Ghent – Belgium’s hidden gem
#JanuaryGoodDestination2025
Gent, located in the Flemish region of Belgium, is a beautiful city with a long history and rich cultural heritage. Although Ghent is not as famous as Brussels and Bruges, it has retained more of its original flavor and is an ideal place for travel enthusiasts to explore Belgium.
As soon as you enter Ghent, you will be immediately attracted by the ancient charm of this city. First of all, you can't miss Ghent's castle, Gravensteen Castle. This medieval castle built in the 12th century is located in the city center and is still well preserved. Inside the castle you can visit the Knights' Hall, an exhibition of torture instruments and the impressive walls that will take you back to the Middle Ages.
Afterwards, you can head to Ghent Cathedral (Saint Bavo's Cathedral), a magnificent Gothic building that is not only stunning from the outside, but also contains many art treasures, the most famous of which is Jan van Eyck's "Ghent Altarpiece". This magnificent altarpiece is a masterpiece of the Renaissance and is well worth your time to admire.
Strolling through the city, you will find that Ghent has many charming canals and bridges. The two streets along the canals, Graslei and Korenlei, are great places to view the city scenery. Here you can find numerous cafés and restaurants where you can sit down and enjoy Belgian food and beer while admiring the ancient buildings lining the canal.
In addition, Ghent's Market Square (Vrijdagmarkt) is also a place worth visiting. Every Friday, there is a lively market here where you can buy local specialties, handicrafts and fresh ingredients, and experience the daily life of the people of Ghent.
Ghent is equally charming at night, and the city lights make the ancient buildings even more beautiful. St. Michael's Bridge offers a beautiful view of the city at night and is a great spot for taking photos.
The city of Ghent, whether it is historical buildings, culture and art or natural scenery, can bring you a rich and unforgettable travel experience. Come discover your own Ghent story in this hidden Belgian gem.