I really like small, local bakeries, where they still make everything themselves. Every bakery has its owns specialties and variety. Of course you find in Ghent the national chains like Panos or the local chains like Aernoudt or Panda, but I mostly try to support the self-employed baker. Luckily you can still find a lot of them in Ghent. My favourite one in the city center is Oud Huis Himschoot (Old House Himschoot). And it might be very small, they have loads of delicious breads and pastries.
As everything looks so tasty and you probably don't have the time to try it all, pick the local specialty 'mastel'. It's a small bread, which almost looks like a donut, but it's made of a similar dough as brioche, with cinnamon added. If you wanna eat it like the locals, just go and buy a mastel, cut it in half, put butter and brown sugar in between and close it again. Place the bread between aluminum foil, go over it with a hot iron and make it flat. Mmmmm!
If the weather is nice, why not go and buy your breakfast or lunch here? There is a superb picnic area at Graslei - Korenlei, also called Ghent Beach.
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"STAM" is Ghent's city museum. It's located in the old abbey. I must say, if you haven't been to this museum, you haven't been in Ghent!
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"Eetkaffee Multatuli" in Ghent is a true hidden gem of a spot. Please, keep quiet about this restaurant as I don't want it to become more popular!
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"Noodlebar Ramen" is a fresh, cozy and no-nonsense noodle restaurant in Ghent. The owner has published several books on street food. I come here for lunch.
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"MSK" in Ghent, or Museum voor Schone Kunsten (fine arts) doesn't look so big from the outside. For me, a walk there is the perfect Sunday afternoon...
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"Citadelpark" in Ghent, only 800m from Sint-Pieters station, is the oldest and biggest park in the city - the perfect place for picnics and outdoor games.
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"Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke" in Ghent is a shop run by my family that specialises in Belgian pralines, or chocolate! Do try our Brasil mix...
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"Le Bal Infernal" in Ghent is a used book cafe where you go inside, admire the beautiful interior and switch the books with one you have already!
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"Damberd" is the best example of that they call a 'Belgisch bruin café' in Ghent and one of its oldest bards. Very popular with the jazz crowd!
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"Yoga-on-call" is a contemporary yoga studio in the heart of Ghent. All the teachers are enthusiastic and helpful and speak English. I'm always energized.
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"Simon Says" in Ghent is more than a coffee bar. They offer breakfast, lunch and great cakes. I don't like coffee but it's said that theirs is the best.
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"Rococo" in Ghent's very cozy old neighborhood Patershol is also a cozy and romantic bar. It's known among locals as 'Betty'. Have some 'liquer d'amour'...
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