Following my afternoon of fun in the sun with 15,000 other tourists in Bruges, it was onwards to Ghent/Gent. The third largest city in Belgium.
Since it is conveniently on the way from Bruges to Brussels (20 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively), I figured I’d just stop for a quick peek before heading to Belgium’s capital to end my day. Little did I know I was in for a mission and a half and my “quick peek” would last over 3 hours with 1/3 of the time spent just trying to figure out where the hell I was and if Ghent actually had a city center.
Also, REALLY?
That “no turds” sign isn’t the only thing that was awkward about this situation..
Here was the deal: Gent St. Pieters, the main train station, is about a half an hour walk to the center or a 15 minute tram ride (#1, 10, 11, 12 & 13). I might have known this had I done some research before my arrival like a normal person, but since I was just winging it that day, I ended up wandering far, far into the wrong direction for over an hour. My bad.
Really glad that happened in the end as getting lost down its backstreets gave me a good feel for what the city is all about. A crazy mix of residential, industrial AND storybook that has managed to keep it more real than Bruges and Brussels. At least that’s how I saw it.
Ghent’s got some personality and came off as a place that I could really have a lot of fun in if I came back and spent some more time. It seemed to be the least touristy out of all four Belgian cities I visited which is a mystery to me as I actually found it to be the most beautiful.
Getting down with Ghent was a great choice and deserved much more than just a peek so keep that in mind if you ever make it to Belgium.
P.S. Soulwax aka 2 Many DJs are from Ghent.
8 Comments
Cheryl Howard
September 5, 2013 at 5:53 amI’ve only been to Brussels so far! I’d love to check out Ghent … looks gorgeous based on your photos. And getting lost is well … simply the best … well usually. :)
Larissa
September 5, 2013 at 6:12 amI got bored in Brussels – more on that soon ;) Ghent and Antwerp were my favorites, you should definitely hit them up next time!
Turner
September 10, 2013 at 7:10 amLoved this town. Cool party scene. Too bad it is Belgium and rains all the time. I would love to go back during the school year when it isnt finals time.
Wait a minute – I am old. I cant do that.
Larissa
September 13, 2013 at 12:06 amCool party scene? Just as I suspected. Need to go back.
Wait a minute- I am old now, as of last Thursday. I can’t do that.
Sarah
November 5, 2013 at 9:32 amGhent is THE BEST city in Belgium for sure! Now, I’m not just saying that because it’s my home town, there are so many awesome things to do and they people are laid back and like to party, even when they are “old” ;) Next time you go, stay longer and meet up with a real local to show you the insider tips. You will not regret it, I’m sure of that! Happy to hear you like the city even though you were there only for a few hours!
Larissa
November 7, 2013 at 1:23 pmWill do that! I’d really love to go back for longer, preferably when there is a music festival on.
Jeroen De Smet
June 2, 2014 at 10:10 pmCool report !! As a local, I have to say you did a great job ! You have to come back, Ghent is awesome ! (It doesn’t rain as much as people say :) )
Keep on travelling…
Larissa
June 12, 2014 at 1:49 amThanks so much, I’d really love to! Will keep on travelling for sure :)