Strolling or canoeing through Medieval grandeur? Book a holiday home in Ghent!

Just as lively as Antwerp and just as historic as Bruges, Ghent is one of Belgium’s most beloved cities! And with all its magnificent buildings, guild houses, museums and vibrant restaurants and cafés, it’s no wonder. Enjoy a drink on a terrace along the River Leie, sail over the same river straight through the city center, or discover one of the most romantic castles of Flanders in the region! Are you looking for tips for a city trip to this medieval hotspot? Read on and book a holiday home in Ghent!

The Korenlei and Graslei: the beating heart of Ghent

Let’s be honest right away: Ghent is easily accessible from the Netherlands, but a one-day city trip does not do the city justice! Renting a holiday home in Ghent is therefore highly recommended if you want to fully experience the Flemish city. The compact center, however, is easy to explore on foot. Among the bustling terraces, many filled with students, you can marvel at the lavishly decorated guild houses. The liveliness focuses particularly on the Korenlei and Graslei river quays thanks to the spectacular cityscape. And it’s not only the guild houses that impress – above them rise several landmark buildings, such as the Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.

Tip: be sure to extend your visit into the evening! The buildings, streets and monuments are beautifully illuminated, with the canal-side houses magically reflected in the water.

Visit Citadel Park and the university botanical garden

After all the strolling, it’s nice to retreat into one of Ghent’s many parks. A popular park on the edge of the center, easily reached on foot, is Citadel Park. The old bandstand, which looks like a teahouse pavilion, is still used today as a stage for summer concerts. Be sure to walk to the adjoining arboretum of the university. The grounds include themed outdoor gardens such as a Mediterranean garden, as well as greenhouses with exotic plants including giant lily leaves. You’ll also encounter an African baobab, as well as various crops such as cocoa and coffee plants.

Admire Ghent from the water

In Ghent you definitely want to get out on the water! This may be the best way to see much of the city while also escaping the hustle and bustle. Let the historic buildings slowly pass you by and finish your kayak trip on a cozy terrace. There are two options for a tour of the city’s waterways: a short paddle through a green district, and a longer route along historic highlights. The shorter trip is seen as an ideal escape from the crowds, as it passes through several parks. If you depart from the Beestenmarkt for the longer route, you’ll pass formidable buildings such as the Old Courthouse and Gravensteen Castle. The paddle route also takes you past wide quays and many medieval houses. Both routes start at De Beestenmarkt.

Tip: also explore the city center with the water tram. This hop-on hop-off boat lets you get off wherever you like and explore the city at your own pace.

High-quality street art and the charming streets of Patershol

Ghent is also a place where you’ll come across street art sooner or later. The artworks scattered throughout the city are often created by renowned graffiti artists. You’ll find small pieces in certain streets, but also literally house-high masterpieces, ranging from detailed and modern to mural-style works with a historical touch. Curious about other authentic spots? Head to Patershol, a charming neighborhood with old streets and cozy cafés. After a stroll or a drink, you can also visit the House of Alijn, a museum offering a glimpse into the everyday life of a Ghent resident in the last century.

Discover the Leie region and Ooidonk Castle from your holiday home in Ghent

Don’t miss the area around Ghent either, and take a boat trip on the River Leie to the beautiful countryside. Boats without a license can be rented for 2 or 8 hours from Minerva boat rental. Along the way you’ll pass the village of Afsnee, where you should definitely stop for a drink on the jetty terrace of Restaurant Nenuphar. Besides a boat trip on the Leie, consider a bike ride through the region. A route from Ghent-Sint-Pieters station also leads past Afsnee, but also through the Latemse Meersen nature reserve and past the fairytale-like Ooidonk Castle.

Go in search of hidden gems

The Flemish city is also worth visiting for its hidden treasures, some surprisingly close, others a bit further away. One such gem is the cozy inner courtyard of the beautiful MIRY concert hall. From a terrace here you’ll have a unique view of the tower of St. Bavo’s Cathedral rising above the handsome buildings. The historic and tranquil atmosphere makes the courtyard a perfect spot to enjoy food and drinks in peace. Other places worth discovering are the various beguinages. Contrary to its name, the Small Beguinage is not small at all, but a spacious park-like area. Notable here is the church with a large façade and a tiny tower on the opposite side. As expected of a beguinage, the houses around the courtyard are modest – though here many of them are painted red.

Extra suggestion: from the beguinage, walk to Muink Park, a green oasis with an ornamental pond and an old plane tree.

Rent a holiday home in Ghent

Ghent is a city where the atmosphere of the Middle Ages still feels alive. Imposing churches with massive towers, monumental buildings, quays and broad canals create stunning scenes both from the pedestrian’s perspective and from the water. But there are also countless hidden gems, from serene beguinages to the MIRY courtyard. Want to spend a weekend away with a fun city trip? Rent a holiday home in Ghent and enjoy a city full of atmosphere and historic allure!