Must see nightlife in Ghent

Heavy beams, a heraldic ceiling, barrel tables, lacy lampshades and the odd boar’s head all add character to one of Ghent’s best-known beer pubs. It has…

Sporting an enticing waterfront terrace, this photogenic classic beer-pub has an interior draped in dried hops, plus three exclusive house beers amid the…

A traditional jenever (gin) bar, serving 100 Belgian concoctions – including the owner's homemade prune and raisin versions – and one north French…

Local gents unwind with newspapers, and grannies lunch on shrimp croquettes in this low-key classic café set in a triangular former brewery house. A giant…

Built in the late 12th century, this heavy-beamed stone café is the oldest building on Graslei and was once the city grain store. Today it's a lively…

Yes, palm trees grow in Ghent, albeit small ones on the deck of this appealing barge-café. Good-value snacks and meals supplement a choice of more than…

Labath is a buzzing place for a fine coffee fix, organic Prosecco or a diverse selection of aromatic, tasty teas including Indian-style masala chai and…

Ghent’s uberpopular brewery-pub serves excellent herb-infused brews. Guided tours of the brewery (for a minimum of eight thirsty punters) are available by…

This congenial, multifaceted café with eclectic decor and at least 20 beers from the barrel hosts regular jam nights and live music.

Lit only by candles, this classic late-night cafe-bar with carved wooden ceilings is an ideal place for cosy midnight conversations.

Silver-floral wallpaper, black-and-white photos from the glory days of celluloid and the occasional live jazz performance (9pm most Thursdays Oct-Apr)…

In a graphic metaphor of globalisation, Ghent's classic old-world coffee shop is now hidden behind a brash Starbucks. Its response? A bright new takeaway…

Get your caffeine fix in this central coffee specialist, brewing its beans in a 14th-century riverside house.