When I first arrived in Ghent on a Thursday afternoon when it was raining, I was a little overwhelmed by the size of the city. Just came By train from BrugesI was used to the easy-to-walking city. My time was limited, so I saw what you should do in 48 hours in Ghent!
As I sat down for lunch at the local vegetarian restaurant Avalon, I began to see how short my time in Ghent was. I met Lynn from the Ghent Tourism Commission. Lynn outlined the best areas for student bars, cafes and vintage shopping. By the time we finished our lunch, we were armed with a list of what to see and do in Ghent.
As the rain started to get clean, I decided to visit a nearby “must see” Grave Castle. The desk guide informed me that the self-guided tour lasts about 45 minutes, but given the short time I was able to condense the visit to a quick 15 minute period.
From there, I headed nearby Market Hall To see the “meat hanging from the ceiling” that was literally explained to me. As a vegetarian, I wasn’t really into it, but I still found it interesting.
Then I realized that I had nothing but the rest of the sunlight, just like the day that ended at about 5:30pm in winter (crazy!!). So I decided to wander aimlessly along the canal and take enough photos to fill me. Instagram feed And then I’ll go home a little (like many) everyone, as if jealous of my escape around Flanders.
The next day I woke up to a heartfelt buffet breakfast Hotel Deflandrefeaturing scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, homemade granola, bread AU chocolate, croissants and more. Simply put… It was a great way to start your day full.
Given the weather is blessed with me now, I decided to visit two other major attractions in the city: the Belfort Tower and the Cathedral. Mysterious Lamb Worship.
Feeling as if I had checked all the “must see” sights from the list, I decided to explore the city’s outer neighborhoods and reveal local hot chocolates, cupcakes, chocolates and of course some of my local favorite spots for the flight.
Best Fritts in Ghent
Flya’t puntzakje – Tell us the best bet for a delicious frite and generous sauce meal – If you want to act like a local, try Stovere!
Best Chocolatiers in Ghent
excellent – Not the usual run of Mille’s Belgian chocolatier. The owner can barely keep up with the demand, and a visit here shows you why – it’s a bit off the beaten path, but will fully energize your efforts if you want to try the best.
Best Cupcakes in Ghent
Julie’s House – Serve “pie, cupcakes, breakfast” and they are almost too cute to eat… almost!
The best place for beer in Ghent
Water Huis – It’s hard to find a place in Belgium where you’re doing beer in the “bad” way!
Despite being somewhat overwhelmed by everything I had to achieve in the short 48 hour time frame at first, I was able to see everything I tried to do and do it. However, to truly feel the city beyond the main attractions and specks of the best food and drinks, I recommend allowing yourself on at least another day, if not two more, if not two more.
The next time I find myself in Ghent, I am just enjoying the city at a slower pace here, and despite the recent influx of tourists, as it is one of Europe’s most maintained secrets. I hope that will not change by the next visit to Ghent. This is true considering that it has been inhabited since the Stone Age.
World of Wanderlust was a Flanders guest at www.visitflanders.com, and my opinion seems to be the usual.