Ghent: A guide to Belgium’s most charming city
Ghent was once the capital of Flanders and is often considered one of the oldest cities in Belgium. You’ll find the city of Ghent at the meeting point of the rivers Leie and Scheldt in the country’s northwestern corner. It was a significant city-state in the Middle Ages when it was inhabited. Today, it is a university town and a center for the arts and culture. The Gravensteen castle dates back to the 12th century, and the Graslei, a row of guildhalls beside the Leie river harbor, are two examples of medieval architecture found in the pedestrianized center of the city. Let’s go on an excursion to Ghent City.
Ghent History
The area around Ghent has been inhabited since the Stone Age and seems to have been constantly occupied, at least since Celtic and Roman times. Around 406 or 407, a Germanic tribe called the Salian Franks moved into the area and made the Lee and Scheldt valleys their permanent homes. At the end of the Middle Ages, Ghent was the most important city in Europe for making and trading textiles.
It bought wool from England and sent finished luxury fabrics all over Europe. From the 13th to the 15th centuries, Ghent was, outside of Italy, the second largest city in Europe after Paris. In 1740, when Maria-Theresa of Austria became emperor, a time of peace and prosperity began. During this time, sugar refineries, grist mills, bleach works, dye houses, and cotton presses did well.
From 1815 to 1930, three times as many people lived in the city. In 1913, the World’s Fair was held in Ghent. Even though Ghent is a Flemish city, French was still used until fairly recently.
Getting To Ghent
By plane
Ghent does not have an airport, but it is easily accessible from Belgium’s two main airports. Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport are both located in Brussels. Belgium’s main airport, Brussels Airport in Zaventem, is about 45 minutes from Ghent. There is a direct connection to Ghent from Brussels-Airport-Saventum. Actually, From Ghent, it takes about 70 minutes to drive to Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
By Train
There are two train stations in Ghent: Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent-Dampoort. You can take the train from Brussels to Ghent, which takes 30 minutes. The main train station in Gent-Sint-Pieters is 2 km south of the city center, at Koningin Maria-Hendrikplein. From the outside of the station, you can take a taxi or a tram to get out. French words and phrases were still used recently.
All cities in Belgium can get to the main train station, Gent-Sint-Pieters, by train. This station is also directly connected to Zaventem Airport.
By Bus
The Sint-Pieters train station is right next to the main bus station in Ghent. Eurolines runs a service daily from London’s Victoria Coach Station to Brussels via the ferry from Dover to Calais, France, or the Ley Shuttle train from the Channel Tunnel, with a stop in Ghent.
By Car
It’s easy to drive to Ghent. Bruges and Brussels, 53 km away, can be reached in 45 minutes, and Antwerp can be reached in just under an hour (60 km). In Ghent, two European highways (the E17 and the E40) meet. Take the “Gent Centrum” exit if you are coming from the E17. If you are coming from the E40 and get off at the Cloverleaf interchange in Zwijnaarde, follow the signs for Antwerp (E17) and then take the “Gent Centrum” exit.
Ghent Weather
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures. Winds that blow mostly from the south to the west, clouds, and frequent rain. The summers are cool and humid, and the winters are mild and wet. In the last few decades, the temperature has been going up at a steady rate of 0.4 °C per decade. The snow that falls each year has gone up by about 7%, and the amount that falls in the winter and spring has gone up by about 15%. There have been many more days with heavy rain, and the most rain that can fall in 5, 10, and 15 days has also gone up a lot.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this summary of Ghent has been helpful. You can learn about the city of Ghent and everything it offers, from its history and famous landmarks to its hotels, restaurants, weather, public transportation, food, and nightlife. To sum up, all of these things combined will make your time in Ghent unforgettable.
FAQ’s
Is it Gent or Ghent?
Ghent is a city in Belgium. It is called Gent in Dutch and Gand in French. A quarter of a Million people live in Ghent, which has a long history.
Is Ghent in Germany?
Ghent is both a city and a municipality in Belgium. It is in the Flemish Region. It is the capital and biggest city of the province of East Flanders and the third-biggest city in the country. Only Brussels and Antwerp are bigger.
Is Ghent worth visiting?
Ghent is a great place to visit on a trip to Belgium. It’s easy to get around, and there are interesting historic buildings and beautiful views. Additionally, the mix of tourist attractions and local flavor makes Ghent feel real and laid-back, like a place you’d want to stay for a while.
Why is Ghent famous?
Ghent is known for its large public squares and markets, especially the Vrijdagmarkt (“Friday Market”), which was the center of life in the medieval city. The most famous medieval monasteries in Ghent are the ruins of the abbey of St. Bavo (Bavon, or Baaf), which was the birthplace of John of Gaunt and now houses the Lapidary Museum, and the remains of the Cistercian abbey of Byloke, or Bijloke (1228), which now house the museum of archaeology and part of the city hospital.
Is Ghent cheap?
Without rent, a family of four is expected to spend $2,905 ($2,915) per month. A single person spends in average $825 ($828 €) per month without rent. New York costs 39.21% more than Ghent (without rent). On average, rent in Ghent is 78.35% less than in New York.
Does Ghent have an airport?
Ghent does not have an airport, but it is easy to get to Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, the two biggest airports in Belgium. The three other Belgian airports also send and receive flights to and from different places in Europe.
What is the meaning of Ghent?
A city in western Belgium, west of Brussels and northwest of it. It dates from the seventh century and became a center for making wool during the Middle Ages. Therefore, it was almost completely independent until the Habsburgs took it over in 1584.
What language is spoken in Ghent?
The main language in Ghent is Dutch, but French is spoken in Wallonia in the south of Belgium and, to a large extent, in Brussels. People will switch to French, English, German, or even another language to help you if they hear you don’t speak Dutch well.
What food is Ghent famous for?
“Gentse Waterzooi” is the most famous dish from Ghent. It is a stew from Flanders, Belgium, where it got its name. Also, the second part of the name comes from three Middle Dutch words that mean to boil or to boil something: sode, zode, and soot.
Do people in Ghent speak English?
Lastly, Dutch is the official language in Ghent, but most people also speak English, French, or German. Most people in shops and restaurants in Gent speak English, so don’t worry about that. Additionally, If you don’t feel comfortable speaking another language, stick to English.
Ghent Top Sights
St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Majestic Tower
St. Bavo’s Cathedral is the oldest parish church. It is in the center of Ghent, which is a busy place. It is built on the site of a church from the 10th century and a Romanesque church from the 12th century. The second one was made in honor of St. John the Baptist. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was a wealthy and powerful city that could afford to build bigger and more beautiful churches. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Church of St. John the Baptist was changed into the grand Gothic St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
The Castle of the Count
The mysterious “Castle of the Counts” is essential to any trip to Ghent. This important landmark in Ghent is a castle with a tumultuous history closely tied to the city’s complicated and often stormy political and social history. The only medieval castle in Flanders still has a moat and a mostly intact defence system. When you go to the Castle of the Counts, you’ll get a full picture of the culture of heraldry in the 12th century. People can enter the gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s house, and stables.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) in Ghent is the oldest in Belgium. Its strength, which is truly amazing, is that it has a lot of different things in it. Old masters and modern artists have never fit together as well as they do in this well-known museum building.
St. Peter’s Abbey Garden
During your weekend trip to Ghent, find this well-hidden abbey garden. In the summer, students in Ghent study in this quiet place where monks used to pray. Also, Behind the abbey, where the land slopes down to the Scheldt, the monks grew grapes. There are still vines there today. It’s a great place to picnic in Ghent on a sunny day.
Gentbruges Meersen
You can do sports, play, garden, and have picnics here. Take a walk through the woods, and you’ll find areas of open water where water birds live. A wild part of nature near the city. The barefoot path is a natural footpath that is 1 km long. It is a natural path that changes with the seasons and weather. Your feet will love this!
Would you like to go for a ride to the green area of Gentbrugse Meersen? Follow the kids’ bike route and do other fun things while you ride.
Ghent Vibrant ‘Zuid’
This neighborhood, which was previously a train station, has almost everything. You can find exclusive clothes, classic designs, or stylish interiors. Some bars and restaurants don’t try to be fancy and serve food from around the world. Great for a traditional meal or a quick snack while shopping. The main place to go is the Gent Zuid shopping center, which has 40 stores, some of which are big chains.
The Ghent Altarpiece: Supreme Divine Art
The Ghent Altarpiece, also known as “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” was finished by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432. It is a great art and one of the most important paintings ever made. It is a must-see if you go to Ghent. The altarpiece comprises 18 panels that show scenes from the Bible and a portrait of the churchwarden who paid for it, Joos Vijd, and his wife, Elisabeth Borluut.
St. Nicholas’ Church
This bluestone church in Tournai is a great example of the Scheldt Gothic style. One thing that makes it unique is that the tower is not over the entrance but over where the nave and transepts cross. It works like a natural lantern because light from the tower shines into the transept.
St. Michael’s Bridge
St. Michael’s Bridge is where people who love each other go. Everywhere you look in Ghent, there is a breathtaking view. The charming beauty of the city surrounds you. At dusk, when all the historic sites are beautifully lit, Ghent’s center looks like a fairy tale scene. St. Michael’s Bridge used to be a flat turntable bridge, but at the start of the 20th century, stone arches were put in their place. The bridge has a beautiful central lantern with a bronze statue of St. Michael in the middle of it.
S.M.A.K. Contemporary Art in Ghent
Ghent is known for being a rebellious city, and its modern art museum is as lively and different as the city itself. The collection is considered the most important of its kind in Belgium. It has works of art from Belgium and other countries from all over the world. This museum for contemporary art has a permanent collection of some of the best works by Cobra, pop art, minimal art, conceptual art, and arte povera artists from Belgium and other countries. These artists are now some of the most famous in the world. Also, every three months, the museum shows different works of art by contemporary artists worldwide.
Ghent City Details
Ghent is 55 km west of Brussels and has an area of 156 square kilometers. It is the capital of the province of East Flanders and the second largest city in Flanders, one of Belgium’s three regions. Getting to places like Paris, London, and Amsterdam is easy.
Ghent population: 472,000 (2022)
Area: 156.18 km2
currency: Euro
Ghent weather: www.metoffice.gov.uk
official language: Dutch
Ghent Time Zones: GMT + 2
postal code: 9000 – 9052
Belgium dials Code: +32
Getting Around in Ghent
If you want to go to Ghent, you must choose how you will get there. The car-free city center is perfect for people who walk or ride bikes. You can quickly and easily get to any part of the city by bus or tram, even on the weekends at night. Taxis are also easy to find. You can also rent a car to see more of the area.
City Card Gent: The City Card Gent is a useful card that lets you get into the city’s most important landmarks, museums, and other places of interest. You only have to pay 38 or 44 euros to get into the city for 48 or 72 hours.
Walking in Ghent
You can walk around the city and see everything. The most beautiful places in Ghent are all in the city center, close to each other and easy to reach on foot. Walking is the best and healthiest way to get around this charming and trendy Belgian city.
Ghent Cycling
You will love Ghent, the largest pedestrian zone with few cars in Europe. Ghent is a great place to see by bike because the city and the people who ride bikes love it. Ghent isn’t too big, and it’s easy to get around and find the sights.
If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one at either Ghent’s two train stations (Dampoort or Gent-Sint-Pieters) or in the city center.
Public Transport in Ghent
There are a lot of buses and trams in Ghent, so it’s easy to get around. Additionally, If you have a City Card, buses and trams in Ghent will take you where you want to go for free from early in the morning until late at night. With the City Card Ghent, you can ride all of Ghent’s trams and buses for no extra cost.
Hire a Car in Ghent
You can contact the following businesses to rent a car to get around Ghent.
Europcar
Hertz
Budget Car Hire
Enterprise Car Hire
Sixt Car Hire
Parking in Ghent
When you get to the city, you can either park your car free at the city’s edge or use one of the paid parking lots. But If you choose the second option, electronic signs on the roads leading to the city center will show you how to get to the parking lots.
Ghent Foods
Love delicious food? You’re in luck, because If you want to live well and eat well, Ghent is the place to be. People in Ghent love to have fun. Ghent has many restaurants, bars, and cafes you can fill up on your weekend trip. Gourmet or fusion food will make your mouth water. Here, food lovers will feel right at home. Also, Ghent is known as the “vegetable capital of Europe,” Its young rock-star chefs are making waves in the food world. Enjoy.
Ghent Accommodation
Your choice of where to stay is important because you need a comfortable place to rest at the end of the day. Check to see if the hotel, motel, or guesthouse you want to stay at has the amenities or services that are important to you before you book there. Also, there are a lot of places for travelers to stay in Ghent. Through this link, you can find the best hotels.
Ghent Nightlife
Ghent has the best things to do at night. It is a great place to go out for the night because It has a lot of students, is always busy, and has a cool music scene. At the Oude Beestenmarkt, there are so many cool places to go that you will trip over them. People who like to stay up late hanging out at De Vlasmarkt. Students hang out in De Overpoort, and you can party there until late the next morning.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this summary of Ghent has been helpful. You can learn about the city of Ghent and everything it offers, from its history and famous landmarks to its hotels, restaurants, weather, public transportation, food, and nightlife. To sum up, all of these things combined will make your time in Ghent unforgettable.
FAQ’s
Is it Gent or Ghent?
Ghent is a city in Belgium. It is called Gent in Dutch and Gand in French. A quarter of a Million people live in Ghent, which has a long history.
Is Ghent in Germany?
Ghent is both a city and a municipality in Belgium. It is in the Flemish Region. It is the capital and biggest city of the province of East Flanders and the third-biggest city in the country. Only Brussels and Antwerp are bigger.
Is Ghent worth visiting?
Ghent is a great place to visit on a trip to Belgium. It’s easy to get around, and there are interesting historic buildings and beautiful views. Additionally, the mix of tourist attractions and local flavor makes Ghent feel real and laid-back, like a place you’d want to stay for a while.
Why is Ghent famous?
Ghent is known for its large public squares and markets, especially the Vrijdagmarkt (“Friday Market”), which was the center of life in the medieval city. The most famous medieval monasteries in Ghent are the ruins of the abbey of St. Bavo (Bavon, or Baaf), which was the birthplace of John of Gaunt and now houses the Lapidary Museum, and the remains of the Cistercian abbey of Byloke, or Bijloke (1228), which now house the museum of archaeology and part of the city hospital.
Is Ghent cheap?
Without rent, a family of four is expected to spend $2,905 ($2,915) per month. A single person spends in average $825 ($828 €) per month without rent. New York costs 39.21% more than Ghent (without rent). On average, rent in Ghent is 78.35% less than in New York.
Does Ghent have an airport?
Ghent does not have an airport, but it is easy to get to Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, the two biggest airports in Belgium. The three other Belgian airports also send and receive flights to and from different places in Europe.
What is the meaning of Ghent?
A city in western Belgium, west of Brussels and northwest of it. It dates from the seventh century and became a center for making wool during the Middle Ages. Therefore, it was almost completely independent until the Habsburgs took it over in 1584.
What language is spoken in Ghent?
The main language in Ghent is Dutch, but French is spoken in Wallonia in the south of Belgium and, to a large extent, in Brussels. People will switch to French, English, German, or even another language to help you if they hear you don’t speak Dutch well.
What food is Ghent famous for?
“Gentse Waterzooi” is the most famous dish from Ghent. It is a stew from Flanders, Belgium, where it got its name. Also, the second part of the name comes from three Middle Dutch words that mean to boil or to boil something: sode, zode, and soot.
Do people in Ghent speak English?
Lastly, Dutch is the official language in Ghent, but most people also speak English, French, or German. Most people in shops and restaurants in Gent speak English, so don’t worry about that. Additionally, If you don’t feel comfortable speaking another language, stick to English.
