Things to Do in Ghent

Ghent strikes that perfect balance between medieval charm and modern university energy that many Belgian cities attempt but few achieve as gracefully. The city's skyline, punctuated by three distinctive towers, rises from canals lined with guild houses that have watched over the Leie and Scheldt rivers for centuries. What makes Ghent particularly compelling is how it wears its history - there's nothing museum-like about wandering these cobblestone streets where students bike past Gothic cathedrals and contemporary art installations share space with 12th-century architecture. The city has this wonderful lived-in quality that comes from being a working place rather than just a tourist destination. You'll find yourself stumbling across hidden courtyards, canal-side cafes that locals actually frequent, and a food scene that's genuinely exciting without trying too hard to impress. Ghent manages to feel both intimate and substantial - large enough to surprise you, small enough that you can actually get to know it during a visit.

Ghent's food scene pleasantly surprises many visitors with its range beyond typical Belgian fare. The city has embraced vegetarian and vegan dining more enthusiastically than many Belgian cities - you'll find innovative plant-based restaurants alongside traditional establishments serving waterzooi (the local creamy fish or chicken stew) and other Flemish specialties. Local markets, particularly the Friday and Saturday markets on Vrijdagmarkt and Groentenmarkt, offer excellent produce and prepared foods. The cafe culture is strong here, with many establishments serving quality coffee alongside local beers. For a genuine local experience, seek out the smaller family-run restaurants in the Patershol neighborhood, where you'll often find seasonal menus that reflect what's actually available from regional producers.

Late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the most comfortable weather for walking and outdoor dining, with long daylight hours that make evening canal strolls particularly appealing. Summer brings the most tourists but also outdoor festivals and events that add energy to the city. Winter has its own charm - the Christmas markets are genuinely atmospheric rather than purely commercial, and you'll have many attractions largely to yourself. That said, Ghent works year-round because so much of what makes it special - the architecture, museums, cafes, and restaurants - doesn't depend on perfect weather. November through February can be quite gray and damp, but hotel rates drop significantly and you'll experience the city as locals do.