Advice

We would like to take a moment to briefly introduce you to other points of interest that we weren't able to squeeze into our itinerary. Ghent is also best experienced by boat: from the Graslei and the Korenlei, small craft set off along the Lys and the Scheldt, offering a fresh view of the city’s medieval façades and iconic towers. Not far from here, the three beguinages of Ghent take you on a journey back in time. The Great Beguinage of Saint Elizabeth, the Small Beguinage of Our Lady of Ter Hoyen, and the Beguinage of Saint Elizabeth in Brugsepoort are true havens of peace, all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a breath of fresh air, head to Citadel Park, where the Museum of Fine Arts and the S.M.A.K. contemporary art museum blend culture with greenery in a serene setting. Beyond Ghent, there are even more treasures within easy reach. Aalst is famous for its dazzling carnival, Kortrijk charms with its riverside atmosphere along the Lys, and Ooidonk Castle stands as a Renaissance masterpiece surrounded by moats. Nature lovers will enjoy the rolling hills of the Flemish Ardennes, often called the “Little Switzerland of Flanders,” or the Zwin Nature Park, a haven for migratory birds. Nearby cities are equally appealing: Mechelen with its cathedral and medieval streets, Ostend with its wide, lively beach, or Bruges, the romantic “Venice of the North” with its canals and museums. And if you feel like venturing a bit farther, two major metropolises are close at hand: Brussels, the European capital with countless facets, and Antwerp, the vibrant city of Rubens, fashion, and striking architecture. All of these destinations are just a short trip away — the perfect way to enrich your stay in Ghent and expand your discoveries. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do, if you feel like staying in the area for a while.