Ghent

Ghent (Dutch: Gent, French: Gand) is a city in East Flanders in Belgium. Ghent is a city with a population of a quarter of a million, with rich history. At the same time, Ghent has a relatively high share of young people, and a significant seasonal student population.

Gentatnight - Ghent at night

Ghent Halal Travel Guide

During the Middle Ages, Ghent was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe. It was once considered the second largest city north of the Alps, after Paris. The impact of this rich past can be clearly seen when viewing the imposing architecture of churches and the houses of rich traders. The whole of the downtown is restored in this fashion, and still breathes the atmosphere of a thriving late-medieval city state. As the city council made the center free of cars, it is now a very welcoming and open area, which does not fail to impress even the people who live there.

Unlike Leuven, another university town in Flanders, youth is not the only category of people living there. There is an interesting mixture of foreigners who came to live there, or artists, among the native people of Ghent. This mixture makes the people more tolerant and open-minded. This atmosphere seeps into every aspect of city life than the smaller provincial cities or the bigger city of Antwerp.

Travel to Ghent

Station Gent Sint-Pieters 2010PM 0025 21H6998 - Gent Sint-Pieters

Travel by train to Ghent

Ghent is only a 30-minutes train ride away from Brussels and is on the line from Brussels to Bruges and the coast. If you're planning to visit Bruges and Brussels, definitely stop over in Ghent as well. There are also direct trains to Brussels Airport (IATA Flight Code: BRU), Antwerp, and Lille.

There are two train stations in Ghent, Gent-Dampoort GPS 51.0560 ,3.7407 and Gent-Sint-Pieters GPS 51.0355 ,3.7107. Gent-Sint-Pieters is the main station, to go to the center, take tram 1 (until* Korenmarkt GPS 51.05454 ,3.72198). Journey time is ten minutes. Gent-Dampoort is located closer to the center (about 15 minutes walk), but only trains coming from/in the direction of Antwerp stop there.

If you're visiting from Bruges, Brussels or Antwerp during the weekend, it's much cheaper to get a return ticket (special rate: weekend return).

By car

The dense highway network in Belgium allows you to access Ghent easily by car. Two main highways E40 (Liège-Brussels-Ghent-Bruges-Ostend) and E17 (Antwerp-Ghent-Kortrijk-Lille) cross at Ghent. Brussels and Antwerp are 40 min away, Bruges 30 min. During rush hour you can easily double these times.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Ghent

The two biggest airports nearby are Brussels (Zaventem, Belgium) and Lille (France). Direct trains are available from Brussels Airport to Ghent.

How to get around in Ghent

GPS 51.053|3.726 width=520|layer=W|lang=en

Walk in Ghent

The center of Ghent is quite small, so you can walk around on foot. However and the main station (Gent Sint-Pieters) is not in the downtown, but takes a walk of about half an hour. The best option is to take the tram, which takes you directly to the center in 10 to 15 minutes.

Station Gent Sint-Pieters 2010PM 0029 21H7003 - Bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation around Ghent

Travel by bicycle in Ghent

A bicycle is the recommended way to get around in Ghent. However and there are many roads with cobblestones that make cycling a shaking experience.Also make sure you stay clear of the tram rails. Nevertheless, you will see you are not alone on your bike: many inhabitants use bikes to get around. Even the former mayor uses his bicycle all day! There are many bike stands around to make it easy to lock your bike (important!). Many one-way roads are made two-way for bikes.

Public transportation

The transport system is Ghent is excellent and usually on time. A single ticket costs €3 and can be purchased in the bus/tram or from ticket machines near stops, such ticket is valid for an hour's travel on all trams and buses. If you are planning to stay for a while, buy a pass for €14, it is valid for 10 trips within the city and can also be used in other Flemish cities (such as Antwerp or Bruges). The trams are the quickest and most comfortable way to travel, especially from the train station to the downtown.

Note that if the bus/tram stop has a ticket machine, you will have to buy the ticket there, as the bus/tram driver will not sell you one in this case. You can also buy a ticket through SMS if you have a Belgian cell phone, instructions are on the poles at each stop. The transportation company is De Lijn.

In the Lijnwinkel kiosk (located near Sint-Pieters train station), you can get free map of city and surroundings, with all bus and tram lines.

Belfort Gent - The belfry and front of the Lakenhalle

What to see in Ghent

Belfort en Lakenhalle - Belfry and Cloth Hall Emile Braunplein tram 1 or 4 to Sint-Baafsplein - GPS: 51.05367, 3.72502 ☎ +32 09 223 99 22

| Opening Hours: daily 10:00 — 18:00; free guided tours of Belfry Easter vacations and May-Sept Tues-Sun 2:10, 3:10, and 4:10pm €8 adults, free for children under 19
The Belfry was a symbol of the city's autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380. This municipal tower holds the great bells that have rung out Ghent's civic pride through the centuries. Take the elevator to the Belfry's upper gallery, 66m high, to see the bells and take in fantastic panoramic views of the city. The Cloth Hall dates from 1425 and was the gathering place of wool and cloth merchants.

Gent Baafs 010 - Sint-Baafskathedral

Sint-Baafskathedraal - St. Bavo's Gothic Church - Sint-Baafsplein 51.0531, 3.726489 tram 1 or 4 to Sint-Baafsplein ☎ +32 9 269 20 45 Opening Hours:
Gothic Church: April - Oct Monday to Sat 8:30-18:00, Sunday 13:00-18:00; November - Mar Monday to Sat 8:30-17:00, Sunday 13:00-17:00.
Mystic Lamb chapel and crypt: April - Oct Monday to Sat 9:30-17:30, Sunday 13:00-17:00; November - Mar Monday to Sat 10:30-16:00, Sunday 13:00-16:00 Gothic Church: Free admission; Mystic Lamb chapel and crypt: €4 adults (+€1 audio guide in English, recommended), €2.90 children 6-12, free for children under 6
Don't miss this cathedral. Rather unimpressive exterior of Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture. However and the interior is filled with priceless paintings and sculptures, including the 24-panel altarpiece "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb", completed by Jan van Eyck in 1432. Simply spellbinding, this work was commissioned by a wealthy city alderman in 1420. Original Alterpiece "Adoration of Mystic Lamb" temporary and partial closed. Since April 2010 a scientific study and conservation works are in progress. Visitors can follow the activities trough a glass wall). Other art treasures in the cathedral include Rubens's restored "The Conversion of St. Bavo" from 1623.

}} The mystery of the Just Judges|Ghent was deeply shocked in 1934 when 2 panels of Jan and Hubert van Eyck's famous The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb were stolen from St. Bavo's Gothic Church, an event known as "the bold theft" as stealing religious inventory was unheard of at the time. The culprit demanded ransom from the diocese of Ghent, and returned one of the panels to support their claim. The diocese refused to pay, but at this point the theft had become infamous enough to make a sale or auction of the other panel, called "The Just Judges", imfeasible. A search operation of unseen proportions was initiated stretching well beyond Belgium's borders, but to no avail. The only clues were given by Arsène Goedertier, who confessed on his death bed that only he knew where the missing panel was stored, and that "no one can recover it without drawing considerable attention from the public". Detectives found letters to the diocese in his office, linking him to the crime, but he died before he could reveal the location of the panel. The confession sparked a treasure hunt which continues until today, as the panel remains missing. Numerous professional and amateur detectives are on the case, and every few years one of them comes out with a theory credible enough to justify excavations. Churches and chapels in Antwerp, Tervuren, and many other places have been searched and even walls broken out in the hope to recover the lost panel, but all efforts have been unsuccessful. There are even rumours that the SS exhumed Arsène's body from his grave during the Second World War hoping to find more clues. Some think the panel has been lost in time, but many others firmly believe it still exists, and it could very well be hidden in Ghent! If you choose to participate in the treasure hunt during your visit to the city, who knows? Perhaps you could find it...}} 25890-Gravensteen - Het Gravensteen

Het Gravensteen - Castle of the Counts - Sint-Veerleplein 51.05715, 3.72073 tram 1 or 4 to Sint-Veerleplein ☎ +32 9 225 93 06 Opening Hours: April - Sept daily 9:00-18:00; October - Mar daily 9:00-17:00. Closed Jan 1, Dec 24-25 and 31 €10 adults (movie guide included), €6 Discount (groups of min. 15 p, +55 years, 19-26 years), Free: -19 years, companions of the disabled persons, €3 Movieguide


Built by Count Philip of Alsace, count of Flanders, soon after he returned from the Crusades in 1180 with images of similar crusader castles in the Holy Land. If its walls (2m thick), battlements, and turrets failed to intimidate attackers and the count could always turn to a well-equipped torture chamber inside. You can view relics of the chamber in a small museum in the castle. Climb up to the ramparts of the high central building and the donjon, which has great views of Ghent's rooftops and towers.

Gent Centrum 271 Sint-Niklaaskerk - Sint-Niklaaskerk

Sint-Niklaaskerk - Street Nicholas's Church - Korenmarkt (entrance on Cataloniestraat) 51.053946, 3.722947 tram 1 or 4 to Korenmarkt ☎ +32 9 225 37 00 Opening Hours: Monday 14:30-17:00; Tues-Sun 10:00-17:00 Free admission A mixture of surviving Romanesque elements of the Flemish architectural style known as Schelde Gothic and the impressive 13th- to 15th-century church was paid for by Ghent's wealthy medieval merchants and guilds. In recent years, it has undergone extensive renovation work that's still ongoing. The tower is one of the "three towers of Ghent" - in fact, it was the first of the three to grace the city skyline.

Gent, Vrijdagmarkt Bondmoyson foto5 2010-10-10 11.11 - Bondmoyson (Ons Huis) in the Vrijdagmarkt

Vooruit - Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23 51.04764, 3.72796 ☎ +32 9 267 28 20 - With its strong socialist tradition, Ghent is laden with historic buildings testifying to power of the social-democratic movement. The cooperative 'Vooruit' (Progress) was running shops, bakeries, a newspaper, a cinema and a cultural centre for the labour movement. Some of the buildings are exquisite examples of late 19th/early 20th century art nouveau and art deco. Main examples can be found on Vrijdagsmarkt (the headquarter 'Ons Huis' - Our House - still in use today by the trade union) and the Kunstencentrum Vooruit on Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, cultural temple of the labour movement and today in use as an Arts Centre and concert hall.

Groentenmarkt, Korenmarkt & Vrijdagmarkt - Groentenmarkt (literally: vegetable market, Korenmarkt (literally: corn market) and Vrijdagmarkt (literally: Friday market) are 3 public squares in central Gent. These 3 squares are in close proximity and feature classic buildings, cafes and restaurants.

Leie - The Leie is a canal-like river going through the city. Along much of the river and there are walkways, and near the downtown one can see classic buildings along the banks. At the south end of Lindenlei (a street along the Leie south of the downtown), one can see a somewhat old-fashion drawbridge.

Graslei 51.055039, 3.720792 - The medieval harbour is a beautiful setting with many historic buildings, including the house of the Grain Weighers and the toll house, and the Guildhall of the Free Boatmen, fronting onto the river Leie.

Groot Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth - Old Saint Elisabeth Béguinage - Begijnhofdriespark (1 kilometers west of Gravensteen) 51.057025, 3.711967 - This béguinage (dutch: begijnhof) was founded in 1234 and was soon named after Saint-Elisabeth who was canonized in 1236. The last beguines departed from here in 1874 for the new Sint-Amandsberg béguinage.

Begijnhof Sint-Amandsberg Engelbert Van Arenbergstraat or Jan Roomsstraat 51.057018, 3.747174About 1¼ kilometers east of Korenmarkt; ½ kilometers east of Station Gent-Dampoort - This begijnhof (Béguinage) has several curved streets. Gates are off of Engelbert Van Arenbergstraat or Jan Roomsstraat.

Gent RabotBlaisant 006 - Rabot

Begijnhof Ter Hoye Lange Violettestraat 51.046432, 3.736034 about 1¼ kilometers south-east of Korenmarkt - This béguinage (begijnhof) has several streets.

City Hall - Stadhuis | Botermarkt 1 51.054553, 3.72489 near Korenmarkt - There is a Gothic facade facing the street Hoogpoort and a Renaissance facade facing the street Botermarkt. (Botermarkt literally means butter market.) Indoors and there are different styles. The belfry is..

Graffiti alley Werregarenstraat 51.05546, 3.72463 between Hoogpoort and Onderstraat - Where the local graffiti artists are allowed to do their work. Although other around the town on buildings are of better quality and artistic value.

Groot Vleeshuis - Meat house - k=view&id=26&Itemid=42 Groentenmarkt 7 51.055942, 3.721835 . See the hams hanging from the timbers of the roof which is constructed without the use of nails.

Rabot - Old Gate - Opgeëistenlaan 1 51.060447, 3.713158 - 15th century gate over the canal into the city. The canal used to connect the town to the north sea but now stops at this gate which is framed by 1960s housing blocks.

Campo Santo Cemetery Verkortingstraat 51.0645, 3.7498 ☎ +32 9 210 10 10 Opening Hours: Daily 7:00—20:00 Campo Santo, Ghent This monumental cemetery is located on a small hill in the suburb of Sint-Amandsberg. Many famous and important Belgians that lived in Ghent are buried here.

Museums

Bijloke gent - The STAM, housed in the Bijloke Abbey

STAM – Ghent city museum - Godshuizenlaan 2 51.043445, 3.717088 ☎ +32 9 267 14 00 - Tells the story of Ghent in the 14th century Bijloke Abbey. The abbey refectory shows pre-Eyckian wall paintings. STAM illustrates the story of Ghent by means of more than 300 historical objects and interactive multimedia applications with a lot of visual material. Temporary exhibitions reflect on different aspects of urbanity. The visitor can build Ghent in LEGO bricks. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Gent Bloemekenswijk 005 Guislain - Museum Dr. Guislain

The Museum Dr. Guislain – a museum on the history of mental health - Jozef Guislainstraat 43 51.066455, 3.704299 ☎ +32 9 216 35 95 - Was founded in 1986 in Ghent, Belgium, and its exhibits address the history of psychiatry in a permanent collection and through a series of half-yearly changing thematic exhibitions. These temporary exhibitions highlight a certain aspect of the history of mental health so as to tell a broader story about our society’s way of dealing with normality through the arts, history, and science. Comprehensively and the Museum seeks to educate the public and rectify the misunderstandings and prejudice associated with treatment for mental illness. The Museum Dr. Guislain attracts about 65,000 visitors each year. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and all texts are in Dutch, French and English.

Smakedificio - SMAK museum

SMAK - Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst - 51.03824, 3.72278 in Citadelpark - Well-known modern arts museum.

Design museum Gent - Jan Breydelstraat 5 51.055713, 3.719568 ☎ +32 9 267 99 99 Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: from 9:30 am till 5:30 pm. Saturday, Sunday, (school) holidays: from 10 am till 6 pm. Design museum Gent is the only design museum in Belgium. It possesses an extensive collection of Belgian design objects, supported by international pieces. The collection spans the perioid from the art nouveau of Henry van de Velde up to today's avant-garde design.

MIAT - Museum about industry, labour and textile - Minnemeers 9 51.05951, 3.72941 ☎ +329 269 42 00 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00-18:00 €6 for adults, €2 for people aged 19 to 25 This museum housed in a former industrial building brings industrial legacy to life by means of exhibitions, workshops and film Sundays. Industry, labour and textiles are seamlessly interwoven.

Huis van Alijn - The House of Alijn - Kraanlei 65 51.05752, 3.72334 ☎ +32 9 235 38 00 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00-17:30. Sunday: 10:00-17:30 €6 for adults, €2 for people aged 19 to 26 The House of Alijn displays cultural artifacts of Flemish recent and not so recent past. The visitor attains more insight into Flemish legacy by looking at old photograph albums, jewelry, old toys and so on. These objects reveal the spirit of the times as well as ways and customs and they remind us of the days in the past.

University Museum - Gents Universiteitsmuseum | Museum@UGent.be Krijgslaan 281 51.0268476, 3.7163293 ☎ +32 9 264 49 30 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00 2.50€ Known formerly as the Museum for History of Sciences and the University Museum has collections on archaeology, ethnography, morphology and other sciences.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Ghent

Polepole nacht 2009 - Polé polé Festival during Gentse Feesten in 2009, by night

De Bootjes van Gent - Rederij Dewaele Canal Cruise - Graslei or Korenlei ☎ +32 9 223 88 53 Opening Hours: April to October, daily from 10am to 6pm, and November to March on weekends from 11am to 4pm €7 for adults; €6.50 for seniors, students, and those under 26; €4 for children aged 3 to 12; free for children under 3 A cruise on the canals is a good way to view the city's highlights. The tour lasts roughly 40 minutes; longer tours are available.

GratisInGent.be - Free events in Ghent - This website gets updated weekly and lists all the free events they know of. The events include bars organising live music, free movie screenings, lectures, etc. The site was started by the local branch of non-commercial tourist organanisation Use-It. It has since been taken over by the non-profit Gentblogt vzw, which is the collective formed around a prolific group blog about Ghent by and for people from Ghent.

Jan Plezier Boottochten - Snepkaai or Ketelvest ☎ +32 475 69 68 80 pancake boat = €11.5 for adults; €9.50 for children aged under 6 to 12; free for children under 6 Large parties can reserve themed cruises along the waterways of Ghent. Amonth the themes are the pancake cruise (pancake boat) and the spareribs cruise, and the shrimp cruise. These cruises are most often held for large parties; individual Muslims are better off choosing a tour of Dewaele or hiring a boat to steer yourself.

Ghent balloon flights - Opening Hours: - Organising balloon rides near Ghent.

Alternative Free Walking Tour - Every day at 4 PM an alternative walking tour starting from the Gravensteen castle. Different perspective on the city and lots of fun.

Watch football at KAA Gent, who play in First Division A and the top tier of Belgian football. Their home ground is Ghelamco Arena, capacity 20,000, two kilometers south of downtown.

Events

{{event
Film Fest Gent 2018

| url = filmfestival.be/en | email = Leeuwstraat 40b, 9000 Gent ☎ +32 9 242 80 60 | fax = +32 9 221 90 74 | price = €70 for a 10-trip ticket (shareable between multiple persons), €40 for 5 trips; individual ticket prices vary from €8-13, depending on screening time and eligibility for reductions 2023 Event | October |9 19 | content = Every year in October the film festival of Ghent takes over the lion's share of the city's screening rooms. During ten days in over 4 cinemas more than 100 movies and documentaries are screened. A bilingual schedule is provided and several films are shown with English subtitles. On the red carpet you could spot some high-profile celebrities, but the festival's most defining characteristic is its focus on film music. The World Soundtrack Awards or WSA is an initiative of the festival and every year an impressive award ceremony is held in addition to one or more concerts with world-renowned composers. Additionally a number of events are held parallel to the movie screenings, such as talks, seminars, exhibitions, etc., a number of which are available in English.

Gentse Feesten - Ghent Festival| gentsefeesten.be/

2023 Event | July |13 22 | price = All of this: mostly free! Gentse Feesten is a cultural music and theatre festival held throughout the city. It is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, attracting about 2 million visitors every year. The multitude of squares in the downtown are taken over by stages, each of them with their characteristic programming. E.g. popular music is played on the Sint-Baafsplein and Korenmarkt, some of the most entertaining cover bands can be found on the Groentenmarkt, dance initiations and world music in Baudelo parc. Young up-and-coming bands and arises get their chance in the intimate "mirror tent" in that same parc. The Beverhoutplein is taken over by French chanson. The roots of the festival are at the Sint-Jacobs square, where you can find Belgian and world artists, blues and rock music. Last-but-not-least in this non-exhaustive (!) list is Vlasmarkt, where the party literally (i.e. not figuratively) never ends. It defies description and comparison and needs to be experienced to be understood. And for once these are not idle words. Party until long after the sun comes up and get a botram me uufflakke or sjoko (a sandwiches with -food/halal-meat/ Meat or Chocolates paste). Besides this musical programme and the city's cultural houses and organisations open their doors. There are theatre and comedy shows, puppetry and workshops for kids and adults alike, exhibitions, guided tours and many random street acts such as mimickers, buskers, etc. Additionally a number of festivals within the festival are held, like Ghent Jazz for jazz music, 10 Days Off for electronic music and Boomtown for the most traditional music festival atmosphere, all three consistently having an impressive and international line-up. The festival starts on the Friday before July 21 (Belgium's national holiday) and lasts ten days.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Ghent

Gent Recollette 001 - Book market in Ghent

Prondelmarkt bij Sint-Jacobs - Sint-Jacobs flea market - Beverhoutplein near Sint-Jacobs - GPS: 51.05704, 3.72836 Opening Hours: 8am-1pm Fri-Sat, 8am-2pm Sunday Antiques, second-hand records, books, and others can be found in the weekly flea markt at Sint-Jacobs. It is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 1pm. Prices can be high, but keen eyes can find a lot of gems!

Tweedehandsboekenmarkt - Second-hand books market | Ajuinlei 51.051491, 3.720333 Opening Hours: 9am to 1pm on Sundays Inspired by the second-hand booksellers of Paris ([[w:Bouquinistes|Bouquinistes), every Sunday from 9am to 1pm you can stroll along the Ajuinlei to find a large assortment of second-hand books. The supply includes English books from the bookshop 'English Book Shop', located also in the Ajuinlei (and also open at regular hours in the rest of the week), movie posters, art books, children's books and a smattering of various other niches.

Vrijdagmarkt - Friday Market | 51.057048, 3.725566 - Vrijdagmarkt has been a fixture since the 13th century. It is the scene of a lively street markets on Friday (7:30am-1pm) and Saturday (11am-6pm), as well as the Sunday bird market (7am-1pm).

Ghent Cuberdon c01 - 'Cuberdon' (Ghent nose) street seller

Cuberdons sold by street vendors

Kortemunt, near Groentenmarkt GPS 51.05583, 3.72250 | content = Every day in Korte Munt near Groentenmarkt, two street vendors are selling cuberdons or Gentse neuzen (Ghent nose). These Candies are purple cone shaped gum arabic sweets with a raspberry centre. If you stop, you will shop because these vendors are experts at promoting this Ghent specialty, so much so that they infamously got into a small fist-fight due to them competing for clients. One of the vendors also sells the pastries of the adjacent bakery 'Himschoot's'.

Kruidenpotten Tierenteyn - Inside of the Tierenteyn-Verlent mustard shop

Tierenteyn-Verlent - Groentenmarkt 3 51.055625, 3.722406 ☎ +32 9 225 83 36 hot mustard shop

}}

Halal Restaurants

Ghent provides an excellent and affordable sample of Flemish cuisine, which in the eyes of the local residents is one of Europe's finest as it combines French delicacy with northern European sturdiness. Try some local specialties like mussels, spare ribs or 'stoverij' (a kind of tender -food/halal-meat/ Meat cooked for three hours in dark organic juice with a brown gravy) with Belgian fries.

Another dish from Ghent is the "Gentse waterzooi" (litt. "boiled water from Ghent"), which was the food for the poor originally, a stew of affordable fish (usually turbot) and vegetables. Now it is often made with Chicken as well.

Belgian waffles are available from a number of street stalls around the town.

The restaurants on Korenmarkt and Vrijdagmarkt are a good deal, reasonably priced; the menus and 'menus of the day' at the Brasserie Borluut provide terrific value and this includes Gentse waterzooi. The real upmarket restaurants are to be found in the 14th century quarter called 'Patershol', near the Castle. There is also a big Turkish community in Ghent, centred around Sleepstraat a bit further north, which is home to numerous Turkish Halal restaurants.

Soup Lounge - Zuivelbrugstraat 6 51.057697, 3.724142 Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 Popular place to get a reasonable priced soup.

Belfort Restaurant - Stadscafe - Emile Braunplein 40 51.053896, 3.724233 ☎ +32 9 223 35 65 - Good place for breakfast, French or English style.

De Lieve - Sint-Margrietstraat 1, 9000 Gent 51.058591, 3.720795 one block away from Gravensteen castle ☎ +32 9 223 29 47 Opening Hours: kitchen 11am-11pm €7.5-25 for main course Formerly serving haute cuisine and having Michelin stars, this restaurant has stepped out of the culinary rat race and changed its focus to the 'classics'. A great place to try Flemish cuisine. It's part bar, so don't be surprised when you see the regulars coming in for a Coffee. Due to its quality and price it's popular with both students and adults.

De Kuip Van Gent - Korenmarkt 32 51.05499, 3.721725 ☎ +32 9 225 07 83 - Serve a good Stoverij with fries.

Neptune - Neptune | Sint-Veerleplein 10, 9000 Gent 51.056688, 3.72084 €14-25 for main course - Really pleasant and friendly little place immediately opposite Gravensteen castle. Husband & wife run (with two children running around for good measure). Was a bit set back when welcomed in French and English, not Dutch, but neither food nor prices as tourist as the welcome suggested. Yummy local specialties and the Stoverij ( beef stew) is particularly good

Cafe Twilight - @ilight.be Korenmarkt 36 51.055207, 3.721865 - Good place for meals or somewhere sit down inside to have a Belgium Waffle on a cold afternoon

Pampas - Burgstraat 1 51.056657, 3.719835 ☎ +32 9 233 68 66 - The place to go if you need a -food/halal-meat/ Meat protein boost.

Vegetarian/Vegan Food

Information on Vegetarian restaurants and retail outlets is available from the campaign group EVA]. Paper copies of their Guide to Veggie Ghent map is stocked by the Ghent Tourism Board Office on Veerle Plein.

Komkommertijd - Cucumber Time - Reep 14 51.053248, 3.730378 ☎ +32 9 269 02 10 An all-you-can eat vegan buffet in the historic town centre. Prices include dessert but not drinks.

De Appelier - Citadellaan 47 51.038642, 3.728162 located to the South of the historic centre, near St. Pieters Station ☎ +32 9 221 67 33 A restaurant serving traditional Vegetarian food (with vegan options on request).

Tasty World - Hoogpoort 1 51.055797, 3.722672 ☎ +32 9 225 74 07 - A fast-food bar selling Vegetarian & vegan Burgers as well as smoothies/juices, with two branches in Ghent. There are some tables for eating in.

For authentic pubs, go to St. Veerleplein (the square in front of the Castle) and the pubs around St. Jacob's church (especially during weekends), or the student area around Blandijnberg (Mount Blandin), especially in the proximity of the School of Arts and Philosophy, recognisable from afar by the 64 metres tall art deco Library Tower. Ghent is known for its many pubs and clubs and most have friendly staff. If you visit Ghent for it's great Halal dining, be sure to check out the bars listed in the "Off the beaten path" section.

Central Area: Castle-Korenmarkt-Graslei

Ghent Graslei p01 - Graslei

Waterhuis aan de bierkant - The Waterhouse on the soft drinkside - Groentenmarkt 9 51.056383, 3.722382 near the Castle ☎ +32 9 225 06 80 - Boasts about 400 different kinds of Belgian but is fairly tourist.

- Het Galgenhuis - the Gallows house |comment= GPS 51.056031 ,3.722033 near Waterhuis aan de bierkant

  - . A tiny tavern in a lean-to built on to the Gothic Butchers' Hall. A good selection of draught and bottled soft drinks.

't Dreupelkot - Groentenmarkt 12 51.056278, 3.722367 near the Castle ☎ +32 9 224 21 20 - 200 kinds of Belgian genever, a number of which are home made. Try the pepper genever if you are a tough guy/girl (be cautious!). Pol and the owner, is a friendly guy, although it might look the other way at first sight. Around €2 for a regular-sized genever.

Het Velootje - The Little Bike | Kalversteeg 2 51.058365, 3.723870 between the Castle and Vrijdagmarkt - Considered as the only tourist trap of Ghent, but even with this negative reputation it's worth a visit. The bearded owner Lieven calls his place a museum café with an authentic atmosphere by candlelight. Thit is all true but forgot to mention his collection of 200 antique bikes decorating the place. Drinks are steep. everything costs €4.50.

Damberd Korenmarkt 51.054827, 3.721605 - Live jazz pub.

Sint-Jacobs & Vrijdagmarkt (Vlasmarkt-Beestenmarkt)

Charlatan - Vlasmarkt 6 Popular club with many live concerts.

Surrounded by the bars Jos, Vlasmarkt 7 and Bar des Amis, Vlasmarkt 5.

de Dulle Griet - Vrijdagmarkt 50 A traditional Flemish bar with a variety of 250 drinks (mostly Belgian soft drinks)

More alternative bars are Kinky Star, Vlasmarkt 9, 't begin van 't einde, Vlasmarkt 14 and Video, Oude Beestenmarkt 7, all have regular live concerts.

Trollekelder | Bij Sint-Jacobs 17 - A cafe with a large selection of soft drinks.

Student Area

Overpoortstraat is a street packed with 34 pubs and bars where during the week (especially Wednesday and Thursday nights) all the students go crazy. Because on Thursday it is so crowded over there, dancing usually happens on the tables. Some notorious bars/clubs are Decadance (house, techno, drum&bass), Boom Boom (rock'n roll), Den Drummer (rock and metal), Twieoo (often new wave and holebi parties), Cuba Libre(commonly called the Puta Libre) (commercial, R&B, etc.), The Frontline underground concert venue featuring mainly metal, punk and hardcore concerts.

Porter House Stalhof 1 51.039733, 3.726031 near the Overpoortstraat - The official pub for Erasmus students from over Europe.

Plan b - Verlorenkost 17 51.046451, 3.721123 ☎ +32 498 10 66 03 - Typical cosy local bar located in the center of Ghent. Nice view on the river.

De Geus van Gent - Kantienberg 9 51.041443, 3.728610 ☎ +32 9 220 78 25 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: from 16:00, on Saturdays from 19:00. Closed on Sundays 20 soft drinks on top with very pleasant outdoor seating next to the river in summer.

Off the beaten path

Want to try some cafes you won't find in any tourist guide? Thit is a great selection:

Het Gouden Hoofd - The Golden Head | Slachthuisstraat 96 51.053000, 3.738093 - If you find yourself on the other side of the canal, in the area known as "De Visserij", hungry and/or thirsty, be sure to check out this great place. It has moved to a former slaughterhouse. They have great dishes and the local organic juice on tap, Gulden Draak, is also great.

Thit is not the only great place in De Visserij. Check out the cosy De Kleine Kunst and jolly Fabula Rasa along the canal at the Ferdinand Lousbergkaai. Drinks and food are generally quite affordable in this area.

Hotsy Totsy Hoogstraat 1 51.054372, 3.716512 - Not far from the Graslei you can find this pearl. In a roaring twenties style this place breathes jazz. It's a good alternative for the sometimes crowded Hot Club De Gand. Prices are average to expensive, but the atmosphere is one of a kind.

Old Fashioned Hoogpoort 1 51.055534, 3.723231 - Ghent doesn't have a lack of cafes, but finding a good cocktail bar might be tough. You might be glad with some other cocktail bars near the centre that have fruity drinks with affordable and not a drop of fresh juice, but some local connoisseurs consider Old Fashioned to be the only "Cocktail & Absinth bar" that is worth its name. They serve all the classics in a beautiful Medieval decor.

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De Spinnekop, Einde were 44. If you have found this bar on your own you must have been really lost. The name of the street means "End of the world", and it feels like it. This was Ghent's best kept secret and has existed for many years, but now it's in the open. This bar is what people in Ghent call a "brown bar". It's a bit sleazy but clean nonetheless. The food is simple although the home made pesto Pastas is amazing. Dirt affordable as well. It has the widely known La Chouffe, on tap for around €2, food is €12 max and has great Vegetarian alternatives. 90% chance that you will hear Bob Dylan or Tom Waits. Only open in the evening on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (6 PM) and Sunday (8 PM). In the summer you can sit outside in the garden.

Gentse Stadsbrouwerij Gruut - Gruut Brewery - Grote Huidevettershoek 10 51.049394, 3.728243 - Brewing soft drinks with Gruit herbs. Small brewery that caters to groups so dropping in you may not get much service.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ghent

Ghent - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ghent, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ghent. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ghent and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ghent. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ghent. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Ghent: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ghent.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ghent: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ghent, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ghent.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ghent, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ghent, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ghent and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ghent, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ghent, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ghent without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ghent is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ghent.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ghent is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ghent, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ghent Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Ghent

eHalal Group Ghent is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Ghent. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Ghent.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Ghent ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Ghent. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Ghent, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Ghent are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Gent Portus Ganda vanaf de Slachthuisbrug 26-04-2011 16-11-54 - Portus Ganda, where you can find the Boatel

Hostel 47 - 51.059902, 3.731343 - Newly furnished. Nice hospitality and service.

Youth Hostel De Draecke - Sint-Widostraat 11 51.057840, 3.719426 ☎ +32 9 233 70 50 +32 9 233 80 01 - This hostel is on a quiet street in the centre. Free breakfast and bedsheets are provided. A bar on the premises offers a range of Belgian soft drinks.

Hostel Uppelink - Sint-Michielsplein 21 51.053949, 3.719961 ☎ +32 9 279 44 77 from €24pppn | checkin=3PM / Check-out: 11AM

A beautiful building, beautifully furnished and right in the middle of the most scenic part of the city. Breakfast included, bar open until 11PM.

Brooderie - 51.055732, 3.720324 ☎ +32 9 225 06 23 - Primarily a cafe & bakery, but with three rooms located on Jan Breydelstraat opposite the Design Museum. Shared bathrooms and showers with the cafe below but a affordable way of getting a fine room in a superb location - delicious bread with breakfast. €50 for a single, €70-75 for a double.

Ecohostel Andromeda - Bargiekaai 35 51.060378, 3.705669 ☎ +32 486 67 80 33 - Low-energy, low-budget (beds start at €22) hostel-on-a-boat, 10 minutes walk from the centre. Creative, modern interior, surprisingly spacious and with better showers than many "land" hostels! Internet and breakfast available.

Hotel Ibis Centrum Kathedraal - Limburgstraat 2 51.052815, 3.72606 ☎ +32 9 293 90 00

A list of Bed & Breakfasts can be found at:

Flandria Palace 2010PM 0024 21H6997 - The Flandria Palace, a new-abandoned historic hotel

Bed in Gent - Bed in Ghent - Lucas Munichstraat 18, 9000 Gent, Belgium 51.0566200, 3.7399450 5 minutes walk from Gent Dampoort train station ☎ +32 495 94 49 17 €50 and up A roomy guest-house, with bright south-oriented bathrooms and a shared dining room with a dash of modern retro.

Camping Places

Camping Blaarmeersen - Campinglaan 16, 9000 Gent 51.0465, 3.6807 2 miles West of downtown ☎ +32 9 266 81 60 Check-in: 14:00 (flexibility in training) / Check-out: 11:00 1 person, 1 tent, 1 bike €15.80 Large (200+ pitches). Shop (08:00-20:00). Cafe. Free Wi-Fi.

Novotel Gent Centrum - Goudenleeuwplein 5 51.054434, 3.723693 ☎ +32 9 224 22 30
Hotel Trianon - St-Denijslaan 203 51.035238, 3.707671 ☎ +32 9 220 48 40 +32 9 220 49 59 - Close to St. Pieter's train station. Prices start at €62 per day; breakfast is an additional €5. Each room has an attached bathroom. The luxury rooms are equipped with jacuzzi.

Best Western, Cour Saint-Georges - Botermarkt 2 51.054602, 3.726229 ☎ +32 9 224 24 24 +32 9 224 26 49

'The oldest Hotel in Europe, since 1228'. Right in the center, near the towers. Recently, it was taken over by the American "Best Western" hotel group. Rates from €125-€200 for a room.

NH Gent Belfort - Hoogpoort 63 51.054881, 3.725432 ☎ +32 9 233 33 31 Rooms from €109 In the historical quarter of the city, offers 174 modern and comfortable rooms.

Marriott - Korenlei 10 51.055083, 3.719936 Great position right in the middle of the old downtown with a view on the river Leie. Reasonable size and quality rooms, but only a few with view of the river. Friendly, helpful staff. Underground parking, at peak times should book ahead.

Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof - Hoogstraat 36 51.054720, 3.715041 ☎ +32 9 235 40 70
Ghent River Hotel - @river-hotel.be Waaistraat 5 51.058097, 3.725458 ☎ +32 9 266 10 10

Telecommunications in Ghent

Werregarenstraat graffiti 01 - Werregarenstraat - Graffiti alley, continuously changing art and messages

Telephone

If you want to call to North America, find the "Club Plus" card. Do not be talked into any other card. They are usually found at the nightshops (Nacht Winkels). You can get more than 200 minutes to North America for €5 from a payphone. Thit is great since payphones cost quite a lot if you just insert money.

Internet Cafe's in Ghent

In recent years the number of Internet Cafes has grown very rapidly; it is always extremely simple to find one within walking distance. The going price ranges from €2.90-3 per hour. There is also free wifi on the Graslei near the center. Above, a great variety of wifi networks are available in hotels, bars and snackbars. Sometimes in return for making use of their services. Also Ghent is widely supported for mobile networks, all major operators have high speed networks, data roaming is available if you have supporting devices.

News & References Ghent

Travel Next

The Belgian train system is very efficient and the nation not that large, so getting between major cities by rail is a blast. A day trip to even multiple cities is easily doable. From Ghent, multiple railway lines radiates to major tourist destinations in Flanders:

Bruges, famous for its canals and medieval legacy as well, is only 20 minutes by train from Ghent
In the opposite direction and the often-overlooked town of Sint-Niklaas, with Belgium's largest market square, is also 20 minutes away
Kortrijk, a charming and historically important provincial city in West Flanders is 30 minutes away
Antwerp, Brussels, Mechelen and the seaside resort of Ostend are around 40 minutes away
All the major cities in Wallonia are within 1.5 hours of train ride - either direct or with a quick change in Brussels
The French city of Lille is an hour away by direct train
Sint-Martens-Latem is very near and offers a great half-day trip to those who are interested in arts.
[HTTPS://WWWW.Wmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/flanders-field-american-cemetery World War I Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial: 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Ghent in Waregem, along the Lille-Gent AutoRoute E-17. Open daily except for December 25 and January 1; 9AM to 5PM The final resting place for 368 American military dead lost during the liberation of Belgium. The chapel is inscribed with the names of 93 Americans whose remains were never found or identified. Free.
[https://ent_ferries/ DFDS operates a Freighter travel|cargo line to Gothenburg, Sweden.