Ghent: veggie paradise and hip cultural treasures waiting to be discovered!

Ghent: veggie paradise and hip cultural treasures waiting to be discovered!

Ghent, the second largest city in Belgium with around 270,000 inhabitants, is considered the “Veggie Capital of Europe”. It owes this designation not only to a large number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, but also to its special commitment to a meat-free diet. Every year the city becomes a hotspot for health-conscious and foodies with numerous established eateries such as Soul Kitchen, which uses only local and plant-based ingredients, and Madam Bakster, which offers vegan treats without refined sugar. There are also stories about local initiatives such as “Thursday Veggie Day,” which includes meat Friday dishes on the menu in schools to raise awareness of plant-based nutrition. Loud travel reporter There are many vegan fries and award-winning restaurants that not only delight vegetarians and vegans.

However, the culinary scene is only part of what Ghent has to offer. The city represents an interesting combination of culture, nightlife and historical architecture. Visitors can stroll through the historic center and admire the impressive buildings of St. Bravo Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church and the Belfry, among others. The latter, at 91 meters the tallest tower in the city, is a remarkable landmark crowned by a dragon figure.

Cultural highlights and street art

The Ghent art scene is lively and offers many opportunities for art lovers. Important museums include the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent and the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as SMAK. Ghent also has a lot to offer for street art fans: The graffiti alley between Hoogport and Onderstraat shows colorful works of art, which can be explored directly with the free “Sorry not sorry Street Art Map”.

The experience is rounded off by the extensive Graslei and Korenlei promenades, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll by the water. There are numerous bars and pubs at Vlasmarkt, a popular nightlife center. Bars like Charlatan, Kinky Star, Bar Gloria and Bar des Amis also captivate night owls.

Weekend markets and special events

Ghent offers an incomparable shopping experience, with vintage and second-hand shopping in particular attracting many visitors. Weekend markets on Beverhoutplein and Bij Sint-Jacobs square promise a wide range from fresh produce to handmade goods. These take place every Friday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A highlight of the year is the Ghent Festival, which transforms the city into a lively festival at the end of July. With exhibitions, concerts and numerous food stalls, the entire city is wrapped in a celebration that attracts guests from near and far.