Holiday in Gent

What makes Gent special as a destination?

Gent is Belgium's best-kept secret city — livelier than Bruges, more relaxed than Brussels, and with a mix of medieval splendor and alternative cultural scene that is unmatched in Europe. The East Flanders capital at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt has everything Bruges has, plus a vibrant student scene and one of the best culinary scenes in the country. The Graslei and Korenlei, the two promenades along the medieval harbor, form one of the most photogenic ensembles in Europe. Guild houses from the 12th to 17th centuries reflect in the water, and on sunny evenings, thousands gather at the quays for the sundowner — the most famous 'Living Room' feeling in Flanders. The Ghent Altarpiece (the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb') by the Van Eyck brothers in St. Bavo's Cathedral is one of the most significant works of art in the Western world. The freshly restored polyptych from the 15th century was stolen by the Nazis during World War II and is now displayed in a state-of-the-art climate-controlled showcase — a must-see for any art lover. Gravensteen Castle, a fully preserved medieval count's castle in the city center, looks like it came straight out of a knight's movie. The mighty fortress from the 12th century now houses a museum, and from the battlements, there is a panoramic view of the old town with its three towers — Cathedral, Belfry, and St. Nicholas Church. Gent has established itself as Belgium's most sustainable foodie city. The weekly Veggie Thursday is an urban institution, and the culinary scene ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to trendy street food markets. The Patershol district, with its narrow streets full of restaurants, is the culinary heart. The street art scene in Gent is legendary. The Werregarenstraatje, a narrow alley that serves as a legal graffiti wall, is constantly changing, and the entire city is a living open-air museum of urban art.