Ghent: Belgium’s best kept secret

Apr 1, 2011 3:59:19 AM

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If you automatically think a trip to Belgium means a trip to Bruges, think again. The September ’09 issue of Lonely Planet Magazine clues you in to Ghent: the new Bruges.

It’s surprising how Belgium has managed to stay so quiet abut Ghent for so long. Once medieval Europe’s second largest city, over the past century this unsung treasure of a town has developed a strong artistic bent, and is now one of the best places in Europe for culture – there are many fantastic museums and galleries here, and more listed buildings than any other Belgian city.

Ghent’s architecture is elegant and imposing, particularly along the scenic old Graslei harbour, and grand medieval cathedrals and the Gravensteen castle congregate nicely around the central public squares – the largest car-free area in Belgium. And when you’ve soaked up enough architecture, there are many welcoming bars and cafes along the banks of the canal.

How to get there:

Ghent is an easy 45-minute train ride from Brussels, with tickets costing around £5.

Recommended sight:

Ghent’s Design Museum displays furnishings from the Renaissance to today in a striking modern space behind an 18th-century façade. Art Deco, Art Nouveau and retro (including some lurid ’70s sofas) are all represented, and there are regular temporary exhibits. Admission £3.

Where to stay:

Lonely Planet’s wide range of author-recommended hotels and hostels is bound to have something to suit in Ghent. Check out the Onderland if you want some very affordable luxury in an art-drenched setting – the hotel used to be a gallery.

Where to eat:

Canal-side cafes, providores of local produce – our list of Ghent eateries will satisfy appetites.

Want to know more about Ghent? Grab the latest Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent Encounter.

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Comments

25 August 2009 4:45PM bartverdeyen Report this comment
I'll share another well-kept secret in Belgium: Malines (Mechelen).
Once the home of Margareth of Austria and the Habsburgan dynasties, the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition and the Duke of Alva and capital of an empire that almost coincides with the current Europe.
More classified monuments than Bruges, and only 20 minutes from Brussels airport, half an hour from both Brussels and Antwerp.
23 December 2009 7:36AM mopotofu Report this comment
I wholeheartedly agree with this article, having spent a few days in both Ghent and Bruges. Both are nice places, but Ghent feels more real.
Check out my blog post on Ghent here at Lonely Planet via this link. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/735/21822/NOT+%22In+Bruges%22?destId=358712
2 November 2010 5:29AM jackydeschepper Report this comment
i just want to correct something. The trainride Brussels - Ghent only takes about 25 minuts. I take this train on a daily bases and i know there are some delays sometimes but it usualy only takes 25 minutes not 45.
12 April 2011 4:05AM vannyc Report this comment
6 years ago, I lived in Ghent for 6 months and loved it. I'm itching to go back. Bruges is nice too, but I agree that Ghent is often overlooked. I wonder if Cuba Libre is still around. I spent many Saturday nights/Sunday mornings there!
31 August 2011 4:35AM jackydeschepper Report this comment
@ Vannyc
The Cuba Libre still exists but is now surrounded my some new bar's/clubs