Gent & Bruges, Belgium – part 1. Gent
Gent and Bruges are famous towns in Belgium. Both are very historic and beautiful towns.
When we visited Gent, it was gloomy and rainy day. On and off, the sun came out to tease us, but occasional drizzle throughout the day. Despite the weather, I really liked Gent for its uniqueness. Gent is more a college town than Bruges and large presence of Gent university. Not sure what was the reason, but on the day we visited Gent, there were a few group of people who are very interesting. For example, a group of men who dressed very funny doing some silly things in public, a ccapella group who sang Barborshop quartets from The Simpson in the market place, and a group of ladies who appeared to have ladies night out. For me, it generated easiness and much lighter atmosphere in the old town.
Note: We only stayed here for half a day since this was a spontaneous idea. But if you have a few days or at least one day, Gent can offer a lot of different things. I would love to stay at least one or two nights in Gent to see what Gent can offer. Hopefully I have a chance to do that.
Things to Do in Gent: In my opinion
Water boat tour – I strongly recommend this. It is not too expensive-around 12 euros for adults, and 10 euros for youth. The definition of “youth” at least in Belgium appears to be much more inclusive for college students – from 12-25 years old. It is about 40 minute ride of boat tour and the guide explains well about Gent during the ride. Do you know that the new Gent library is such an interesting building to look? (Right lower picture). The architecture is something to look for a public library.
St. Bavo Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)– Majestic inside and outside!! This is something it really awes me about Europe – Religions have been so embedded in the culture and history of Europe over many hundred years. The evidence exhibits with much larger scale when you look at the Cathedral.
Gravesteen, Medieval torture hall and Castles – Okay. I am not quite sure about torture, but the Gravesteen are definitely worthwhile to visit. Majestic castles and its Gothic buildings brought you back to the history you can imagine.
- Useful website : I did not even do 50% of lists.
- https://www.theinvisibletourist.com/things-to-do-in-ghent-gem-of-belgium/
- https://vagrantsoftheworld.com/the-best-things-to-do-in-ghent-belgium/