Discover the most compact historical center on foot or by bike, relaxed and calm in medieval Ghent, with the largest low traffic pedestrian zone in Europe. You can always take a tram of course! A pedestrian friendly city, supporting sustainable, environmentally friendly activities with the smallest possible ecological footprint.

By doing so, cars are not allowed to enter in the historic center unless they are electric or at least hybrid vehicles. Ours was a hybrid and we parked it at Parking Ramen as close as possible to the center, two blocks from Saint Michael’s Bridge.

Well, start on foot! On the right before the bridge, you see Saint Michael’s Church and as soon as you step foot on the homonymous bridge you have a 360-degree field of view in a magical setting. From this point you can see all 3 towers of the city in a row, the river Lys and the Graslei and Korenlei quays along the canal with many restaurants and small shops, people strolling or sitting and enjoying the wonderful view of the historic buildings. And of course, taking pictures of every corner of the impressive houses on the banks! Here you can book for a the water route with various types of boats if you choose to see the highlights of Ghent by boat on a guided tour.

Continue straight. On your left there’s a magnificent building, The Post. Once the city’s historic post office, today hosts a shopping center and a luxury hotel on the upper floors. We are talking about masterpiece facades, decorated with about 100 statues and coats of arms along with the 51-meter tower with the unobstructed view.

In front of you is the Church of St. Nicholas (Sint-Niklaaskerk) with its tall bell tower – a trademark of the city on Korenmarkt Square, opposite The Post. Built of Tournai blue stone, it is considered one of the most beautiful examples of the Scheldt Gothic style with unique works of art (paintings, stained glass…) inside. Admission is free, open until 4:00 PM. Proceed with the church on your left, take a rest maybe at the little park behind it.

Now you tell me where to look first! Straight ahead is the Belfry of Ghent (Belfry), on the left is the futuristic Stadshal or Market Hall and if you look further into the square is the City Hall (Ghent City Hall). You are at Sint-Baafplein Square. The Stadshal is a clear example of a peculiar combination of modern architecture in a medieval environment that caused, no need to say, reactions. We loved it. It proves that the city is alive! Climb up the Belfry, with the 1913 manual mechanism and the dragon guarding the city, for a panoramic view of the city. (There is also an elevator from the 1st floor). During peak periods, register and secure your entry HERE https://tickets1belfort.gent.be/Exhibitions/Register

Just behind Belfry is the Cathedral of St. Bavo (Sint Baafskathedraal) with its 40 bells. It is considered a world-famous masterpiece of Gothic architecture. There you will see: the Ghent Altarpiece (or: “The Pilgrimage of the Secret Lamb”), a multi-faceted work by the Hubert and Jan van Eyck brothers (15th century). Take your time to observe the 12 separate panels and the story they tell! Explore the impressive interior, the stained glass windows and sculptures. For the complete experience you will need a ticket. See here: https://www.sintbaafskathedraal.be/en/buy-tickets/  There are also stairs here for the brave ones (444 steps for a view). Next to it is the very beautiful building of the Royal Dutch Theatre. Walk along and take the road behind the City Hall (Hoogpoost str.). As you head back towards the bridges, take a look at the alley with the graffiti (Graffiti Street). Cool graffiti in a narrow alley. Every inch an explosion of colors. All its walls are free for artistic expression!

You have walked in a circle around the centre and you find yourself on the Grasbrug bridge. As soon as you cross the river, turn right. Stop for coffee/beer/snack at Et Alors café just opposite the Design Museum. And after that off to Gravensteen Castle, a symbol of the power of the Flemish comets, the only one with a moat around it. Visiting the castle takes time. Inside, each room tells a different story, from the ancient weapon displays to the dark, dramatic dungeon. The view from the top is amazing. If you don’t have time, take a walk around it. There are nice shops area as well. Try the local delicacy, cuberdon, (conical, purple sweets) in one of them.

• The city is very well organized. Check their website for information and don’t take anything for granted https://visit.gent.be/en
• Make sure you have the right to drive your vehicle in Ghent before you go! SEE HERE: https://visit.gent.be/en/low-emission-zone-ghent
• For your visit to Gravensteen Castle you will need to make a reservation for the time of visit. There are terms and restrictions. https://tickets1gravensteen.stad.gent/Exhibitions/Register
• You will find many options for activities/tours HERE: https://www.getyourguide.com/el-gr/belfry-of-ghent-l123440/
• Apart from visiting the castle, the entire tour we described in the Historic centre of Ghent was done in one day, comfortably and without rushing, since everything is very close to each other.
• If you want some museums and other attractions in your tour, there’s a great choice for all tastes.