The 8 Best things to do in Ghent Belgium
If one wants to discover great things about Belgium, then it is hard to look past Ghent as a city. Located where the River Lys meets the River Scheldt, this lively city is steeped in history and boasts medieval buildings and great cultural and modern-day appeal. While not as given a fame as other Belgian tourist attractions such as Bruges or Brussels, Ghent does have its own charm and it definitely worth the visit. If you love history, art, or food and beverages, then Ghent has something to offer for you no matter what your interest may be.
When walking down the alleys of the city, one is able to enjoy remarkable and visually distinctive architecture, to visit remarkable museums and to feel the lees of the city’s youth. Young people fill the city due to the presence of a university – Ghent University, which gives the city much inspiration. Stunning canals and beautiful medieval structures are the features of the city that still look as modern as ever.
It is now easier to plan for the trip to Ghent with the help of the Belgium Visa or Belgium Tourist Visa. Make sure you have all your travel documents handy in order to properly enjoy all the fantastic things to do in Ghent has to offer. Now, let’s go straight to the best activities that you can do during your vacation!
Here are the 8 Best things to do in Ghent Belgium
1. Explore Gravensteen Castle
One of the most important tourist attractions in Ghent is Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts. This medieval fortress was built in the 12th century and provides a look into the history of the city. You can actually go through the castle’s grand corridors, up the towers to get magnificent views of the landscape and read up on the history of the counts who once governed here things to do in Ghent Belgium.
2. Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral
The city is also known for the famous painting ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ and this cathedral is one of the finest pieces of Gothic architecture. St. Bavo’s Cathedral is not only a church, but it is also a home to stained glass windows and great sculptures. Please, spend some time here and enjoy the sightseeing of this holiness and peacefulness.
3. Wander Along the Graslei and Korenlei
These streets along the canals are beautiful avenues, which will allow you to take a pleasant walk. The Graslei and Korenlei are streets located side by side with beautiful medieval architecture, the view from these streets at sunset is very stunning. Stop by any of the numerous cafes and grab a cup of coffee or a cup of beer as you watch the boats sail past.
4. Discover the Museum of Fine Arts
Connoisseurs of art will definitely appreciate the Museum of Fine Arts, where one can see the Flemish and Dutch Paintings of the Middle Ages, the classics of the 17th and 18th centuries, and such famous artists of the 19th-early 20th centuries as Van Goyen, Jacob van Ruisdael, and Jan van Huysum. This place hosts works of Van Dyck and Rubens and is a wonderful place to be if you want to kill sometime in the afternoon.
5. Experience the Historic Center
The architecture and history of Ghent can be best described as a UNESCO World Heritage site which is located in the heart of the city. From the Belfry to the Town Hall every spot has a tale to tell. You can also take a guided tour to have a clue of what had happened in the city and what led to that.
6. Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Let me just add that no visitor would want to leave Ghent without sampling their local cuisine. Try local dishes like waterzooi (the fish stew), stoverij (beef stew) and of cause the famous Belgian fries. Remember also to grab some delicious Belgian chocolates and beers when you are here things to do in Ghent Belgium.
7. Visit the Patershol District
Patershol district is one of the loveliest district containing small and narrow streets and beautiful houses. Formerly the site of monastery for the city’s monks, it is now a popular locale for restaurants and shops. Discover the lesser-known sights and just stroll around this beautiful neighbourhood.
8. Take a Boat Tour
There is nothing as interesting as taking a boat tour and this can be done while in Ghent along the canals. This leisurely tour helps you admire the views with the option to gain more insight into the history and design of the city from your guide. It is a great way to witness the sightseeing of Ghent city’s beauty as you ride through the city.
Conclusion:
At the end of your tour in Ghent you are always guaranteed that you will have a good number of stories and experiences that will and does depict the past and present of Ghent. Still there is much to do in Ghent, you might decide to visit the Gravensteen Castle or even taste the local food. Every street of this gay city is worth seeing and every hour spent in walking through it is a lesson in Belgium. When you book sightseeing in Ghent, Belgium you will be immediately drawn to the city and would definitely not mind going there again.
When planning for a trip, ensure you get your Belgium Visa and Belgium Tourist Visa so that the trip is as smooth as possible. Today Ghent is a city with strong Youth presence, always crowded at night, full of sights and places of interest, that could be interesting for all types of tourists. Therefore, dust your maps and let the fun start to unravel the mystery of Ghent with many things to do in Ghent Belgium which are still awaiting you to discover in the city.
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