The main station in Ghent is called Gent-Sint-Pieters, and offers links to all the main cities in Belgium, also Lille. There are four stations in total, Gent-Dampoort (links to Sint-Niklaas, Antwerp, Kortrijk and Eeklo), Gentbrugge (regional train station), Wondelgem (regional train station) and Drongen Station (regional train station). Eurostar trains between Brussels run around 10 times a day, then to access Ghent, passengers can change onto domestic lines (SNCB) on to Ghent. A typical rail journey between Bruxelles-Central and Gent-Sint-Pieters will take you approximately 36 minutes.
Eurostar
travellers between Ebbsfleet International and Ghent have average journey times of 2 hours, 45 minutes; the route passes through Lille and Brussels. Highspeed rail is a popular form of transport when reaching Belgium, because its domestic rail network is so well-developed that visitors can reach any Belgian city via train. The best time to visit is summer so visitors can sight-see on foot and enjoy the nightlife.
Ghent is in the Flemish part of Belgium. It is both the capital city (which began as a settlement at the join of the Rivers Scheldt and Lys) of North Flanders and a borough with a port and a university. It was a significant city in medieval times as one of the largest and richest in northern Europe and currently the third largest in Belgium with a population of 235,000.
The Gentse Feesten (“Ghent Fests”) are held every year here, last 10 days and attract around 2 million visitors annually. Much of the original architecture, both medieval and Renaissance, is still intact and open to the public. Ghent is the main textile and banking centre of Belgium.
The city centre has the largest pedestrian zone in Belgium. Prices vary throughout the city, but the most expensive area (especially for food) is near the Belfry. Cycling is a popular way to travel, but visitors are advised to bring their own strong padlocks and chains due to theft. Visitors are also advised to exchange money before leaving.
Points of Interest
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The Gravensteen
The only surviving residence of the counts of Flanders, from the 12th century.
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The Old Harbour
In the centre of the city, flanked by the Graslei and the Koornlei.
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Vrijdagsmarkt
The "Friday Market" is both the square and the weekly market held therein. It is important to the city because in the past some of the most significant events were held here. There is an excellent view of the surrounding medieval buildings.
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Geeraard de Duivel Steen
The Castle of Gerald the Devil was one of the first houses to be built of stone. Today it is an archive, but it was originally the home of Gerald, a man who is said to have killed each of his five wives to remarry the next.
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The Cloth Hall
The home of Ghent's textile trade and industry.
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The Hospice
Also known as 'Children Alijns', this museum of folklore was founded in memory of murdered children (due to a feud between the Alijn and Rijm families) by the murderers themselves as penance.
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Patershol
The city quarter has previously been famous for its cloth trade, residents of importance, inns and brothels. Now it is an area of Ghent filled with fashionable restaurants.
Attractions
Ghent Nightlife Bars and cafés: Dulle Griet (Vrijdagmarkt 50), Café Pane e Vino, De Hopduvel, Café den Turk, Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant. Casinos: SMAK.
The Three Towers
St. Bavo's Cathedral
The Belfry
St. Nicolas' Church
Shopping in Ghent Vlaanderenstraat with one-off boutiques Patisserie and Delicatessen shops The Groot Vleeshuis- selling a variety of Flemish produce
Sauna Aqua Azul
Ghent Illuminated- at night the whole city is lit by an award-winning light plan.
Châteaux de Malmaison
Also known as 'the Palace of Malmaison'. Built in the 18th century, it has been owned by wealthy families; the name derives from Norman times.... Paris, France
Notre Dame Cathedral
Near the River Seine, the famous cathedral is from the Gothic period.... Paris, France
Sainte-Chapelle
A place of religious symbolism built in the second half of the 13th century by Louis IX.... Paris, France
The Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands 50 metres in height. It is a tourist attraction and is one of the most famous monumnets in Paris.... Paris, France
The Chateau de Versailles
The stables at Chateau de Versailles Grande Écurie du Château de Versailles. Jules Hardouin-Mansart (Superintendent of royal works) originally designed the two twin buildings to accomodate the King's 600 horses. The building?s construction began in 1679 and was completed in 1683.... Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower
See over 40 miles across Paris. The Eiffel Tower, known as the symbol of Paris- a tower built of iron on the Champ de Mars, inaugurated on 31 March 1889 and it was built by Gustave Eiffel. It attracted around 2 million visitors the first year and almost 6 million annually today. It is 986 feet tall and has 704 steps to the second level, where a lift takes visitors to the top and with a view of over 42 miles of the city.... Paris, France
The Grande Arche de la Fraternite
A monument in the business district of La Defense to the west of Paris.... Paris, France