While most head for Brussels or Bruges, the small but perfectly formed city of Ghent in Belgium is arguably Europe’s best kept secret. The Flemish city was once the most powerful in Europe but today it’s a laid back place with a faint bohemian air. It’s also story book pretty with a collection of canal-side medieval architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants, quirky boutique stores and a rich calendar of cultural events. To really get the feel of the place, skip the touristy canal boat trips and visit these travel snob worthy spots instead…
Julie’s House
If you need to satisfy a sweet craving in the heart of Ghent’s Old Town, then head for Julie’s House. Tucked away along one of the most beautiful streets in Ghent, this is the place to sample one of the things Belgians do best – making cakes, pies and sweets. Opt for a colourful cupcake or a heavenly brownie in deliciously old-fashioned surroundings, complete with cosy retro decor and a window display of fun teapots, cups, saucers and other porcelain. Although be warned, this place can get very busy at weekends (so be prepared to queue) and if you’re counting calories you may just have to give it a miss!
The Great Butcher’s Hall
The city has no big supermarkets – the good folk of Ghent love to eat the finer things and artisan food shops are dotted throughout the city. For starters try the Great Butcher’s Hall, which is definitely not as macabre as it sounds. This place dates back to 15th century when people bought their meat from indoor market halls. Today it houses the centre for the promotion of local East Flemish products so it’s the ideal base to discover the East Flanders’ cuisine – from tasty appetizers to hearty desserts. It also happens to be one of the most unique buildings in the city with a beautiful medieval structure complete with a large step gable facade and open wooden truss roof.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Art and Design is a big focus for the city and they are particularly proud of their Museum of Contemporary Art (otherwise known as SMAK). The light and airy museum houses a highly regarded permanent collection of local works from both local budding artists and international celebrities such as Christo, Warhol and Hockney. It’s also renowned for its provocative exhibitions. It’s a spacious, idiosyncratic place and the ideal spot to while away a few contemplative hours.
Tierenteyn
Ghent is fast becoming a hot destination for serious foodie types. The city has an exciting culinary scene with dynamic and innovative chefs championing locally produced ingredients. One of the stars of this emerging scene is Tierenteyn – a delicatessen which has a feel of an old fashioned pharmacy. The gorgeously retro shop has shelves stacked with stone jars of spices and herbs, but the product that everyone raves about is their traditional mustard prepared to a secret recipe which dates back to 1790. Just pick your favourite container and they will fill it from a wooden barrel standing beside the counter.
Craenkindershuys
Ghent has one of Europe’s largest pedestrianised shopping areas and a fine array of quirky shops, ranging from vintage boutiques to stores selling lace. Those with a sweet tooth (or children) might want to try Temmerman – a quaint 19th century sweet shop that sells Flemish specialties such as nose-shaped chewy candies and dark purple neus. For souvenirs with a difference head to Craenkindershuys, a gift shop housed in a historical building which sells unique gifts including gadgets, glassware, ceramics and locally produced beers.
Belga Queen
Housed in 13th century former grain storehouse, this swish restaurant/brasserie is an enticing mix of the modern and the medieval. Owned by Portuguese restaurateur Antoine Pinto, it’s perfectly positioned by the river in the centre of the historical part of the city. Unwind over a Belgian beer in their attic bar surrounded by leather armchairs, a robust vaulted ceiling and a futuristic backlit bar or relax with a Cuban cigar on their gorgeous riverside terrace. Although the prices aren’t cheap, you’re guaranteed of high quality Belgian produced products – even the wine comes from Belgian winegrowers abroad.
25 Comments
Binny Sharma
1 October, 2014 at 6:40 amBrussels a capital of Belgium is one of the most powerful city in Europe.it’s Great Butcher’s Hall is famous for starters. It basically functioned as a meat market. Museum of contemporary art,themes are invariably original the approach intrigues the insights enrich.
And the food point i.e. Tierenteyn verlent has royal culinary scene with innovative chefs and their garnishing methods.Such a memorable trip to Belgium.
Emma
18 September, 2014 at 8:45 pmThat cake shop looks so cute, I think it might be worth going to Ghent just for that!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2014 at 10:14 pmJulie’s House is gorgeous and a real find 🙂
Scott
18 September, 2014 at 8:24 pmLove Ghent, very underrated city!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2014 at 10:13 pmVery true!
Sarah
3 September, 2014 at 6:50 pmThanks for a great selection of cool places in my hometown! I definitely agree it’s Europe’s best kept secret! I love your travel snob series!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2014 at 10:13 pmThanks Sarah 🙂
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam
2 September, 2014 at 10:30 pmThanks for a great post, Becky! Belgium has such a charming personality! I’d love to go back soon and visit Julie’s house.
Becky Moore
18 September, 2014 at 10:13 pmThanks Miriam, Ghent definitely has plenty of character!
Catherine
1 September, 2014 at 9:46 pmSo many great sounding places – I want to visit them all! The art gallery and the delicatessen with the mustard sound the most enticing though – very intrigued as to how good the mustard can be!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2014 at 10:12 pmThe mustard was very tasty 🙂
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans
1 September, 2014 at 8:04 pmDefinitely adding Ghent to my itinerary the next time I’m in Belgium. I love the fact that it has lots of artisan food shops – that’s right up my alley!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2014 at 10:11 pmYou definitely should Dana, the independent food stores are incredible in Ghent!
Anja, the Curly Traveller
1 September, 2014 at 11:18 amGreat post you wrote about Gent, my favorite city in Belgium, together with Antwerp. I have always preferred those over Bruges and Brussels. (Okay cities too, by the way).
Last time I visited Gent must have been more then 10 years ago.
Love reading your post. The Great Butcher’s House looks super cool!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2014 at 10:09 pmThanks Anja, it’s our favourite city in Belgium too 🙂
Shikha (whywasteannualleave)
1 September, 2014 at 8:54 amNever realiseit was such a foodie destination – Julies house sounds right up my street, being afflicted by a bit of a sweet tooth!
Becky Moore
18 September, 2014 at 10:09 pmIf you have a sweet tooth, you’d love Julie’s House!
Dale
30 August, 2014 at 8:32 amGutted to not have ticked off the Contemporary Art Museum from the Travel Snob list when were were there last month.
Were the exhibitions really that provocative?
Becky Moore
18 September, 2014 at 10:07 pmThey weren’t that provocative when we were there but it depends who’s exhibiting 🙂
Sarah
29 August, 2014 at 5:53 pmWow, sounds like a foodies delight. Do you have a favorite dish or meal to recommend?
Becky Moore
29 August, 2014 at 6:34 pmI would recommend the chocolate brownies in Julie’s House they are divine 🙂
Tiana in Florence
29 August, 2014 at 3:48 pmThis looks so fun! I was contemplating visiting Bruges last year, but it’s nice to know I can check out Ghent…I’ve never heard of it until now!
Becky Moore
29 August, 2014 at 6:35 pmYou should definitely put it on your list Tiana, I’m sure you would love it 🙂
Izzy
29 August, 2014 at 2:20 pmThis sounds ideal for a weekend trip, will have to check out Julie’s house .
Becky Moore
29 August, 2014 at 6:36 pmIt’s a perfect place for a short weekend break 🙂