A one-day journey through castles, canals, and culture in Europe’s most underrated city
🇧🇪 Belgium’s Best-Kept Secret: A Journey into Ghent
When most travellers think of Belgium, their minds drift to Brussels’ grandeur or Bruges’ fairy-tale charm, but tucked away in the heart of Flanders lies Ghent. This city effortlessly blends medieval mystique with modern vibrancy. If you’re a travel enthusiast seeking authenticity, culture, and a touch of the unexpected, Ghent deserves a top spot on your itinerary.
Ghent is a port city located in the northwest of Belgium, where the Leie and Scheldt rivers meet. In the Middle Ages, it was an influential city-state. Currently, it serves as a university town and cultural centre. Its car-free city centre features medieval structures, such as the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle and the Graslei, a series of guildhalls along the Leie River harbour.
🏰 Medieval Majesty Meets Urban Cool
Ghent’s skyline is dominated by Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century fortress that once housed the Counts of Flanders. Today, it offers a quirky audio tour narrated by a local comedian, guiding you through tales of knights, torture chambers, and political intrigue. It’s not just a relic—it’s a living storybook.
🌉 The Soul of the City: Graslei & Korenlei
Stroll along the River Lys, where the historic quays of Graslei and Korenlei reflect centuries-old facades in the water. These cobbled streets are lined with cafés, perfect for sipping a Belgian brew while watching boats glide by. At dusk, the scene takes on a cinematic quality—gabled houses glowing softly under amber lights.
🎨 Art, History, and the Mystic Lamb
Ghent is home to the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, one of the world’s earliest oil paintings, housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Its turbulent history—stolen, hidden, and partially lost—adds layers to its mystique. For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) offers a deep dive into Flemish masterpieces from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
🍻 Beer, Bites, and Belgian Soul
Belgium’s beer culture thrives in Ghent, particularly with Gruut, a local brew made without hops, instead using medieval herbs. Pair it with waterzooi, a creamy stew native to Ghent, and you’ve got a taste of tradition with a twist.
🎉 Festivals and Local Flavour
Ghent isn’t just a museum city—it’s alive. The Gentse Feesten, a 10-day summer festival, transforms the city into a playground of music, theatre, and street performances. It’s grassroots, it’s chaotic, and it’s pure Belgian joy.
Whether you're drawn to Gothic spires, riverside tranquillity, or the pulse of local life, Ghent offers a travel experience that’s both rich and refreshingly real. It’s not just a destination—it’s a revelation.
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