New! Magazine – 19 August 2019

THE LOWDOWN: Ghent has a pretty historical

centre and a laid-back ambiance. By day, you

can admire the medieval architecture, visit

some of the renowned chocolate shops and

grab some famous frites. At night, there are

plenty of lively bars where you can sample

different Belgian beers.

DON’T MISS: A walking tour is a great way to

get a feel for the city. Our friendly guide gave

us a potted history of impressive landmarks

such as the cathedral and castle – as well

as the rivalry between producers of the

cuberdon, a Belgian candy that several

vendors claim to have the original recipe

for. We also enjoyed a relaxing boat cruise

along Ghent’s central waterways and took

the lift to the top of the Belfry for a bird’s eye

view of the city.

BITES AND BEVVIES: Our favourite lunch spot

was Lepelblad, where the food was healthy

and light without compromising on flavour. In

the evening, check out the popular Pakhuis

brasserie, a former warehouse that’s been

transformed into a bustling restaurant, or

head over to the Patershol neighbourhood,

where you’ll find every cuisine, from Flemish

to Japanese. And after your

meal you can pop into Jigger’s,

a cosy cocktail bar with outdoor

seating, which is ideal in warmer

weather. For a rowdier night

out, head to Ray or Missy Sippy,

where you’ll find a buzzing

atmosphere and a hip young

crowd. Or if you’re a fan of fizz,

there’s a champagne

bar on the same street.

WHERE TO STAY: The four-star

NH Gent Belfort is perfectly

located just a short walk

from all the main sights. Its

impressive breakfast buffet will set you up

for a day of sightseeing and the comfy beds

will ensure a good night’s rest. Book your

room at nh-hotels.com, from £125 per night.

GETTING THERE: See eurostar.com for trains

from London to Brussels, from £78 return

with free onward travel to Ghent. For more

information on Ghent, see visit.gent.be/en

or visitflanders.com.

WORDS: Becky Ward

TRUE

GHENT

Enjoy a romantic break in Belgium’s third largest city

TRAVEL

Treat yourself

to traditional

cuberdon candy

Visit St Bavo’s

Cathedral

Check out the

imposing castle