Important: Wikitravel is exploring a license upgrade to CC by-sa 3.0, please give your consent or refusal here.

From Wikitravel

Ghent [1] is a city in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium.

Gent at Night

[edit] Understand

Ghent (Gent in Dutch; Gand in French) is a city with a population of a quarter of a million. Its size and position allow the inhabitants to enjoy a city with an interesting crossover between open cosmopolitanism and the quiet atmosphere of a provincial town. Ghent is thriving as many young people choose to live here instead of in the narrow-minded countryside or the crowded and disintegrating city centers of Brussels and Antwerp

Ghent is a city of history. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe, in some quarters considered second only to Paris (the Italian peninsula excluded). The impact of this rich past can be clearly seen when viewing the imposing architecture of churches and the houses of rich traders. The whole of the city center is restored in this fashion, and still breathes the atmosphere of a thriving late-medieval city state. As the city council made the center free of cars, it is now a very welcoming and open area, which does not fail to impress even the people who live there.

Ghent is also a university city with more than 50,000 students. As such, its streets are filled with young people. But, unlike Leuven, another university town in Flanders, youth is not the only category of people living there. There is an interesting mixture of foreigners who came to live there, or artists, amongst the native people of Ghent. Interestingly, other than the smaller provincial cities or the bigger city of Antwerp, this mixture makes the people more tolerant and open-minded. This atmosphere seeps into every aspect of city life. Many people of Ghent truly see the place like home, and are very proud to live there, seeing it as a place that will always welcome them back home.

Have a look at the official website of Tourism Ghent for more information Visit Gent.

[edit] Talk

As Ghent is a part of Flanders, the main language is Dutch. Many of the inhabitants will be happy to answer you in English and/or French. German is also quite prevalent.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Train

Ghent is only a 30-minute train ride away from Brussels and is on the line from Brussels to Bruges and the coast. If you're planning to visit Bruges and Brussels, definitely stop over in Ghent as well. There are also direct trains to Brussels Airport, Antwerp, Lille and Paris.

There are two train stations in Ghent, Gent-Dampoort and Gent-Sint-Pieters. Gent-Sint-Pieters is the main station, to go to the centre, take tram 1 (until 'Korenmarkt'). Journey time is ten minutes. Gent-Dampoort is located closer to the center (about 15 minutes walk), but only trains coming from/in the direction of Antwerp stop there.

If you're visiting from Bruges, Brussels or Antwerp during the weekend, it's much cheaper to get a return ticket (special rate: weekendreturn).

Gent

[edit] By Car

The dense highway network in Belgium allows you to access Ghent easily by car. Two main highways E40 (Liege-Brussels-Ghent-Bruges-Ostend) and E17 (Antwerp-Ghent-Kortrijk-Lille) cross at Ghent. Brussels and Antwerp are 40 min away, Bruges 30 min. During rush hour you can easily double these times.

[edit] Get around

[edit] On Foot

The center of Ghent is quite small, so you can walk around on foot.

[edit] By Bicycle

A bicycle is the recommended way to get around in Ghent. However, there are many roads with cobblestones that make cycling a shaking experience. Also make sure you stay clear of the tram rails. Nevertheless, you will see you are not alone on your bike: many inhabitants use bikes to get around. Even the former mayor uses his bicycle all day! There are many bike stands around to make it easy to lock your bike (important!). Many one-way roads are made two-way for bikes.

[edit] Public Transportation

The transport system is Ghent is excellent and always on time. A single ticket costs € 1.60 if bought in the bus/tram or € 1.20 if bought from ticket machines near stops, such ticket is valid for an hour's travel on all trams and buses. If you are planning to stay for a while, buy a pass for € 8.00, it is valid for 10 trips within the city and can also be used in other Flemish cities (such as Antwerp or Bruges). The trams are the quickest and most comfortable way to travel, especially from the railway station to the city centre.

Note that if the bus/tram stop has a ticket machine, you will have to buy the ticket there, as the bus/tram driver will not sell you one in this case.

Ghent has an unususal type of transport, trolleybus, that can be attraction on its own. It runs on rubber tires but gets its power from an overhead line as a tram. Trolleybus vehicles run through the town centre. Trolleybus is operated by the same company as bus and tram, so the same tickets are accepted.

The transportation company is De Lijn [2].

In the Lijnwinkel kiosk (located near Sint-Pieters train station), you can get free map of city and surroundings, with all bus, trolley-bus and tram lines.

[edit][add listing] See

The view of center, Gent

• Belfort en Lakenhalle (Belfry and Cloth Hall), Emile Braunplein (Tram: 1 or 4 to Sint-Baafsplein), ☎ +32 09/223-99-22. Mid-Mar to mid-Nov daily 10am-12:30pm and 2-6pm; free guided tours of Belfry Easter vacations and May-Sept Tues-Sun 2:10, 3:10, and 4:10pm. The Belfry was a symbol of the city's autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380. This municipal tower holds the great bells that have rung out Ghent's civic pride through the centuries. Take the elevator to the Belfry's upper gallery, 66m high, to see the bells and take in fantastic panoramic views of the city. The Cloth Hall dates from 1425 and was the gathering place of wool and cloth merchants. 3€ adults, 2.50€ seniors and students, free for children under 13.  edit
• Sint-Baafskathedraal (St. Bavo's Cathedral), Sint-Baafsplein (Tram: 1 or 4 to Sint-Baafsplein), ☎ +32 09/269-20-45. Cathedral: Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm, Sun 1-6pm; Nov-Mar Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm. Mystic Lamb chapel and crypt: Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm; Nov-Mar Mon-Sat 10:30am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm. Don't miss this cathedral. Rather unimpressive exterior of Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture. However, the interior is filled with priceless paintings and sculptures, including the 24-panel altarpiece "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb", completed by Jan van Eyck in 1432. Simply spellbinding, this work was commissioned by a wealthy city alderman in 1420. Other art treasures in the cathedral include Rubens's restored "The Conversion of St. Bavo" from 1623. Cathedral: Free admission; Mystic Lamb chapel and crypt: 3€ adults (includes audio guide in English), 1.50€ children 6-12, free for children under 6.  edit
• Het Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), Sint-Veerleplein (Tram: 1 or 4 to Sint-Veerleplein), ☎ +32 09/225-93-06. Apr-Sept daily 9am-6pm; Oct-Mar daily 9am-5pm. Closed Jan 1, Dec 24-25 and 31. Built by Count Philip of Alsace, count of Flanders, soon after he returned from the Crusades in 1180 with images of similar crusader castles in the Holy Land. If its walls (2m thick), battlements, and turrets failed to intimidate attackers, the count could always turn to a well-equipped torture chamber inside. You can view relics of the chamber in a small museum in the castle. Climb up to the ramparts of the high central building, the donjon, which has great views of Ghent's rooftops and towers. 6€ adults, 1.20€ seniors and ages 13-25, free for children under 13.  edit
• Sint-Niklaaskerk (St Nicholas's Church), Korenmarkt (entrance on Cataloniestraat) (Tram: 1 or 4 to Korenmarkt), ☎ +32 09/225-37-00. Mon 2:30-5pm; Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. A mixture of surviving Romanesque elements of the Flemish architectural style known as Schelde Gothic, the impressive 13th- to 15th-century church was paid for by Ghent's wealthy medieval merchants and guilds. In recent years, it has undergone extensive renovation work that's still ongoing. The tower is one of the "three towers of Ghent" - in fact, it was the first of the three to grace the city skyline. Free admission.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Rederij Dewaele Canal Cruise, Graslei or Korenlei, ☎ +32 09/223-88-53, [3]. April to October, daily from 10am to 6pm, and November to March on weekends from 11am to 4pm. A cruise on the canals is a good way to view the city's highlights. The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes; longer tours are available. 5€ for adults; 4.50€ for seniors, students, and those under 26; 2.50€ for children agest 3 to 12; free for children under 3.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market). Vrijdagmarkt has been a fixture since the 13th century. It is the scene of a lively street markets on Friday (7:30am-1pm) and Saturday (11am-6pm), as well as the Sunday bird market (7am-1pm).  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Ghent provides an excellent and affordable sample of Flemish cuisine, which in the eyes of the locals is one of Europe's finest as it combines French delicacy with German sturdiness. Try some local specialties like mussels, spare ribs or 'stoverij' (a kind of tender meat cooked for three hours in dark beer with a brown gravy) with Belgian fries.

Another dish from Ghent is the "Gentse waterzooi" (litt. "boiled water from Ghent"), which was the food for the poor originally, a stew of cheap fish (usually turbot) and vegetables. Now it is often made with chicken as well.

The restaurants on Korenmarkt are a good deal, reasonably priced; the menus and 'menus of the day' at the Brasserie Borluut provide terrific value and this includes Gentse waterzooi. The real upmarket restaurants are to be found in the 14th century quarter called 'Patershol', near the Castle. There is also a big Turkish community in Ghent, centred around Sleepstraat a bit further north, which is home to numerous Turkish pizza places.

[edit][add listing] Drink

For authentic pubs, go to St. Veerleplein (the square in front of the Castle), the pubs around St. Jacob's church (especially during weekends), or the student area around Blandijnberg (Mount Blandin), especially in the proximity of the School of Arts and Philosophy, recognisable from afar by the 64 metres tall art deco Library Tower.

• Waterhuis aan de bierkant (The Waterhouse on the beerside), Groentenmarkt 9 (near the Castle), Tel +32 9 225 06 80 waterhuis.aan.de.bierkant@skynet.be,[4]. Boasts about 400 different kinds of Belgian beer, but is fairly touristy.
• Het Galgenhuis (the Gallows house) near Waterhuis aan de Bierkant is a tiny tavern in a lean-to built on to the Gothic Butchers' Hall. A good selection of draught and bottled beers.
• 't Dreupelkot, Groentenmarkt 12 (near the Castle), Tel +32 9 224 21 20 dreupelkot@skynet.be, [5]. 200 kinds of Belgian Genever, a number of which is home made. Try the pepper genever if you are a tough guy/girl (be cautious!). Pol, the owner, is a friendly guy, altough it might look the other way at first sight. Around € 2 for a genever.
• Overpoortstraat is a street packed with 34 pubs and bars where during the week (especially Wednesday and Thursday nights) all the students go crazy. Because on Thursday it is so crowdy over there, dancing usually happens on the tables. Some notorious bars/clubs are the Cuba Libre [6] (commercial, R&B,...), Decadance [7] (house, techno, drum&bass), Twieoo [8] (alternative).
• Hemelsbreed Verschil, Stalhof 31-33 (near the Overpoortstraat). The official pub for Erasmus students from over Europe. Free internet access available.
• Hot Club de Gand is not a club, but a small, cracking little pub accessed down a narrow lane and has its own small courtyard. Barman told us it closes "when the last person leaves".
• On Korenmarkt, you'll find the live Jazz pub Damberd.
• Plan b [9] Typical cosy local bar located in the center of Ghent. Nice view on the river. Street: Verlorenkost 17 - 9000 Gent 0498/10 66 03

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Youth Hostel De Draecke, Sint-Widostraat 11, Tel.: +32 9 233-7050 Fax: +32 9 233-8001 - gent@vjh.be, [10]. This hostel is located on a quiet street in the city center. Free breakfast and bedsheets are provided. Youth Hostel De Draecke has a bar on the premises that offers a range of Belgian beers.

[edit] Splurge

• Hotel Trianon I St-Denijslaan 203, Tel.: +32 9 220-4840 Fax: +32 9 220-4950.[11]. Hotel Trianon I is situated close to St. Peter's train station. Prices start at €62 per night; breakfast is an additional €5. Each room has an attached bathroom. The luxury rooms are equipped with jacuzzi's.

• Best Western, Cour Saint-Georges Botermarkt 2, Tel. +32 9 224-2424 Fax:+32 9 224-2640. [12], 'The oldest Hotel in Europe, since 1228'. Right in the center, near the towers. Recently, it was taken over by the American "Best Western" hotel group. Rates from €125 - €200 for a room.

[edit] Different

• Brooderie Tel.: +32 9 225-0623. [13] Primarily a cafe & bakery, but with three rooms located on Jan Breydelstraat opposite the Design Museum. Shared bathrooms and showers with the cafe below but a cheap way of getting a fine room in a superb location - delicious bread with breakfast. €50 for a single, €70-75 for a double.

• Autour des Tours (Around the Towers), Limburgstraat 26, 9000 Gent, +32 (0)488.77.78.36 [14]. This recently renovated house dates from the 19th century and offers a B&B formula. No car needed here, this hotel is located nearby the historical city centre. Exploring the area can be done by foot.

[edit] Communication

[edit] Telephone

If you want to call to North America, find the "Club Plus" card. Do not be talked into any other card. They are usually found at the nightshops (Nacht Winkels). You can get more than 200 minutes to North America for 5 Euros from a payphone. This is great since payphones cost quite a lot if you just insert money.

Canals of Ghent

[edit] Internet

In recent years, the number of Internet Cafes has grown very rapidly; it is always very easy to find one within walking distance. The going price ranges from 1.5 euro to 3 euro per hour.

[edit] Get out

• There is a cargo line to Gothenburg, Sweden.
• World War I Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial[15]: 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Ghent in Waregem, along the Lille-Gent AutoRoute E-17. Open daily except for December 25 and January 1; 9AM to 5PM The final resting place for 368 American military dead lost during the liberation of Belgium. The chapel is inscribed with the names of 93 Americans whose remains were never found or identified. Free.