Ghent, Belgium: A Guide to the City's Rebel Heart and Creative Soul

Ghent, Belgium's vibrant and youthful city, is shedding its understated profile, stepping into the limelight with its rebellious spirit, innovative spaces, and a rich tapestry of history and modernity. Here's your guide to experiencing Ghent, a city that marries its illustrious past with a forward-thinking present.

Discover Ghent's Heartbeat

1. Historic Quays: Start your journey at the Graslei and Korenlei, Ghent's picturesque quays that serve as the gateway to its historical core and buzzing neighborhoods like Patershol and Prinsenhof. Once the city's trading epicenter, these quays now host cafes and boat tours, offering a serene backdrop to Ghent's lively culture.

2. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb: Dive into the Renaissance at St Bavo’s Cathedral with the Van Eyck brothers' altarpiece, a pivotal piece of Flemish art. Its tumultuous history, marked by thefts and near destruction, adds layers to its allure, explored through a captivating VR tour.

3. Street Art Scene: Wander through Graffiti Alley and beyond, guided by the ‘Sorry, Not Sorry’ map, to discover Ghent's dynamic street art. From ROA's iconic rabbits to Kitsune's foxes, the city's walls narrate stories of creativity and rebellion.

4. Dok Noord: Explore this repurposed factory complex in Ghent's north, where Hal 16 offers a gastronomic journey from barbecued delights to Italian specialties, complemented by local brews at Dok Brewing Company.

5. Museum of Industry: Trace Ghent's transformation from a medieval powerhouse to an industrial hub in this engaging museum located in a former cotton mill. It's a testament to the city's resilience and innovation.

Culinary Gems in Ghent

1. Knol & Kool: This vegan cafe near the belfry tempts with dishes like vegetable lasagne and a tantalizing vegan minimarket, showcasing local and sustainable flavors.

2. Lepelblad: Embrace the season’s bounty with locally sourced, changing menus that highlight the best of Ghent’s produce, paired thoughtfully with wines and beers.

3. Oak: Celebrate a decade of culinary excellence at this Michelin-starred venue, where Brazilian chef Marcelo Ballardin presents a global palate, from mackerel with calamansi lime to sea bass in tucupi sauce.

Unique Shopping Experiences

1. Home Linen: Indulge in Belgian linen's unmatched softness with a visit to this Korenlei boutique, offering everything from lace tablecloths to embroidered children's dresses.

2. Antiques and Vintage: Delve into Ghent's treasure troves at Antiek-Depot and Moca, or explore Galerie St-John for curated Belgian art and artifacts, set in a former baroque church.

3. Sweets & Condiments: Sample Ghent’s culinary heritage with cuberdons from Confiserie Temmerman and the famed mustard of Tierenteyn-Verlent, a city delicacy.

Ghent After Dark

1. ‘t Dreupelkot: Savor jenever in this cozy pub, where the vast selection includes house-distilled varieties, offering a true taste of Belgian spirit.

2. The Cobbler: Enjoy signature cocktails with a view in this chic bar within the 1898 The Post hotel, blending historical ambiance with inventive mixology.

3. Jazz Clubs: Immerse in Ghent's jazz scene at Hot Club Gent and Missy Sippy, where live sessions celebrate the city's UNESCO Creative City of Music status.

Living Like a Local

1. Portus Ganda: Seek tranquility at the confluence of Ghent's founding rivers, a marina that embodies the city's serene side, especially during the warmer months.

2. The Bakery: Join locals in queueing for Joost Arijs's renowned pastries, a testament to Ghent's culinary craftsmanship and innovation.

3. Veggie Thursdays: Participate in Ghent's pioneering weekly meat-free tradition at Boon, where vegetarian delights showcase the city's commitment to sustainability.

Where to Stay in Ghent

1. Ganda Rooms and Suites: Experience authentic Ghent hospitality in this 18th-century townhouse, where history meets bespoke comfort.

2. Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof: Marvel at the baronial grandeur and modern luxury of this four-star haven, a stone's throw from Ghent's historic heart.

3. Hotel Verhaegen: Indulge in opulence at this city palace turned guesthouse, where each room is a blend of antique charm and modern finesse.

Ghent invites you to explore its streets, where every corner reveals a story of resilience, creativity, and rebellion. It's a city that's confidently forging its path, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking the soul of Belgium beyond its well-trodden paths.