Gent Travel Guide

  giant medieval spiders lived here?
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  • Gent at Night
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Pro

Norali profile photo

  Beautiful classical city, statues and sculptures, less touristy than "picturesque" Brugges 


Con

AgentBrittany83 profile photo

  A lot of rain but I'm sure its not like that every day 


In a nutshell

Innovator profile photo

  One of the trendiest citys in Belgium with the perfect balance between medieval culture & innovation 

 

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Things to Do  

Graslei and Korenlai

Graslei and Korenlai, Gent

 zadunajska8 Says:  These two opposing embankments probably make the most attractive street in Ghent. The Graslei on the Eastern side in particular is crammed full with stunning guildhouses showing a wide variety of decoration between them. The oldest is No 10 (Spijker - Staple House) which... 

Het Gravensteen

Het Gravensteen, Gent

 zadunajska8 Says:  I think that this is (after the city's general charm), Gent's star attraction. The powerful castle of the Counts of Flanders is a must see for all first time visitors. The castle has everything you would expect of a medieval castle, it has a draw bridge, turrets and torture... 

You've Just Been S.M.A.K. 'd!

You've Just Been S.M.A.K. 'd!, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  The S.M.A.K. is a bit of a contemporary arts ramble. Some interesting, arty bits but, overall, a little random. Reminds me of the sort of "progressive" art space most second tier cities attempt to have but are no always successful pulling-off. There are lockers to store your... 

Download this map and "Use It"!

Download this map and "Use It"!, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  This map is great mainly for insider tips and recommendations from locals and students. It saved a lot of pre-trip research time. I had it on me at all times. Make sure to print out in color since harder to read the black & white version. Use the "Veggie" map (see other tip)... 

Purchase a Gent Tourist card

Purchase a Gent Tourist card, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  The main tourist office is located in the crypt of the Belfry. They were very welcoming and helpful. The 20 Euro Gent Card allows for reduced admission at most attractions and allows one to travel up to three days on the public transportation. Just make sure to write the... 

Hotels  

NH Gent Belfort

 5 Reviews and 208 Opinions  Now this hotel is not easy to get to BY CAR but it does have its own private car park beneath it... 

Hotel Harmony

 1 Review and 174 Opinions  We have stayed at the Hotel Harmony twice and we will go back again. The rooms are lovely, there is... 

See all 50 Hotels in Gent

Restaurants  

Vooruit Cafe: Cafe and Culture!

Vooruit Cafe: Cafe and Culture!, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  This is a cafe located in an old department store that is now a major cultural center, hence the arty/funky atmosphere. Filled to the brim with locals. There is a menu at each table. Order and pay at the bar upfront. They will give you a receipt and one of those alert orbs... 

Trio's: For the last night in Gent

Trio's: For the last night in Gent, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  This is a very sincere restaurant- definitely not trying to create new-age trends in fine dining. It is a homey, tasteful place featuring Gent specialties. The formula has worked over since 1947. The only strange thing is that the lights were as bright during the night as... 

Gwenola: Pancakes galore

Gwenola: Pancakes galore, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  I entered through the back door of this place. It has an atmosphere that dates to about 40 years ago in the back- somewhat more updated near the front. This is the original location, I believe. These are really more crepes than pancakes as we know them in America. Excellent-... 

La Resistenza: No red lights in their window!

La Resistenza: No red lights in their window!, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  I took a wrong turn and was heading for oblivion into the small red Light District. I was fortunate to find this place. It is a cafe featuring Italian food and there is a snug jazz space below stairs, too. Very atmospheric and local. Closed Wed and Sunday. Jazz schedule... 

Nightlife  

Hot Club de Gand: Le Jazz Hot

Hot Club de Gand: Le Jazz Hot, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  This place is hidden at the back of an alley way. Was very difficult to hear the music (only one guy on a guitar), especially sitting in the outdoor area. Fight through the packed, mostly University crowd for your drink! Casual 

BoHo Cafe & Atelier: Sew one on!

BoHo Cafe & Atelier: Sew one on!, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  This is an unusual concept. A full bar along with a sewing atelier upstairs for those inclined to make drapes, dresses, etc.. I tried and enjoyed 'Troubadour' beer for the first time- excellent! Casual 

De Vooruit: Theatre/Café

De Vooruit: Theatre/Café, Gent

 vpeter Says:  De Vooruit is a theatre/concertstage in a former newspaperbuilding.The building has very special atmosphere and is a hangout for students and 'older' people.Everyone who wants to read his newspaper and/or wants to drink a coffee or a Belgian beer is welcome.Café Vooruitma-do... 

See all 127 Nightlife in Gent

Transportation  

From Railway station to City

From Railway station to City, Gent

 MavarickChng Says:  We found it the "hard" way by asking the locals. Unlike Brugge, not everyone in GENT speaks English but nevertheless every single soul we came across were very kind and helpful.Once you reach St Peters Railway station(the main Ghent railway station), exit the station then... 

Read your ticket carefully

Read your ticket carefully, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  I purchased an ticket from Amsterdam to Gent: there is no direct train. The ticket said "via Roosendaal" so I assumed I would have to transfer in that town. WRONG!! This is the border designation- the actual transfer is in Antwerp. Always check in advance on-line or ask the... 

If You Do Need To Take A Taxi

If You Do Need To Take A Taxi, Gent

 johngayton Says:  Whilst everywhere around the city is accessible by the bus and tram network if you do need a taxi (whether you're not sure where you are going or have hefty luggage) then make sure you get an official one. These will display their registration on the rear window and on the... 

Museumpass

Museumpass, Gent

 vpeter Says:  You can buy a museumpass for 20 euro that gives you free entrance in several museums and You can travel 3 days for free by bus and tram through Gent.You can buy it in the museums and at the touristinformation in the Belfry.Tourist Info:Belfort (Raadskelder)Botermarkt 17Atel.... 

public transportation pass

public transportation pass, Gent

 vpeter Says:  If you stay some days in Gent it could be usefull to buy in 'De Lijnwinkel' (de Lijn is the transportation company) a 3 or 5days pass. It gives you the possibility to go trough Gent and entire Flanders by bus and tram. The prices are:1day pass: 5 euro3day pass:10 euro5day... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Actually, this is ON the beaten path...

Actually, this is ON the beaten path..., Gent

 steedappeal Says:  The cuberdon battle goes "Nose to Nose" in the heart of Gent! These purple, conned shaped candies (called the Neus of Ghent) have a very aromatic flavor. They make wonderful souvenirs but make sure to keep at room temperature since they'll melt and stick in your pockets. Not... 

Aqua Azul Sauna

Aqua Azul Sauna, Gent

 steedappeal Says:  This is an Art Nouveau themed CO-ED sauna. It is beautifully crafted out of an old town house. It is a very serene and special place. They are especially good about orienting first-time visitors to the rules of sauna engagement- especially that peace and quiet should be... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Biking, skirting a small river and tree alley

Biking, skirting a small river and tree alley, Gent

 Norali Says:  Something I did and liked was cycling in Greater Ghent years ago.I don't remember of the name of the spot we were in. I know it was in Greater Ghent. Quite a countryside with nice alleys and dirty roads (yes!)We skirted the little river there, with trees along our flat path.... 

 
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The Place

Plan a Gent vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Gent locals

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The People

349 Members Live Here
 
Advice from the Locals
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 Ghent - my hometown - As you maybe know - Belgium is mainly divided into Flanders/Wallonie/and Brussels. No discussions about politics, provinces etc. Ghent is worthwile to visit for its historical monuments- and other... 

349 members live in Gent

 

Questions and Answers

IoanaL profile photo

Q:  Hello, Hope you can help me cause I really need it! :) Next week I will be travelling to Belgium and I need to arrive from Gent... 

Wafro profile photo

A: Hello, You should “take tram 1” when you arrive in Saint-Pietersstation, there is a pick up point. The last stop is Brielken in Evergem. Here you find a... 

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Top Gent Writers

1

Ghent - my hometown

Luchonda profile photo

 As you maybe know - Belgium is mainly divided into Flanders/Wallonie/and Brussels. No discussions about politics, provinces etc. Ghent is worthwile to visit for its historical monuments- and other...... 

2

July 21 in Ghent: exotic!

Norali profile photo

 I only had two days in Ghent in my poor life. LOL Yet, it is not far from Brussels, where I live, and it has a lot to offer. To be accurate, two days in Ghent center and one afternoon cycling in... 

3

Simply Put: A Fabulous City

zrim profile photo

 I am infatuated with Gent. This is a VirtualTourist success story, listen up: Sometime in February in the deep cold darkness of a Minnesota winter, I played on VT until the deeep, deep dark recesses... 

4

Gent - Go There - Drink Beer

St_Vincent profile photo

 So, is it Gent or is it Ghent, I guess the jury is out. I believe that Gent is the local spelling and that is the one used on VT but I've always known it as Ghent. Anyway, for the purposes of my... 

5

A love affair begins....

Dabs profile photo

 Many people visiting Belgium bypass Gent in favor of Brugge and while I wouldn't recommend skipping either of these cities, I'd have to say that I'd give Gent a slight edge, after all Gent is where my... 

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