Maybe it's a bit weird to put a train station on my list of favorite places. Well, I don't have a driver's license so sometimes the train is necessary. Luckily I can take that train from a very beautiful train station. Forget Central Station in New York City, Sint-Pietersstation is the place to be. Instead of running to catch my train I take the time to look around me.
In the main entrance hall, lay down on the floor or when it's too crowded just look above you at the nice murals representing the biggest cities connected by train in 1913. The station was built in that year as a sort of gateway for the world's fair in Ghent, today the neighbourhood is a gateway to the city and is going through a huge makeover. In 2024 this is gonna be a connection for public transport in Ghent. The modern architecture is in my opinion not entirely successful with little respect for the neighbourhood and the old train station. But come take a look and judge for yourself.
But I'm not always into history and art, sometimes I do like watching the people passing by. Complete strangers or friends with a morning mood, they all make my day.
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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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"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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"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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"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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"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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112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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