Your Essential Travel Guide To Ghent

Popular with those who like to avoid busy tourist spots, Ghent is possibly Belgium’s, if not Europe’s, most beautiful city. It’s Belgium’s third largest city and home to no fewer than 18 museums, 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. It’s a student town too so there are lots of reasonably priced places to eat, drink and hang out with most places open late. The city centre is closed to motorised traffic, which creates a pleasant, peaceful atmosphere.

You can’t fail to admire the beautiful buildings (there are over 400) and monuments that are scattered across the city. Visit Gravensteen castle which dates back to the 12th century, Saint Bavo's Abbey and the Boekentoren ("Tower of Books") in which there are 3 million books that belong to the university library. Pay attention to the buildings of the city hall, the court, the opera, as well as the Royal Theatre and the nineteenth century building in the city centre, where once was a post office.

If you prefer you can explore the city by boat (there is a canal system), cycle, with a guide or even in a carriage.

The locals love to take to the streets and party so whatever time of year you choose to visit you’ll probably witness one of the many festivals. These include: the Music Festival, the Cultural Festival, the Jazz Festival in the park, the Light Festival, the Film Festival, the Port Festival and the OdeGand – where music is played along Ghent’s canals (which includes KidsOdeGand for children aged four and over).

For more details of what Ghent has to offer visit: www.visitghent.be/en/.