The train station is about 30 minutes walk to the city centre of Ghent. Once within the city centre, it is easy to walk around and explore the city.
Ghent is also a vibrant student town, thus I felt there were more life in Ghent, and felt more authentic than in Brugge (which felt more touristy than authentic).
Exploring Ghent will lead you through numerous winding canal side pathways, lined with beautifully preserved medieval buildings.
The main city square is filled with beautiful medieval buildings and is often vibrant with activities and crowds.
One of the most famous buildings in Ghent is the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts). It evolved from a court’s residence to a cotton spinning mill, from a small fortification with wooden buildings to an imposing castle.
The façade is richly decorated with sculpture representations of the sea and water gods and goddesses, and topped with a statue of the sea god Neptune.
It now houses a restaurant, as well as a visitors centre, where I went to obtain information and maps about Ghent and the surrounding.
Located next to the interestingly shaped Stadshal, which is occasionally converted into a market or event space.
The Belfort holds the great bells of Ghent. It was costly to visit in my opinion (Euro 6), and thus didn’t visit, although was told that one could get a fantastic panoramic views of the city (at 66m high).
There were also a lot of cathedrals in Ghent, such as Cathedral of St. Bavo (Sint-Baafskathedraal), St. Nicholas Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk), St. James Church (Sint-Jacobskerk).
Other Scenes of Ghent and Street Life
It reminded me of a candy which I had eaten before.
It was tasty, though can be very sweet and rather addictive.
The push cart store owner was even game enough to pose for a picture!
Ghent is definitely a must visit!
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