How to Spend One Day in Ghent

One of the stops during my European Christmas vacation was Ghent, Belgium. Because our itinerary was tight and I new the city was on the smaller side we only ended up spending one day in Ghent. I can honestly say that one day was plenty.

History

Ghent was established as a city around the year 630! At one point in history, around the middle ages, Ghent was actually one of the most important cities of Western Europe. It grew so large through its wool trade and was once the second biggest city in Europe (Paris being the first). It seems hard to believe that now as you wander the small cobble stone streets but there’s definitely no denying the city has rich historical past.

With a tumultuous number of decades, the 18th century finally found Ghent as a leader again being the first industrialized city in Europe. However, as other cities in Europe began to prosper Ghent lots its ability to follow along during the two world wars and the Great Depression. This may have been a blessing for the small city because as you wander through the streets yourself you seem as if you’re bouncing back and forth between the 14th century to the 21st.

Walking through Ghent

Castle of Gerald the Devil

This red pin and start of this walking route is a 13th century castle. Oddly named Castle of Gerald the Devil is named after its former (or very former) owner; knight Geeraard Vilain. Apparently because he had very dark hair and very dark skin people believed he looked like the devil. Bit of an awful thing to say to someone if you ask me.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral 

Next stop along this walk is the St. Bavo’s Cathedral. This church dates back to the 10th century and was dedicated to St. John the Baptist. This is the largest building in Ghent and contains evidence of Romanesque as well as Gothic architecture. in the mid 1500s the church changed patron saints to St. Bavo which is how it got its present day name.

Belfry 

Ghent’s Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbols the city’s independence holding the alarm bell which serves to protect the citizens. While I didn’t get the chance to climb to the top of the tower to see the bell I have heard it’s well worth it.

City Pavilion

The City Pavilion is a large open building that is surrounded by the Belfry, the Town Hall and St. Nicholas’ Church. It’s a bit of a weird structure but is very central in the town square and hard to miss. Take a walk underneath and enjoy the holed rooftop.

St. Michael’s Bridge and its View of the Three Towers

Walking along this bridge brings amazing views and photo-ops on either side. From either side you’ll see the Old Fish Market, the Castle of the Counts, and the famous row of towers (this is the only spot you can capture them neatly lined up in a row). From here walk down so you can walk further along the water.

Graslei and Korenlei

If you’re anything like me, walking along the water here will take you quite a while because there are so many beautiful buildings to take pictures of. The buildings are built and look similar to those in Amsterdam along this canal but they are wider and much more intricate. If you’re looking to grab a bite there are a number of restaurants stationed right along the water and aren’t too crazy in terms of price. It’s a beautiful spot to sit along a patio, drink a beer and enjoy the passerbys.

Castle of the Counts

This is the last little bit to take some pictures of. Located a bit away from the main centre the Castle of the Counts is definitely worth seeing. It’s the only medieval fortress in Flanders with its defence system mostly still intact. It now houses the Justice Museum that showcases interesting and unique torture equipment.

You can visit Ghent as a day trip from Bruges, Brussels, or Amsterdam fairly easily but we decided to spend a night here. We stayed at Castelnou Aparthotel located just outside the historical city. The rooms were fantastic, very spacious and modern. Each came with a little kitchenette and one of the comfiest bathtubs I’ve ever been in! The free breakfast didn’t hurt either. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone.

My one day in Ghent was certainly memorable and thoroughly enjoyable. Because of the time of year we were there the Christmas Markets were all still open for business. The food and drinks in the stalls could be smelt all over the city and tasted just as good as you would think.