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Forget crowded Bruges, if you really want to see the best of Belgium, head to Ghent. It’s truly a city of festivals and music, not to mention chocolate – so much so that UNESCO recently recognised it as a ‘Creative City of Music’.
Situated in the heart of Flanders between Brussels and the coast, Ghent is a compact city filled with spectacular medieval cathedrals – the most popular by far is St Bavo’s Cathedral, the oldest parish church in Ghent.
Save a cruise along the River Leie and through the canals for just before sunset, when the light is at its best and the reflection of the row of guild houses from as early as the 12th century dance in the water.
You’ll putter past Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts, a giant medieval fortress built in the 12th century for the ruling dynasty of Flanders. Afterwards, head to cafe Max, home to the original Brussels waffles (they are rectangular shaped), with griddles that dates back to 1839. Yum!
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