Graffiti alley
When I found this little winding alleyway I was a little hesitant about going down it as I was unsure where it led and there was a lot of graffiti around. But I did walk down it and found that the walls were entirely covered in colourful graffiti that would not be out of place in an art gallery.
The alleyway is called Werregarenstraat and runs between Hoogpoort and Onderstraat. If you are in Hoogpoort find the back entrance to the Novotel hotel and the alleyway is directly opposite. In fact my room overlooked the entrance and that is what made me wonder where it led to. more
Dulle Griet
The Dulle Griet is simply the place that all beer enthusiasts must go to if in Gent. The large brick bar is superbly decorated and the ceiling has a number of hanging bits and pieces including some macabre effigies of people hanging by their necks. The most well known article hanging from the ceiling is a wire basket with a bell attached to it. Look closer and you will see that it has a pulley attached which runs behind the bar. For about 9 Euro they will serve you with a 1.2 litre MAX house beer that comes in a large round-bottomed Kwak style glass, complete with wooden stand. There is a catch though because as a ransom for the glass you will have to surrender one of your shoes which gets placed in the wire basket and hauled back up to the ceiling. You get your shoe back when you return the glass intact. A word of warning, it is difficult to drink out of these glasses so unless you want to risk walking home with one shoe don't try it after a long drinking session more
Novotel Gent Centrum
I found it difficult to fault this hotel at the price paid of 82 Euro per night. Facilities include an outdoor terrace and swimming pool for the summer, sauna and fitness rooms and internet access available in reception.
The rooms are comfortable with a double desk, sofa, minibar, TV and PC modem connection. Separate WC and bathroom which has a good sized power shower and complimentary toiletries. The lifts are key card operated for extra security.
Good breakfast buffet, the Gruuthuus bar is open 4.30pm until 1.00am and has comfortable seating and a nice ambiance. It serves a number of trappist beers and a selection of single malt whiskies and genevers that are ideal for an aperitif or a nightcap. The Cote Jardin restaurant opens until midnight.
Good location just a few minutes walk from Korenmarkt, St Bavo‘s Cathedral and the River Leie and in the shadow of the Belfry Tower.
A good place to stay, I have no hesitation in recommending it. more
Brooderie
This is a pleasant little coffee shop that bakes its own pastries. It is quite small but we managed to find ourselves a table for a very welcome coffee during a stroll around the city on a cold winter's morning. Magazines and newspapers are provided and the service is friendly and efficient. It's in a good location between Korenlei and the Gravensteen castle area, right opposite the Design Museum and backing on to the River Leie.They also have a few rooms available for bed & breakfast. more
Brasserie Borluut
The cheap things are the Menu of the Day [cheapest] and the menus. They are of the same quality as if you buy the same things for fas more on the a la carte menu. You can get a menu to include Gentse waterzooi or other local specialities. Convenient central situation. more
Het Huis van Alijn [Folklore Museum]
Look at the website for the fascinating, if gruesome, history. Then go, even if its only the building that attracts you. I bet within seconds you'll want to look at all the exhibits as well. A million times better than it sounds. more
Design Museum
A fine collection of art nouveau and art deco furniture, porcelain etc., in a lovely 18th century villa, imaginatively extended. more
Brooderie
Bed and super breakfast in an old bakery, now a café making its own confectionery. Good big and comfortable rooms - toilets shared with cafe during opening hours.
Wonderful situation - similar in a hotel would cost arms and legs. Three thumbs up in spite of shared toilets - I tried to book an extra night! more
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