Considering Ghent's numerous charms, it doesn't attract a huge number of visitors. This curious fact is in your favour if you visit soon as surely everyone's going to catch onto this pretty, cosy, interesting city in no time?
The fact that Ghent is less popular than say Bruges means that you'll find some of the best places to stay in Ghent are actually great value, as well as being beautiful and luxurious.
Ghent's beautiful, canal side architecture is romantic by day and night. In the evening the restaurants and bars offer buzz, but also privacy - Ghent really feels like a proper, lived-in city, so the people you see out at night are the people who live here. The wealth of this port has made its public, and religious, buildings wonderful, and everywhere you turn there's something lovely to look at.
Not To Miss
Ghent's medieval centre has plenty if charming spots, including:
- St Bavo's Cathedral, with fine stained glass, a collection of Van Eycks and a soaring 14th Century belfry.
- Gravensteen, an impressive 12th Century castle - complete with a moat as well as armaments and torture instrument displays.
- If you're into your museums then be sure to check out STAM Ghent City Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent or the Museum Dr. Guislain. These are all fascinating spots to spend an hour or two.
Ghent is small enough to get around easily, almost everything is within walking distance from the centre of town - the best places to stay in Ghent have easy access to public transport which is cheap and efficient.