De Planck has long been a favourite with the locals, and I think I took it to heart as soon as I moved to Ghent. Long story short - it’s a bar on a boat. In the winter everyone goes below deck where it's super warm and cozy and you can leave behind the grey winter skies. Groups of friends huddle around candlelit wooden tables, and vintage beer signs and other knick-knacks give it its Flemish bruincafe style.
In the summer I really like sitting under the bright yellow umbrellas on the top deck. It’s moored on a bit of the River Schelde that’s surrounded by trees, which makes you feel like you’re no longer in the city. And from the deck you can look out over the water and watch everything from teeny ducklings to shiny motorboats glide by.
I love that in Ghent you can enter what looks like a small bar and then be presented with an encyclopedic beer menu, and here it’s no different - they always have over 200 beers available at any one time. I also like the fact they serve small snacks like croques and sharing platters, which means you don’t even need to leave if you’re feeling peckish. The main cinema in Ghent, Kinepolis, is right opposite so I always leave extra time before or after a film to call in for a drink and a snack.
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Ghent
Yoghito – Dairy bar
"Yoghito" in Ghent is my choice for having a great breakfast on my way to work. I love having the granola yogurt special on the beach...
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Mus in een plas – Very cute giftshop
"Mus in een plas" is on one of the coziest streets of Ghent. It's the ideal place if you're looking for a present - they've got a really original selection
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STAM – Ghent city museum
"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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De Krook – The brand new public library
"De Krook" is Ghent's new public library, located next to the river. It has a nice bar and its great views over the three towers will leave you speechless.
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Patershol – Dive into the medieval streets
"Patershol" is the medieval heart of Ghent. This cosy, picturesque neighborhood has some of my favorite dining places - and what a historical atmosphere!
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Vandekerckhove – A family of coffee roasters
"Vandekerckhove" (1854) is one of Ghent's best cafes and coffee shops. Try listening to it: chances are you'll hear the roaster playing on his guitar...
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Ghent by Light – Magical city lights
"Ghent by Light" at night is just amazing. It always makes me feels like I'm inside a fairytale. Get a map of the whole walk and enjoy the two-hour path!
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Dieter
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St Peter's Abbey – The Ghent vineyards
"St Peter's Abbey" in Ghent is one of the city's two beer-producing abbeys. I find it the perfect place to chill out and try many kinds of Belgian beer.
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Libanese Snack – Great value dips and grills
"Libanese Snack" in Ghent doesn't look like much, but their dips are bigger than expected (oh the aubergine one!) and the mains are huge too. Also cheap!
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Hug a Tree – Rare plane tree
There's this huge plane tree in Ghent. It's very characteristic and has a strong presence and I love its mature, solitary look. Go hug it or kiss it...
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Antiek-Depot – A vintage secret
"Antiek-Depot" in Ghent is an antique store with a big garage full of design and vintage furniture. I bought 3 old cinema chairs there...
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Walk to the city center – Architecture & waterside
When you arrive to Ghent by train, you can take the tram to reach the city centre, or you can follow this walk I do every day and which has everything...
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