Ghent is mainly known as the little sister of Brussels. But this city has much more to offer than one would expect. Our hosts Jan Rosseel and Marc Vergauwe have transformed a historic city palace into a luxurious bed & breakfast. Centrally located yet a place of tranquillity, "The Verhaegen" is an ideal starting point to discover Ghent.

Morning. “Start early, then the city is still yours”, Marc and Jan call out to us. We take this to heart and set off in the direction of the old town, crossing the river Leie, whose banks are lined with patrician houses. Via Donkersteeg and Korenmarkt we arrive at Groenten Markt. Time for a Belgian waffle at the “Galgenhius”. Ghent is perfect for a short trip. The city is manageable and has a lot to offer in terms of architecture and cuisine.

Lunchtime. Short detour to the “graffiti alley”. Street artists can let off steam legally there. However, the graffiti is not meant to last forever, as it is constantly being painted over again. After lunch at “Roots”, a trendy restaurant, a boat trip on the Leie is on the agenda. You can take one of the many excursion boats or rent a kayak, which is much more fun (allow 3 hours).

Evening. We start the evening in Patershol, the medieval quarter in the shadow of Gravensteen Castle. In the picturesque streets you will find excellent restaurants, but also simple pubs, bars and cafés. After dinner, we dive into the nightlife, of which Ghent has a lot to offer. Whether beer bar, live music or trendy pub – there is something for every taste. Especially on the Oude Beestenmarkt, one hip club follows the next.

Morning. We want to take a look at Ghent from above and climb the 95-metre-high Belfry. Belfriede are high watchtowers, typical for Flanders. It is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Individual shops and unusual boutiques invite you to shop in Serpenstraat, one of the most beautiful streets in Ghent. And then there are the numerous chocolatiers, a feast for those with a sweet tooth. One of the best in Ghent is Van Hoorebeke.

Lunchtime. Old masters and new talents can be discovered in the numerous art museums and galleries. For art lovers, a visit to St Bavo’s Cathedral is a must. The Ghent Altarpiece with the painting “The Adoration of the Lamb” by the van Eyck brothers is on display there. Another must-see is the Huis van Alijn. In this special museum with its magnificent inner courtyard, the history of the city and the everyday life of the citizens of Ghent come to life.

Evening. After dark, the sights are illuminated in a fascinating way and the city is bathed in a magical atmosphere thanks to its unique lighting concept. We take the “Light Walk“, a two-hour walk through the city centre and are overwhelmed. Tip: A CityCard for 48 hours gives access to all top attractions, museums, a boat trip, use of buses and trains and more.