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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Ghent: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Ghent
- This city is a port city in northwest Belgium, situated at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers.
- It is now a university town and a cultural centre. The 12th-century Gravensteen castle and the Graslei, a row of guildhalls beside the Leie river harbour, are located in the pedestrianised downtown.
- Ghent is a lively city that deserves a weekend visit. It's also ideal for a spur-of-the-moment city getaway.
- Ghent is a quirky city with a beautiful cultural mix of stylish, modern urban living.
- Ghent is a city where people enjoy life: it's a laid-back city where everything goes, and people feel at ease.
- Its friendly, welcoming residents enjoy the finer things in life.
- During your weekend journey, don't miss the opportunity to see the Van Eyck brothers' world-famous masterpiece, the Mystic Lamb.
- International Airport- Brussels National Airport
- Population-248,358
- Currency- the Euro
- Time - UTC +1
- Driving side- Left
- Main electricity- 230V
- Official language - Dutch
- Religion- Catholicism
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Ghent
- In the Middle Ages, Ghent began as a town at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers.
- According to historians, Ghent's name is thought to be derived from the Celtic word ganda, which signifies confluence.
- The grass marshes in the Ghent area were suitable for sheep herding.
- Juana of Castile gave birth to Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, in the year 1500.
- Ghent has traditionally been known as a rebellious city.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Ghent
- Belgium is one of those countries where you can't rush through its beauty or experiences.
- The more you savour them slowly and steadily, the more ecstatic they become.
- The location is grand, opulent, sophisticated, and calm, a desirable combination for any tourist contemplating a trip to Europe.
- However, the ideal environment is required to enjoy the most Belgian tourism.
- The majority of the things you want to do and the places you want to visit depending on one critical factor: weather.
- The majority of your itinerary is dependent on weather conditions, with half a dozen to nine days of severe precipitation per month.
- Spring is the slowest for touristry, making it a decent time for those searching for deals.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Ghent
Cathedral of S.Bavo
- The Cathedral of St. Bavo, a stately brick and granite structure with a Romanesque crypt of its predecessor, Sint-Jans church, is on the eastern side of Sint-Baafsplein.
- After destroying the previous cathedral to construct a castle, Charles V gave it its current name.
- The cathedral choir was erected in the 13th century, while the late Gothic tower and central nave were constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries.
- The cathedral's airy interior is tastefully embellished with some remarkable paintings.
- The Conversion of St. Baaf (1624) by Peter Paul Rubens and Christ among the Doctors by Frans Pourbus are two examples.
- The Altar of Ghent, commonly known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is the most famous work of art here. It is often regarded as the most delicate masterpiece of old Flemish painting.
Gravensteen
- Gravensteen, encircled by the River Lieve, is one of Western Europe's most potent moated strongholds.
- It was built in the manner of Syrian crusader castles between 1180 and 1200 on the orders of Philip of Alsace, the former count of Flanders, on the foundation of an earlier 9th-century edifice.
- It is still considered a one-of-a-kind specimen of European medieval fortification art.
- It lost its military function in the 14th century and was utilised by the counts to administer the area.
- It was sold to a private owner in 1800 and turned into a cotton mill with flats for the workers.
- The historic Sint-Veerleplein extends in front of the castle, possibly the oldest plaza in Ghent, while the adjoining facades date from the 17th century at the earliest.
The Belfryü
- The 91-meter-high belfry, which sits on the west side of Sint-Baafsplein and houses the charters of the privileges of Ghent, is a symbol of the city's freedom.
- The tower was started in 1300 and was mostly finished by 1338.
- The current spire, which replaced the wooden bell tower of 1380, was restored to its original 14th-century form at the turn of the century.
- It is capped by a gilded copper dragon erected for the first time in 1377.
- It is now a reproduction, as are the four-armed statues at the platform's corners.
- Only one of the originals remains, and it is on display on the ground floor.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Ghent Off the Beaten Track
Elisabethbegijnhog
- Due to its proximity to the historic city centre, the lisabethbegijnholf neighbourhood is desirable to tourists.
- The majority of the attractions, such as Gravensteen's medieval castle, are within walking distance.
- There are numerous restaurants, motels, and B&Bs in the region, ranging in price from budget to luxury.
- The beguinages of Flanders and the Netherlands are always havens of peace, where you can still find an elderly beguine saying her prayers in a doorway.
- UNESCO has designated two of Ghent's three beguinages as World Heritage Sites.
Sluizeken-Tolhuis-Hum
- The Sluizeken-Tolhuis-Ham sector is a budget-friendly neighbourhood close to prominent attractions such as graffiti streets.
- This area is bustling during the day, but there isn't much in the nightlife, but there are a few pubs.
- You'll also engage with residents of nearby apartments, mainly on the streets.
Sint-Pieters train station
- This is the finest spot for train transportation enthusiasts.
- Due to its convenient location, it is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all across Europe.
- There are several stores and cafes in the area and trams to other Ghent districts.
- If you live near a train station, it will be easier to leave if you want to take a train instead of connecting from other regions such as hotels near Antwerp Central Station or Brussels South Station. Visit the evening for a spectacular view of the city's lit landmarks.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Ghent Culture and Traditions
- Ghent is known around the world for its excellent textile manufacturers.
- Many notable fashion designers emphasise the beautiful fabrics that have been manufactured in the city for hundreds of years.
- The creation of high-quality wool and exquisite lace is one of the key skills of the locals.
- Local fabric products will make a terrific gift or a memorable memory.
- People in the area are known for their appreciation of nature, particularly flowers. Lovely flower fields border Ghent, and the city's streets are drenched in vibrant, aromatic flower beds.
- The Flower Show is one of Ghent's most important national festivities.
- This event occurs only once every five years. The city hosts colourful parades during the holiday.
- Here, flower fair trades have opened, and Ghent sinks into a triumphant and euphoric atmosphere for a few days.
- A noteworthy feature is that not only do locals enjoy themselves during the holidays, but hundreds of tourists also learn to sing and dance in the local dialect.
- Ghent Bole is still a pleasant and cosy town because of the generosity and friendliness of the locals.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Ghent: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Waterzooi
#Food
- Waterzooi is a creamy-textured typical Belgian shellfish stew.
- There are julienne-sliced veggies, an egg, and a cream-based soup in this dish.
- The dish originated in Ghent, where, according to popular belief, the rivers surrounding the city were teeming with fish. Therefore, it was created as a fresh method to introduce fish into traditional Belgian cuisine.
- However, due to dwindling fish populations and pollution, this meal has been redesigned and is now usually served with chicken.
- even though the meal may be found in other Belgian provinces and cities, Ghent has specialised in its preparation.
- Various restaurants throughout the city serve waterzooi as their signature dish.
Cuberdon
#Food
- Cuberdon is a cone-shaped Belgian speciality candy with a long history.
- Gum arabic, sugar, starch, and glucose are used to make it.
- The candy has a strong raspberry flavour and a firm shell that gives way to a chewy and gooey interior.
- Cuberdon is thought to have been created by a pharmacist from Ghent in the late 1800s.
- The candies are now available in various tastes, including lavender, anise, and lemon.
Rum and Bois Bande
#Food
- Sneeuwballen (lit. snowballs) are typical Belgian sweet delicacies consisting of a vanilla cloud coated in dark Belgian chocolate and topped with icing sugar.
- They are only available from September to March.
- Although the Larmuseau brand's recipe is a tightly guarded secret, it is said that a flawless sneeuwbal will shatter when you bite into it and melt on your tongue.
- August Larmuseau of Ghent invented these delectable delicacies in the early twentieth century.
Fashion
#Fashion
- On the fashion scene, Ghent is a rising star.
- Around Vrijdagmarkt and on streets further out, you'll discover stores specialising in unique fashion designers and accessories.
- The event will include prominent Belgian businesses and up-and-coming talents from Belgium and abroad.
- Ghent, too, has its fair share of oddball businesses! Ghent's speciality mustard shop offers a delightful range of spicy spreads to sample before purchasing.
- A visit to this modest business, housed in a gorgeous old townhouse, is a must.
- Also, don't miss Priem, a true 'blast from the past' with everything from 1970s throwback wallpaper to the latest must-have' wall coverings.
AROUND PATERSHOL WANDER
#Fun
- Wander past the castle to the picturesque neighbourhood of Patershol for a taste of medieval Belgium.
- The labyrinth of cobblestone lanes is lined with quaint and quirky cafés and boutique boutiques.
- Leatherworkers and Carmelite Fathers (known as Paters – hence the neighbourhood's name) lived in this region. It has a laid-back, comfortable vibe ideal for wandering around and getting lost.
VISIT THE ALIJN HOUSE
#Fun
- Ghent's old almshouse, the House of Alijn ("Huis van Alijn"), is also located in Patershol.
- In what used to be a Ghent hospice for the sick and aged, it is now a museum where you can learn about everyday life in the twentieth century.
- A charming small courtyard and a traditional working-class bar can be found here.
- The museum is open every day except Wednesday for a modest cost.
- This charming small piece of history is frequently neglected, but it is one of Ghent's most fascinating sights.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Ghent: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- With a quarter-million residents and a thriving flower export trade, Brussels is Belgium's fourth-largest - and most attractive - city. Ghent's city centre.
- A pedestrian area that serves as a museum for early Flemish architecture and a memorial to the city's medieval might is an important port. Awe-inspiring Gothic sites include the dramatic St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Castle of the Counts.
- The prestigious Museum Voor Schone Kunst houses the paintings of Flemish masters
- Foxes, badgers, weasels, beavers, red deer, wild boar, lynxes, and wild cats are among the country's many magnificent wild creatures.
- Farmers have even created two unique cow breeds and five distinct poultry species.
- Over 350 bird species have been identified in the country.
- The city's extensive parks can also be considered tourist destinations.
- Ghent is home to a 230-hectare natural reserve, Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen, as well as a recreation park (Blaarmeersen).
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Ghent Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- Ghent is illuminated with lights every three years at the free Ghent Light Festival.
- The city is illuminated by works by national and international light artists throughout this festival.
- The city's nights will be transformed into a surreal sight of innovative installations, amazing performances, and gorgeous events, all of which will be based on light.
- Prepare to see Ghent's historic sites and monuments from a new perspective.
- The Light Festival highlights Ghent's internationally famous lighting plan and allows you to catch a peek of the city's particular hidden charm after nightfall.
- Ghent appears to be getting all dressed up and making a beeline toward Christmas and New Year at the beginning of December. The historic centre transforms into a winter landscape over time.
- The Christmas season in 2021 will be unlike any other, including Christmas in Ghent.
- We won't be able to hold a Christmas market this year, but we can still create a joyful, wonderful atmosphere.
- Wander through the wonderfully lighted streets and alleyways, take a long winter walk, and sample a Ghent delicacy.
- You may still enjoy the most delightful time of the year in this manner.
- On the Flemish and worldwide cultural landscape, the Film Fest Gent has established itself as a must-attend event.
- Its success is from recurring events: dozens of high-quality films and significant film music concerts featuring prominent composers.
- Festival de Flanders Ghent has been a part of the music festival scene.
- Every year, 1500 international artists perform in and around Ghent, ranging from classical to world music to artistic performances.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Ghent Holiday
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Places similar to Ghent to visit
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