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| Ghent Travel Guide for backpackers |
| Ghent is the third largest city in Belgium and it lives and breathes industrial pride. In the medieval era Ghent was the powerhouse of European cloth industry . It has a long history of workers fighting for their human rights and hosts festivals that celebrate their struggles. If you admire fine architecture the you will love the city centre with its mix of Medieval, Gothic and Renaissance buildings. There is a large student population in Ghent with all the buzz that goes with that. And of course the usual Belgium delights of excellent food, fine chocolate and huge variety of locally brewed beer's are on offer here. |
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 DAILY BUDGET in GHENT - Nowhere in Belgium is cheap but if you stay in budget accommodation and eat in cheap cafe's or from street vendors you can get by on US$70. To stay in half way decent hotels and eat in restaurants you will need about US$150. |
Gentse Feesten (Festivities) - This 10 day festival celebrates the workers long struggle for freedom from the sweatshops. One famous victory in 1860 got the workers a one week holiday and this is celebrated with street performers, live music, great food and even greater beer. Awesome.
Museum voor Sahara Kunsten (Fine Arts) - This excellent museum contains a strong Flemish collection and entrance is free during the festivities.
Gravensteen - City Centre. This is a revered medieval fortress and 19th century textile factory. Make your way up the towering belfry to check out the view, but beware of vertigo, Hitchcock style.
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Mussels and frites - There are many mussels and frites shops in Ghent, the equivalent to the British fish and chip shops. Get a take away and eat well and cheaply.
Auberge de Fonteyne - Goudon Leeuwplein 7 . Go here not only for the food but the fabulously kitsch Art Nouveau decor. Flemish food at reasonable prices is served here.
Pascalino - Botermark 11. This is a down to earth cafe serving inexpensive snacks and meals.
Magazyne - Breestraat. Students eat cheap, hearty fare in this cafe situated in the historic district.
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De Tep en de Tepal - (Top and Nipple - HUH ?) is a bar with a great atmosphere, dark and mysterious. Go and feel the vibes.
Vooruit - St Pietersnieuwstr. This enormous Art Deco bar was once the meeting place of the Socialist party and in World War 1 was occupied by the Nazis. Check out the atmosphere.
Dulle Grief - Vrijdagmark t. Beer lovers flock here for the 1.2 litres 'MAX'. Go for it.
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