There is plenty to see in Ghent / Gent / Gand. A mixture of ancient architecture, castles, museums, waterways and modern structures to startle the eye. An easy journey from anywhere in Europe – only a few hours from London. There is plenty of choice for foodies, and enough to do to occupy your time here.
The view from the Gravensteen castle looks across the city, with the river and several bridges and churches easy to spot.
The castle dominates the city and offers a panoramic view from the top. The museum inside has been well curated. You can easily spend two hours here.
Much of Ghent’s charm lies in the way different building styles co-exist. The City Hall and the Post Office are similar, and the Korenmarkt and Graslei quays demonstrate that no two buildings are alike. In the centre of the Sint-Veerleplein is the old fishmarket, topped by a statue of Neptune.
There are some startling structures in Ghent – the most obvious are the De Krook library and the Stadshal market hall, both of which use mixed materials to make them stand out amongst all the other older buildings. Every corner turned reveals a mixture of old and new buildings.
As well as the official sights, there are interesting street phenomena including a graffiti alley, with plenty of artwork outside this alley. Several shops have unexpected “creatures” around them and there is a huge statue of people meeting in a city square. Ghent is a city to enjoy from modern and historical perspectives.