City walks in Ghent

Obviously, Ghent is teeming with delicious eateries and drinking establishments. But a city is moving non-stop. Every day, Ghent entrepreneurs roll up their sleeves to launch yet another new restaurant.

That must have something to do with the welcoming disposition of the people of Ghent. Because in Ghent, they are always eager to receive you. To get to know you. And above all, to show you the city. Indeed, Ghent is there for anyone who has 'goeste', or has a mind for it.

Walking past culinary hotspots

The Gentse Goeste walk will lead you from Dampoort station past all the culinary hotspots and established names in the city. There, you can experience for yourself how this appetite is experienced in Ghent: stylish, but without pretension.

The palette of flavours is as colourful as the city itself. Bet you'll know afterwards exactly why Ghent is such a welcoming city and where you should definitely come for dinner with some friends? After your walk, unwind at B&B Petit Prince, a luxurious B&B in the historic Prinsenhof neighbourhood. At The Hide on the Nederkouter, you'll enjoy staying a bit longer in Ghent too. 

Few cities in the country exude such a unique atmosphere as Ghent. The three towers, the historic buildings, Vlasmarkt and Korenmarkt, Kouter and Blandijnberg, Sint-Pietersplein and the new Reep, etc. You can't escape it: this city drags a lot of history along with it. And has beautifully preserved that history for posterity.

Want to dive into that history in a unique way? Then be sure to try the Mediaeval Ghent hiking route. Then, you won't be slogging through the city in your own shoes, but instead stepping into those of world-renowned artist Jan Van Eyck.

On the trail of Jan Van Eyck

Put the chaperon on your head (No idea? Google it!), pull the door of your studio shut behind you and head into town. Everything indicates that the master himself enjoyed wandering through his city. And today, you'll be following him closely. Can you figure out which neighbourhoods he visited? What struck him and inspired him? And most importantly, at which inn was he having a beer?

Spotting historical monuments

In any case, there's no need to worry about sore feet. At a modest 6 kilometres, this hiking route is not immediately the most challenging – but it is one of the most fun. Start at the Bisdomkaai. Finish at a café, cinema, hotel, restaurant or museum of your choice.

Spend the night in some historic atmospheres at B&B de Waterzooi in the heart of Ghent with a view of the Gravensteen. At The Verhaegen, too, you can stay in a mediaeval fairy tale. A few kilometres from the city centre, you will find Villa Emma, an art nouveau villa with a unique garden, where you will find all 75 plants that are also seen on the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.