Ghent Entertainment

  1. Café Den Turk

    This venerable place dates way back to 1228, making it easily Ghent's oldest pub. But despite its 680+ years, it remains true to its roots as a local gathering spot, and is the kind of place where you go in alone and come out knowing a dozen people.

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  2. Café Trefpunt

    Run by the organisers of the Gentse Feesten, most of the week this is a laid-back pub, but on Mondays there are DJs, jam sessions or live concerts.

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  3. Charlatan

    For dancing in town, head to Charlatan. This is Ghent's biggest music bar, doing live gigs most Thursdays and Sundays. This stalwart bar and venue is a local institution for live bands, DJ sets and parties - check the website or in-house leaflets to see what's on or just head on in like everyone else.

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  4. Chocolat

    Chocolat is a little venue that is big on everything from techno to drum'n'bass.

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  5. De Bijloke

    Classical music buffs will find a good selection of concerts held in this hall, which is within the Bijloke complex.

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  6. Flanders Expo

    Although Brussels is the premier destination for international rock bands, Ghent does get a fair share. Performances are usually staged at the Expo, a couple of kilometres southwest of the centre.

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  7. Hotsy Totsy

    Iridescent striped wallpaper, velveteen booths and Ella Fitzgerald et al in the background make Hotsy Totsy a favourite haunt on any given night, but it's positively hopping during live sessions (usually at least Tuesdays and Thursdays; gigs are posted on the website). The rear room doubles as a de facto gallery space for local artists.

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