These are the best hotspots for a weekend away in Ghent
Wow! On to Ghent! Because yes, this Flemish city is really the nicest destination for a short city trip in Belgium. The city is compact (which is nice, because then we can do more and have less FOMO), walkable, vibrant (thank you), beautiful and wherever you look, you will find a tasteful address.
We wrote about it earlier the nicest hotels from Ghent, we gave tips for coffee, lunch and breakfast and we made one large catering list where to dine in Ghent. A Burgundian city, no word of that is a lie. And besides all that food, there is also a lot to see. What should you really not skip? Don't worry, here is a selection of the best hotspots where to sleep, eat and what to do in Ghent. Tried and tested, at your service.
Ghent is divided into six districts: East District, SoGo, Linkeroever, St. Jacobs, Coté Culture and Dok Noord. Each with its own characteristics. For example, you can drink a good cup of coffee in East District, where you can enjoy classic and trendiest You'll find everything mixed up. In the SoGo district (a nod to SoHo in New York), you'll find all sorts of luxury shops and specialty stores. The left bank, along the Leie River, is the more artistic part of Ghent. Then there's Sint Jacobs, a popular student neighborhood where you can also shop for some fantastic vintage items. And Côté Culture? The name says it all: a mix of traditional pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and top-notch restaurants. Last but not least: Dock North. In this industrial neighborhood you walk past the docks and Zeppos Park. Here you will find Hal16, once a transformer hall and now a cozy dining hall, with the brew café of the Dok Brewing Company. So lots of beer the good way.
This completely ecological hotel is located in the luxurious SoGo district, in the heart of Ghent. Everything is right. The atmosphere? New York meets Manhattan cosmopolitan. Be sure to have a drink at the Rooftop Bar, which is also open to non-hotel guests (but the best part is that you can roll into your nest afterwards). And the interior... Ugh, we'd move in right away. Not just for the interior, by the way. Also for their signature perfume, which you can smell throughout the hotel. And then there's a surprise in the bathroom, but we won't reveal that. Hint: it makes you wanna dance. Not only in the toilet, but also in the shower, you can take some swipes through the vinyl speakers in the room. Well, everything has been thought of. You can also have a delicious dinner here and then sit down at the cocktail bar (with DJ), which is located under a glass greenhouse.
Ps at the entrance a mini opens at night night market where you can get a bag of chips or a bottle of wine for your midnight cravings.
Van der Valk Ghent has a cosmopolitan feel: luxurious, modern, and uncluttered, yet certainly not impersonal. The rooms are designed for tranquility, with spacious beds, large windows, warm colors, a lovely bathroom (with a rain shower, naturally), and plenty of space to relax.
For breakfast you can go to the restaurant CocotteFor lunch, dinner and drinks you can join us at the Italian restaurant Limoncello and for Japanese-inspired bites and cocktails you can go to Skybar Mr.Sato.
To recharge your batteries you will find a fitness room and the hotel Weleda City Spa where you can enjoy extensive wellness facilities such as a sauna, various massages and facial treatments.
The hotel is located just outside the city center, but it's a fifteen-minute pedal ride away. Bicycles (electric and standard) are available for rent at the hotel.
- Way specialty coffee -hHonest specialty coffee, with a large shop where you can find everything you need for the perfect espresso or latte art at home. Pair it with a croissant from Kultur Bakery just down the road.
- Full circle coffee – a favorite for over seven years. Lovely outside in the summer sun. Oh, and the people behind the bar? The sweetest.
- Take Five Espresso Bar – a lovely spot and you can't miss it when you're walking through the center of Ghent. The coffee beans of Take Five Espresso Bar come from De Witte Zwaan: a Ghent coffee bean. Like! Buy them!
In Ghent it is always pleasant. Of course your company is the most important thing, but if the atmosphere in the area is good, that is a bonus. A nice accommodation also helps a lot. At Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof In Ghent it is always good. Nice place, nice location and nice beds. The hotel is located just outside the center in an old mansion. One with many baroque style elements, lots of light and a spiral staircase. In addition to sleeping wonderfully, you can also eat deliciously here at restaurant LOF and bistro Olivier Le Petit Bistro. Did we already mention the wellness bath? Here we go. Indeed, you want that.
Sunday is for brunch. You do this of course Alix – Table & Jardin d'Amis. Until November you can eat here idyllically outside under the party tent heaters. Upon arrival you will receive a crate, which you can fill in the conservatory with all kinds of savory and sweet snacks. And you want a second (or third) bragging rights. In the meantime, order your favorite cocktail or wine at the bar and rolling home guaranteed. From October you can sit down nice and warm inside for all these goodies. Definitely have dinner here too.
- The Bakery - a concept in Ghent for treats, for coffee and for good bread.
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Tomorrow – A bit of a remote area, but definitely (!) worth a visit. On weekends, the entire (diverse) neighborhood comes out to buy bread at Morgen, from sourdough to filled croissants to delicious cookies. And don't miss the coffee!
- Cafe recup – small menu, but with the right things. You order your goods via a QR code (we think that's a shame), but it's definitely worth it for a sandwich. Which sandwich? The one with pastrami ofcourse.
- Oh boy Ghent – small mobile business (yes, it changes and comes to the nicest pop-ups, we like!) who responds to trends and understands how things work. Coffee? Delicious. Something sweet with it? Oh boy, they have that too.
- Luv L'oeuf – We still think about the sandwich we had here every week. The name says it all: there's egg in everything. We love it. The service is also really friendly, which makes the place even more enjoyable.
- Ludo Cafe – lovely cozy little cafe for a healthy lunch, tasty sandwich or small pastry with coffee or, for example, delicious homemade ice tea. Nice and central, so a perfect stop during a day of shopping.
Tip from Flip – take one city card and you get access to all the cultural things Ghent has to offer. You can also transport yourself through Ghent with public transport, a bicycle or water tram. Handuuug! Or go on foot, even more fun when the weather is nice. You walk through the cozy streets, where you see a lot along the way street art and large squares.
To keep an overview, you definitely want to see Ghent from above. Walk all the way to the top of the Belfry Tower and you'll have a beautiful view. 360 view all over Ghent. Here you are also looking at the only remaining Medieval Castle in Flanders, Burcht Gravenstijn. In addition, a visit to the SMAK museum for contemporary arts is one black. It's also nice to walk to the idyllic Portus Ganda marina and rent a boat here. Okay, museums and boating check. Hmm, so what? Oh yes, vineyards. There are too, at St. Peter's Abbey Chateau. Grab a picnic basket and choose a nice spot. Mental!
On Sundays, Ghent is bursting with markets. Think of flower markets, flea markets, book markets, fish and meat markets. Yes, plenty of markets. Big tip: go during the weekend the Blue Kiosk on the Kouter. This cozy (and at the same time chic) aperitif bar serves oysters and champagne all day long. yes please! There is also a fresh market on this same square CRUYou can really try everything here, and even if you don't buy anything, it's still a fun place to browse. All the delicious food is perfectly displayed, so if you're looking for something to eat, this is the supermarket for you.
- Downright – a clothing store for that little bit extra.
- Lines – a beautiful lingerie store. Although you will have to save up before you go here. But then you have a set that you will certainly steal the show with.
- Think Twice – a vintage store where you will definitely succeed.
- Paard van Troye – an authentic bookstore where you can also get a good cup of coffee. This store is next to Café Theatre, perfect pit stop.
- Books & Booze – this concept is crazy. Actually, the name says it all: each book is accompanied by a type of drink that suits the book. This can be for all kinds of reasons. Remember the title of the book matches with the name of the bottle. Whether the color and shape of the bottle matches the cover of the book. So create bea.
It is number one haute cuisine BBQ restaurant ROCK & CRASH in Dock16. An old factory building, which gives it that robust and industrial atmosphere. Start at the bar, which is surrounded by brewing kettles and has no fewer than 30 beers on tap. Then the food. This will be 'slow en low' prepared in a Texan way smoked barbecue and an Argentinian grill. Wherever you really want a table is restaurant Faim Fatale. Also called 'deadly hunger'. Well, we can tell that you don't have this anymore after eating. But not in an annoying 'I've-eaten-too-much' way. Here you can eat four or five courses with matching wines. No stress of choice, sometimes tasty. The homely atmosphere and the friendly service complete the picture. Go, go go! Dand some more favorites if you're going for longer than a weekend: Eat love Pizza, Rhizome, Gigis, Commotion en Roots.
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Raven - Fine dining But hip and vibrant. It's in the suburbs, so reservations are recommended.
- Elsewhere – Reservations are a must here, right when the schedule opens. Another great, but well-known spot is Elders. Oh, and what's even better: you can call on Saturday mornings because they always reserve a table for the lucky person. The most delicious food ever here.
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Cammalleri Pastificio – a delightful Italian delicatessen where you can stock up or linger. From delicious wines to take home to fresh focaccias and, of course, everything you need to whip up a delicious Italian meal at home.
- The sweet – a well-known concept in the city among all the locals, and therefore it should definitely not be missing from the list of 'I want to join you here'.
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Chubby cheeks – a wonderful à la carte, shared dining restaurant. Nothing fancy, but absolutely delicious. You're also welcome for a drink or a nightcap.
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Astro Boy– If you're in the mood for Japanese food, cocktails, and/or natural wine, you're in the right place. In summer, there's a lovely large outdoor terrace.
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Bar Mike – hipper than hip in gent: shared dining, stainless steel tables and wooden chairs.
- Albertini – We don't need to say anything about this. Just join us. So, make a reservation.
- Way – you come here for coffee and a good glass of natural wine. You can find Way in the Center and in Dok Noord, so you can have a drink here ROCK & CRASH going to eat.
- Noble rot - a no nonsense wine bar and shop for craft beer and natural wine. This bar is next to Gigi, so it's a good place to have a drink before you eat here.
- Nonam - An 'hideaway' in the heart of Ghent with a more exclusive range of snacks.
- Win – oysters and bubbles, need we say more?
- Ona – a chic, candlelit, organic wine bar – you can also go here tastings do.
- Dolphin – a really cool, trendy bar (with perhaps the cutest ornament on the facade outside). Snacks and delicious (natural) wines and beers, but nothing more. A wonderful place for a nightcap.
- Yala – so definitely don't skip this one. Start with a drink at the NYfeels rooftop and finish downstairs at the cocktail bar that is open until the early hours.
- Jiggers - this speakeasys, Great Gatsby style, bar has a lot liquid love to give. They only put on walk-ins. Owner Olivier regularly changes the menu based on the season and where he stands. So let yourself be surprised.
- Cobbler - nice after work place with a kind of luxurious Harry Potter atmosphere and part of Hotel 1898 the Post.
- Mexcalli – you heard it already, Mexican at its best. And believe us that you really drink a good Paloma here.
Would you rather like a brown café? Then go to cafe 't Kanon of Hot clubA live jazz band plays here on weekday evenings. Then go dancing charlatan, Funke of Compass. Also fun to walk through Het Glazen Straatje. Also called the ramparts of Ghent.
- Patershol celebrations – street parties in the Patershol district, the culinary heart of Ghent (on a different date every year).
- Ghent parties – perhaps the best known, with multiple performances and (inter)national artists (ten days every year in July).
- Film Fest Ghent – the largest film festival in Ghent (ten days in October).
- Ghent light festival – three times a year the lights of more than 36 works of art throughout the city are turned on from 19:00 PM to midnight. A truly true fairy tale.
- Ode Gand – a music festival along the water, which you can even watch from your own boat (on a different date every year).
- Ghent winter festivities – think of cozy chalets, a roller skating rink, a Ferris wheel and of course warming up with mulled wine and various snacks from the winter stands (5 weeks in December).
All in all, just go. Everything is easy to walk to, only the Docks are a bit further away. In fact, every street is very pleasant and with these tips you will at least have some pearls up your sleeve. Whether you go with your boyfriend/girlfriend, grandmother or your second cousin, Ghent does not disappoint and we would love to come back soon.
