While the likes of Rome, Paris, and Barcelona are on many people’s European city break bucket lists, this breathtaking and ‘underrated’ spot has blown visitors away
Holidaying abroad offers the perfect escape from the daily grind, allowing you to immerse yourself in new cuisines, architecture, activities and cultures. Top European cities like London, Paris, Rome and Barcelona are often on people’s travel wish lists. However, these popular destinations can be quite crowded.
Thankfully, there’s a solution – opt for lesser-known locations. One such city that has left visitors utterly spellbound is a stunning spot in Belgium. The lively city of Ghent is well worth considering for a spontaneous trip or short getaway. It’s impossible not to be impressed.
The city boasts remarkable architecture, including St Bravo’s Cathedral, Gravensteen Castle, and numerous churches. You can appreciate these architectural marvels while ambling along the tranquil canal, before pausing at one of the many local eateries. The city boasts an array of talented chefs who celebrate regional dishes and locally sourced ingredients.
Regional delicacies to sample include chips with mayonnaise and stew gravy, creamy fish soup, and beef or pork stew. And don’t forget to try gestreken mastellen – sweet cinnamon pastries – alongside a cuppa.
Located in the East Flanders region of northern Belgium, Ghent is known for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and lack of tourist crowds. Despite its rich history, the city is a hit with students and offers a vibrant nightlife.
Following her visit, one woman shared her experience online – and is urging others to add it to their travel bucket lists. Travel blogger Caro describes it as Belgium’s “most underrated city in Belgium”.
Explaining why you should visit in a TikTok video, the enthusiastic traveller said: “A visit to Ghent means you get to see some of the most iconic Flemish Masters. The most famous painting is the 15th-century Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Flemish Masters Jan and Hubert Van Eyck. Other highlights include Christ on a Cross by Antoon van Dyck (in Saint Michael’s Church) and Triptych of Christ on the Cross by the hand of Michiel Coxie (Saint James’ Church).”
She continued: “Aside from the classics, Ghent is also brimming with modern art galleries and little theatres.”
Caro observed that few cities boast a perfectly preserved medieval fortress right in their heart.
What’s more, she was struck by Ghent’s commitment to environmentally conscious living. She enthused: “Sustainability is their middle name. Ghent spearheaded the plant-based movement in Flanders and is still considered the veggie capital of Europe.
“Aside from that it was one of the first cities to implement a low-emission zone for cars, has the largest offering of low-impact accommodations and a tons of little local artisanal shops.”
She was also thrilled with how simple it was to navigate the city by bike – without the congestion you’d see by the canals of Venice or Amsterdam.
Caro stated: “It’s a breeze to cycle around as the city centre has really good cycling infrastructure. We ended up renting a bike and cycled the 58km Lys region route around the city.
“This route is one of the circular bike routes aptly named Flanders’ Finest Cycle Routes. These easy to follow paths take you through the prettiest natural, cultural and culinary heritage of the region!”
Getting there
Ghent doesn’t have its own airport, so you’ll need to fly into Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem.
Direct flights to Brussels are available from Brussels Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Ryanair, United, Air Canada and Malaysia Airlines. The average flight duration from the UK is approximately an hour and 23 minutes.
Brussels Airport is about 42 miles away from the centre of Ghent. The drive from the airport to the city typically takes around 52 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from the airport to Ghent, which usually takes about an hour.
