Visiting a city for me is more than just seeing the city center. I love to absorb some culture and visit a local museum. So, if your brain works the same as mine read on!
Near the biggest park in the city center (I like to think of it as the Central Park of Ghent), there is the MSK Museum. Don’t be fooled! It doesn't look that big from the outside, but it’s actually quite big so you’ll definitely have some hours to kill.
Cool fact: When visiting the city center you've probably heard about the painting by Van Eyck; ‘Lam Gods’ (The Ghent Altarpiece). The painting was restored in this museum! The museum always has a nice temporary exhibition, look on their website to find out what you can see!
After the museum visit you can take a little walk in the park and sound very smart by discussing the artworks you just saw! Sounds like the perfect Sunday afternoon, right?
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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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"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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"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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"Portus Ganda" is one of the four marinas of Ghent. Its history goes back to the very basis of the city and is my favourite spot - I feel connected here...
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