Belgium. The water temperature in these places rarely rises above 20 degrees Celsius, but wide beaches, soft sand and a refreshing sea breeze will certainly be able to cheer you up.

To get to Ostend from Ghent, take the direct fast IC train at the main train station of the city. It will take you to your destination in 40 minutes. Trains run regularly. The train to Knokke is also direct, though it travels a little longer - 1 hour.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

There are really many churches and temples in Ghent. Below I will talk about the most basic.

Sint-Niklaaskerk (Church of St. Nicholas)

Massive building of the XIII-XV centuries. A mixture of Romanesque style with elements of Brabant Gothic. The dimensions and interior are truly impressive! The most beautiful stained-glass windows and the splendor of the decoration will surely make you freeze for a while in amazement, as happened to me.

Free admission. Open Mon from 14:30 to 17:00, and from Tue. on sunr. from 10:00 to 17:00.

Sint-Baafskathedraal (Cathedral of St. Bavon)

The main cathedral of Ghent, which immediately mixed Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. Inside: priceless paintings and sculptures, including Rubens' brushes. The main pearl of the cathedral: an altar dedicated to the theme of the worship of the Lamb. It is believed that it was created in 1432 by the famous Jan and Hubert Van Eyki.

Entrance to the cathedral is free. Entrance to the chapel and crypt:

  • 4 EUR for adults (the price includes an audio guide);
  • 1.50 EUR for children from 6 to 12 years old;
  • Children under 6 years old are allowed free of charge.

The cathedral is open:

  • from April to October from Mon Sat from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Sunday. from 13:00 to 18:00;
  • from November to March from Mon Sat from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Sunday. from 13:00 to 17:00.

Chapel and crypts are open:

  • from April to October from Mon Sat from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Sunday. from 13:00 to 17:00;
  • from November to March from Mon Sat from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Sunday. from 13:00 to 16:00.

Sankt Michael (St. Michael's Church)

St. Michael's Church on Sint-Michielsplein 4 is one of the city’s most famous temples. According to the creators, it was supposed to be the highest in the city. However, due to lack of funds, this massive structure was never completed. But here is the famous picture of Anthony van Dyck "Crucifixion of Christ." Entrance to the church is free. Open from 14:00 to 17:00 every day except Sunday.

Museums Which are worth a visit

  • STAM - City Museum of Ghent, telling the history of the city. It is located in the Bijloke Abbey building of the IV century. There are both historical exhibits and interactive multimedia installations. The highlight of the museum is the opportunity to build a model of the city from LEGO details. The museum is equipped with everything necessary for wheelchair users. In my opinion, STAM is generally an example of how a museum of local lore should be in every city.It is really interesting here, because the information is transmitted in completely different forms. What is only one installation depicting a view of Ghent from the air. I had the impression that I was hovering over the city! Museum Address: Godshuizenlaan 2. Open from Mon. on Fri from 9:00 to 17:00. On weekends and school holidays: from 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Thu (except April 5 and 12, as well as December 27). Closed on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. Entrance ticket: 8 EUR for adults, 6 EUR for groups and senior citizens. For people under 19 years old - free of charge. There are audio guides in Dutch, French, English and German.
  • Smak (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst) is a museum of modern art, known both for its permanent exhibition and for temporary exhibitions. The museums exhibit Karel Appel, Francis Bacon, Panamarenko and even Andy Warhol. Museum Address: Jan Hoetplein 1. Open from Tue. on sunr. from 9:30 to 17:30. On weekends and school holidays: from 10:00 to 19:00. Closed December 24, 25, 26 and 31, as well as January 1 and 2. Tickets cost 8 EUR. For persons under 26 years of age - 2 EUR, for groups and pensioners - 6 EUR.
  • Msk (Museum voor Schone Kunsten) - Museum of Fine Arts. It displays an impressive collection of artifacts from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century. The emphasis is on Flemish craftsmen. Museum Address: Fernand Scribedreef 1. Open from Tue. on Fri from 9:30 to 17:30. On weekends - from 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Mon., December 25 and 26, as well as January 1 and 2. December 24 and 31 closes at 4:15. Tickets cost 8 EUR. For persons under 26 years of age - 2 EUR, for groups and pensioners - 6 EUR.
  • MIAT (Museum of Industrial Archeology and Textile) - a museum of industry, textiles and labor, located on the territory of the former factory, tells about the industrial history of the city. In my opinion, it will be interesting to those who are "in the subject" and not without an engineering vein.

Parks

The map below shows the main parks of Ghent.

Citadelpark

Ghent's most famous and largest park is called Citadelpark. The park was named after the citadel, which was built here at the time after the fall of Napoleon. The Citadel was later demolished for the sake of the 1913 World's Fair. Today it is just a great green place to relax with a playground. Near each rare tree there is a tablet telling about this particular species. I often made a stop in this park after a long walk around the city.

Appelbrugpark

A very small park in the city center. I advise you to sit here on a bench by the river to enjoy a magnificent view of the Meat Rows and the fish market. When you are in the park, also pay attention to the new glass bridge, which is located opposite the design museum.

Baudelopark

Baudelopark is brand new. This is a great green space for relaxation: there is a large lawn, a playground for children 3-12 years old, as well as a basketball court.

Tourist streets

There are no tourist streets in Ghent as such. For visitors, the entire city center will be interesting. This and the street Jan breydelstraat with its old houses, and the famous embankments of Korenley and Grasli and other central streets and streets.

What to see in 1 day

  • 9:00 - let's start our short exploratory route with the city from the castle of the counts of Flanders, located in the very center of the city. Take a walk around the castle (1) and be sure to go inside (2) Also in front of the castle is a fish market, notable among other things for its old massive golden gates (3).
  • 10:00 - go to the tourist center (the map is marked with the letter i). I have long made it a rule in every new city to visit the tourist center first and foremost. Many times I received a lot of practical advice in such places.
  • 11:30 - turn left and cross the river Live over the bridge. Pay attention to the houses along the river. Stop for a moment to admire this antiquity.
  • 12:00 - turn left onto Jan Breidelstrat. It is full of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Stay here for a brunch or just a cup of coffee. By the way, Appelbrugpark (4) and the Museum of Design (5).
  • 12:45 - Continue on Jan Breidelstrat. Soon you will see the famous embankments of Grasli and Korenley (6) Stop to take a couple of beautiful photos or just admire the scenery. This is my favorite place in Ghent!
  • 13:00 - go straight and the Church of St. Michael will appear before you (8) Behind the church is the building of the former Dominican monastery (9).
  • 13:30 - After visiting the church, cross the river again. From the bridge of St. Michael you will have a wonderful view of the city (7) Go straight and see the Church of St. Nicholas (10) Nearby is the city council building (built in a modern style) (11) and the house of the Masons Guild (12).
  • 14:00 - and now we got to the Ghent bell tower! (13) Do not take the time for it and be sure to go inside.
  • 15:00 - further along the course is St. Bavo Cathedral (14) Next to it is the city theater (15) and Sint baafsplein square with lots of cafes and restaurants where you can stay for lunch.
  • 16:00 - In front of the Cathedral of St. Bavo, turn left, onto Bisekapelstrat. To your left you will see the building of the city conservatory (16) Get to the intersection with Belfartart Street. You will see a beautiful old building - the courtyard of St. George (17), as well as an excellent view of the Town Hall (18). Turn right onto Belfortrat Street and head towards St. Jacob Church (19).
  • 16:30 - move on and you will reach Friday Square (Vrijdagmarkt) (20), and then you will go to the ancient huge cannon Dulle Gritt or Mad Gretta (21). By the way, she did not fire a single shot.
  • 17:00 - cross the river, inspect the Allian house (23) and head to the Patershol area (22), famous for its restaurants.
  • 18:00 - Stop for dinner at one of the restaurants in Patershol.
  • 19:00 - go home, after taking with you the real Ghent ham or sausage bought in the Big Meat Rows (24).

What to see in the surroundings

If you come to Ghent and want to visit other Belgian cities at the same time, you have a great choice.

Bruges (50 km)

Not far from Ghent is the pearl of the country, known far beyond its borders - the city of Bruges. Its toy appearance and pacified atmosphere seem so unreal that tourists feel in Bruges as characters of a fabulous movie.

You can get to Bruges from Ghent by car along the E40 highway, which will take you about 40 minutes, or by train. If you have chosen the last option, then at the main station of Ghent you will need to take the fast train IC (direction - Liege). The train will take you to your destination in 23 minutes. The ticket will cost 6.70 EUR. Take note: there is a discount on all types of train tickets in Belgium on weekends.

Brussels (56 km)

Not far from Bruges is the capital of Belgium - the city of Brussels, known for its Euro quarter, stalls with french fries, a sculpture of a pissing boy and free morals. It’s definitely worth a visit (if you haven’t already done so on your way to Ghent). I have lived in Brussels for a long time and I consider it to be one of the most interesting and controversial cities in Europe at the same time. Read more about my impressions here.

To get from Ghent to Brussels, use a car or train. Drive onto the same E40 highway by car. You will be in Brussels in about 50 minutes. Take the train in 36 minutes. You need a direct IC fast train to Brussels. One adult ticket costs 9.20 EUR.

Antwerp (59 km)

Probably the second most important city in Belgium, Antwerp, is also very close to Ghent. It is the capital of diamonds and just a very picturesque medieval city with a castle and ancient buildings in the unique style of Brabant Gothic. I came to Antwerp when I wanted to go to the zoo. Here is one of the oldest zoos in Europe.

By car, you will arrive here in approximately 1 hour on the E34. A train ride will take about the same. At Ghent's main station, take the direct train to Antwerp. The ticket will cost 10 EUR.

Hint: Routes to neighboring cities Ghent - Ghent 0 km Ghent - Destelbergen 5 km Ghent - Vetteren 12 km Ghent - Nevele 12 km Ghent - Ertveld 14 km

Food. What to try

Ghent has many places to try Flemish cuisine, which is considered one of the most exquisite in Europe. The main dishes are mussels in various sauces, fried ribs and "stoverij"(slices of tender meat, stewed for three hours in dark Belgian beer). All this is invariably accompanied by Belgian fried fries.

Ghent's other famous dish is the Ghent Waterzoy (Gentse waterzooi) It is a soup of fish and vegetables. Sometimes it is also made from chicken.

Recommended Places

Very nice place - Brasserie borluut. For a very small price, you can try first-class Flemish dishes, including Watersoy.

Budgetary

  • Faja lobi on Vlaanderenstraat 2 - the only restaurant of Surinamese cuisine in Belgium. For those who don’t know, Suriname is a small African country that used to be the place of Dutch Guiana. The menu includes both African and Flemish dishes. In general, both original and tasty and inexpensive!
  • Groot vleeshuis - A very inexpensive place where you can taste Flemish cuisine for less than 10 EUR.
  • On Sleepstraat many cheap eateries with Turkish, Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The food here is quite decent quality.

Mid level

  • t'Keteltje at Nederkouter 1. A restaurant located in an old courthouse. It serves excellent Flemish cuisine. A separate bonus is a beautiful view of the city opera.
  • Sala thai 3 at Hooiaard 5. Nice Thai restaurant with great food.
  • Amatsu at Hoogpoort 29. Japanese restaurant. The menu includes sushi, sashimi and other traditional Japanese dishes.
  • salons Carlos Quintos at Kammer 20. Exquisite French cuisine not overpriced.

Expensive

  • Jan Van den Bon on Koning Leopold II laan 43.
  • C-jean on Cataloniëstraat 3.

Holidays

  • Gentse feesten - A 10-day festival that takes place in the second half of July. The history of the festival has over 170 years! Today it is one of the largest European festivals, which has become home to some smaller ones (for example, Mof the circus festival) The Ghent festival includes free performances by music groups, various activities for children and adults, theater performances, attractions, fireworks and much, much more. Among all the festivals that I have seen in my lifetime, this one is the most ambitious and interesting.
  • Every year from early December to mid-January in Ghent deployed Christmas market on the square of Saint-Bavo. About fifty wooden chalets turn into small shops with Christmas souvenirs and various goodies. At this time, a huge ice rink with an impromptu bar is also flooded in St. Peter's Square.
  • Ghent takes place in January Festival of lightduring which historical buildings are expertly illuminated. The first time such a festival was held in 2011. Since then, its scope has only increased.
  • Also every year in July Gent jazz festival, which brings together jazz musicians from around the world! Concerts can be enjoyed on the street stages or in the Lof restaurant. This year's program can be viewed on the website.

Security. What to watch out for

Ghent is a safe city, but quite touristy. This means that a large number of tourists attract small thieves and beggars. They should beware, as in any other major city.

In case of problems, contact your local police. The central site is on Belfortstraat 4.

If you use a bicycle, be sure to lock it securely. In Belgium, as in the Netherlands, theft of bicycles is one of the most common crimes.

Things to do

Finding a lesson in Ghent is easy for everyone. I will offer you several options:

  • Company Ghent-authentic It offers wonderful city tours with local guides who know all the most interesting lanes.
  • Firm Dewaele canal cruise I am ready to arrange for you an excellent cruise along the Ghent canals by boat. Boats run from April to October every day from 10:00 to 18:00, and from November to March - on weekends from 11:00 to 16:00. Such a cruise is a great opportunity to view the city from the water. It usually lasts about 40 minutes. Prices: 7 EUR - adult ticket, 6.50 EUR - discount ticket for pensioners and students, 4 EUR - children's ticket.
  • Jan Plezier Boottochten - These are also cruises, only thematic. For example, the company arranges "pancake cruises" during which you can taste different types of pancakes. A ticket for such a cruise costs 13 EUR for adults, 9.50 EUR for children from 9 to 12 years.
  • Jog tours - This is a great opportunity to open Ghent during a sports run. Both tourists and locals come to such runs, which makes them even more informative and interesting. Jogs are arranged quite spontaneously, so it’s best to check the nearest dates at the Tourist Office.
  • Swim in Belgium's oldest pool Bathhouse. The art deco style oval pool dates from 1886.

Shopping and shops

The first thing I recommend for shopping lovers is the local markets (Vrijdagmarkt), which are located in the city center since the 13th century.

Today, markets open from 7:30 to 13:00 on Fridays, as well as Saturdays (from 11:00 to 18:00), and even on Sundays (from 11:00 to 18:00). Here you can try fresh vegetables and fruits, cheeses, ham and even ready-made meals.

The flea market operates on the square near St. Jacob’s Cathedral on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Most of the shops and distribution networks are located in Ghent on the street. Veldstrat.

Bars Where to go

Bars in Ghent can be found on St. Veerleplein, around the Church of St. James, as well as in the student district of Blandijnberg. Excellent Belgian beer will be waiting for you everywhere. Most drinking establishments work until late.

Here are a few places worth your attention:

  • Baravins - a wine bar with an excellent card. Located at Steendam 53. Open every day until midnight. The prices are moderate.
  • Dulle griet - A traditional Belgian pub with a huge view of beer drinks and a truly hoppy atmosphere. Address: Vrijdagmarkt 50. It works every day from 12:00 to 01:00.
  • Bar des amis at Vlasmarkt 5 is designed for long friendly gatherings. It works every day from 18:00 to 05:00.
  • Trappistenhuis at Brabantdam 164. Quite a small but very cozy bar. It is open until 01:00 on weekdays, and until 02:00 on weekends.

Clubs and nightlife

  • I admit right away that I am not a great specialist in night clubs and I have not visited them so much in Belgium. But I know that the most popular club in Ghent is the club Decadence at Overpoortstraat 76. Often the best DJs of the world scene play here.
  • You can listen to live music, namely jazz on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 21.00 in Hot club de gand at 15b Groentenmarkt.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

From Ghent, I advise you to drive food, because here culinary traditions have been kept here for centuries! Here is a short list of local delicacies: praline sweets, local beer, meat and sausages, Ghent mustard Tierenteyn, Mastelles buns. You can buy all this in numerous small shops of the city:

  • Traditional ghent sweets, I advise you to buy in the store Confiserie temmerman at Kraanlei 79.
  • You are looking for trinkets, magnets, lace and other amenities in the store Craenkindershuys on Kraanlei 2.
  • You can only buy traditional Ghent mustard Tierenteyn in a company store on Groentenmarkt 3. It has been made here since 1790.

The price for all this is very reasonable. Of the souvenirs, only handmade lace can be expensive, whose value can reach several hundred euros for a small product.

How to get around the city

Ghent's center is quite small: you can easily get around it on foot. I always did, moving around the city for my two.

A good option could be a bicycle. There are many bicycle parking lots in the city. One-way streets are most often two-way for cyclists (a special sign will notify you about this). The only negative: paving in the center. That means you can be shocked in the saddle. A couple of times I experienced it myself: the sensations are not the most pleasant.

For those who like faster, there are Vespa scooters. They can be rented in the company at La Bella Vespa at Beukenlaan 65. Prices start at 25 EUR per day.

However, Ghent has an excellent transport system. Public transport usually runs on schedule. A ticket for one trip by bus or tram costs 3 EUR for the driver and 1.40 EUR for the machine. Ticket vending machines can usually be found at bus stops. Tickets are valid for one hour on any route.

If you intend to spend more than one weekend in the city, I advise you to buy a ticket for 10 trips. It costs 14 EUR and is valid for trips not only in Ghent, but also in other Flemish cities.

Important: if there is an automatic machine at the stop, you need to buy a ticket in it. A bus or tram driver may not sell you a ticket directly, indicating the availability of a machine. You can also pay for the trip using SMS. Instructions, again, are at the bus stops. True, for this you will need a Belgian SIM card.

All public transport in Ghent is served by the Flemish companies De Lijn. There is a company office at Sint-Peters train station where you can get a free map of the city and the surrounding area, where all bus and tram routes will be marked.

Taxi. What features exist

Ghent taxis are located in the square in front of the Gent-Sint-Pieters train station, as well as in other strategically important points in the city: Gent-dumpoort, Korenmarkt, Woodrow Wilsonplein (zuid), Flanders expo. Naturally, you can call a taxi by phone, using the services of one of the many companies in the city (V-Tax, Taxi Discount Gent, Taxi Gent).

You can often pay for a trip with a card or in cash. But just in case, it’s always worth cooking cash. Payment takes place on the counter. The average cost of a trip around the city is 20 EUR.

Another important point: do not expect all taxis in Ghent to be yellow. The color can be anything, but the characteristic Taxi inscription on the roof is still usually present.

Trams

Ghent trams, like buses, are operated by De Lijn. And this is the most popular, fast and convenient way to move around the city.

In total, there are four routes in Ghent: No. 1, 4, 21, 22 and 24. Moreover, routes 21 and 22 are almost identical. It is especially convenient that each route has its own color: you can easily find the route you need on the city map.

An important point: there are no turnstiles in Ghent trams. Therefore, each passenger must validate his ticket in the validator.

Buses

Buses in Ghent are less popular than trams. However, the Ghent bus network can save you at night, because in the city there are as many as 8 night routes (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N17, N70, N76).

At 11:30, 0:15 and 1:00 all night buses, except N1, pass through the Gent Zuid stop.

Vehicle rental

If you decide to rent a car, I advise you to do it right at the Brussels airport. Or in advance on the Internet. A car for one day will cost you around 70 EUR. The longer the rental period, the lower the cost for each day. Prices and options can be found here.

If, nevertheless, the desire to get behind the wheel covers you on the streets of Ghent, you can do this at the offices of Sixt, Europcar, Herzt, Luxauto and others.

A complete list of providers can be found here.

The price of 95th gasoline in Belgium at the moment is about 1.35 EUR per liter.

Ghent city center is a pedestrian zone, however, at the entrances to it you will find many convenient underground parking lots.

Ghent - holidays with children

I would not call Ghent the best city for families with children. But some entertainment for children can still be found here. Not far from the city, at Gijzelstraat 14, 9031 Drongen, you will find a real farm. It is called Schoolhoeve de campagne. Here, your children will be able to chat with animals, feed and clean them, and even ride a farm tractor. Open from 9:00 to 16:30 on weekdays.

An important point: if you arrived in Ghent with a toddler child who is already walking, but not very much, you can take a stroller for free! Contact

Buggypunt gent on Emile Braunplein or call + 32-92428040. The rental point is open every day from 08:00 to 18:00 (on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00). As a guarantee, you will be asked to leave some kind of document.

Ski vacation

Watch the video: Visit Ghent - 5 Things You Will Love & Hate About Gent, Belgium (March 2024).

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