Ghent

Patershol is one of the oldest and most charming districts of Ghent, with narrow cobbled streets, historic houses and picturesque façades. It is considered the culinary heart of the city, with numerous restaurants, cosy bistros, pubs and bars. Strolling through the medieval streets, you can feel the authentic atmosphere and history of the district.

Ghent offers large and lively events throughout the year: the 10-day Ghent Festivities in July – one of the largest city festivals in Europe, filling the city centre with music, theatre and culture; the Ghent Jazz Festival in summer; the Ghent International Film Festival in October; the Festival of Flanders in autumn; and, every few years, the atmospheric Ghent Light Festival with its artificial light installations.

Ghent has a lively street art scene with colourful works by local and international artists. Particularly well known is the graffiti alley Werregarenstraat in the city centre – a colourful, constantly changing tolerance zone for graffiti and spray art. Walks along the street art routes reveal many impressive works and make Ghent worth seeing even away from the classic sights.

Ghent is considered a decidedly vegetarian city and offers a diverse range of cuisine with local specialities, seasonal markets and food events such as Gent Smaakt, as well as many vegetarian and vegan restaurants. The Thursday Veggie Day campaign has had a significant impact on the city. Overall, the culinary offerings range from Gentse Waterzooi and regional beers to upscale dining with innovative top restaurants.

There are three museums in the Museum Quarter that are well worth a visit. First and foremost is the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK) with a solid permanent exhibition of works from Andy Warhol to Francis Bacon. The Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) - directly opposite the SMAK - is dedicated to slightly older fine art, from the Middle Ages to the 20^th century. Highlights include Hieronymus Bosch's Carrying of the Cross and Peter Paul Rubens' Scourging of Christ. The trilogy is rounded off by the STAM Museum, the local city museum.

In this city, you should just go with the flow—visit the small shops you discover along the way and settle down wherever you feel like it. Tip: A relaxing boat trip at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers offers unique views of the old town – just enjoy. The city comes alive in the evening: there are plenty of excellent places to discover Belgian food culture, which, incidentally, is also considered a veggie city. The famous Belgian beer also enjoys great popularity in one of the numerous beer pubs. And then there's a dash of music, which is always present in Ghent. It's no coincidence that UNESCO has awarded the city the title of Creative City in Music. A vibrant nightlife is therefore guaranteed. An evening stroll through the old town is an absolute highlight: the unique facades and monuments are beautifully illuminated and will amaze you.