Ghent

Ghent is a medieval harbour city in East Flanders, about 60 km northwest of Brussels. Direct trains from Brussels-Midi or Central reach Gent-Sint-Pieters in 35 to 45 minutes for about €11 one way, with several departures per hour. The station lies about 2 km south of the centre, so most visitors take tram 1 toward the old town, a ride of roughly 15 minutes, or walk if they prefer. The centre is compact and largely pedestrian, and the main sights cluster around the Korenmarkt, Graslei and Korenlei quays along the Leie river. The key attractions are St Bavo's Cathedral, which houses the Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers, the Gravensteen, a 12th-century moated castle of the counts of Flanders, the Belfry, and the Patershol quarter of narrow lanes and restaurants. Street art along Werregarenstraat adds a contemporary counterpoint to the medieval skyline. A sensible one-day arc starts in the morning at St Bavo's Cathedral, where visitors queue less before 11:00, followed by the Belfry and Saint Nicholas' Church along the Korenmarkt. Lunch fits well on or near the Graslei, where terraces overlook the guildhalls, or in Patershol, which is known for Flemish cuisine. The afternoon suits the Gravensteen, then a canal walk or boat trip, and a late afternoon stop for a cuberdon, the local cone-shaped sweet, or a coffee at a canalside café. The evening is the best moment for photographs from the St Michael's Bridge, when the three towers are lit. The city is attractive year-round, since museums and churches operate indoors in winter, while summer brings terraces and boat tours. Late July brings the Gentse Feesten, a large street festival that fills the centre. A budget of €60 to €100 covers the train, lunch and two sights. Compared with Bruges, Ghent feels livelier and more lived-in, with a large student population.