A while ago I went on a nice weekender to the city of Gent in Belgium. To do what actually? That's a good question, what does one actually do during a city trip if you are not a fan of museums or anything.
My idea of a weekender is just wonder around for a bit and just take in the scenery. Try out some food here and there and maybe, just maybe have an occasional beer as I wrote about in this post
But during those walks while just walking towards nowhere, that is when you find the cool places.
I mean just look at how this old city hall is from the outside, all those details free to find while just walking around in the city. And that is just what you do, you walk somewhere towards a place to eat or to a next drink and all of this is just in old town.
Admittingly, Gent really does have a nice old time which is all car free and makes it easy to get around. Add a bit of canals in there and you have a fantastic scenery.
And imagine, it was drizzling and still this is the outcome!
Big castles!
Further down in the the city centre I found this gigantic old castle which really sets the setting of some ancient times. It is also located between the canals, so you have some really cool views from all sides.
Some little research learned us that this is called 'Gravensteen' and that there is also the option to go inside and see what is going on.
Naturally that doesn't work in the dark hours, so we have to do it with the photos from the outside. A castle in the centre, how cool is that!
The history is nice!
On of the things me and my friends were talking about while walking here is that just the fact that these old buildings are still in the 'original' state and how much it enhances the picture of a city. I mean in my hometown of Eindhoven nearly all architecture is from last century and you can really see that it is all modern.
That everything is preserved here in the city of Gent from the centuries earlier on als also restored to its original state really puts a stamp on the scenery.
This is just a small square here with some bars and restaurants on there with all of these details, I get it why they are trying to host these kinds of city walks in there
For sure I was more impressed by the city at night than I was by day (especially when it rains). By day it was a lot gray all around, it looked very industrial. Bu in the evening with the right lighting in the right angles.
That is when the city of Gent comes to life!
We went to Ghent a couple of years ago and loved it. Like you, just wandering around, eating and the occasional beer. I'd be happy to go back anytime but we thought it might be extra fun at Christmas.
Taking notes, taking notes! ;)
Ahhh nice! Super cool and thanks for the find! Curation is hard work!