🚶 Day 4: Friday, April 25 - Ghent
Breakfast Options
Maison Elza
Address: Nieuwland 11
Artisanal bakery with great coffee - perfect for a morning pastry and espresso before starting your day.
Brood en Boter
Address: Sint-Jacobsnieuwstraat 32
Excellent for fresh baked goods and a full breakfast spread with Belgian specialties.
Café Labath
Address: Oude Houtlei 1
Known for their specialty coffees and delicious pastries in a cozy atmosphere.
Morning Activity
Gravensteen Castle
One of the most impressive medieval castles in Belgium and a must-visit attraction in Ghent.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: €12
- Audio Guide: Included (narrated with humor)
- Duration: Allow 1-2 hours for visit
Historical Context
The imposing "Castle of the Counts" dates back to 1180 and was built by Count Philip of Alsace as a display of power and to intimidate the growing middle class of Ghent. The castle served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders until the 14th century, later becoming a courthouse, prison, and even a factory during the Industrial Revolution.
It was nearly demolished in the 19th century before being restored to its medieval glory. The castle boasts an impressive moat, turrets, and a genuine medieval torture chamber with original instruments. The audio guide is famously entertaining, narrated with a dose of dark humor by a local comedian.
Lunch Options
Afternoon Activities
Historic Center Walking Tour
- Start at Sint-Baafskathedraal (St. Bavo's Cathedral) - Worth entering to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece
- Continue to Belfort en Lakenhalle (Belfry and Cloth Hall)
- Visit Sint-Niklaaskerk (St. Nicholas' Church)
- Walk along the Graslei and Korenlei - historic port with guild houses
- Explore Patershol neighborhood - medieval quarter with small streets and restaurants
- Visit Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market square)
Historical Context
As you explore Ghent's historic center, you'll be walking through centuries of history. The area around Graslei and Korenlei harbors showcases guild houses dating from the 12th to 17th centuries, representing different trades and guilds that controlled the city's commerce.
St. Bavo's Cathedral houses the Van Eyck brothers' masterpiece "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" (also called the Ghent Altarpiece), completed in 1432 and considered one of the most important works in European art history.
The Patershol neighborhood, with its narrow cobblestone streets and medieval houses, was home to the leather industry in the Middle Ages before becoming a working-class district, and now houses boutique restaurants and shops.
Hidden Historical Gem - Saint Bavo Abbey
Not to be confused with Saint Bavo Cathedral in the city center, the ancient Abbey of Saint Bavo (Sint-Baafsabdij) sits on the outskirts of Ghent and represents one of the city's most important historical sites. Founded in the 7th century by Saint Amand and later named after Saint Bavo, a local nobleman who gave up his wealth to become a monk, this Benedictine abbey was once one of the most influential religious institutions in the region.
The abbey was largely destroyed during the religious conflicts of the 16th century, but its atmospheric ruins provide a tangible connection to medieval Ghent. The remaining structures include parts of the abbey church, the refectory, and the chapter house, surrounded by a peaceful park area. The site now houses a museum with archaeological findings and provides insight into monastic life during the Middle Ages.
- Location: Herfsttijdenlaan 20, 9051 Ghent
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entrance Fee: €6 (Free with Ghent City Card)
Hidden Historical Gem - The Great Butchers' Hall
The Great Butchers' Hall (Groot Vleeshuis) represents a fascinating piece of Ghent's commercial history. This medieval covered market dating from the 15th century is an impressive brick building with a wooden truss ceiling where butchers sold their meat for centuries. Today, it houses a market for regional East Flemish products where you can sample local specialties.
Look up to see the ham and sausages still hanging from the ceiling beams to cure - a tradition dating back centuries. The building stands as a testament to the importance of the meat trade in medieval Ghent and provides insight into how food markets operated in the past. The current regional food focus allows visitors to taste authentic local products in a historically significant setting.
- Location: Groentenmarkt 7
- Hours: Monday-Thursday and Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Entrance: Free (pay for any food or drinks you consume)
Alternative: Boat Tour
If you prefer to see Ghent from the water instead of walking, consider taking a canal tour:
- Several companies offer canal tours of Ghent
- Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
- Cost: Around €8-10
- Departures: from Graslei or Korenlei
Boat tours provide a unique perspective of Ghent and allow you to see many historic buildings from the water while resting your feet.
Coffee and Pastry Break
Maison Hancké
Address: Gentpoortstraat 9
Historic patisserie with beautiful desserts and pastries in an elegant setting.
Alice
Address: Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 124
Charming café with gorgeous pastries and quality coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
Barista
Address: Hippoliet Lippensplein 25
Specialty coffee shop with expert baristas and a selection of sweet treats.
Mokabon
Address: Donkersteeg 35
Ghent's oldest coffee house, close to the historic center with traditional charm.
Shopping for Local Specialties
Tierenteyn-Verlent
Address: Groentenmarkt 3
Famous for mustard, in business since 1790. Their mustard is freshly made and served from a wooden barrel - a unique Ghent specialty.
Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke
Address: Jakobijnenstraat 1
Artisanal Belgian chocolates handmade by master chocolatiers. A perfect place to buy high-quality souvenirs.
Himschoot
Address: Groentenmarkt 1
One of the oldest bakeries in Ghent, offering traditional Belgian baked goods and breads.
Huis Lousbergmarkt
Address: Zandberg 8
Local products and delicacies from around East Flanders, perfect for food gifts or treats.
Dinner Options
Evening Activity
Ghent Light Plan Walking Tour
Ghent has a special urban lighting plan that beautifully illuminates its medieval buildings. Take a self-guided evening walk:
- Start at Sint-Baafsplein
- Walk to Korenmarkt
- Continue along Graslei and Korenlei
- Cross to Gravensteen Castle
- End at Sint-Michielsbrug for panoramic views
Ghent's illumination plan has won international awards and transforms the city into a magical setting at night. Don't forget your camera!