Ghent In Your Pocket

Hoels Resaurans Cafés Nighlife Sighseeing Evens Maps

GHENt 

“In Your Pocket:  A cheeky, wellwritten series of guidebooks.” The New York Times

 July 2013 2013 - January 2014

Music o your ears Welcome to Ghent: Gh ent: UNESCO City  of Music. From the Gentse Feesten to Vooruit 100 and Parkkaffee, there’s a concert  this year for everyone

Food Discover why Ghent is Belgium’s top culinary culinary destination. Isn‘t life li fe simply njummie? N°3 - € 2.50 www.inyourpocket.com

Bubble Post, for all your local deliveries, visibility and events. for more information: www.bubblepost.be or mail to [email protected]

Contents

ESSENTIAL

CITY

3

GUI DES

Contents Arrival & Transpor Transportt

5

How to get to your hotel

The Basics

8

Getting to grips with Ghent 

History

11

The city’s past on two pages

Culture & Events

13

Concerts, galleries and events

Where to stay

20 Beds for backpackers and business executives

Dining & Nightlife

24

From light drinking to heavy eating 

Cafés Classic cafés and bakeries

32

Nightlife 35 Plunge into one of o f Ghent’s bars: loungy, hip, dark: a bar to everyone’s taste.

Sightseeing Museums, churches and other sights

38

Voorui t, photo ph oto by Anke Sanders Sanders

List of small features Great Bradley Wiggins

8

Noosebearers

11

Ghent, UNESCO City of Music

17

Parkkaffee

19

Ghent’s Culinary Prodigies: The Flemish Foodies and Beyond

31

Het Lam Gods

39

Shopping

45

For the ultimate gift & souvenirs

Directory

51

Pharmacies, banks and barbers

Maps & Index Country map

53

Street index

54

City centre map

55

City map Index

56-57 56 -57 58

Lys, photo by Anke Sanders

ghent.inyourpocket.com

July 2013 - January 2014

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Foreword Forget Bruges, Bruges, Ant werp, and even even Brussels: it’s Ghen t, a modern, buzzing city with a wonderful medieval centre that should b e on top of your ‘things to visit in Belgium’ list. The cit y’s many beautiful historical buildings, buildings, winding  canals, bustling international por t, top-rated university, university, museums, shops, restaurants and bars are guaranteed guaranteed to make a visit worth your while. What Ghen t might lack in size (it only has around 250,000 250,000 inhabitants), and m edieval facades (slightly   fewer than tha n Bruge Br uges), s), i t make s up for in jovi al a tmosph tmo sphere, ere, cultural acti vities, unstoppable entrepreneurial drive, and unmistakable joie de vivre . A case in point is the Gentse Feesten infamous ten-day-long Ghent Festival ( Gentse in Dutch), held every summer. summer. Abou t two million visitors attend the Stroppendragers ’ (see Noose-bearers on p.11) party each year. Ghent is a cit y of contrasts: it effortlessly effortlessly combines the old and the ne w in its architecture, traditions and citizens alike. Amidst the medieval Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and Belfroy, Belfroy, young families go about th eir lives. Students enjoy a traditional Neuzeke (purple candy) or   jenev er before exploring a shot of Filliers  jenever  exploring the siz zling  Ghent nigh tlife. Pensioners Pensioners can have a beer in the ultramodern Stadshal (nicknamed the Sheep Pen). One thing  all Ghent citizens have in common is the fact that they  take pride in their cultural h eritage. This year, year, Ghen t  invites everyone to celebrate its rich cultural history with a number of events. A lit tle over 100 years years ago, King Albert I an d Queen Elisabeth inaugurated the World Fair in Ghent. Th e Exposition universelle et internationale de Gand  was one of the m ost spectacular world fairs to date. date. Ghent’s many cultural institutions and organizations have seized the hundredth anniversary of the Ghent world exhibition to present a series of exhibitions in which they highligh t the signi ficance of 1913 for society today. today. Anoth er birthday girl is the much-loved Vooruit: the grand old lady of Ghent’s cultural scene is 100 this year. year. During Vooruit100 (which runs until Octob er 2013) the building in the Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat opens its doors

to everyone interested in Vooruit history. Activities include the Cooperette , where you can repair clothes and make new things, and the Think Bar , a place where ideas, proposals, scenarios and projec ts are examined and shared. During this anniversary year, year, the Vooruit  Café offers up some unique recipes from well-known rio mfbier  ier . chefs, as well as a specially b rewed beer, the Triomfb Moreover, the Vooruit in Ghent app guides guides smartphon e users through Ghent’s city cen tre, hot on the trail of  creativit y and transition, key words both of Vooruit, Vooruit, and of Ghen t. Finally, Finally, the STAM museum hosts an an intriguing historical exhibition of the Vooruit building, its significance for Ghent and the many activities that have taken place during the past cen tury. The Film Festival Gent might b e a long way off off being  a centenarian, centenarian, but i ts 40th edition, scheduled for October  8th-19th, 2013, merits a celebration nonetheless. Th e  festival was first esta blishe d as a stud ent film festi val, and has since d eveloped into one of Europe’s most prominent   film events, at tractin g over 130,000 visitors each year. Many international guests from the world of film flock  to Ghent to present their films to th e general public. public. In addition to the screenings, screenings, the Film Festival Festival Gent also organizes organizes film-related exhibitions. What makes the Festival truly unique, however, is its focus on film music: every  year, the festival organizes film music concerts, giving  composers of film film scores the plat form they deserve. An annual highlight are the World Soundtrack Awards, the most prestigious soundtrack awards in the world. After exploring these events, and the many oth er  delights Ghent has to offer, it will be hard not to fall for  this exciting, picturesque cit y. This In Your Pocket guide gladly takes you on a tour tour of the very b est of Ghent. Hungry for more? Check out additional information online at w ww.inyourpocket.com/belgium. ww.inyourpocket.com/belgium. We welcome all of  your suggestions and comments: send them to ghent@  inyourpocket.com. All that’s lef t is for us to wish you a fantastic time in Ghent, which is, as th ey say in Ghent slang, ‘vree wijs’ ! (‘very cool’ )

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arrival arriv al & transport Publisher Ghent In Your Pocket Lariksenstraat Lariksenstraat 12. B-1050 B-1050 Brussels, Belgium Tel. (+32) 473 51 30 02, [email protected], www.inyourpocket.com ISSN 2034-8975 © BIYP SPRL/BVBA  Printed by PAPERLAND S.A. Published twice per year, 20 000 copies annualy  Editorial Editors Sofie Steen, Craig Turp Contributors Astrid Vandendaele, Kristel Vereecken, Jean Jacques Haus Design Vaida Gudynaite Photography Reine Ortiz, Anke Sanders, Visit-Gent  Cover Visit-Gent  Sales & Circulation General Manager Reine Ortiz  Sales Reine Ortiz, Sofie Steen Circulation Reine Ortiz, Bubble Post  Copyright notice Text and photos copyright BIYP SPRL/BVBA 2013. Maps copyright cartographer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may b e reproduced in any form, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, withou t  written permission from the publisher and copyright  owner. The brand name In Your Pocket is used under  license from UAB In Your Pocket (Bernardinų 9-4,

Vilnius, Lithuania tel. (+370) 5 212 29 76).

Maps AQUATERRA N.V. Ghent is easily explored on foot with most of the sights located within the relatively small city centre. Riding a bicycle around the city is not a bad idea eith er. The The flat terrain and the generally short distances make cycling a lovely way  to discover town. That That being sai d, Ghent al so has a well organised public transport system, reaching nearly every  corner of the city. All trams and buses in Fland ers are operated by the transport company De Lijn. You can find a rou te planner, schedules and network maps at the company’s website, www.delijn.be, or at a Lijnwinkel  or Ghent Tourist Office. Tickets can be bought either directly from the driver inside buses and trams, at a Lijnwinkel or in most supermarkets and newspaper shops. Lijnwinkels  are located at  Sint-Pieters station, Gent-Zuid (Graaf van Vlaanderenplein) and at Korenmarkt. A single ticket costs €2 if bought from the driver or €1.20 if bou ght in advance. I f you plan to use city transpor t regularly, you you could buy a Lijnkaart for €9, which allows you to make 10 single journ eys. You You could also choose to get a day pass for €5 (€7 if purchase d  from the th e driver) drive r) or a 3-day 3-d ay pass for €10 (€1 2 from dri ver). Tickets always need to be validated by using the yellow machine inside trams and buses. Stick the ticket in the machine and press the number of zones you are travelling  though. Unless you are travelling outside the city limits, this will be just one zone.

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By car  Driving to the centre centre of Ghent can b e a diff icult task  and be quite costly.

There are four different zones, and they are split into two dif ferent sections. You You have the choice of Kort Parkeren (shortterm parking, maximum three hours) and Dagparkeren (24 hours). Parking costs vary, from €2 an hour in the centre of  the city up to €10 for a full day. Remember, however, that it’s hard to find a parking spot in or near the Old Town. Don’t park  without paying unless you fancy a huge fine. If you’re coming from out of town, free parking at one of the six Park and Ride locations is your best option. The only damage is €2 for a tram ticket to town (or €1.20 if you buy it in advance). There are Park & Ride facilities at: P+R Gentbrugge (250 parking places) P+R Oostakker (200 parking places) P+R Flanders E xpo (106 parking places) P+R Wondelgem Industrieweg (48 parking places) P+R Mariakerke (25 parking places) P+R Gentbrugge Moscou (15 parking places) If you’re still determined to drive in to the Old Town Town then look for a parking garage. There are nine parkin g garages in Ghen t. Rates vary, vary, but you will pay around €1,50 a n hour. You You can find the m easily by following the el ectronic signs on the billboards when you enter the cit y from whatever direction: the signs wil l also tell you how many free spaces are available. Further details o f parking garages in town can be found here: www.parkeerbedrijf.gent.be.

Tourist information Beautiful cities always have a tourist office and Ghent  is no exception. For information about the city, head to Ghent Tourist Office. If you want to know something  about the surrounding region, step inside the office of  Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen.

Ghent Tourist Tourist Off ice B-2, Sint-Veerleplein 5, tel. (+32) 926 65 660, fax (+32) 926 65 673, visit@ gent.be, www.visitgent.be. To find the city’s tourist  information of fice, walk through the gate in the corner of  the square and you will spot it directly on the lef t. A large selection of brochures, leaflets and city maps is available, includi ng maps with thematic walking routes and a brochu re specifically specifi cally for vegetarian visitors. Try Try the futuristic touch-screen tabl es, which will provide visitors with lots of information ab out the city and i deas for places to visit. If you still have questions, the knowledgeable staf f  will enthusiastically answer them. The tourist i nformation offic e is also the departure point for guided walks in the city. QOpen 15/10 > 14/03: 09:30 - 16:30/ 15/03 >  14/10 : 09.30-18.30. TJAUGW

Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen B-3, Sint-Niklaasstraat 2, tel. (+32) 926 92 600, fax (+32) 926 92 609, [email protected], www.tov. be. If you plan to explore the region around Ghent, the provincial tourist information office is a good place to start. This office is particularly well equipped with cycling  and hikin g maps, which you can bu y for a small fee. You can also pick up brochures about various regions in East  Flanders and the helpful staf f will gladly advise you about   journeys into the rural area around the city. QOpen 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:15-16:45. Closed Sat, Sun. J

July 2013 - January 2014

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arrival & transport By plane Ghent does not have its own airport, but getting  to the city from Belgium’s major airports is quite  straightforward.

The country’s largest flight hub, Brussels Airport (Zaventem), is about an hour away from Ghent. Those taking  budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz to Belgium will land at Brussels Charleroi Airport, 50km outside of Brussels proper. Antwerp Airport only handles a few charter flights, but if you ha ppen to arrive here, take bus 14 to Antwerp Central station and hop on a train there. The trip to Ghent  will take about 1.5 hours. Flights to Ostend-Bruges Airport are also limited to a  few char ters. From h ere, bus 5 a nd 6 run ru n to Ostend Osten d railway  rail way  station, from where trains to Ghent are leaving three times an hour.

By train Ghent has two railway stations: Sint-Pieters an d Dampoort. Most trains arrive at Ghent Sint-Pieters (A-6). A tunnel connects connec ts the twelve platforms with the central hall. Entering the central hall from the tunnel, the ticket office (open 05:45 - 22:00, Sat and Sun 06:00 - 22:00) is located on the left side. There are three ATMs in the central hall, several kiosks, some coffee shops and a photo booth. The toilets are located on the path towards the western exit and these cost €0.50. You can change currency  at the Europa Bank (open 09:30 - 13:00 1 3:00 & 14:00 - 17:00, Thu 09:30 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 18:30, closed Sat, Sun), which is also located towards the western exit. Lockers for luggage storage are opposite the bank. A small locker costs  €3.00, a medium one €3.50 and a large locker €4.00, €4.00, all  for a 24 hour period. I f have such a large sui tcase there is also a manual luggage storage. For €4.00, the man behind the counter in the lost and found office (open 06:15 - 21:30) will happily take care of your belongings. This is also for a 24 hour period and you can fi nd the lost  and found opposite the ticket office. Getting to town: From Sint-Pieters station, tram 1  is the quickest option to the centre. When you exit the station, the tram stop is on the left lef t side. Wait at platform 2 and hop on a tram directed at Evergem. You could buy  tickets for buses and trams from the driver, these cost   €2. If you buy a ticket in advance, ad vance, it costs €1.20. In case you prefer taking a taxi, both railway stations have a row of taxis lined up in front of the station entrances. Ghent-Dampoort station (D-2): All trains coming   from and going to Antwerp stop at Dampoort. This small station is closer to the city centre and usually more convenient i f you are travelling to or from Antwerp. The ticket  office (open 05:45 - 20:00, Sat and Sun 06:00 - 20:30) is located inside the waiting waitin g room, where you will also find lockers for luggage storage. Beware that the waiting room closes at 20:30 and you cannot get access to the lockers after that time. tim e. Just outside the main entrance entra nce is an ATM. ATM. After 22:00 you have to enter the station through throu gh the side entrance next to the parking area. Getting to town: The walk from Dampoort station to the city centre takes about 15 minutes, but you could also take bus 3, 38 or 39. These buses all leave from platform 1 on the opposite side of the road next to the railway bridge.

Ghent In Your Po cket

Waiting for the boats on Korenlei, photo by Reine Ortiz 

Brussels Airport Leopoldlaan, Zaventem, tel. (+32) 275 37 753, www.brusselsairport.be. Next to a village called Zaventem, 12 kilometres from central Brussels, lies Belgium’s prime international airport. Taking a taxi to central Brussels will cost ab out €45. A cheaper option is to make the 15 minute train ride to Brussels Central station, from where you can change trains to nearly every every c orner of the countr y. The railway station at th e airport is at l evel -1. -1. There are two direct trains leaving Brussels Airport for Ghent: the IR-train (final destination De Panne) is the quickest and takes 55 minutes to complete the journey to Ghent. The other direct  train, (final destination Ghent Sint-Pieters) is much slower  due to the many stops on the way. You can also take any  train from the airport to Brussels North railway station and change there. A ticket from Brussels Airport to Ghen t costs  €11.80. GW Brussels Charleroi Airport rue des Frères Wright 8, Charleroi, tel. (+32) 902 02 490, www.charleroiairport.com. After collecting your luggage you have essentially two options for travel to Ghent: take a shut tle bus to Brussels Midi and catch a train to Ghent Sint Pieters from there, or take bus A to Charleroi railway station. The Brussels City Shuttle can be found directly outside the terminal, leaves every 30 minutes and the €13 ticket  can be purchased online in advance, from the driver, or  via one of the streetside vending machines. Those opting   for Charl Ch arl eroi’s ero i’s train tra in sta tion ti on will wil l ha ve to chan ch ange ge train tra ins s at  Brussels Midi.

Buses Although Ghent lacks a central bus station, nearly every  part of the city can be reached by bus. Most towns in the surrounding area are connected to Ghent by bus as well. The main hubs in the ci ty’s bus network are at Zuid (Graaf van Vlaanderenplein), Sint-Pieters station and Dampoort station. Regular buses run from 06:00 until 23:00.

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arrival & transport Eurolines A-6, Koningin Elisabethlaan 73, tel. (+32) 922 09 024, www.eurolines.be. If you want to take a cheap bus to discover another exotic destination, the Eurolines bus might be your thing! You can take your bottle of Roomer or your box of chocolates with you to Stockholm, Paris or even Bratislava. QOpen , Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 08:45 - 12.30&13:30-17:45, Sat 09:00 - 12:30. Closed Sun.

Car rental Avis Kortrijksesteenweg 676, tel. (+32) 922 20 053, www.avis.be. QOpen 08:00 - 12:00 & 13:00-18:00, Sat  08:00 - 12:00. Closed Sun. AL Hertz Nieuwewandeling 76, tel. (+32) 922 40 406, fax (+32) 922 40 604, hert [email protected], ww w.hert z. be. be . QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun. TA

Taxis There are five official taxi ranks in Ghent:G ent-SintPietersstation, Gent-Dampoort station, Korenmarkt, Woodrow Wilsonplein and Flande rs Expo.The Expo.The flag-down rate for all taxis is fixed at €8, which in cludes the first 3 kilometres and a waiting time of 5 minu tes. Every additional kilometre costs €2 and at night (between 22:00 and 06:00) there is a flat surcharge of €2 .50. Taxi Taxi drivers are always required to use the meter, even to destinations outside the ci ty perimeter. The The only exception to this rule applies to long-distance journ eys with  fixed  fi xed rate ra tes. s. Su ch dest de stin inat atio io ns in clud cl ud e Bru B russ ssel els s A irpo ir porr t  (€95) and Brussels South-Ch arleroi Airport (€140).

te l. (+32) 489 22 20 80, fax CR Taxi Zuidledeplein 19, tel. (+32) 925 92 188, [email protected], www.taxicr.be. A  reliable taxi company. company. I t is possible to b ook a taxi for up to six passengers. QOpen 00:00 - 24:00. PA Minerva Watertaxi A-3, B-4, Coupure Rechts 2a, tel. (+32) 923 37 917, fax (+32) 378 91 759, www. offers a water  minervaboten.be. This b oat rental c ompany offers taxi ser vice along th e Leie River, River, but you will have to book  in advance. Miner va also rents its boats for trips upstream upstream the scenic Leie Ri ver, ver, into the r ural area southwest of the city. QOpen 10:00 - 20:00. Prices: €50/hour, €20/hour  waiting time. J V-Tax Wiedauwkaai 98, tel. (+32) 922 22 222, fax On e (+32) 922 24 436, [email protected], www.v-tax.be. One of the largest and oldest taxi companies in the country. QOpen 00:00 - 24:00. A

is about 40 percent cheaper than a normal return ticket. If you are staying in Bel gium for a while, you could consider bu ying a Rail Pass (€76), which allows you to make 10 single journ eys within Belgi um. TravelTravellers who haven’t yet reached the age of 26 cou ld get a Go-Pass for €50.

Trams Three tram lines run through the city. The most frequent  and perhaps the most useful one is tram 1, which travels  from Flan Fl ande ders rs E xpo, via SintSi nt-Pie Pie ters ter s stati st ati on to t o Eve rgem. rge m. Tram 4 tours around the ci ty centre from the subur b Moscou, via Zuid and Sint-Pieters station to Zwijnaardebrug, at the cit y’s southern edge. Trams Trams are frequent  and you will rarely be waiting longer than 8 minutes. The latest departures are roughly at 23:00.

Bicycle rental (+32) 922 42 903, Biker C-2, Steend am 16, tel. (+32) www.bikerfietsen.net. Biker sells, repairs and rents bicycles. The rental fee is €9 per day. day. QOpen 09:00 12:30 & 13:30-18:00. 13:30-18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. J De Ligfiets D-4, Lange Violettestraat 49, tel. (+32) 922 50 777, fax (+32) 922 34 496, info@ ligfiets.be, www.deligfiets.be. www.deligfiets.be. Have you ever  wanted to ride a recumben t bicycle? Well, here is your  chance. De Ligfiets , which means ‚the recumbent bike ’ in Dutch, rents these relaxing bicycles for €25 per day. The store is only open three days a week, but you can make an appointment for other days. QOpen 14:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun. J Max Mobiel A-6, Voskenslaan 27, tel. (+32) 924 28 040, fax (+32) 924 28 049, max-mob iel@ gent.be, www.max-mobiel.be. Located behind Sint-Pietersstation, you can rent a bicycle here for   €9 p er day d ay or o r €25 €2 5 per pe r week we ek.. Max Mobiel is primarily  aimed at local commuters, but tourists are welcome as well. People getting off at Dampoortstation can also collect a bike there. QOpen 07:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.

Trains With 3513 kilometres of railroads,Belgium has one of the densest rail way networks in the world. Train Train travel is the easiest way to get around in the country. Gent-Sint-Pietersstation has trains departing in all directions.Every train that travels to or from Antwerp also stops at Gent-Dampoort station. Belgiu m’s national railway company, NMBS (SNCB in French), runs th ree types of trains: Intercity trains (IC) are the quickest  ones, Interregio trains (IR) usually h ave a few more stops and the slowest type is the Local train (L). For  departure times and fares, surf to www.b-rail.be. Tickets can be bought at ticket offices, vending machines or from the conductor inside the train. I f you buy  a ticket inside the train you have to pay a €3 surcharge and you will have to immediatel y notify the conduc tor  (otherwise you could be fine d).First class tickets are about 50% more expensive than second class tickets, but not really worth th e extra money. A weekend ticket 

ghent.inyourpocket.com

Riding a bike is fun for the whole family family

© Ghent City  Council

July 2013 - January 2014

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BasiCs Read on and find out why the Belgian police do not all ow you to ride a bicycle with a passen ger on the back seat, along with many other useful Belgian facts.

Alcohol Belgians love to go to the pub and enj oy the countr y’s  famously  famou sly fresh fres h beer, consider con sidered ed to be th e national nati onal drink dr ink.. Most pubs serve Belgian beers of whi ch the best known are Jupiler , Maes and Stella, but in the city centre many  bars serve a much wider range of regional be ers. Watch out for the heavier stuff like Delirium Tremens (9%), which makes you see pink elephants...For those who stick around more than a day, city brewery Gruut -C-3- is worth a visit. Restaurants, pubs and shops serve and sell beer and win e to anyone over the age of 16, although to buy and consume spiri ts you have to to be 18. Speaking of  spirits, look out for the infamous Jenever: a potent liquor  that Belgians enjoy inflicting on tourists.

Mail & Phones Postal delivery in Belgium is generally reliable. Wireless internet is also sweeping the nation. Read here how to keep in touch with your loved ones back home. Straight   from the bar or one of the many terraces.

Mobile phones You can use your mobile phone if your provider has an international roaming agreement with one of the mobile phone networks of Belgium. Normally, if you’re abroad, you have to pay roaming charges on all incoming and outgoing calls, text messages, mms and internet.

Dialing All In Your Pocket guides list country codes before all telephone numbers. The Belgian country code is (+32).

Post  The Belgium postal system works more or less infallibly. Letters and parcels are sent without ado across the whole world. At post offices you can buy stamps and drop off  parcels. Posting a letter or a postcard within Belgium will cost you €0.77, within Europe €1,13 and for the rest of  the world you pay €1.34. For parcel shipping prices and the most up-to-date postage rates check www.bpost.be. Some supermarkets have a ‚postpunt’, indicating th at you can buy stamps there and post your letters or parcels.

Postkantoor Gent Centrum B-3, Lange Kruisstraat 55, tel. (+32) 220 1 12 2 345, www.bpost.be. ww w.bpost.be. The post office at Gent Centrum is the th e largest in the city centre. If wou want  to avoid the big crowds, come in the quieter periods (between (bet ween 09:00-10:00, 09:00-10:00, 13:00-14:00 or 17:00-18:00). Mail can also be posted in the red re d letter boxes spread all over over Ghent. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 09:00 - 15:00. Closed Close d Sun. JU

Wireless internet  If you’d like to check your e-mail or just sur f the web while sipping a chai tea, just look for one of the many hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes that offer free wireless internet acces in their rooms. Many times you have to ask the staff for the current password or fill in their phone number, which actually also works most of the time. Just  look for the wifi symbol in this guide to find venues with  free wireless access.

Ghent In Your Po cket

Great Bradley Wiggins d e  Who knew? The first Englishma n to ever win win the Tour de  France , Bradley Wiggins, is a son of... Ghent. Wiggins, who won Le Tour  in 2012 and who will start this year’s race as the favourite, was born in Ghent in 1980, the son of an English mother Linda and an Australia n father, Gary. Wiggins Sr. was also a professional cyclist, and at the ti me was riding for  the now defunct  Marc-ARD  team, which was based in Ghent. After his parents divorced in 1982, Wiggins moved to England with his mothe r, and would not see his father  again for more than 14 years. Living in Maida Vale, north London, Wiggins attended the St Augustine’s Church of England High School, a comprehensive in Kilburn at which his mother worked. He began cycle racing at the age of 12 at the Herne Hill Velodrome, recalling recently in an i nterview that: ‘At 12 I told my art teacher, I’m going going to be Olympic cha mpion, I’m going to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour.’ And much more besides, he coul d have added. Wiggins’s career began in track cycling, specialising in the pursuit and the Madison, before he gradually moved into road racing. He has won six six cycling World Championships, Champion ships, his first  in 2003 and his most rec ent in 2008. He won a bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics, a gold, a silver  and a bronze at the 2004 Summer Olym pics, two golds at the 2008 Summer Olympics and another gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics. After the 2008 Olympi cs, Wiggins took a break from the track to focus on the road. Initial ly viewed as a time trial specialist and as a rouleur , Wiggins showed his ability in stage races when he came fourth in the 2009 Tour de France  (later promoted to third after Lance Armstrong’s Armstron g’s results were voided in 2012). His first victory  in a major stage race came in the 2011  Critérium du  Dauphiné , and later that year finished third in the Vuelta  a España. He then took second in the time trial at the 2011 UCI Road World Championships. In 2012 - besides winning the Tour  and taking two individual stages - Wiggins won the Paris–Nice , the Tour  de Romandie , the Critérium du Dauphiné , and the time trial at the Olympics. He was then given a knigh thood in the Queen’s New Year honours list, but has since gone on to say that he will not use the title Sir until he retires  from cycling. cycl ing.

Climate While it’s usually cold and wet in winter and often warm and dry in summ er, but unfortunately you never really  know in this mild sea-climate. So it’s always wise to bring  a raincoat or an umbrella. Whatever the weather, Belgians always find a reason to complain abou t it. A good website to check the current weather in your favourite Belgian city  is www.meteo.be.

Cycling  Ghent is a great town to explore by bike. Even though a lot of monuments are within walking distance of each other, a bicycle gives you the chance to see more in less time. A couple of cycling routes will get you to the different  corners of the town and then beyond. Bikers pretty much reign the cit y. They They can cycle in al most every street and a part of the historical centre is car-free. Overall, Ghent is

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BasiCs as flat as a pancake, but don’t misju dge the steep streets surrounding the Blandijnberg . Those streets make you crave you had the stamina of a top Bel gian cyclist like Tom Tom Boonen. A couple of things to keep in mind: beware of the tramlines, as onc e your wheel gets stuck in it, you will fall. Remember to always lock your bike be cause - to the frustration of many bikers - stealing bikes is the national sport  of Belgium’s rascals. And don’t even think about having  your loved one (or anyone else) riding on the back o f your  bike, as the police will hit you with a heavy fine.

Disabled travellers Most public places and facilities in Ghent are accessible for disabled travellers. Most pavements have been adapted with rubber strips, and traffic lights at  crossings have clickin g systems. Accessible Travel Travel Info Point is a ser vice of the Flem ish Tourist Tourist Board that  people with disabilities can consult when travelling to Flanders. I f you’re you’re travelling by train in wheelchair, the Belgian rail system asks to go get in touch with the station of depar ture at least - believe it or not - 24 hours in advance.

Electricity  The electrical current i s 220V AC, 50Hz. European plugs are a must. At least if you wanna be c onnected to the outside world...

Emergency numbers Dial the European emergency num ber 112 in case of  emergency. The number will connect you with local police, ambulance or fire department. For all other cases (for instance Anonymous Alcoholics, the Drugsline and Abusement of El ders hotline - really), just surf to www. noodnummer.be.

Language Dutch is spoken in Flanders, the upper part of Belgium. Although it is almost identical to the language used in the Netherlands, in Belgium the Dutch language is called Flemish. In Flanders, most people have a fairly  good knowledge of English. Next to Dutch, Belgium also has French and German as national languages. Almost 60 per cent of the Belgian population speaks Dutch. French is the common language in Brussels and Wallonia (the southern part of the country). Only  one per cent of the countrys population uses German as its mother tongue, spoken in a few communities in the east of Belgium.

Useful Phrases in Dutch How are you? Hoe is het ermee? Pleased to meet you. Aangename kennismaking. Do you speak English? Spreekt u Engels? Where is the nearest shop, hotel, restaurant, bar or toilet? Is er een winkel, een hotel, een restaurant, een café of  een toilet in de buurt? What’s your name? Wat is uw naam? My name is … Mijn naam is ... What time is it? Hoe laat is het? How much? Hoeveel kost dit? Hallo Hello Goeiemorgen Good morning Goeieavond Good evening Goeienacht  Goodnight Daaaaag  Goodbye Ja Yes Nee No Misschien Maybe Bedankt  Thank you

Days of the week

Health Healt h & Safety  Safety  Ghent is a relatively safe city for residents and tourists, but you shoul d watch out for pickpockets. Obviousl y, don’t leave your belongings unattended and use common sense at all ti mes. There is a large police presence in the centre. Neverth eless, try to avoid unlit streets and parks late at night. As mentioned elsewhere, bicycle thef t is common so a good lock is essential.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Numbers

Facts & Figures Figur es

1 een 2 twee 3 drie 4 vier  5 vijf  6 zes 7 zeven 8 acht  9 negen 10 tien 11 elf  12 twaalf 

Population (Belgium): 10,839,905 (in 2010) Longest rivers: Maas (Meuse) an Schelde (Scheldt) Highest point: Botrange (694m) Length of Belgian coastline: 66,5 km Land area: 30.528 km² Borders: Belgium has borders with the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France. Capital: Brussels

Street, road Square / Market Airport Port Bus station Train station s tation Taxi

Local time From the last weekend of March till the l ast weekend of October, Belgium is in the Central European Summ er  Time Zone, or GMT+2. GMT+2. During the rest of th e year the clock ticks according to the Central European Time Zone, or GM T+1 .

ghent.inyourpocket.com

maandag  dinsdag  woensdag  donderdag  vrijdag  zaterdag  zondag 

13 dertien 14 veertien 15 vijftien 16 zestien 17 zeventien 18 achttien 19 negentien 20 twintig  21 eenentwintig  100 honderd 500 vijfhonderd

Street smarts straat  plein luchthaven haven busstation treinstation taxi

July 2013 - January 2014

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BasiCs Money 

Smoking 

Since 2002, a large part of the European Un ion has adopted the euro as its local currency and Bel gium is no exception. One euro contains 100 euro cents. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 euro cents, and also o f 1 and 2 euro. Banknotes are available with the following values: 5, 10, 20, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Although a collec tion of   €200 and a nd €500 €5 00 bill s in your wallet wa llet m ight igh t make you feel like the richest man on the pla net, bear in mind that they’re almost never accepted in shops or restaurants. You can exchange and withdraw mon ey at most large banks; there are plenty in the city centre. All Belgian banks accept  Visa and MasterCard at their cash dispensers and there are ATMs ATMs all over Ghent. Ma ny restaurants, hotels and shops accept credit cards, althou gh a lot of grocery stores require a minimum purchase. Most bars only accept cash.

Since July 2011, smoking in all bars and nightclubs has only been allowed in separate smoking rooms, extending  a smoking ban that forbade smoking in public places and restaurants. The majority of bars comply with the smoking  ban, but in some places, the owner (usually a smoker  himsel f) will still allow hi s clients to smoke. From 2014 (at  (at  the latest) the law will be tigh tened even more.

Consulates Central Africa Gouvernementstraat 16, tel. (+32) 923 42 969, consulaat.centraal.afrika@ pandora.be. Congo Rozemarijnstraat 47, tel. (+32) 922 32 045, [email protected]. Cote D’Ivoir Kouter 71/72, tel. (+32) 922 30 571, [email protected]. Danmark Noorwegenstraat 11, tel. (+32) 925 44 480, [email protected]. (+32) 922 Finland Gouvernementstraat 20, tel. (+32) 59 920, [email protected]. France H. Frère- Orbanlaan 376, tel. (+32) 922 31 895, [email protected]. Guatemala Prinsenhof 38, tel. (+32) 922 31 043, [email protected]. Italy Oude Heirweg 6, tel. (+32) 938 08 668, [email protected]. Jemen J.Plateaustraat 49, tel. (+32) 922 50 174, 174, [email protected]. Lithuania Coupure 371, tel. (+32) 922 30 258, [email protected]. (+32) 922 65 506, Namibia Vinkendal 15, tel. (+32) [email protected]. Oeganda Nelemeerstraat 31 , tel. (+32) 928 25 373, [email protected]. (+32) 922 18 Peru Koningin Astridlaan 1 85, tel. (+32) 021, [email protected]. [email protected]. Poland Lange Kruisstraat 7, tel. (+32) 473 400 277, [email protected]. Rwanda Gentstraat 13, tel. (+32) 938 45 342, [email protected]. (+32) 927 72 Senegal Deinsesteenweg 109, tel. (+32) 041, [email protected]. Slovakia Lange Kru isstr aat 7, tel. (+32) 923 54 935, arnold.vanhaecke@unizo-oost-vlaanderen. be. be . South-Korea Bij Sint-Jacob 15, tel. (+32) 922 53 068, [email protected]. Spain Tentoonstellingslaan 54, tel. (+32) 926 57 632, [email protected]. The Netherlands Recollettenlei 12 , tel. (+32) 922 51 816, [email protected]. Tunisia Kortrijksesteenweg 1004, tel. (+32) 922 14 177, [email protected].

Ghent In Your Po cket

Tipping  Tipping is not obligatory, but if you think the service was  fine, a tip t ip is al ways appreciate appre ciated d by the staf st aff. f. Tips Tips var y from 20 cents to €5, or a rounding up of the bill.

Toilets On the occasion oc casion of World Worl d Toilet Toilet Day on 19 Novem November, ber, the city of Ghent highlighted its inner-city public toilet facilities. It issued a ‚WC map’ in Dutch and English which is available  free of charge from the Tourism Tourism Office O ffice or the Gh ent city  shop. A great souvenir, the map currently only shows public toilet facilities in the inner city where the ring road and the railway stations of Gent Sint-Pieters and Gent Dampoort  demarcate the border. Within this area, all public toilets, toilets for the disabled, toilets with nappy changing facilities and urinals are shown on the map. Dames ) or Gents ( Heren Heren) is written on ll toilet doors. Ladies ( Dames  When you have to go badly, note that it’s not generally  accepted simply to barge into a café or restaurant: staff will appreciate if you ask in advance. If you see a saucer by the toilets, then you’re expected to donate a small amount of  money for toilet maintenance; 20 or 50 cents is fine.

Water  Any of the European countrie s that are part of the European Union have very similar, strict standards to drinking  water regulations. You can rest assured th at it’s safe to be drinking water from the tap here, with some experts even saying it’s better to drink tap water then to drink bottled water, water, since the tap varie ty is filtered of cha lk and other  minerals.

National holidays On national holi days, almost all shops, restaurants and public places are closed. If the holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday some places make the bridge with the weekend and take th e extra day. During school holi days expect shopping streets, historical attractions and publi c transport to be more crowded. Take this in considera tion when booki ng your trip.

21 July 2013: Belgian National Day  15 August 2013: Assumption Day  1 November 2013: All Saints’ Day  11 November 2013: Armistice Day  25 December 2013: Christmas 1 January 2014: New Year  School holidays Summer holiday: 1 July- 31 August 2013 Autumn half-term break: 28 October - 3 November 2013 Spring half-term break: 3 - 9 March 2014 Easter holiday: 7 - 20 April 2014

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history 7th century

14th century

Amandus Amand us (who would eventuall eventuallyy be proclaimed a saint after a long life of hardship and persecution tryin g to evangelize the pagans of nor thern Europe) founded two abbeys: one at Lys (the Ganda Abbey) and one upstream at Sch eldt (the St. Pieters Abbey). One of his followers, Bavo, a rich nobleman who gave all his possessions away to live as a hermit in Gan da, was such an inspiration for so many people in the area that  the abbey of Ganda was later named after him, becoming  the St Baaf’s Abbey we know today. Politically, Ghent was as this stage part of the Germanic empire.

During the 100 years war between England and France, Edward III forbade all exports of English wool to Flanders and to Ghent. After all Flanders was, albeit reluctantly, part  of the French crown. As a result, the cloth halls were empty  and about 60 per cent of the population of Ghent was unemployed. After two years of famine and riots, the people of Ghent were starving and desperate. It was at this point that Jacob Van Artevelde, presumably  a textile businessman, negotiated with the English king and the ‘weak’ Count of Flanders (who had fled for France when rioting broke out). His strategy was to convince both of them to give Ghent, from an economic point of view, neutral status. After all, nobody gained from a star ving, rebellious city, which had nothing to produce and nothing to lose. Van Artevelde succeeded in his mission and wool once again became the source of Ghent’s well-being. Van Artevelde became a hero in Ghent and even today the city is known as the Artevelde city.

9th - 10th century After survi ving two Viking excursions, Lys and Scheldt - both boasting harbours har bours - grew around the nucleus nucleu s of the St. Baaf’s and St. Pieter’s Abbeys and became increasingly strong, powerful and rich settlements; by the end of the 10th century  they were part of the French empire.

12th - 13th century English wool and French grain were imported via the harbours at Lys and Scheldt. They became the pillars of what turned out to be a very thriving textile and grain business in medieval Ghent. Throughout the Middle Ages Ghe nt had a population of about 65,000 making it larger than London, Cologne or  Antwerp. Moreover Ghent was, after Paris, the biggest and wealthiest city north of the Alps. During this time the Count  of Flanders, in fact a representative of the French king, had his wooden castle enlarged, fortified and transformed into an expensive stone edifice, the Castle of the Counts we know it today. He had it build not so much to defend th e city  against foreign invaders but to impress an d keep an eye on the rich, powerful and - most of all - headstrong and rebellious citizens of Ghent.

Noose-bearers Why are the citizens of Ghent called th e noose-bearers ? To answer  this question, we go back to 1540. Then the people of Ghent revolted against Charles V, the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, who imposed on them yet another war tax. As the citizens refused to pay, the emperor decided to personally set  things right in his hometown. He demanded all aldermen, deans and burghers of the lower  working classes make a public show of contrition. Fifty of  the burghers thu s had to wear a noose round their neck, as if ready the gallows. In the eyes of outsiders, all residents of Ghen t shared the fate of the burghers and were thenceforth nicknamed the th e noose-bearers . The people of Ghent were not  amused with the name and imposed strict sanctions on people caught using it. Nowadays, however, the prople of Ghent are proud to be called noose-bearers or ‘stropkes ’.’. The noose is a symbol of th e town’s town’s resistance against ever y form of  tyranny and misplaced authority. During official ceremonies or the Gentse Feesten, you will come across people wearing a noose around their neck. At the Bachtenwalle , there’s a 1.80m statue of a noose-bearer. A little detail: he’s looking proudly in the direction of the gate of the Prince’s Court, where the emperor was born. Another  (not so little) detail, is the ‘masculinity’ of the statue. They say it only illustrates that there was a strong wind on the evening of the confession...

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15th century Ghent becam e part of the Burgundian empire and attracted the rich and famous looking for luxurious textiles, garments and art. Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, supported several Flemish artists (the so-called Flemish Primitives, such as Jan Van Eyck) and played an important role in establishing  Flanders as an important and trendsetting European arts centre. It was in this ti me that the broth ers Van Eyck painted their world famous polyptych, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (1432). Politically the dukes tried to centralize power and taken the regions, a policy against which the citizens of Ghent  often rebelled. Nevertheless, the dukes of Burgundy often enjoyed their holidays at the Prinsenhof in Ghent, a wonder ful palace located at on of the canals. They had it build as an alternative to the dark and humid Castle of th e Counts. The Prinsenhof was a lusthof , filled with music and dance, gardens and ponds and even a zoo with lions. Un fortunatel  fortu nately, y, littl e now remai ns of what was once on ce one on e of the t he most spectacular palaces in Europe. The area it occupied is still called Prinsenhof , however.

16th century On Februar y 24th of the year 1500, 1500, Charles the V was born at Prinsenhof an d later baptized in the St. Baaf’s Baaf’s Cathedral. Born out of a marriage of Joanna of Castile and Philip the Fair, Fair, Duke of Burgundy, he would becom e an emperor unli ke  few the world had seen. Reigni ng over what is nowadays the Netherlands, Belgium, a part of France, Germany, Austria, Spain, a part of Italy and all the colonies of Spain in South America made him the ruler of an empire on which ’the sun never sets.’ Although Charles Cha rles V spent most of his time abroad battling  against his lifelong enemy Francois I of France, he liked to return once every few years to his home town of G hent. His home was of course Prinsenhof. 1540: A crucial date for  Ghent. After being away for three years, Charles V is called back urgently to Ghent by his sister and governess, Mar y of  Hungar y, who is facing opposition to the taxes being impos ed on the citizens of Gh ent. The city, tired tired of paying for Charles’ wars, refuses to pay. The The atmosphere is tense and ri ots are  freque nt. Charles returns to Gh ent together with an arms of o f 10,000 soldiers and punishes his hometown. Symbollically, on February 24th, his 40th birthday, Charles ordered the most  influen tial and rebellious citizens to walk in procession to to the Prinsenhof, bare foot, dressed only in a simple white shirt, with a black and white noose around their neck. They were then forced to publicly ask him forgiveness.

July 2013 - January 2014

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history Unwilling to take anymore risks, Charles commissioned the building of a new fortress in Ghent in which numerous Spanish soldiers would be stationed to make sure that  the citizens of Ghent wouldn’t be in a position to rebel anymore. These events gave the people of Gh ent the unfor tunate nickname of Stroppendragers (noose wearer s). However, the nickname soon became a badge of honour, a symbol of rebelliousness, freedom and of a proud Gh ent identity. Besides the political turmoil, Reformation and CounterReformation colored 16th century Ghent. Traditionally  a catholic region, the people of Ghent were very critical towards an increasin gly decadent catholic church and many  converted to Protestantism, risking life and lim b by doing so. Charles V - and especially his son Philip II of Spain - burned many of the reformers, and their books, at the stake. It  was at this stage that St Jan’s Church became St Baaf’s Cathedral and a bishop was inaugurated. Finally, the international textile business shifted from refined wool towards less expensive fabrics such as li nen, velvet and flax. These economic changes together with growing competition hit Ghent hard.

17th century The 17th century was a time of economic decline for Ghent. The power of the guil ds was broken and on top of that  Ghent lost its privileges in the grain business. Due to the inquisition and the Counter-Reformation, a lot of citizens  fled to th e Nether Ne therlan lands ds as a result res ult of which w hich the popul ation of Ghent declined to 30.000 inhabitants at the beginning  of the 17th centur y.

18th century Ghent beca me part of the Holy Roman Empire, led by Maria Theresia and her son, Emperor Jozef II. Under the Austrians canals were dug, widened and deepen ed in order to facilitate bigger ships comin g into the harbours of Ghen t. Times Times were starting to look better again, especially at the end of the century when Lieven Bauwens smuggled a semi-automatic spinning machine out of England and brought it to Ghent. It  marked the start of what would be a thriving 19th century. At the end of the 18th century Ghent once again became a part of France, only to be handed to the Netherlands after  the battle of Waterloo.

19th century Willem I and the citizens of Ghent found common interest  and connected quite well. Willem founded Ghent University  (1817), (1817), had the G hent-Terneuzen hent-Terneuzen ca nal dug as well as a new harbour (1827) built in the north of the city, thanks to which Ghent became an important seaport. Ghent transformed itself into the most important  cotton city in continental Europe in the 19th century, importing cotton from the US, India and many other places. Over 1500 factories were built within the city walls and the population exploded: from 55,000 at the beginning  of the 19th centu ry to 160.000 at the end of the century. Working conditions however were harsh and Ghent was once again rebelling: this time fighting for better working  conditions. Most of modern Belgium’s trade unions were  found  fou nded ed i n th ose d ays, in Gh ent ent.. 1830: Belgium became an independent state. The city council - together with the wealthy textile class - opposed th e new state. They called themselves Orangists , wanting to remain part of the Netherlands.

What’s in a name? The name Gent comes from the word Ganda , an old Celtic word which means ‘confluence’. The Celts used Ganda to indicate their settlement at the confluence of  the two rivers in Ghent, the Lys (Leie) and the Scheldt  (Schelde). Under Roman occupation (1st-4th century) the name Ganda survived, changi ng in the Middle Ages, when it gradually became Gand, Ghendt, Ghent and  final ly Gent. Ge nt.

War hit Ghent  1918: Although th e First (and Second) World War hard, it was able to save a large part of its architectural heritage. Many unemployed people were employed during  the war to enlarge Ghent harbou r. 1934: A panel of the priceless altar piece The Adoration of  the Mystic Lamb is stolen: it has never been found. 1938: Corneille Heymans receivers the Nobel Prize for  Medicine. Fifties & Sixties: After the Second World War, the port of  Ghent developed into a modern industrial area, a centre of  the car and steel industries. The port of Ghent becomes the third most important in Belgium, attracting businesses  from all over ove r the world. wo rld. The tex tile i ndustry ndus try h owever fur ther  declines. 1968: Ghent’s Festivals are revived, and today more than 1.5 million visitors take part in what - at 10 days and 10 nights - is one of the big gest festivals in Europe. 1969: A canal (the Ringvaart) is dug in order to connect the Lys and the Scheldt and numerous other canals, allowing  ships to reach the new port in the north of Ghent without  going through the city centre. Since th en the former medieval harbours at Lys and Scheldt - no longer useful - have become popular hangouts for Ghent’s hippest inhabitants. 1977: Ghent unifies all its districts and surroundings into one big cit y. 1999: The Belfry, the Cloth Hall and the beguinages  are proclaimed Unesco World Heritage sites.

21st century 2009: Ghent is appointed as Unesco Creative City of Music 2012: About 240,000 people currently live in Ghent, as well as about 70,000 students. students. Ghe nt University is blossomin g, as result of which Ghe nt has become a strong research and development centre. Contemporary Ghent is a vibrant mix of all kinds of people living in a stunning historical setting. It is no wonder that both National Geographic and Lonely  Planet have declared Ghent as one of 10 must-see places in the world.

20th century 1911: Maurice Maeterlinck receives the Nobel Prize for  Literature 1913: Ghent hosts the World Exhibi tion, for which many of the city’s finest buildings were renovated. 1914-

Ghent In Your Po cket

Lichtfestival, lightens up your winter

© Visit-Gent 

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Culture & events Ballet & Opera Vlaamse Opera B-3, Schouwburgstraat 3, tel. (+32) 926 81 011, fax (+32) 922 38 726, info@ vlaamseopera.be, vlaamseopera.be, w ww.vlaamseopera.be. The building we kn ow as the Fland ers Opera was opened in 1840. City architect Louis Roelandt built the opera, together  with the court house and the La Concorde  ballroom, creating a unique archi tectural effect effect in the Kouter square neighbourhoo d. The three banquet halls are 90 meters in length, while the auditorium seats 1002 people and has an impressive three-metre diameter chan delier. delier. Q Open 11:00 - 18:00. 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. Nex t to working hours, the box office opens 1 hour before each performance. Want to go for a pickni ck on the river?

JAUL

© Visit-G ent 

Markets, Festivals & Events Friday, Saturday & Sunday mornings Flea market around St. Jakobschurch (C-2) Friday morning Farmers‘ market at Groentenmarkt (B-2) Sunday morning Flower market at Kouter (B-3) Sunday morning Market around St. Michielschurch (B-2) Sunday morning Book market at Ajuinlei (B-3) (if it’s sunny) D a te

Event

Venue

July 1 July – 31 August

Parkkaffee more info&updates @parkkaffee.be 

Parkkaffee

11 – 14

Gent Jazz Festival  more info&updates @gentjazz.com

BIJ

20 – 29

Gentse Feesten more info&updates @gentsefeesten.be 

City centre

31 July – 29 September

DOK beach more info&updates @dokgent.be 

DOK

9 – 11

Patersholfeesten more info&updates @patershol.be 

Patershol

Every Thursday

DOK open air cinema

DOK

Every Sunday

DOK flea market 

DOK

Open Monumentsday  OdeGand Ghent, Gen t Festival of Flanders Flanders more info&updates @gentfestival.be  De Beloften, music festival festival more info&updates @democrazy.be 

Different locations

August

September 8 14 – 20 21

Different locations

October 8 – 19 17 19

Film Festival Gent  more info&updates @filmfestival.be  Scoring for Scorsese more info&updates @filmfestival.be  World Soundtrack Awards more info&updates @filmfestival.be 

Kinepolis, Sphinx, Studio Skoop BIJ Kuipke Gent

December 13, 14

ghent.inyourpocket.com

Glimps Festival music festival more info&updates @glimpsgent.be 

different locations

July 2013 - January 2014

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Culture & events minutes’ walk from the city centre. In its four concert halls, De Bijlok Bijl oke  e puts on classic music from ancient to symphonic,  from classical class ical western weste rn to eastern easte rn musi c and even some som e  jazz.  jaz z. The music centre cent re forms part of the De Bijloke  world heritage site and combines historical and contemporary  architecture with greener y. Until a quarter of a century a go, the main activi ty of the si te was to take take care care of the sick. The concert hall of the music centre for example is a gigantic medieval hospital that dates back to the 13 th century. Look  out for the spectacular oak ceiling. QOpen 10:00 - 12:00 & 13:00-17:00, Sat 13:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Sun. The day  of the concert the ticket office opens one hour before the concert. AUEKW

Concert halls Flanders Expo Maaltekouter 1, tel. (+32) 924 19

O8 ›19 OCT 2O13 www.filmfestival.be

211, fax (+32) 924 19 325, [email protected], www.flandersexpo.be. Just 10 km from Ghent you will  find Flanders Expo, Exp o, whi ch organizes or ganizes large-scale la rge-scale exhibitions, exhibi tions, parties and concer ts. Bruce Springsteen, Springsteen, Prince, Sting, Tina Turner and U2 are some of the ar tists that have per formed here. Q AULE Handelsbeurs B-3, Kouter 29, tel. (+32) 926 59 165, fax (+32) 923 35 576, [email protected], www. handelsbeurs.be. Both established artists and new music revelations play at Handelsbeurs. The concert house of fers world music, jazz, jaz z, blues and pop rock, but bu t also has a strong program of classical music. QOpen 10:00 - 12:30 & 13:30-17:30, Sat 10:00 - 12:30 & 13:00-16:30. Closed Sun. JAULE

Galleries Fortlaan 17 B-6, Fortlaan 17, tel. (+32) 922 20 033,

Cinema Ter Platen 12, tel. (+32) 926 9 26 50 600, fax Kinepolis C-5, Ter (+32) 926 50 606, [email protected], www.kinepolis. com. Kinepolis is the big gest cinema in Ghent and the place  for commercial and 3D movies. The Th e cinema is located locate d not far   from Sint-Pieters square. During the Film Festival Gent , most  movies are shown here. Q Weekdays, weekends and holidays holida ys  from 13:00, Christma s holiday holida y from 10:00. TAULG Sphinx Cinema B-2, Sint-Michielshelling 3, tel. (+32) 922 56 086, fax (+32) 923 35 253, info@sphinx-cinema. info@sphinx-cine ma. be, ww w.sphinx-cin w.sphinx-cinema.be. ema.be. Sphinx is another art-house cinema, showing European and non-Western movies. The building, located near the Korenmarkt , was built in 1912 and has always been used as a cinema. It h as five screens on three floors, which means lots of stairs. Sphinx cinema has a nice bar and terrace, where you can enjoy a pre- or  post-movie drink. J Studio Skoop C-3, Sint-Annaplein 63, tel. (+32) 922 50 845, fax (+32) 923 37 522, [email protected], www. studioskoop.be. A small art-house cinema, close to the Zuid  site, that shows sh ows quality non-commercial films on five screens. Studio Skoop has been be en around for 40 years years and even though the seats were recentl y renewed, the cinema still gives off an old, but cosy, cosy, atmosphere. After th e movie, don’t leave without  with out  having a drink at the Studio Skoop Café  where old cinema seats, retro movie posters and portraits of Scarlett J ohansson and Marlene Dietrich Diet rich make you feel part of it all. Q Ticket office opens 30 minutes before each movie. TJL

Classical music De Bijloke C-4, Jozef Kluyskensstraat 2, tel. (+32) 923 36 878, fax (+32) 922 56 582, [email protected], locate d 10 wwww.debijloke.be. De Bijloke Music Centre is located

Ghent In Your Po cket

[email protected], www.fortlaan17.com. Gallery  Fortlaan 17  is two floors of contemporary art. Facing the Citadelpark it exhibits contemporary artists from home and abroad, young artists and B elgian talents. Fortlaan 17 is located in one of the few Art Ar t Nouveau houses in Ghent. Ghen t. QOpen 14:00 - 18:00, Sat 12:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Tue, Sun. Gallery Tatjana Pieters Pieter s Nieuwevaart 124, tel. (+ 32) 932 44 529, [email protected]. Gallery Tatjana  Pieters  introduces and supports Belgian talent as well as promoting international artists. Tatjana Pieters her way of  thinking is: show local, act global, and her gallery is located in an old warehouse in the industrial area of Ghent. With a unique exhibition space of 400 m², this gallery is a must. M on, Tue. Tue. AL QOpen 14:00 - 18:00. Cl osed Mon, Zebrastraat C-5, Zebrastraat 32, tel. (+32) 471 31 00 01, www.zebrastraat.be/. Zebrastraat brings together  housing, culture and e conomy. conomy. Next to fi ve congress rooms and 70 residences, you can find ta 750m² exhibition that  displays displays the work of artists who combine contemporary ar t  with technolog y. Zebrastraat is located just outside the city  centre, but occasionally hides a gem that makes it worth a visit. On the roof of the Zebrastraat site, th ere are two glossy, glossy, yellow constructions, each 12 metre long, 6 metres wide and 3 metres high. Don’t D on’t forget forget to look up when you are in the th e area! M on, Tue. Tue. GB QOpen 14:00 - 18:00. Cl osed Mon,

Live Music Café De Loge A-3, Annonciadenstraat 5, tel. (+32) 922 53 438, www.deloge.be. This congenial bar puts on a free concert every Wednesday evening with many singer  songwriters passing through. Every fourth Tuesday of the month, Café De Loge gives an open stage to a handful of  beginner songwriters. Q Open 11:30 - 01:00, Sat, Sun 09:00 - 01:00. JAB

gh en t.inyourpo cket.com

Culture & events Café Video C-2, Oude Beestenmarkt 7, [email protected], www.cafevideo.be. Café Video is a popular  bar with live music from up-and-coming bands during the week and live DJ’s on Fridays Fridays and Saturdays. All conc erts are free and start at 21:30. QOpen 20:00 - 06:00. Closed Sun. Open on Sunday when there is a concert planned.

JEGB

Charlatan C-2, Vlasmarkt 6, tel. (+32) 922 42 457, info@

charlatan.be, charlatan.be. Charlatan has a live band or DJ more or less daily. Music Music genres vary vary from rock, rhy thm & blues and soul to indie, pop and punk. Everything find fin d its way to Charlatan: as long as i t’s cool. Charlatan’s Charlatan’s motto: Lean back and relax or get up and dance. Concerts start at 22:00, unless other wise stated. QOpen 19:00 - 06:00. Closed Mon. JEGB Club Reserva B-2, Jan Breydelstraat 32, tel. (+32) 489 11 63 95, [email protected], www.clubreserva.be. Every Thursday a fine concert takes place here, either in the afternoon or in the evening. Club Reserva mainly offer offers s jazz, but  now and then th en you can come here to listen to a classical violinviolinist, some country, coun try, blues, rock and roll or folk. Brand Brand new is the ‚mastel’ stand outside this bar, bar, where you can buy b uy this typical speciality from Ghent. A mastel is a round bread, similar to a sandwich roll, spiced with cinnamon with a hole in the middle. Younes Benzaza opened Mastelle&Co, and he will serve you savoury and sweet variations of this typical bun with a big smile! QOpen , Thu 19:00 - 03:00, Fri, Sat 16:00 - 03:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun. JE DOK D-1, Koopvaardijlaan, tel. (+32) 922 41 940, www.dokgent.be. Port area Dok  provides a space for  small scale rock and pop concerts. Many of these concerts are organized by Democrazy , an event organizer with an eye  for every thing that’s hot and new. Concerts Con certs can take place at the DOKcanteen (free) or at the DOKarena, an amphitheatre made of earth and grass. When it’s raining those concerts move to the DOKbox. Dok also installs a beach every summer, summer, where you can enjoy movies, m ovies, concer ts or even  flea markets on this city beach. Very child- and an d dogfriendly.

T6UILENGBKXW

Hot Club de Gand B-2, Schuddevisstraatje - Groentemarkt 15b, tel. (+32) 486 74 07 99, [email protected], w ww.hotclubdegand.be. ww.hotclubdegand.be. This music venue offers a wide range of music: mainly jazz but there’s also room for 

 flamenco, folk, folk, classical classical music, blues, chanson, musette, ethnic music and gypsy music. Live music more or less every day. QOpen 15:00 - 02:00. JEGBX Hotsy Totsy A-2, Hoogstraat 1, tel. (+32) 922 42 012, [email protected], www.hotsytotsy.be. At Hotsy Totsy, known for its poetr poe tryy and music in a 1920/30s inspired-interior inspired-in terior,, the music ranges ran ges from jazz, swing and 20s-30s tunes to blues and French chansons. From Octob er until May, May, an artist hits hi ts the stage on Thursday and every third Wednesday of the m onth. During the Gentse Feesten, this pub keeps going on a diet of  French French chansons and rockabilly ro ckabilly.. JE Kinky Star C-2, Vlasmarkt 9, tel. (+32) 933 57 342, [email protected], www.kinkystar.com. For 15 years, music center Kinky Star has been an independent record label, a radio show and a club with two weekly concerts. Kinky Star does not limit itself to one specific style and plays Flemish hiphop, electro and heaps of rock: indierock, garagerock, bluesrock, noisero ck, surfrock, stonerro ck... You You get the idea. All concerts start at 21:30, sharp. DJ sets at  22:00. QOpen 18:00 - 03:00, T Tue, ue, Sun 18:00 - 01:00. Closed Cl osed Mon, Wed. JEGW La Resistenza C-3, Brabantdam 82, tel. (+32) 925 60 967, [email protected], www.la-resistenza. com. In its cellar, music venue La Resistenza hosts jazz  concerts with expansions to funk, soul and other genres. Every Friday and Saturday, DJ Cellar Sessions at 21:45. QOpen 11:45 - 05:00, Sat 18:00 - 05:00. Closed Wed, Sun.

JEBKW

Minor Swing C-1, Ottogracht 58, tel. (+32) 494 90 64 bar, there’s only room for up to 30 people bu t  83. At this tiny bar, there is always room for some swing. Every first and third Tuesday of the month, they play live swing and jazz. QOpen 18:00 - 03:00. JENGB Trefpunt C-2, Bij Sint-Jacobs 18, tel. (+32) 922 53 676, fax (+32) 923 31 037, info@trefp inf [email protected], unt.be, www.trefpunt. w ww.trefpunt. Every Monday evening, a soloist, a small band or a th eatre be. Every company play here. During the weekend, we ekend, things get louder at  their concert hall. As with many venues in Ghent, it’s hard to lump the music of this place together: it goes from jazz and  folk to blues and world world music. During During the Gentse Feesten, the Trefpuntfestiva refpuntf estival  l stages more than 160 concerts at nine local ocations. QOpen 17:00 - 03:00, Fri 16:00 - 03:00. JEG

Exhibitions Date

E ve n t

Venue

To 18 August To 25 August 2013 To 15 Septemb er 2013 To 29 September To 31 Decemb er 2013 1 May - 1 December 2013 22 May – 6 October 2013 22 May – 6 October 2013

Koen Theys – Home-made victories Evgenia Arbugaeve En avant, marche Onder Stroom 1001 Dots: exhibition for children 100 years Vooruit  Fondation Francès Francès – In alle staten Gideon Kiefer – Drawings Private collection selec ted by #1 / Collection vqc by Anneke Eussen Peter de Greef, illustrator of sheet music Expo Martin Scorsese Bart De Clercq Heide Hinrichs Allison Hrabluik  War and an d Trauma Trauma

SM SPA SPA HVA HVA MIAT KT STAM GUI GUI

Im-/Ex-Plicit / C oncept by Luc Derycke & Tatjana Tatjana Pieters

GTP

artworks The Ghent Alterpiece

MSK CK

11 July-25 August 19 July – 27 October 2013 11 October- 26 January 2014 15 September-20 October 27 October – 21 December 27 October – 21 December 1 November– 29 June 2014 8 December 2013 – 12 January 2014 To 01 July 2017 To 31 Decemb er 2017

ghent.inyourpocket.com

GTP DES CK GTP GTP GTP GUI

July 2013 - January 2014

15

Culture & events

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White Cat B-1, Drongenhof 40, tel. (+32) 496 18 91 89, [email protected], www.whitecat.be. White Cat  is a seventies bar with James Bond in teriors and lots of live  jam sessi ons and DJ’s givin g you hip hop, h op, soul, funk, ro ck ‚n roll and disco. I t’s also the place to go and score a good drink, and even to try ou t your dancing shoes... QOpen , Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 21:00 - .... Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. JEG

Theatre & Music Arts centre Vooruit C-4, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23, tel. (+32) 926 72 820, fax (+32) 926 72 838, info@ Vooruit Ar ts Centre, located vooruit.be, www.vooruit.be. At Vooruit in an art-deco monument built in 1913, the historic decor  reconciles with the theatre, dance, literature, new media

Classical & Opera Date

Time

Event

Venue

21

15:00

Pascal Amoyel&Mickaël Lipari-Mayer 

SBA

22

15:00

Severin von Eckardstein & Simone Easthorpe

SBA

24

15:00

Ekaterina Levental, Eva Tebbe & Anouk Sturtewagen

SBA

25

15:00

Olalla Alemán & Jan van van Outr yve

SBA

18

20:15

Openingsconcert: Sara Mingardo (alt) & Stefano Stefano Gibellato (klavecimbel, piano)

HB

28

20:00

Le Poème Harmonique : Te Deum!

BIJ

3

20:00

deFilharmonie

BIJ

4

20:15

Daniil Trifonov Trifonov (pian o)

HB

5

20:00

Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen Vlaanderen : Feesten tot der d ood

BIJ

10

20:00

Severin von Eckardstein (piano)

BIJ

11

20:15

Isabelle van Keulen (violinl) & Ulrike Payer (piano)

HB

17

20:00

Auryn Quartett 

MZ

17,20,23,26

15:00, 18:00

Tristan & Isolde Isold e

DVO

20

11:00

Tom Van der Schu eren(piano)

HB

21

20:15

Patricia Kopachinskaja (violin) & Markus Hinterhauser (piano)

HB

25

20:00

Spectra: birthday concert 

BIJ

26

20:15

Ictus

HB

13

20:15

Fauré Fauré Quartett (pianoquartet)

HB

17

15:00

L'orchestre des Champs-Elysées : Requiem Fauré 

BIJ

20,22,23,24,26

15:00, 20:00

Tosca

DVO

22

20:00

Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen

BIJ

21

20:15

Tae-Hyung Kim (piano)

HB

28

20:15

Antje Weithaas (violin), Tanja Tetzlaff (cello) & Alexander Lonquich (piano)

HB

30

20:00

Cuarteto Casals

MZ

7

20:15

Daan Vandewalle (piano) & Keiko Shichijo (klavecimbel)

HB

20

20:00

De Filharmonie

BIJ

11

20:00

Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen

BIJ

9,11,14,17,19

15:00, 20:00

Der Rosenkavalier 

DVO

15

20:15

Isabelle Faust (violin) & Alexander Melnikov (piano)

HB

19

15:00

Belgische Kamerfilharmonie

BIJ

July

September

October

November

December

January

Ghent In Your Po cket

gh en t.inyourpo cket.com

Culture & events and music on offer. In the indoor café all ages mingle to have something to eat, drink, work or read the newspaper. Now and then upcoming musicians musi cians play free gigs gigs at the café. Come here during the Gentse Feesten, for a special treat of 10 days of techno, techno, house and ele ctro. And yes, attentive readers may have noticed that we have a birthday to celebrate: Voorui t exists exactly 100 years! Between th e 1st of May and the 1st of December, there will be a lot of extra activities, putting ‘100’ in the picture. Check the website regularly! And let’s drink a Triomfbeer to that ( a beer brewn especially for  this occassion, don’t you just love the Belgians?) QOpen 10:00 - 02:00, Mon, Tue 10:00 - 01:00, Sun 16:00 - 01:00.

JAUEGKW

bij’De Vieze Gasten Haspelstraat 31, tel. (+32) 923

70 407, [email protected], www.deviezegasten. org. ‚De Vieze Gasten’ is a socio-cultural platform located at the h eart of the Brugse Poort, a multi cultural area on on the outskirts of Ghent. Music, theatre, cabaret, stand up comedy  shows, circusacts, all of this and many more activities are to be enjoyed here. Campo C-2, Nieuwpoort 31-35, tel. (+32) 922 30 000, [email protected], www.campo.nu. Art centre CAMPO creates and hosts small and big productions from home and abroad. Plays take place at three different sites: Victoria (Fratersplein (Fratersplein 7), 7), Nieuwpo ort (Nieu wpoort 31-35) and Boma (Bomastraat 36). J Capitole C-4, Graaf Van Vlaanderenplein 5, tel. (+32) 923 30 388, fax (+32) 922 58 896, info@capitolegent. be, www.musichall.be. Capitole was once one of the most  beautiful cinemas in the country, but in the 1980s it was closed, and then stoo d empty for fourteen fourteen years. In October  2001, the totally renovated art deco theater opened again with the musical Camelot. Now Capitole still is a venue for  musicals, but also hosts international dance, Dutch comed comedy  y  and music from past and present. QOpen 12:00 - 18:00, Sat  12:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun. PTJALEGW Intercultural centre De Centrale Kraankinderstraat 2, tel. (+32) 926 59 828, fax (+32) 926 59 824, [email protected], [email protected], ww w.decentrale w.decentrale.be. .be. Intercultural centre De Centrale supports cul ture from all over over the world. Beside theatre and an d music classes, this venue focuses on world music with cultural diversity as its starting point. E

Ghent, UNESCO City of Music When visiting Ghent, you might be tempted to dance instead of walk down the streets, as the city cit y simply oozes music. It comes as no surprise then, tha t in June of 2009, UNESCO appointed Ghent that year’s ‘City of Music’. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization judged Ghent the winning city based on a list of criteria includi ng its centres of musical creation and activity, its musical festivals and events, the promotion of the music indu stry, its music schools etc. In fact, long before the UNESCO nod, Ghent had been considered a well-established centre for music with a ri ch tradition. For one, the city boasts an impressive number  of concert hall s: Concert Hall De Bijloke (classical music), Capitole (musicals), (musicals), Flanders E xpo (concert & event hall), Kuipke (concert and event hall), Handelsbeurs (world music, jazz, singer-songwriters etc.), Kunstencentrum Vooruit (major travelling (international) produ ctions), De Vlaamse Opera (opera house), Intercultural Centre ‘de Centrale (world musi c) to name but a few. few. Furthermore, local and international young artists are enabled and encouraged to develop their interest and career in music thanks to education facilities such as Ghent’s School of Arts, and research c entres. Besides this, different organizations, including the Federation of Music Festivals in Flanders (FMiV) and the European Festivals Association (EFA) back the city’s musical ambitions. The proof of Ghent’s musical efforts is in the pudding. Simply glanci ng over the city’s rich pop and rock scene, with over 600 pop and rock bands, proves they pay of f: artists such as Soulwax, Sioen, 2Many DJ’s, An Pierlé, Arid, Das Pop, and Gabriel Rios call the city their musi cal home. Impor tant musical promoters based in Ghent are Democraz y and Kinky Star. Spectra, Logos and collegium vocale are just a few examples of Ghent’s flourishing  classical and contemporary music scene. Ghent also contributes to the world of musical theatre. LOD, for  instance, is an important production and development  centre for (contemporary) music. Finally, Ghent’s opera house stages many national and international productions, and in former m ovie theatre, the Capitole, musicals are produced and presented. Ghent suppor ts many musical genres through a variety variety of   festivals. The Festival of Flanders Fland ers (14-28/9 (14-28/9/2013) /2013) in the heart of the city is a wonderful example of Ghent’s celebration of music. The International Film Festival Ghent  (8-19/2013) (8-19/2013) has a special emphasis on film music a nd organises film music concerts during which composers such as Ennio Morric one, Howard Shore, Hans Zimmer, and Maurice Jarre have taken the stage. Since 2001, the Film Festival Gent has also been organising the World Soundtrack Awards, the most prestigious soundtrack  awards in the world. Jazz in Gh ent is alive and kicking too. Ghent’s many jazz cafés and clubs and its annual July  Ghent Ja zz festival attest to that. The ‘Gentse Feesten’ or ‘Ghent (City) Festivities’, Festivities’, is a yearly tradition: every Jul y  the city is alive with concerts, parties etc for ten days. There are also numerous smaller festivals throughout  the year, catering to everyone, from jazz lovers to classical music buffs. So if you’ve got the music in you, Ghent is the place to be!

Check out this graffiti graffiti @Lammerstraat, photo by Anke Sanders

ghent.inyourpocket.com

July 2013 - January 2014

17

Culture & events

18

Kopergietery C-1, Blekerijstraat 50, tel. (+32) 926

Rock, Folk, Folk, Jazz Jaz z & More D a te

Time

E ve n t

Venue

Gentse Feesten more info&updates @gentsefeesten.be

City centre

July 20 – 29

61 144, fax (+32) 922 42 980, nele@kopergietery. be, www.dekopergietery.be. The Kopergietery used to kopergieterij ) and now serves as a be a copper foundry ( kopergieterij  theatre focusing on children and adolescents. National and international youth theater companies play here. QOpen , Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 10:00 - 17:00. T Minard Theater C-4, Walpoortstraat 15, tel. (+32) 926 58 830, fax (+32) 923 33 011, [email protected], www. theatre eatre is a statue statu e of Romain minard.be. On the steps of this th

August 13

1 9:30

Nosedrip presents: Julia Holter, Lynn Cassiers

DOK

27

1 9:30

Sam Amidon

DOK

Venue

Code

De Bijloke

BIJ

Capitole Gent 

CA

Café Video

CF 

Caermersklooster 

CK

Campo Boma

CMB

Campo Nieuwpoort 

CMN

Campo Victoria

CMV

City Centre

CC

Design museum

DES

De Kouter 

DK

DOK

DOK

De Vlaamse Opera

DVO

Flanders Expo

FE

Festivalterrein Krijzeltand

FK

Film Plateau

FP

Galerij Tatjana Pieters

GTP

Museum dr. Guislain

GUI

Handelsbeurs

HB

Huis van Alijn

HVA

Kinepolis

KI

Kouter 

KO

De wereld van Kina: de Tuin

KT

Logos Tetrahedron

LT

HB

Museum voor Industriële Archeologie en Textiel

MIAT

September 12

Ensemble 20:00 Modern&Synergy Vocals Three Tales

15

1 9:30

The Revival Hour 

25

20:00 Trio Steli os Petrekis

26

Marjan van Rompay  Group / Sonic Boom: Uri 2 0: 15 Caine & Han Bennink  (double bill)

BIJ DOK BIJ HB

October 3

2 0: 15

De Beren Gi eren / Too Noisy Fish (Double Bill)

HB

10

2 0: 15

AMATORSKI AMATORSKI 'Del eting  Borders'

HB

15

20:00 Joshua Redman Quartet 

BIJ

24

20:15 Vijaj Iyer Trio

HB

26

1 9:30

Vive la Fête

VO

28

1 9:30

Spinvis

NTG

November Lionel Beuvens quartet /  Splashgirl

5

2 0: 15

21

20:00 Kellylee Evans

HB BIJ

December Henri Texier Hope Quartet 

Venues

3

20: 15

5

20:00 Imani Winds

BIJ

Museum of Fine Arts

MSK

14

20:00 Flat Earth Society 

BIJ

Miryzaal

MZ

17

19:3 0

Daan

NTG

NTGent 

NTG

18

20. 15

Marockin' Brass feat. Byron Wallen

St-Baafsabdij

SBA

Stadsmuseum Gent 

STAM

SMAK

SM

Sphinx

SP

Sint-Pietersabdij

SPA

Studio Skoop

ST

De Tinnen Pot 

TP

VIP School

VIP

Vooruit 

VO

HB

January 22

20. 15

Joachim Badenhorst +  OakTree Trio (double bill)

HB

29

20.00

Antiduo & Chambertones

BIJ

www.inyourpocket.com Ghent In Your Po cket

gh en t.inyourpo cket.com

Culture & events

Deconin ck, an icon of Flemish Flemish folk theatre who used Minard  as the base for his theatre company. This is the reason why every July an d Decemb er, er, Minard revives folk theater  with performances in the Ghent dialect. J NTGent C-3, Sint-Baafsplein 17, tel. (+32) 922 50 101, fax (+32) 926 93 543, [email protected], www. ntgent.be. Civic theater NTGent, founded in 1965, lies within the triangle of the cathedral, the Belfort and the city hall. A theatre with its own company that also hosts international players, the classical auditorium has room for  650 spectators. There are two other venues, too: Arca 

and Minnemeers . Arca  is located behind the Castle of  the Counts , while Minnemeers  is situated next to the Museum of Industrial Archaeology and Textiles (MIAT).

JAL

eldstraat 82 B, w ww.uitbureau.be. In GhUitbureau Veldstraat

ent’s main shopping street, you will also find this ‘uitbureau’ where you can ask for information about theatre plays, performances, per formances, musical s, guide guided d city walks, etc and you can even buy tickets here. So don’t forget to pay them a visit i f  you want want to dive into Ghen t’s cultural life. There is so much to discover! QOpen 10:30 - 17:30. Closed Sun.

Parkkaffee People from Ghent Ghen t simply itchin g to get away from the busy  city centre during the sunny summer months can take a mini-holiday at the Parkkaffee : the grounds of a private castle in Mariakerke, a district of Ghent. This year, owner Marco ‘Kazzen’ Cassiman (55), is opening the doors to his castle’s beautiful grounds for  the thirteenth time. Cassiman used to be a musician, but  decided to buy the castle at a surprisingly low price back  in 1992. “Everyone thought I was crazy,” he recalls, “and maybe they were right. What can I say? I had fallen head over heels… It was a complete leap in the dark, but some times you have to show some guts.” Thirteen years later, the many  Parkkaffee  fans can testify how Cassiman’s audacity paid off. Parkkaffee has become a unique outdoor cafe with antique caravans and tents surrounding a pond, in the middle of a spacious park. This fairytale spot is open to couples looking for some romance, families in search of  a carefree afternoon of fun, and groups of city-dwelling 

ghent.inyourpocket.com

 frien ds who just j ust want wan t to hang han g out in i n a lush ga rden. In the afternoons, Parkkaffee is a great place for kids: they can enjoy the park, play in the sandpit, swing from the vines in the trees and take part in theatre and circus workshops. There is even a magic school, where magicia ns  just might teach you some of their best card tricks. At night, nigh t, you can huddle around the campfires dotted around the lawns while enjoying excellent food and some of the best  cocktails in town. A variety of bands provide the perfect  soundtrack to your summer. Curious? Parkkaffee is open to all every day in Jul y and August, from 14:00 to midnight. And while you’re there, you can find out how quickly you will be back by consulting one of the mysterious fortune tellers. Groenestaakstraat 37, 9030 Mariakerke, tel. (+32) 922 922 79 994, [email protected] eQOpen from July 1 to Au gust 31, 14:00-24:00. 14:00-24:00. Entrance fee: €5 . For  details of this year’s activities, go to www.parkkaffee. be.

July 2013 - January 2014

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where to stay Cream of the crop Ghent Marriott Hotel B-2, Korenlei 10, tel. (+32) 923 39 393, fax (+32) 923 39 394, [email protected], www.marriottghent.be. Perfection doesn’t come cheap, and the only downside of this luxury hotel is the price tag. However, However, the quality quali ty of the Ghent Marriott is of mind-blowing  proportions. It is a wonderfully designed building in a location that can’t be b eaten: overlooking overlooking th e Korenlei Korenlei on the banks of the Lys, Lys, just a shor t walk from from just abou t everywh ere you will want to go. It goes without saying that the rooms are probably the bes t in the cit y. There are good on site drinking  drinking  and dining options too. Worth saving up for. Q 150 rooms (doubles (double s from €149 to 219). PZTJHARUFL�

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Symbol key P Air conditioning 

6 Animal friendly 

O Casino

A Credit cards accepted

T Child friendly 

J City centre location

H Conference facilities

Facilities for the disabled U Facilities

R Internet 

L Guarded parking 

F Fitness centre

Non-smoking rooms G Non-smoking

K Restaurant 

M Nearest metro station

D Sauna

C Swimming pool

W Wi-Fi connection

Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof  A-2, Hoogstraat 36, tel. (+32) 923 54 070, fax (+32) 923 54 079, gent@ sandton.eu, www.sandton.eu. Hotel Reylof - in a building   from th e 18th 18 th c entur y - is within wit hin walkin g distance di stance from th e centre of Ghent and a recommendable spot for those who like to be spoilt. The large rooms in this wonderful building  are equipped with the right things, the beds are huge, the breakfast extensive and the staff very attentive. The hotel has a cocktail bar and a historical garden courtyard that is great during sunny months. Those who’d like to work on their  health can do so in the wellness centre with a fitn ess equipment and a solarium. Q 158 rooms (doubles from €125 to 238, suites from €179 to 1250, apartments from €169 to 209). THAFLGBKDXW hhhh

Upmarket  Hotel Harmony B-2, Kraanlei 37, tel. (+32) 932 42 680, fax (+32) 932 42 688, [email protected], offers excellen t  www.hotel-harmony.be. Hotel Harmony offers accommodation in the heart of the oldest neighbourhood in Ghent. Those who want a taste of the real medieval atmosphere and, at the same time, want to be taken care of, have to book a room here. The prices are a bit high, but  the price/quality ratio h ere is very good. Even Even the smallest  rooms have large bed beds, s, wireless internet and some of them even have a terrace. Those who’ve booked a sui te can count  on designer bat hs, fruit baskets and a fireplace. The staff in this hotel, a family business, will do absolutely anything to make you feel feel at ease. An d if you’ve had enough of strolling  through Ghent and need a rest, you can always sit in the private garden of the h otel with a plate of tapas and a good glass of wine. Highly recommended. Q25 rooms (doubles  from €139 to 229). 2 29). PZTHAR6ULGBCW

Gent, i t’s an excellen excellen t base for city trips as well as business trips. trips. The rooms are tidy and clean, the beds are comfortable and you can’t really really be c omplaining about th e extensive breakfast buffet. A fine hotel. Q49 rooms (doubles €86 125, suites €125). PZTHA6LGW PZTHA6LGW hhhh hhh h

Novotel Gent Centrum B-2, Goudenleeuwplein 5, tel. (+32) 922 42 230, fax (+32) 922 43 295, H0840@ offers efficien efficien t  accor.com, www.novotel.com. The Novotel offers service, servi ce, spacious and clean rooms and an outdoor swimming  pool, a sauna and a g ym. If you are looking for a comfortable comfortable stay and bright interior design then this really might be the place for you. The locati on next to St-Baafsplein is great, you have a splendid view. Q 117 rooms (doubles from €99 to 189). PTJA6UFLBKDC PTJA6UFLBKDCW W hhh

Parkhotel D-3, Nieuwebosstraat 1, tel. (+32) 922 39 147, fax (+32) 922 39 107, [email protected], www.parkhotelgent.be. The Parkhotel has recently been renovated completely completely and i t shows: the tastefully decorated rooms, like the rest of the hotel, are impeccable. The staff  clearly shares its fresh mood: upon entrance, everyone will answer you in a friendly, open way, and there’s a nice exchange of tips on what to do in Ghent. You’ll even get a little map, so finding the historical centre of Ghent is easy - plus it’s only a ten minutes’ walk from the hotel. The rooms are clean and the breakfast is fine, though a bit on the pricey  side. The on-site restaurant La Provence offers you a good look at the Belgian and French cuisine - the service of the staff don’t get better. In the summer months, breakfast is served in the courtyard. Q 20 rooms (doubles €74-109).

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NH Gent Belfort B-2, Hoogpoor t 63, tel. (+32) 923 33 33 331, fax (+32) 923 31 102, nhgentbelfor t@nh-hotels. com, www.nh-hotels.com. On the corner of Hoogpoort  and Belfortstraat stands the proud building of NH Ghent  Belfort. Thanks to both the police station and the city hall opposite, you can feel safe in your room and p erhaps even spot a wedding going on from your window. The interior of  the hotel, as well as the rooms, are colourfully designed, thereby thereb y creating a genuinely warm atmosphere. Rooms are comfortable and well up to those of a four-star hotel. The breakfast buffet is very good and the basement dining hall is lovely. Q174 rooms (doubles €99 - 165, suites €169).

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NH Gent Sint Pieters A-5, Koning Albertlaan 121, tel. (+32) 922 26 065, fax (+32) 922 01 605, [email protected], www.nh-hotels.com. Although this hotel is abou t a twent y minutes walk from the Kuip Kuip van

Ghent In Your Po cket

Boutique hotels Charme Hancelot Hotel D-4, Vijfwindgatenstraat 19, tel. (+32) 923 43 545, fax (+32) 923 35 545, info@ hancelot.be, www.hancelot.be. This renovated Town House, built in 1840, is a hotel full of character. In this stylish and authen tic mansion you could could almost imagine you belong  to 19th century nobility. The breakfast room could serve as a ballroom, and all the guest rooms come with antique  furniture.  furni ture. Spread over three thre e floors, flo ors, th ere are different kinds kind s of accomodation. The most basic ‘charm room’ is equipped with a si tting area, flat-screen TV, TV, free wireless internet and a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. Others include a bath with separate massage shower or a two-person bath and a shower. For all guests, there’s free access to the fitness room. At extra cost, you can make use of the private sauna or wellness facilities. A hidden pearl in the centre of  Ghent. Q12 rooms (doubles €119 - 179). JHAI�

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where to stay Mid-range Best Western Hotel Chamade A-6, Koningin Elisabethlaan 3, tel. (+32) 922 01 515, fax (+32) 922 19 766, [email protected], [email protected], ww w.chamade.be. w.chamade.be. A standard three-star hotel, ideal for those who like to stay close to the railway station. The cen tre of the ci ty is, h owever owever, also easily  accessible: the tram tha t stops just outside the hotel, takes you in 10 minutes to the historical centre. The hotel has a limited underground parking (€12) but the public parking at  the station is a good alternative. Each room has a private bathroom with hairdryer, a color TV, telephone, minibar  and high speed internet. There are both smoking and non smoking rooms that were redecorated not so lon g ago. The breakfast buffet buffet they serve on the six th floor provides not only  an extensive choice but also a panoramic view of the city. Q (singles €114 - 132, doubles €130 - 149, triples €1575).

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Best Western Residence Hotel Cour St Georges C-2, Botermarkt 2, tel. (+32) 922 42 424, fax (+32) 922 42 640, [email protected], [email protected], www.courstgeorges. w ww.courstgeorges. be. Smack in the centre of town is th e oldest hotel in Europe. Well, at least that is how they call themselves. When we viewed the rooms of this18th century building, we actually  became quite convinced that this claim might be true, because some rooms could use a bit of renovation. Facilities are modern though, staff are very helpful and the location is hard to beat. On the d ownside, the breakfast is really not  the best b est and overall overall we would conclude that th e Hotel Cour  Saint-Georges doesn’t provide provid e enough value for money. Q31  rooms (doubles €117 - 139). TJA6LGW hhh

Carlton A-6, Koningin Astridlaan 138, tel. (+32) 922 28 836, fax (+32) 922 04 992, [email protected], www.carlton-gent.be. Three brothers took over this h otel and now manage it with style. At the Carlton you’ll find 21  nicely decorated rooms with a private bathroom, digital TV with two movie channels, a coffee/tea set, a spacious desk, minibar and even a lounge with couches and mood lighting. The brothers give the hotel a personal touch to make your  stay as pleasant as possible. The h otel is 200 meters away   from Sint-Pie Sin t-Pie terss tati on. The Th e centre cen tre is easil y acces ac cessibl sibl e by tram or bus. Q 21 rooms (singles from €84 to 120, doubles from €101.50 to 175, triples from €122.50 to 175)

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Europahotel A-5, Gordunakaai 59, tel. (+32) 922 26 071, fax (+32) 922 00 609, info@europahotel-gent. be, www.europa ww w.europahotelhotel-gent.be. gent.be. You’re at the right place  for a quiet hotel half hal f way bet between ween the cit y centre centr e and the railway station. This family hotel is located on the banks of  the Lys and is an ideal base for cycling and walking, and with the bike route maps cyclists get when they check in, they  can immediately hop on their bikes. The modern singl e and double rooms are equipped with shower, shower, bath and toilet but  apparently apparently th e wireless internet doesn’t reach all th e rooms. The hotel also has a gastronomic bistro with lunch at €15 and a menu wi th a large choice of fish, meat and vegetarian vegetarian dishes. Q37 rooms (singles €110, doubles from €114 to 129). THA6LGBKW hhh

Ghent River Hotel B-2, Waaistraat 5, tel. (+32) 926 61 010, fax (+32) 926 61 015, info@ghent-river-hotel. be, www.ghent-river-hotel.be. Just north of Vrijdagsmarkt  lies a former industrial building that has been turned into a large hotel along the Lys River. The 77 rooms are generally  good value and, unlike many other acc ommodation options in Ghent, the hotel’s facilities include a fitness room, a sauna and quite a nice bar. Not all the rooms are of the same value though and some of them can be a bit noisy. The breakfast, which is not included in the price, is pretty  expensive expensi ve for what you get. Q80 rooms (doubles (doubl es €102 - 150).

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Holiday Inn Gent Expo Maaltekouter 3, tel. (+32) 922 02 424, fax (+32) 922 26 622, www.higentexpo.com. If you have business in or around Flanders Expo or need to be next the motorway, then Holiday Inn is a good choice. In all other situations, we would say there are much better  options in town. The hotel is efficiently designed, bu t lacks a bit of atmosphere. Rooms are quite noisy and the fact that  there is a motor way just 100 metres from your your room doesn’t  particularly help. Apart from that, there is nothing wrong with the Holiday Inn, but it is not hard to find a place that offers higher quality for the same price. Q169 rooms (singles  €72 - 99, doubles €105 - 149). PTHAR6UFL�

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Hotel Adoma B-6, Sint Denijslaan 19, tel. (+32) 922 26 550, fax (+32) 924 50 937, [email protected], www.hotel-adoma.be. This hotel, near the Citadelpark, and only minutes away from Sint-Pieters Sint-Pieters station, might l ook a bit  miserable from the outside - it reminded us of an East Berlin bunker - but inside you’ll be provided provided with every thing you need: you can even park your car here for free. The hotel is a fine spot for for a weekend in Ghent, and th e prices of the room are reasonable. We’ve seldom seen such an extensive break fast   for the price. Moreover, Moreover, the great beds and the attentive atten tive staff  staff  will make you stay an extra nigh t. Q 15 rooms (doubles €70, triples €94, suites €97). TALW hhh

Hotel Astoria Gent B-6, Achilles Musschestraat 39, tel. (+32) 922 28 413, fax (+32) 922 04 787, info@ astoria.be, astoria.be, www.asto ww w.astoria.be. ria.be. Whenever you visit a foreign city, the hotel is u sually the first place to look for information. At the Astoria, located in the Kunstenkwartier , the staff will do everythin g they can to inform you abou t their ci ty. ty. Full of  pride, they’ll tell you about the nicest streets and the most  special places. The same kind of care is evident in the hotel h otel itself, too. There are kingsize beds and luxurious bathrooms with Jacuz zis (if you’re in luck). In the mornings, a breakfast  buffet is ready for you - the only thing missing here being   freshly squeezed squeez ed juice. The prices are quite cheap for the quality you get, however, and the hotel offers free parking, too. Q25 rooms (doubles €89 - 135, suites €114 - 145). Huis van Alijn, ph oto by Anke Sanders Sanders

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where to stay Monasterium Monasteri um PoortAckere A-3, Oude Houtlei 56, tel. (+32) 926 92 210, fax (+32) 926 92 230, info@ monasterium.be, www.monasterium.be. A former monastery turned into a hotel. It is in a beau tiful location and at every corner of th e gorgeous building building you can feel how its former residents used to live. So while the hotel has kept the old charm of the monastery, monastery, this is unfortunately  visible in the rooms as well. Most rooms desperately need renovation renovation and simply don’t meet the expectations of a twenty-first century guest. The cheaper rooms in the nunnery wing even present a truly Spartan experience. Due to a general lack of comfort and frequent complaints about rooms b eing dirty, a stay at the Monasterium Monasterium is not  worth its price. It really is a shame, be cause the building  is indeed very special and the location could hardly be better. Q20 rooms (doubl es €46 - 175). JHAUL�

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Budget  Campanile Hotel Gent Akkerhage 1, tel. (+32) 922

Summer to enjoy!

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Hotel de Flandre A-2, Poel 1-2, tel. (+32) 926 60 600, fax (+32) 926 60 609, [email protected], www. hoteldeflandre.be. A lot of time and attention went into the appearance appearance and atmosphere of this hotel n ear the Korenlei. The standard rooms might be standard when it comes to  faciliti es, but the beds are truly lovely. The suites in this hotel have been equipped with all sorts of luxurious features such as a Jacuzzi and fireplace. Although the h otel is situated on a noisy street, and, at nigh t, a stray drunk from G Ghent hent (or tourist) might stumble past your window, inside, it’s like an oasis of  peace. In the th e mornings, an extensive and very good breakfast  awaits you, and if you’re really lazy, or just hung-over from all the triple beers, just have breakfast in bed. Q 46 rooms (prices from €97-214). TJALGBW hhhh

Hotel Gravensteen B-2, Jan Breydelstraat 35, tel. (+32) 922 51 150, fax (+32) 922 51 850, [email protected], www.gra ww w.gravenst vensteen.be. een.be. As the name suggests, this hotel lies right b y the castle of Gravensteen, and if you’re in luck, you’ll get a view of the medieval building from your  room. When it comes to the number of nearby h otspots, this hotel scores high points: the Design Museum is on the same street, and the centre of Ghent is within walking distance. Although the rooms are provided with all sorts of extras like free wireless wireless and a ba th, the rooms are quite cramped. Parking, unfortunately, isn’t free - you’ll have to buy a parking  card - and breakfast could’ve been a bit more substantial. This hotel could use a makeover and the price - qualit y ratio isn’t optimal, but the lo location cation makes up for for a lot. Q49 rooms (singles €129 - 139, doubles €116 - 139). TJHA6U�

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Ibis St. Baafs Kathedraal C-3, Limburgstraat 2, tel. (+32) 929 39 000, fax (+32) 923 31 000, H0961@accor. com, www.accorhotels.com. A tall corner building next to St Bavo’s Bavo’s Church houses the Ibis hotel. Rooms are comfortable and modern, and th ose with a view over the church are particularly parti cularly nice. From the breakfast room, you can can see trams passing through the square and see the morning activity at  one of Ghent’s central squares. A word of warning for those travelling travelling by car: navigating through Ghent’s historical centre to find the Ibis car park us not easy! Q120 rooms (doubles  €75 - 82). PTJA6ULGKW hh

Ghent In Your Po cket

00 222, fax (+32) 922 19 908, [email protected], www.campanile-gand.be. In this Campanile Hotel, you will  find  fin d basi b asicc ro oms with wi th a some s ome wha t ou tdate d décor. dé cor. Th ere are some free extras, h owever, owever, such as wi fi and a kettle, coffee/tea set and biscuits. With its location just off the motorway and its free parking, the h otel is very very convenient  when you’re passing though by car. The hotel is close to an industrial complex and there is not so much to see in the neighbourhood. Fortunately the Campanile has a bar   for drinks, drin ks, a terrac terr ace e and a hotel ho tel res taurant taura nt that th at ser ves good fresh, seasonal food food wi th friendly s ervice. Breakfast  is not included. Q51 rooms (doubles from €80 to 103).

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Holiday Inn Express Gent Akkerhage 2, tel. (+32) 922 25 885, fax (+32) 922 01 222, hotel@hiexgent. be, www.hiexpress.com. This is the kind of hotel you only  sleep at wh en you’re on the road. Holiday Inn Express is a typical chain hotel without much charm but is very clean. The rooms are spacious and equipped with telephone, TV, TV, free WiFi, a d esk and bath room with shower, shower, toilet and hairdryer. hairdryer. The s taff taff are friendly and will h elp you if you need anythin g. Too Too bad th at th ey charge for parking parking as you can only really come here by car. Q120 rooms (doubles €59 75). PZTHA6ULGBKXW hhh

Hotel Onderbergen B-3, Onderbergen 69, tel. (+32) 922 36 200, [email protected], www.hotelonderbergen.be. Irish hospitality is the creed of this nice hotel. Below th e hotel, there’s an Irish pub and the En glishspeaking speaking staff will will do anything to ad vise you about the best  Belgian beer spots in Ghent. The atmosphere among the staff staff and guests is rela xed - it’s like a backpackers hostel, but without the backpackers. The standard rooms aren’t  huge, but very cosy - especially the rooms in which the woodwork of the old roof is still visible. In the thoroughly  renovated building, there’s no lift, so at night, you’ll have to climb the endless stairs, tough af ter a whole day of exploring downtown Ghent. Q 24 rooms (double s €85-120).

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Ibis Gent Centrum Opera B-4, Nederkouter 24-26, tel. (+32) 929 39 001, fax (+32) (+3 2) 922 35 907, H1455@ accor.com, www.ibishotel.com. This Ibis is what we expect from it: fine budget accommodation in the cen tre of  the cit y. Standard rooms rooms with intern et, television, bathroom and free parking below th e hotel – big plusses. At walking  distance from the main sights.Q134 rooms (doubles €62 - 72). PTJA6ULGW hh

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where to stay Bed & Breakfast  B&B Brooderie B-2, Jan Breydelstraat 8, tel. (+32) 922 50 263, [email protected], www.brooderie.be. Right next to the best oasis in Ghent, the Applebrugparkje, you’ll you’ll find this lit tle bed and breakfast. breakfast. There are three rooms on the first and second floor of this historical building. The smallest - thus the cheapest - room is our favourite, with its view over the Lei and the ancient buildings of the inner city. The oth er two rooms are a lot more colourful, colour ful, larger and more comfortably furnished. The only complaint about this place is that you have to share a shower and toilet with oth er guests. On the ground floor, a complete breakfast is served. Q 3 rooms. Prices from €50 to €75. JAGKW

B&B De Waterzooi B-2, Sint-Veerleplein 2, tel. (+32) 933 07 721, 721, [email protected], ww w.dewaterzooi.be. When you wake up in the morning and you open the window  from one of the th e three sui tes of this B&B, you will have a gorgeous view over the Castle of the Counts. From the moment  you step out of bed you will see that every aspec t of this B&B is perfection. perfecti on. The building itself i tself dates from 1713 1713 and looks very  elegant, the luxurious suites are brilliantly decorated and the hosts are incredibly h ospitable. We have tried very hard to spot  some downsides downsid es or imperfections, imperfection s, but we just couldn’t find any. any. price d from €170 - 215. PJALGBXW QSuites priced

B&B Engelen aan de Waterkant C-6, Ter Platen 30, tel. (+32) 476 40 25 23, annwillems.interieur@skynet. annwill ems.interieur@skynet. be, www.engelenaandewaterkant.be. ‘Angels along the  waterfront’ is what the name of this small and quiet B&B means. The angels are located along the Scheldt on the southern side of Ghent’s city centre and, as the name subtly  suggests, this is quite a romantic place. The t wo large rooms are charmingly furnished, with all the necessary amenities. Perhaps the only thing missing is a shower in the ba throom, yet on the other hand the bathtub does add to the romantic ambiance. Breakfast is served in the room and, due to the hostess’ exceptional cooking skills, is remarkably nice. Q Singles €120, doubles €140. ALGW

B&B Simon Says B-1, Sluizeken 8, tel. (+32) 923 30 343, [email protected], www.simon-says.be. Next to the Patershol  neighbourhood lies one of the best B&Bs in Ghent. The two rooms are spotlessly neat, breakfast is one of the best you could imagine and the staff are helpful and  friendl y. Th e B&B is hous ed in a colour ful buildin g above ab ove Simon’s coffee coffee shop, sh op, which offers offers one of th e best bes t cups of coffee coffee in town. So Simon not only says things, he also provides a  fantastic  fantasti c and welcomin g accomm odation odati on option. Q Double room €105. TJAGBKW

Guesthouse PPP A-2, Poel 9, tel. (+32) 933 46 377, info@ppp-gent [email protected], .be, www.pppww w.ppp-gent.be. gent.be. Taking your shoes off before entering - a house rule - kind of reminds visitors that this is a guesthouse and not a hotel. A friendly and cosy  little place, the rooms offer the comfort and privacy of a luxurious hotel and, combined with the homel y atmosphere, are worth every penny. Each of the five rooms has a different style, all with an elaborate d esign. Rooms are spacious, clean and just superbly furnished. The ‘modern room’ is noteworthy for having an attached bedroom for children. Perhaps the only downside is the absence of a lift, which could be troublesome for people who have difficulties climbing  stairs. Q5 rooms (doubles €100 - 130, suites €110 - 130). PZTJHAILGBW

Nebula B&B C-2, Kwaadham 52, tel. (+32) 484 15 53 28, [email protected], www.nebula-gent.be. This nice b&b right at the heart of the city has lots to offer : all

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main buildings at walking walking distance, a nice gallery und erneath and a jewelry shop to keep him and her happy, a nice foyer  where you can enjoy a great breakfast, coffee and cake and small snacks. The rooms are decorated in a very stylish way, and they are definitely worth the money. Q €65 - 120.

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SnoozInn C-1, Ham 89, tel. (+32) 496 24 14 26, [email protected]. Walking in this part of town, where tourists don’t don’t dwell tha t often, makes you realise realise what a ni ce city Gh ent is to live in. Booking a room in this lovely b&b is a must for the epicurists amongst us. Great Great beds, be ds, a delicious breakfast with splendid homemade jam. What a perfect way  to start a day. Q from €85 to 95. TJAW

Hostels Jeugdherberg De Draecke B-2, Sint-Widostraat 11, tel. (+32) 923 37 050, [email protected], www.jeugdherberww w.jeugdherbergen.be/gent. This neat HI hostel is nicely located around the corner of the Castle of the Counts. The h ostel has about  100 beds spread over 21 small dorms of which the largest  ones have six b eds. There are also six double rooms on offer  offer  and every room has h as an en suite bathroom. bath room. You You can expect all the usual hostel facilities, the usual hostel atmosphere and a heart y breakfast is included in the price. Staff Staff members are  friendl y and an d they th ey will join their guest ever y now no w an d th en at  a t  the h ostel’s ostel’s bar. bar. On th e downside, you should bring your own towels, breakfast lasts only until 09:30 and if you are not an HI-member you will have to pay a €3 surcharge. Q Doubles  €23 - 25, dormi tory €19 - 21. TJHAGKW

Apartment rental Aparthotel Castelno Castelnou u D-3, Kasteellaan 51, tel. (+32) 923 50 411, fax (+32) 923 50 404, inf [email protected], www.castelnou.be. This accommodation option, located in a quiet area southeast of the ci ty centre, could be described as something between hotel and apartment  rental. Castelnou offers spacious and clean apartments, but with the facilities and personal touch of a hotel. The recentl y renovated rooms are fully fully furnished an d equipped with all the accessories you might have deliberately forgotten to bring from home. This includes a small kitchen, but in case you are not in the mood for cooking, the Dali  restaurant offers a convenient alternative. Q48 rooms (singles from €79.50 to112.50, doubles from €96.50 to 129.50)PTHALGBKW hhh

MidiSud C-6, Bellevuestraat 30, tel. (+32) 477 28 90 60, [email protected], www.midisud.be. Here, you can rent a large apartm apartment ent for the same price as a cheap hotel, provided with many extras, like a large large bathroom, a big li ving  room, Wi-Fi and a nice kitchen with every thing you need. However, ever, the apartm ent is cleaned only onc e a week. But if you plan on staying a bit longer in Ghen t and want to prepare prepare your  own meals, this is a fine place. The biggest disadvantage, however, however, is th e distance to the centre - i t’s about 45 minutes on foot - but you can park for free here, and by car you are only about 10 minutes from the city centre. Q3 rooms (3 Total rooms ). TJLNGBW

Onderbergen 37 B-3, Onderbergen 37, tel. (+32) 475 27 09 10, [email protected], www. onderbergen37.com. The fact that the owner, who lives next door, door, is an in terior designer explains the stylishness of  the rooms. The building consists of four floors, each with a bedroom decorated in a different different style. I t’s all gorgeous, gorgeous, the kitchens are well equipped and your friendly host is usually  around to answer any questions. TJ

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restaurants It is not an overstatement to suggest that Ghent is home to some truly fantastic eateries. We have eaten at them all, and have come up with a selection that in cludes not  only the very best, but also the quir kiest, the best value and - in some cases - the downright bizarre. Local dishes? Steak tartare is one, as - of course - is a big cone of Belgian fries.

Symbol key P Air conditioning 

6 Animal friendly 

Z Anti-allergy 

O Casino

J City centre location

T Child friendly 

Argentinean

A Credit cards accepted

Facilities for the th e disabled U Facilities

L Guarded parking 

R Internet 

Argenvino B-2, Donkersteeg 25, tel. (+32) 927 91

E Live music

M Nearest station

Non-smoking areas G Non-smoking

S Take away 

792, [email protected], [email protected], w ww.argenvino.net. ww.argenvino.net. What if  the summer isn’t as sunny as we have expected, or what i f  autumn is sunnier than we’ve we’ve expected? One solution: tapas   y vino in this ni ce Argentinean bar. bar. Th ey serve excellent wine and fine tapas, the churrasco al plato and choripan being  our favourites. favourites. The only downside is tha t the ligh tning could have been warmer, no one really fancies white lamps above the table... but a couple of vinos will even make you forget  about that. QOpen 18:00 - 23:30, Sat 12:30 - 15:30. (€1525). JAGK

Belgian Belga Queen B-2, Graslei 10, tel. (+32) 928 00 100, fax (+32) 923 52 595, [email protected], w ww. belgaqueen.be. This 13th-century Romanesque house has been converted into a very good restaurant that’s all about  Belgian food and drinks. On one of two floors you can choose to sit at high bistro tables (not so comfortable), communal tables or large leath er armchairs (far too comfortable). Bon vivants can finish their meal in the Cigar Lounge Bar  to enjoy a cigar  Belgian Congo- style. style. Carefully prepared and exceptionally exceptionally tasty food, bu t bear in mind tha t you pay for the excellent service and the top location. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 24:00. (€21 - 35). PJHA6UB� KXS

Brasserie Ha’ B-3, Kouter 29, tel. (+32) 926 59 181, brasserie@ha [email protected], ndelsbeurs.be, ww w.brasserieh w.brasserieha.be. a.be. Even with a magnifying glass, it’s hard to find any flaws in Brasserie Ha, the indoor restaurant of the Handelsbeurs  concert hall. Every detail here seems to have been given thought, without it ever becoming clinical or soulless. The menu might be small, but it offers offers more than enough French/  Belgian delicacies, all of which have been given a special touch by the chef. The pretty female waitresses, elegantly  set tables, an interior that will make interior designers  jealous,  jealou s, and high qualit y produc ts make every visit to this brasserie feel like a small feast. You’re in the right place for  cocktails, too. QOpen 12:00 - 14:30, 18:00-22:00. (€20 - 24).

JALGK

Ghent In Your Po cket

De Stokerij A-1, Tichelrei 2 A, tel. (+32) 927 99 585, www.destokerij-gent.be. Multatuli  is already one of our   favourite  favourite places, and the brother brain behind this njummie  restaurant recently opened a new restaurant, following the same recipe for success: good food, friendly staff, a beautiful interior (in an old distillery distiller y, which has been completely completel y renovated) and to spoil us even more, they serve their own-brew beer Staminée (both here and at  Multatuli). Best to enjoy their  steak tartaar and a nice beer on the terrace. A must. QOpen 16:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat 16:00 - 24:00. Close d Mon, Tue, Tue, Wed. (€9-17). TJABK

De Tempelier B-2, Meerseniersstraat 9, tel. (+32) 923 bist ro in a car30 305, www.brasseriedetempe w ww.brasseriedetempelier.be. lier.be. Cozy bistro  free alley close to the Vrijdagsmarkt. De Tempeli Tempelier er used to be a bar, bar, and the couple coupl e that runs run s this place have kept much of the original interior, interior, which looks l ooks like it came from a church. Inde ed, all Frederik and Ingeborg did was add a long, red leather sofa Tempelier  ier  and some wooden bistro tables. The choice at  a t De Tempel is very limited bu t Frederik - who cooks - makes good, good, honest  hon est  meals with quality products. produc ts. If the ten to fifteen tables are full, full, you might have to wait a while until you get served. QOpen 18:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon, Tue. (€8 - 15). PJNBK

B-2, Vrijdagmarkt 47, tel. (+32) 922 34 446, Keizershof B-2, candleligh t, families families with www.keizershof.net. Couples over candleligh three generations, boisterous groups of friends - Brasserie Keizershof is popular enough to be all things to all people, and with good reason. Situated on the busy Vrijdagmarkt it  boasts a meandering th ree floors (the top offering offering the b est  views of the square), a lush outdoor terrace and a simple menu of reliable dishes like spaghetti Bolognese and hefty  stews. A reasonably reasonably priced wine list and a staff staff that se ems happy to let guests linger whether they’ve committed to cocktails or full meals complements the experience. QOpen 11:30 - 22:30, Fri, Sat 11:30 - 23:00. Closed Mon, Sun. (€15 - 20). JA6UGBK

gh en t.inyourpo cket.com

restaurants

Korenhuis B-2, Korenlei 10, tel. (+32) 926 97 744, [email protected], www.korenhuis.be. In the heart of  Ghent, you won’t find many restaurants with a prettier view and a bet ter menu than at Korenlei, Korenlei, part of the worldwide Marriott chain of hotels. However, the attentive staff won’t  serve you standardized food in this stylish setting. Instead, the experienced chef draws inspiration for his own dishes  from tradi tional tiona l B elgian elgi an cuisine, cuisi ne, bu t give g ives s them t hem a m odern od ern twist. Many dishes are in fact little artworks that you can enjoy to the last bite without feeling guilty. Four intimate rooms are available for dinner, although the two with a view over the Leie River are the best. Those who can’t get  a place there need not complain: in the other two rooms you get a view of the kitchen and a culinary artist at work. QOpen 12:00 - 15:00 & 18:30-22:00, Sun 11:00 - 15:00. (€26 - 32). TAULBK

Lepelblad B-3, Onderbergen 40, tel. (+32) 932 40 244, fresh [email protected], www.lepelblad.be. Hones t and fresh  food i s wha t you’ll find f ind a t Lepelblad, Lepel blad, Dutch Du tch for th e comm on herb scurvygrass . The restaurant serves tasty salads with spicy shrimps or a veg veggie gie burger, burger, but also does do es daily specials special s and many pasta and stew dishes. Even though thou gh the numerous wooden tables are close to each other, it is not a bad idea to make a reservation because this place is - especially a t  noon - packed with shopping or working people looking for  some no-nonsense food. QOpen 11:30 - 20:30. Closed Mon, Sun. (€13 - 16). TJA6GBK

Vlaanderen straat 125, tel. (+32) 922 50 Martino C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 104, www.martinogent.be. Martino is a Ghent staple, serving burgers, omelettes and steak. Our personal favorite is the cheeseburger served with tomato-onion sauce,  frie s and a salad. Have your meal at the th e coun ter or at a table together with th e diverse clientele. Couples ready to go to the theatre, young students and party people of all ages come here as Mar tino serves till early in the morning. It’s always busy so make a reservation and don’t be late because manager Pascaline runs this place with a firm hand. QOpen 18:00 - 01:00. Close d Mon, Tue. Tue. (€12 - 20).

PJUNGBKS

Patyntje Gordunakaai 91, tel. (+32) 922 23 273, info@ patyntje.be, www.patyntje.be. This restaurant is not in the city centre, but nothing so lovely as to discover a city  by bike, and one of these paths might l ead you to Patyntje , a restaurant overlooking the river Lys. On the menu a fine selection of meat and fish, to everyone’s liking. We would recommend their steak tartare, one of the best we have had in Ghent, ser ved with delicious fries and mayonnaise. QOpen 12:00 - 14:30, 18:30-22:00, Sun 12:00 - 14:30, 18:00-22:00. (€19-28). TAGBK

ghent.inyourpocket.com

Chilean El Negocito C-3, Brabantdam 121, tel. (+31) 495 27 44 94, [email protected], www.mi-negocio. net/elnegocito. If you unsuspectingly enter this Chilean restaurant, don’t be startled. A door that jams, crumbling  walls that need som e paint, and an arrangement of furniture that’s a far cry from perfect. But the real surprise is that a visit to this unknown South American eatery is an outright  delight - if onl y for the traditional Malta con Huevo (beer with egg) that you have to try at least once in your life. Genuine hospitality, a very very reasonably pric ed menu, and th e relaxed ambience make up for for everything the decor de cor lacks. The list of  more than fif ty different different kinds of rum will also please l overs overs of alcohol. Every Monday evening, there’s live music. It’s a great place. QOpen 18:00 - 24:00, Fri, Sat 18:00 - 01:00. (€6 - 11). JGKX

Belgian Fries De Dulle Friet C-2, Vlasmarkt 1 , tel. (+32) 475 475 38 29 2 3, [email protected], www.dullefriet. be. In an area where Ghent’s nightlife is at its best, unfortunately Belgian chips are not. In fact, after several repeated visits in the last year, we can only say  that this chippi e is not all it should be. Not onl y are you confronted with the smell of bur nt chip fat, but hygiene also leaves a lot to be desired. The only positive thin g  we have to say about this enormous place is that the staff were not at fault. And the mussels in vinegar were good. QOpen 11:00 - 02:00, Thu 11:00 - 03:00, Fri 11:00 - 05:00, Sat 12:00 - 05:00, Sun 12:00 - 24:00. (€2 - 6). JLNBKS

De Frietketel A-3, Papegaaiestraat 89. I f  Mi-  chelin’s  culinary experts are ever going to hand out  stars for the best chippie in Europe, De Frietketel  is bound to come up trumps. Even vegetarians praise this business which can a fford to be closed large parts of the day, like a proper restaurant. Ever since 1980 you’ve been able to come here for the usual deep frie d snacks (fried in palm oil), but this trendy place also sells all kinds of vegetables pressed into a burger. More often than not there are long queues stretching outside. Specialities of the house are the cheese croquettes and the homemade vegan tartare sauce, which is the closest to deser ving the label heavenly of  the 20 (!) available sauces. Flush this down with one of the biological soft drinks. QOpen 11:00 - 14:00 & 17:00-23:00. (€2 - 5). LNKS

July 2013 - January 2014

25

26

restaurants Domestica B-3, Onderbergen 27, tel. (+32) 922 35

Cuban La Casa del Cubano C-3, Brabantdam 123, celine@ skynet.be, www.lacasadelcubanogent.be. Years ago a wonderful fusion of a Colombian chef and a cigar smoking  Italian led to La Cuba del Cubano . Although the food that’s served here is very much traditionally Italian, the name re fers to the back of this thi s tiny restauran t. The nam e plate over  the entrance, Havana Room, makes it very clear that the best known Cuban export is central here. From the subtle Montecristo’s  to classy bricks from Havana, all upmarket  cigar brands are for sale. As long as the chain smoking smokin g owner  hasn’t smoked them all himself.... QOpen 11:00 - 15:00 & 18:00-02:00. (€8 - 13). LNGBKS

French Brasserie Pakhuis B-3, Schuurkenstraat 4, tel. (+32) 922 35 555, fax (+32) 922 57 105, [email protected], www.pakhuis.be. Just for the impressive interior alone, Pakhuis is worth a visit. As i ts name suggests, this place was once a warehouse, but is now a lively brasserie with more than a hint of chic. Pakhuis serves authentic authen tic brasserie cuisine cuisine with Belgian classics like steak tartare - the meat coming   from the restaurant’s re staurant’s own farm. The h ouse spe cialties cialti es also include oysters (14 kinds!) and seafood. For a small bite, th e bar serves shrimp croquettes or salads, with or with out a solid  jenever , whisky or cocktail. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Fri, Sat  12:00 - 24:00. Closed Sun. (€30 - 40). PA6UBK

De 3 Biggetjes B-2, Zeugsteeg 7, tel. (+32) 922 44 648, www.de3biggetjes.com. At this classy restaurant  hidden in the Patershol, you can expect carefully prepared meals at a reasonable price. The three course menu (€34) gives you a choice of meat and fish and always includes seasonal products. Chef Ly Chi Cuong worked at a couple of  Belgium’s top restaurants and now serves classic BelgianFrench cuisine. Not a typical Flemish Fl emish lad you can expect a hint  of his Vietnamese Vietnames e roots on your plate. QOpen 12:00 - 14:00 & 19:00-21:00, Sat 19:00 - 21:00. Closed Wed, Sun. €34.

JAGBK

300, [email protected], www.domesb est spots in town to be pampered tica.be. This is one of the best in the culinary sense. The combination of classic and modern is not just visible on the menu, but also in the st yle of these premises, which date from 1870. Because the restaurant  consists of several rooms, you can choose the space that  best suits your mood. The bar, bar, which is fi ve metres long, is a work of art in itself, yet we simply adore the black room with i ts sober golden details and th e gorgeous chandelier. We We can also recommend the pri vate terrace terrace at th e back, where you can catch the last few rays of sunshine. It is possible to enjoy a Bienvenue  from  from South-Africa for for €224 or a single malt  whisk y from Taiwan for €22. For those thos e of us who have slightl y  less spending money, the leftovers from the cellar are sold  for a lot less. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Mon, Sa t 18:00 - 22:00. Closed Sun. (€36 - 45). PJA6UBK

Godot B-2, Hooiaard 8, tel. (+32) 932 98 208, info@ godotgent.be, godotgent.be, w ww.godotgent.be. Grand Café Godot is one of the most attractive places in Ghent. The white terrace will try  and entice you to order a cocktail and stay outside, but make sure you also go inside and try the th e Westmalle stew or any other  dish from the Belgian menu, in order to taste the rich culture of  Ghent. Godot is typically Ghent: authentically Belgian, young  and sparkling and perfect in th e culinary sense. On warm days you can have a good time sipping your Cosmopolitan on the terrace outside, with its view of the Hooiaard . There are worse  jobs imaginable than being a reviewer for this guide… guide… QOpen 11:00 - 01:00. (€17 - 23). TJA6ULBK Sorelle B-3, Onderbergen 38, tel. +32 923 30 015. Maybe it is the doll’s house interior of Sorelle that attracts a mainly female crowd, crowd, or maybe i t is the cappuccinos. cappuccinos. They  come with whipped cream instead of milk and are accompanied by a piece of cake and a little glass of  advocaat, a sweet drink made of eggs. The simple menu consists of  steaks, croques, pancakes, pancakes, pies, daily specials spe cials and sometime whatever the staff suggests. Try their chicken with ‚dragon’ sauce: it’s extremely tender. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Mon 10:00 - 20:30. Closed Tue, Sun. (€14 - 17). JK

Steendam 66 C-2, Steendam 66, tel. (+32) 478 34 28 71, www.steendam66.be. When you go to Steendam 66, you might think you’ve landed in a Parisian bistro, even though you are in fact just a stone’s throw from St. James’ Jam es’ Church. In this bistro - with sea ting for up to 24 guests guests - the ch ef and his waiter serve you with a smile but have no time for chat. The menu includes French-Flemish dishes like fried sole, tomato with hand-peeled shrimps and hand-cut fries and the specialty  of the house: grilled grille d king crab. An address for food food lovers who expect that little extra. QOpen 12:00 - 14:00 & 18:30-22:30, Sat 18:30 - 22:30. Closed Sun. (€20 - 38). JAGK

Fusion

The ultimate sacrifice: sharing Belgian fries

Ghent In Your Po cket

© Ghent  City Council

A Food Affair B-3, Korte Meer 25, tel. (+32) 922 41 805, w ww.afoodaffair.be. ww.afoodaffair.be. Good food usually comes with a higher bill, bu t if that’s no problem for you and your wallet, head straight down to the trendy and stylish A Food Affair . Since 2003 the two Belgium owners have created a small paradise for fusion lovers in downtown Ghent. The best of  the Asian cuisine is perfectly mingled with some of the b etter  Belgium recipes. The result is haute cuisine with a slightly  different touch. Make sure you’re not in a rush, because everything is freshly prepared. Our favorites are the Indian style styl e beef meatballs meatball s in a curry of spicy tomato sauce, and the Japanese-style chicken. Save some space for for the homemade hom emade snickerice . QOpen 18:30 - 21:30, Thu, Fri 12:00 - 14:00. Closed Mon, Sun. (€21.50-34.90). JAGK gh en t.inyourpo cket.com

restaurants

Grill Amadeus B-2, Plotersgracht 8, tel. (+32) 922 51 385, fax (+32) 925 98 210, ww w.amadeusspareribresta w.amadeusspareribrestaurant. urant. be. In Ghent and b eyond, Amadeus is known for its spare ribs à volonté (all you can eat). Amadeus opened in 1987 and ever  since their recipe for success hasn’t ha sn’t changed: all you you can eat  spare ribs, side-salad side-salad and jacket potato with special herb bu tter  (€15.95). Next to this, they have waterzooi with chicken, mixed grill, gambas, vegetarian salad… but as they state sta te themsel ves, this is ‘a place for ribs’. At Amadeus, tourists, students and people from Ghent in small or big groups enjoy their meal in authentic surroundings with art deco mirror walls in the main room and a charming book collection colle ction in the other oth er.. On each table, a red checkered tablecloth is i s standard. Wine is charged by the centimetre (really) and in summertime you can eat in the inn er  courtyard, court yard, complete with greenery and pond. QOpen 18:30 23:00, Fri, Fri, Sat, Sun 18:00 - 23:30. Also at Goud en Leeuwplein 7 & Bagattenstraat Bagat tenstraat 199. (€10 - 16). JAGBK

‚t Gents Fonduehuisje B-2, Jan Breydelstraat 30, tel. (+32) 923 43 405, [email protected], www. gentsfonduehuisje.be. This was the first place in Ghent to put fondue on the menu. Surrounded by a lot of wood, si tting  on your wicker chair you can enjoy an old-fashioned, you’ve guessed it, fondue . Fondue Bourguignonne , fish fondue, Swiss cheese fondue, mi xed fondue, and... chocolate fondue as dessert. The wine list is a bonus, as ‘t Fonduehuisje  has selected a number of wines which go very well with the fondue. Although many people might find the decor  somewhat corny, it actually suits this wonderfully homely  way of eating perfectly. QOpen 18:00 - 23:00. Closed Wed. (€23-28). ABKX

International Cafe Rene B-3, Gebroeders Vandeveldestraat 2-4, tel. (+32 ) 922 32 700, [email protected], http://cafe-rene. tumblr.com/. One of Café Rene’s biggest crowd pullers is the terrace which covers two sides of this stylish business. On Sunday mornings you almost have to figh t for a chair, chair, when th e road’s closed to motorised traffic to facilitate facilitate the th e weekly bo ok  market. Once inside you can enjoy local products which the chef lovingl y prepares in his half open kitchen. ki tchen. On your way to the toilets you can watch this professional at work or enjoy the smells of his cooker y. If you’re still suffering from your Ghent ada dventures the night b efore, efore, try a large glass of freshly freshly squeezed Lemon squash, guaranteed guaranteed to give you enough energy to run a half marathon. Surprisingly enough the top item on the menu is the not very common combination of raw egg yolk on equally  raw steak tartare. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00, Sun 09:00 - 15:00. Closed Mon. (€15 - 17). TJAULGBKXW

ghent.inyourpocket.com

De Graslei B-2, Graslei 7, tel. (+32) 922 55 147, inf o@ restaurantdegraslei.be, www.restaurantdegraslei.be. Absolutely one of Ghent’s better restaurants: you will leave this place feeling as though you have had your money’s worth, and you will probably want to come back. Th e food looks fantastic, and it’s all served by smiling, friendly and attentive young staff. Spread over two floors of a gorgeous old Ghent house (with a terrace when the weather  allows) the setting - on the canal - is terrific, and overall it  is a treat to dine here. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. (€22 - 28).

TA6UBK

J.e.F. B-1, Langesteenstraat 10, tel. (+32) 933 68 058, [email protected], www.j-e-f.be. In this stark and ultra trendy  eatery one of the better chefs in Ghent produces his small masterpieces, which obviously go down well with most guests, considering how many songs of praise we’ve heard. Jef  (a name combining those of the t wo owners Jason En Famke ) doesn’t just do lunch or dinner, but you can also come here on Friday nights nigh ts for ‚J.E.F. eat late’ an d be ser ved five fi ve small dishes for €20. €20. They are considerably healthier h ealthier than th e usual kebab or fried snack you might have h ave at that late la te hour. hour. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00, Fri 12:00 - 01:00, Sat 19:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon, Sun. (€25 - 30). JAK

Korenlei Twee B-2, Korenlei 2, tel. (+32) 922 40 073, info@korenleitw [email protected], ee.be, www.koren ww w.korenleitwee.be. leitwee.be. Admittedly  this may be on e of the m ost popular places in town for tourtourists, but the surroundings of the Graslei , Korenlei  and the Sint-Michielsbrug  is unique. Korenlei Twee’s cherry on the cake is that you can have lunch or dinner here wi th a view of  the ‘Kuip van Gent’. Obviously this restaurant comes with a price tag, but it’s worth every cent. The place in town to go for lobster, steak tartare or fine wine. The restaurant has been dressed to perfection and is larger than it seems from the outside. The advantage of this restaurant, its location, also carries a negative point: it sometimes takes a long  time to get a table. QOpen 12:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon, Sun. (€28 - 42). PJAUBKX Mondada C-4, Woodrow Wilsonplein 4, tel. (+32) 922 57 525, fax (+32) 922 57 325, [email protected], www.mon-dada.be. The last months we’ve been testing  almost every every food joint in Gh ent as a mystery guest. This fact   justifies  justi fies our con clusion that tha t no other eatery eater y in Gh ent has h as a menu as extensive as the modernly decorated Mondada . Notoriously indecisive people had better look for another  place - there are that many choices - or they could go and look for inspiration at the large display bins with dozens of  ingredients. It’s been a lon g time since we found found a place in a mall so worthy of recommendation. QOpen 08:00 - 20:00. Closed Sun. (€6-16). PA6UBKXS

July 2013 - January 2014

27

28

restaurants Multatuli C-1, Huidevetterskaai 40, tel. (+32) 922 30

Eat Love B-3, Ajuinlei 10a, tel. (+32) 479 87 93 87, piz-

711, fax (+32) 922 32 311, [email protected], info@eetkaffee-mul tatuli.be, www.eetkaffee-multatuli.be. The name Multatuli  won’t  ring a bell with many foreigners, but as early as 1867 this socially aware Dutchman questioned atrocities being carried out in Indonesia, and the Fair Trade brand was a direct result  of his campaign. A pub with the same name and the same objectives can be found in a former director’s residence in Ghent. The stylish premises, beautiful courtyard garden and the attractive setting are definitely worth a detour. If you own a boat you can even moor it right outside. The menu may be limited in choice, choi ce, but bu t if you like meat, fish, fi sh, chicken or vegetarian vegetarian dishes you’re bound to find something to your taste. On the other hand, i t’s a lot harder if you’re after a drink. Few places in Ghent offer offer such an extensive list of warm, cold and alcoh olic drinks. Also check out their brand new n ew restaurant De Stokerij . Close d Mon. (€7-24). QOpen 16:00 - 22:30, Sun 17:30 - 22:00. Closed

zeriagent@ea [email protected], tlove.be, www.eatlo ww w.eatlove.be. ve.be. Eat Love serves no meatloaf but traditional, paper-thin pizzas with not so traditional combinations. We liked the ‘half and hal f’ (two different  different  pizzas in one) with one half pizza with rucola pesto , stracciata  and tartar of tomato and the other half h alf with mushrooms, truffle truffle cream and rucola . The pizzas also come with a gluten free base or in a mini-version with grilled vegetables and salad. The trendy interior with lots of wood and black accents is rather  dark, so try to come at night. Between B etween 17:00 and 19:00 it is a real aperitivo bar, snacks being served ser ved with your drink. QOpen 11:30 - 15:00 & 18:00-23:00. (€9 - 15). JGKS

TJALBK

Roux A-3, Papegaaistraat 79, tel. (+32) 922 41 120, [email protected], www.roux-gent.be. One of the coolest places in Ghent lies just outside the cit y centre. In 2010, 2010, Roux came up with a new concept by offering many types of wine by the glass (you could normally only order by the bottle). It was a success righ t from the start. The carefully  chosen interior is designed to model the latest trends, bu t  it might not be everybody’s cup of tea. Loads of luxury: brown leather chairs and golden flower vases adorn the beautifully decorated room. Besides regular coffee, you’ll  fin d Cuban, Cub an, Rus sian, sian , French Fren ch and an d even love  coffee here. This all, of course, comes at a higher price, of about €7. QOpen 17:00 - 22:00, Thu, Fri 12:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon, Sun. (€25-57). AK

‚t Oud Klooster B-3, Zwartezustersstraat 5, tel. (+32) 923 37 802. Oud Klooster is therefore a non-pretentious brown pub/food pub/food joint ser ving portions big enough to feed even a famished reporter’s hunger. The spaghetti, lasagne and brochette  are the best sellers here. As for the decor, expect statues of saints, icons and Jesus prints everywh ere. And note tha t since many of the the treasures of this former  former  monastery have never been found, found, it migh t be a good idea to bring your m etal detec tor. tor. QOpen 18:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun. (€6 - 11). JGBKX

Villa Bardon C-1, Sluizeken 10, tel. (+32) 933 61 713, [email protected], [email protected], w ww.villabardon.be. Sharing  and passion for food, food, seems to be the big th emes of this restaurant restaurant that serves mediterranean dishes. The quality  of the food is excellent, friendl y staff, staff, nice interi or. or. But when you eat ravioli with crabmeat and it costs €22 it is nice to be served a bit of bread, with out having to ask for it yourself... But the great chili chili chocolate mousse made u s quite happy  and forgiving. QOpen , Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun 18:00 - 22:00, Fri 12:00 - 14:00, 18:00-22:00. Close d Tue, Tue, Wed. (€15-28). JAGBK

Italian Aperto Chiuso C-1, Sleepstraat 82, tel. (+32) 923 37 264. In the middle of a neighborhood packed with Turkish shops and restaurants you might not expect expec t to find an Italian restaurant, even less so if you pass by during the day, when all you will see is a parked Vespa and an old map of Italy. It is only at night that  Aperto Chiuso  reveals itself as a restaurant, one serving authentic Italian dishes with a little twist; Vegetarians have plenty of choice here. If you’re lucky enough to come during beautiful beau tiful weather, weather, try tr y to get hold of a table out  in the garden. QOpen 18:30 - 23:00. Closed Wed. (€15 - 22).

Il Mezzogiorno C-2, Baudelokaai 17, tel. (+32) 922 43 329, www.ilmezzogiorno.be. We are calling it Italian, but  that’s actually selling this restaurant short. Sicily isn’t only   famous for i ts Mafia  gangs, ancient ruins and the volcano Etna, but its cuisine is one of the best in the world, too. That  was the reason why the owner started this small food joint in 1997. In a cozy, homely setting, you can enjoy traditional an-  tipasti and homemade pasta. Note: no prefabricated rubbish is used here, but only h onest Italian products and ingredients. Even Even in the men’s room you’ll see the th e love the owners have for  their products, by way of the drawings of pasta on the walls. Privacy might be hard to find in this quirky restaurant, but  the food here is amongst the best in Ghent. QOpen 12:00 14:00 & 18:00-22:30, Sat 18:00 - 22:30. Closed Mon, Sun. (€9-23). JNK

Quick bites McDonald’s B-2, St. Michi elshelling 1, tel. (+32) 922 32 420, fax (+32) 922 43 251, www.mcdonalds.be. Belgium in total has 63 outlets of this Ameri can hamburger chain, Ghent has its fair share with two branches. This McDonald’s has actually put some effort  into its interior design, but the food isn’t any different   from its other location s. As always, burgers burger s and fries are cheap, fast and filling.One plus: the view towards Ghent’s biggest market square is unbeatable. QOpen 09:00 23:00, Fri, Sat 09:00 09:0 0 - 24:00, Sun 10:00 - 23:00. Also at  Martelaarslaan 17. 17. PTJA6ULGKSW

Snack Tosi B-5, B-5 , Overpoortstraat 18, tel. (+32) 934 20 369. If there were a competition for latest closing  time, Snack Tosi Tosi would have a good chance of winni ng. Until 5am you can fill yourself with fries, doner kebabs and sandwic hes at this Turkish fast food place. It is one of the few late-night eating spots in this student populated area, so it can get quite lively here even long after  midnigh t. Quite unexpectedly, the restaurant is stylishly  decorated, nicely lit and has a very neat and clean appearance. The kebabs are tasty and attractively served in a basket, but the meals are defini tely not the cheapest  in town. QOpen 11:00 - 05:00, Sat, Sun 17:00 - 05:00. (€3 - 5). GKS C- 4, Lammerstraat 14, tel. (+31) 933 55 Subway C-4, 325, www.eatsubway ww w.eatsubway.be. .be. Subway is another American  fast food chain that’s quickl y infil trating trati ng European Europe an cities. citie s. Albeit not as numerous or successful as McDonald’s  or Burger King , it’s a pleasant step up from those two. The food menu is almost identical to that of the other  20 Belgium Subway restaurants, so if you’re craving a meatball parm or a heal thy tuna sub, then take a seat in this tiny place. QOpen 08:30 - 19:00, Sat 10:00 - 19:00. Closed Sun. Also at G roentenmarkt roentenmark t 16 (+32 (+32 933 55 128). (€3 - 5). PTJAGKSW

TLNBK

Ghent In Your Po cket

gh en t.inyourpo cket.com

restaurants Japanese & Sushi

Student restaurants

Ikurasushi B-1, Oudburg 7, tel. (+32) 922 37 083, info@

De Brug C-4, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 45. Althou gh it’s a

lo cation in a popular  ikurasushi.be, ikurasushi.be, www.ikuras ww w.ikurasushi.be. ushi.be. The location shopping/food street stree t is a big bonus, and this stylish restaurant  restauran t  is a must for hungr y yuppie shoppers who can choose dishes  from separate menus: sushi sushi or general Asian food prepared by  a Korean Korean chef. Most regulars go for for the combo comb o mix, ser ved by  the friendly friendl y Nepalese staff. staff. While the somehow dissapointing   food won’t won’t have you you sending a raving text message to all your   friends, Ikurasushi is still a good place to go, especially if th e other sushi bar in this thi s street is completely comple tely full and you love Asian  food. Keep some space for the delicious red re d bean ice, ic e, which tastes much better then it i t sounds... QOpen 11:30 - 14:30 & 17:00-23:00. (€15 - 21). JLVKS

decent decen t life writing for this guide, every every once in a while we yearn  for the time when we were carefree students. studen ts. Especially when you look at what dining possibilities studen ts have in Ghent  these days. There is a choice of eight student restaurants and eleven cafeterias, cafeterias, where students can eat very ch eaply   five days a week. week. Let’s face it, you don’t go go to to these thes e places places for  their interior designs; even a crematory has more character. Moreover, even though there’s plenty to choose from, none of the food was amazing. Still, it’s cheap, and packed with beautiful students. QOpen 11:15 - 14:00 & 17:30-21:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Check the website for all locations and opening times. KS

Ramen Noedelbar B-1, Oudburg 51, tel. (+32) 472

Surinamese

337236, [email protected], www.eetramen.be. Studio Simple has turned this mini-space into a very c osy noodlebar, noodlebar, where you can enjoy a great Ramen (a specific type of noodles) meal, alongside fish, meat or vegetarian vegetarian options. The Th e food is great - maybe a bit on the pricey side given that  Ramen is street food and sold quite cheaply - and they serve the best  lemonades and teas. Make sure either to be b e on time or have a late lunch, since the place plac e is really small and always packed. QOpen 12:00 - 14:30. Closed Mon, Sun. (€8-14). JGK

Sushi-food C-3, Limburgstraat 36, tel. (+32) 922 52 506, fax (+32) 923 42 570, [email protected], w ww. teriyaki, this sushi-food.com. Besides well-known sushi and teriyaki, popular place has a special item on th e menu: one of Japan’s  favourite desser ts, dorayaki. These red bean pancakes are crepe-like sweet pan cakes that are popular p opular all over Asia. You You can nest yourself down in the 25 seated restaurant to eat, or take your your food home and wash it d own with sake . Sushi food als o sells ingre dients so you can make you own sushi. Unfortunately the skills of the qualifie d staff is something you have to acquire yourself... QOpen 11:30 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. (€12 - 15). JALBKS

Sushi Palace B-1, Oudburg 37, tel. (+32) 933 60 102, gent@sushipala [email protected], ce.be, www.sushi ww w.sushipalace.be. palace.be.As far as top sushi restaurants go, you’d have a hard time finding a better place than Sushi Palace, which is located in picturesque Oudburg, in the vibrant heart of Patershol. Sit down at one of the small, intimate tables and eat as much sushi as you can stuff down your throat from the Grote Mix Combo: a half-metre long tacky wooden boat filled to the rafters with 48 kinds of sushi. The che erful and cosy area near th e large windows to the front, and upstairs, are excellent, although the romantic seats in the l ong alley are inviting too. QOpen 12:00 - 14:30 & 17:30-22:30, Tue Tue 17:30 - 22:30. Clos Closed ed Mon. (€9 - 15). JALGKS

Spanish Hogar Español A-2, Hoogstraat 75, tel. (+32) 922 59 517. About four decades ago, many Spaniards emigrated to Ghent and its surroundings for work. Many since have returned. Those who have stayed are often seen at  Hogar  Español , a Spanish enclave on Belgian territory. Don’t bring  your passport passport bu t do come with your most friendly mo od so you will fit right into this relaxed setting. Grandma Sinda rules the kitchen ki tchen and makes every every meal a tribu te to Iberian cuisine. Even half a Spanish omelet te will feed an entire football team. The homemade sangria is another must. Feel free to order  something tha t’s not on on the menu, because this aged culinary  star will cook it for you and no doubt she’ll give it her own twist. QOpen 18:00 - 24:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed. (€10 15). ZTJLNGBKXS ghent.inyourpocket.com

Faja Lobi C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 2-4, tel. (+32) 922 35 533, [email protected], www.fajalobi.be. Suriname is one of the lesser known countries in South America. Its cusine too, which is is a fascinating mix of Asian and African influences, is very much underestimated. However, However, inhabitants of Ghent are lucky enough to have Faja Lobi , which brings a little littl e bit of subtropical warmth warmth into Ghent Gh ent on even the bleakest  of days. Don’t expect haute cuisine in this simple and cosy  place, but just ju st let yourself be b e surprised by affordable affordable unknown dishes including pomtayer sandwich, fried banana and spicy  tuna. The massala lamb stew with roti is another finger licking  dish, which is literally the th e case here as many dishes dish es are eaten without cutlery. Watch out: the steep stairs to the toilets on the first floor are n ot easy to climb, even even when sober sob er,, let after  a fter  a few shots of Caribbean rum... r um... QOpen 08:00 - 01:00. Also at  Tarbotstraat 31. (€13 - 15). TJLNGBKXS

Tapas La Malcontenta B-2, Haringsteeg 7/9, tel. (+32) 922 41 801, [email protected], www.lamalcontenta. be. In 1987 Marisbel Rodriguez -from La Palma- introduced the Canarian kitchen in Ghent, at La Malcontenta. The Th e name of  the restaurant survived bu t the concept changed : Marisbel’s sons and a friend frien d transformed the restaurant into a tapasbar. tapasbar. Unconventional tapas in a very nice surrounding, what more can a person wish for? (maybe only for the climate of La Palma?) QOpen 16:00 - 01:00. Closed Mon. (€3-10). JAK

Thai Le Baan Thaï B-2, Corduwaniersstraat 57, tel. (+32) 923 32 141, fax (+32) 923 32 009. Without doubt the best Thai restaurant in Ghent. Unfortunately not th e cheapest though: as anywhere else, quality comes at a price. Visiting this wonderfully lo cated restaurant is a true treat for  your taste buds. If you can actually make a choice from the very large menu, that is. The dec or deserves a compliment  as well. In contrast to most Thai restaurants this place is not dominated by cheap knick-knacks, but the rooms have instead been furnished with st ylish elements which give this establishment that little bit more atmosphere. Even the cutlery exudes style. We recommend the Thaise Wandeling  (Thai Walk), which takes you on a culinary exploration of one of the b est cuisines in the world in four four abundant courses, for  for  only €35. QOpen 18:30 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 18:30 - 22:30, Sun 11:00 - 14:00. Closed Mon. (€14 - 18). PAK

€1= GBP £0.85; US$1.30 (2 June 2013) July 2013 - January 2014

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restaurants Turkish Aspendos B-1, Oudburg 11, tel. (+32) 923 35 770. It  might not be the cheapest Turkish restaurant in Gent, but  it is certainly one of the better ones, and moreover, a spot  where sincere hospitalit y is still the rule and not the exception. Even our clumsil y knocked knocke d over glass of wine was filled to the brim again: no fuss, no bother and no ex tra charge. It’s these small things that sets the place apar t from its competitors; especially when you realize that Aspendos is only a stone’s throw away from the Sleepstraat, Sle epstraat, where dozens of other similar restaurants are fightin g for the same customers. Also, th e (reasonably priced) portions that are served here are to be praised for both their taste and size. QOpen 11:30 - 24:00. Closed Close d Tue. Tue. (€10 - 14). TJLNBK

Vegetarian Avalon B-2, Geldmunt 32, tel. (+32) 922 43 724, info@ restaurantavalon.be, www.restaurantavalon.be. Try the dish of the day, which is always a surprise : your pla te is filled fille d with lit tle heaps of njammie njammie food. And why not try th eir freshly  freshly  made carrot, apple apple and ginger juice? If you had a rough night  out and you are planning to start a healthier life, this is the place to be to detox or just simply enjoy a nice vegetarian meal. QOpen 11:30 - 14:30. Closed Mon, Sun. (€11-15).

ZTJNGBKS

Cuisine OuVerte Annonciadenstraat 4, tel. (+32) 489 10 56 05, [email protected], www. veggie-cuisineouverte.be. In the mood for some veggie grub? One of th e latest addi tions to Ghent’s ever expanding  expanding  list of vegetarian restaurants is Cuisine ouVerte. Albeit small, the all-green lunchroom feels warm and welcoming, with beautifully tiled walls and a charming chalk board explaing  today’s menu. During lunchtime, the friendly staff opt for the tried and tested buffet formula: you can enjoy hearty soups and there’s a choice be tween a hot and a cold buffet. buffet. Cuisine ouVerte also offers a takeaway formula as well. At night, the chef goes all out and prepares a three-course meal, which changes weekly. Vegans will be happy to hear most dishes are fit for them, alth ough staff urge you you to mention i t as you order. order. The food is lovely (th e mushroom ragout ragou t is an absolute must), surprising surprising and comes at a reasonable price. QOpen i 11:45 - 14:30, 18:00-22:30, Sat 18:00 - 22:30. Closed Mon, Sun. (€6-13). ZTJGKS

De Appelier C-6, Citadellaan 47, tel. (+32) 922 16 733, Ho w [email protected], www.deappelier.be. How  fit ting for a vegetarian restauran t to be situa ted near one on e of  Ghent’s Ghen t’s green lungs, the Citadel Park. Admittedly, Admit tedly, to get to De Appelier, one of the oldest vegetarian eateries in Ghent, you  first h ave to cross cros s th e busy bu sy Ci tadellaan. However, However, once on ce you enter, you will feel as if you’ve set foot in another world: the lunchroom is rather grand but cosy, cosy, but the showstopper (in summertime) is the lovely back garden. On sunny evenings you could pretend to be in th e South Sout h of France as you sip your  your  organic beer. Every day, De Appelier offers two dishes of the day, day, consisting of a wide variety of in gredients, all depending  on the eight (!) chefs’ creativit y on that particular day day.. .. There is also a seasonal salad on offer offer.. (The blue ch eese one on e is worth a try) At night, a simple pasta dish is added to the menu. The restaurant labels i tself as ‘ovo-lacto vegetarian’, vegetarian’, meaning its chefs prepare every every meal using usin g all organic ingredients, includinclu ding eg gs and dairy products: sorry, vegans. vegans. One final tip: the salad dressing dressing ac companying the plat du jour is trul y one of  the best we’ve tried. Consider getting the recipe to try out  at home your challenge if you decide to eat at De Appelier. Good luck! QOpen 11:30 - 14:00, 17:30-20:30. Closed Close d Sat, Sun. (€9-13). ZTGBK

Ghent In Your Po cket

Out of town Nenuphar Afsneedorp 28, tel. (+32) 922 12 232, [email protected], [email protected], www.restaurant-nenuphar.be. Ghent is a lovely city, but what many  people don’t realize is that the ci ty is surrounded by a few idyllic idylli c picturesque small villages, where the rivers Scheldt  and Lys meander through the green flat countr yside. Here painters and writers were inspired in places like St.-Martens-Latem, Afsnee and Deurle.In Afsnee we stumbled upon a nice restaurant, named Nen uphar, where you can choose from a dazzling menu, serving a selection of fin e  food. Try the Gentse Waterzooi, a typical dish from Ghent, Ghen t, or the ‚paling in h et groen’, groen’, eel served in a d elicious green sauce. Their secret ingredients? The lovely surroundin gs and the beautiful view on the river and small town church might just be their muse. Definitely worth the detour. 12: 00 - 14:30, 18:30-22:00, Sat 18:30 - 22:00. QOpen 12:00 Closed Wed, Thu. (€16-33). ABK

De Walrus A-3, Coupure Links 497, tel. (+32) 927 93 848, [email protected], walrus-gent.be. De Walrus is  ‘een lichtbruin café’, Dutch for ‘it is not n ot fancy enough to take  fashionistas  fashionistas to but the place to be at if you you fancy a typical place where the locals hang out.’ There is a huge selection of beer, other alcoholic alcoh olic beverages (Belgians are prett prettyy good at that) and they also serve ser ve delicious vegetarian vegetarian food food for less than €13. It is a bit of a walk from the city centre, bu t in that way you can walk  walk  off off all the extra ext ra calories from th e beer or food on your way back. QOpen 11:00 - 01:00, Sat 12:00 - 01:00, Sun 14:00 - 24:00. Closed Mon. M on. (€5-12). TAGBKW

Komkommertijd C-3, Reep 14, tel. (+32) 485 73 16 17, [email protected], www.komkommertijd. be. This place advertises itself as a ‚vegan all you can eat’ buffet, buffet, the only restric tion being tha t you need to finish your plate first before you go for some more of their very  tasty vegan goodies. goodies. The food is d elicious, the setting i sn’t  that nice th ough, but drink an extra glass of that biological wine, and you may not even notice this anymore. Another  plus : vegetarian restaurants restaurants tend to b e open only during  lunchtimes, h ere at least vegetarian vegetarian and vegan fellows can can  fill their th eir stoma chs at a later lat er hour hou r. QOpen 11:45 - 14:30, 18:00-22:30, Sat only evening. Closed Mon, Tue. (€13.50 - 16). ZTJGKS

Lekker Gec A-6, Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein 5, tel. (+32) 924 28 750, [email protected], www.lekkergec.be. You’ll find no fastfood meals or a varied menu here, but rather, rather, a ‚what you see is wha t you get’ mentality. From their semi-open kitchen, the cooks keep filling the biological salad bar and five caskets with food. A soup of  the day completes your vegetarian menu. And since you’re paying for your meal by weight, you will automatically find yourself buying less than usual, so waste is marginal here. Those who do not only look but also see, will find that the whole concept of  Lekker Gec is also ecologically sound not only do you pay for a healthy meal but you’ll also help create a better environment. And that feeling is priceless. QOpen 12:00 - 21:00, Sun 12:00 - 15:00. (€1.50 / 100 gr).

ZTJ6NGKSW

Tasty World B-2, Hoogpoor t 1, tel. (+32) 225 74 07, [email protected], [email protected], ww w.tastyworld.be. w.tastyworld.be. This chain of (health y) fast food restaurants aims for an eco-friendly, eco-friendly, green image and this has been applied li terally inside this colourful place, from the dark green walls to the light green wooden flo or. or. The youn g staff care about preparing your fresh gh en t.inyourpo cket.com

restaurants  juice, milkshake or sandwich sand wich es whi ch are so fresh fre sh th ey are still warm. If you want more to choose from, have a look at  the blackboard on the wall which shows the daily specials, neatly categorised as Juice , Soup and Burger . Although the seats are quite comfortable, most visitors choose to take their food out. QOpen 11:00 - 20:00. Closed Sun. Also A Tasty World  at Walpoortstraat 38, Mon - Sat 11:00 - 20:00 (€6-12). ZTJ6GBKSW

Warempel C-2, Zandberg 8, tel. (+32) 922 43 062, [email protected]. The name of this restaurant  sounds pretty exotic but m eans nothing more than ‚sure enough’. Indeed, this cosy restaurant restaurant ser ves good food, and sure enough i t will even please the carnivores amongst  us to convert to the vegetarian kitchen -even only for this once-. The dish of the day is a true delight! QOpen 11:45 - 14:00. (€9-13). ZTJNGK

Ghent’s Culinary Prodigies: The Flemish Foodies and Beyond Belgians are nicknamed ‘Burgundians’, ‘Burgundians’, because - just  like the Burgundians of the Mi ddle Ages - they adore their   food  foo d and a nd drin dr ink. k. The peopl pe opl e o f G hent he nt are ar e n o exce e xcepti pti on. As Ghent is a hub o f creativity, creativity, it comes as no surprise that Flemish Foodies have chosen the city as a breedin g  ground for their innovative culinary experiments. Jason Blanckaert, Olly Ceulenaere and Kobe Desramaults, the so-called Flemish Foodies , are three slightly unruly che fs with a unique culinary ph ilosophy. ilosophy. Each recipe that comes out of their kitchens is not only  delicious, but is topped with a substantial amount of  rock and roll. Jason Blanckaert recently  opened his place  j.  j . e . f . (which stands for  Jason an d Famke , his girlfriend) right in the cit y centre. The restaurant’s stark interior  with white-washed walls and wooden tables reflect  the straightforward style of Jason’s cuisine. ‘Re fi ne d ru ral’ ra l’ is th e la bel be l it  was given by those in the know, because the young  chef likes to keep it simple. This simplicity does not  detract from his talent, passion and basic culinar y guts, though. Prices are reasonable to boot: having lunch at   j.e .f. will set you back a mere €25. And nighthawks can rest assured: every Friday you can have a bite at   j.e. f.’s until 1 AM. Always pushing boundaries is what Flemish Foodies are known for. This is especially  true for Olly Ceulenaere, who will be taking over De Avonde n (The Evenings) during  2013. Olly is leaving Volta to open his own business with his girlfriend Kelly. Thanks to Olly, Volta , located in a unique brick building, with a lively mezzanine bar, has become synonymous with gourmet cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, at affordable prices. Olly has not yet  named his new ‘baby’, but one thing is for sure: the new restaurant will stay true to the Flemish Foodies’ style, i.e. good food prepared from good products, grown with love and respect, yet accessible to all.

used to be a butcher’s, but  now the storefront makes for  a cosy bar where you can have a pre-dinner drink. The dining  room itself might be quite small and noisy, but the no  frills approach to contemporary gastronomy and the reasonable prices, make for an excellent dining experience. The Foodies’ have certainly  stirred things up in Ghent’s culinary scene. Michaël Vrijmoed – previously Belgium’s masterchef  Peter Goossens’ right-hand-man – opened his restaurant  Vrijmoed just a few months ago. His style can be termed a bit more traditional, as Vrijmoed  takes his lead from classic BelgianFrench cuisine. Still, fans of  good honest food are sure to enjoy Vrijmoed’s rising culinary  star. Another promising young foodie is chef de patissier  Joost Arijs. His brand-new chocolatier and patissier in the centre of Ghent, has been attractin g lovers of chocolates, pralines and patisse rie from all over the world. After tasting one of his unique ‘Diamant’-chocolates, you can’t but  agree with renowned culinar y guide Gault Millau, who gave Joost ‘the best Patissie r of Belgium’-award.

 j.e.f. B-1, Lange Steenstraat 10, tel. (+32) 933 68 058, www.j-e-f.be. QOpen 12:00 - 14:00 and 19:00 22:00, Fri 12:00 - 14:00 and 19:00 - 01:00, Sat 19:00 - 22:00. Closed Sun, Mon.

Volta Nieuwewandeling 2b, tel. (+32) 932 40 500, www.volta-gent.be. QOpen 12:00 - 14:00 and 19:00 - 21:00. Closed Sun, Mon. De Avonden C-2, Ham 39 More information on this new concept soon.

De Vitrine C-3, Bra bantdam 134, tel. (+32) 933 62 808, www.de-vitrine.be.QOpen 12:00 - 23:00, Sat  18:00 - 23:00. Closed Sun, Mon.

Vrijmoed C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 22, tel. (+32) 927 99 977, 977, www.vrijmoed.be. www.vrijmoed.be. QOpen 12:00 - 13:30 and 19:00 - 21:30. Closed Sun, Mon. Joost Arijs C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 24, tel. (+32)

2012’s ‘Chef of the th e Year’ Kobe Kobe Desramaults’ bistro restaurant  De Vitrine has been much loved from the word go: without  reservations chances of getting in are slim. This tiny restaurant 

ghent.inyourpocket.com

933 62 310, [email protected], www.joostarijs. be. QOpen 9:00 - 18:30, Sun 09:00 - 16:00. Closed Mon, Tue.

July 2013 - January 2014

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CaFÉs Ghent has a fantastic café culture, and it is difficult for  visitors not to be caught up in its all-enco mpassing, warm atmosphere. Look out too for our selection of Museum Cafés: great little places located right in the heart of some of the city’s best museums.

Ice cream Australian Homemade C-4, Woodrow Wilsonplein, www.australianicecream.be. This large chain specialises in gourmet chocolates and ice cream that can be enjoyed on the premises of the first   floo  fl oorr in this th is shop sh oppi ping ng cent ce ntre. re. It also al so of fer s sor bets be ts and so-called ‘farm creams’ that are supposedly  made accordi ng to outback recipes from Down Under. Although this last claim seems a little dubious since the chocolate they use is Belgium-made, the final product is tasty nonethel ess. This outlet has limited seating to enjoy one of the 18 choices. Don’t leave without having tried the Didgeridoo sorbet. Q Also at Veldstraat 21. TJA TJ A

Gelateria Ferrara C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 127, tel. (+32) 922 55 550, fax (+32) 922 55 560, [email protected], www.gelateriaferrara.be. This truly Italian  gela teri a perfectly blends in with this hip and trendy neighbourhood. Lots of  shoppers take a break from shopping here for the delicious homemade ice cream and when we saw the mouth-watering selection of  gel ato  we understood why. In case your stomach needs something  more than ice cream, you will also find ciabattas, pancakes and the ‘pasta of the day’ on the menu. QOpen 09:00 - 20:00. Closed Sun. (€5 - 10).

TJAGBKXS

Moochie B-2, Klein Turkije 14, info@moochie. be, www.moochie.be. Moochie  is quite simply  heaven-on-earth for frozen yogurt lovers (and yes, they write it without the h). Since May 2012 this American invention has been improved in true Belgian style, with everything made from local cow’s milk. There’s a deli-style counter where you can pick any  decadently rich topping you like from a wide selection of fruit or crunchies, and make your own delicacy. It’s 100 per cent natural, uses fresh ingredients an d sounds almost too good to be true, but isn’t. It’s the real deal. QOpen 11:00 - 20:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 20:00. Closed Mon. TJS TJ S 475 23 Nonno C-3, Kortedagstee g 22, tel. (+32) 475 62 62, [email protected], www.nonno.be. As soon as the sun appears from behind the clouds and the temperature just slightly rises, people begin linin g up at this tiny ice cream shop. Delicious homemade and daily fresh gelato is what makes Nonno  one of the most popular spots for local ice cream addicts. The Belgian-Italian owner has continued what is a family ice cream making tradition and in all modesty he told us h e just tries to make the best   gelato   gel ato  in Ghent. In our equally modest opinion, we think he has succeed ed. Note that the opening times are somewhat dependent on the weather; Nonno  often closes early on days when the sun stays at  home. QOpen 13:00 - 22:00, Sat 13:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. TJS

Ghent In Your Po cket

Coffeehouses Cof feehouses and Breakf Break fast venues Barista C-3, Hippoliet Lippensplein 25, tel. (+32) 488 46 98 30, [email protected], www.mybarista.be. Barista can be  found on the corner of the Vlaanderenstraat Vlaanderenstraat and Brabantdam, and there’s another one near Vrijdagmarkt. jdagmarkt. Both places are charming and offer offer a nic e selec tion of coffees, coffees, sandwi ches, cakes, cakes, fruit juices and organic delicacies. The s taff taff -a smile on their face- and the excellent service and quality of the  food an d drinks, gives you th e feelin g you never want to go home anymore. If you want to impress your better half, go and rent their picturesque and romantic Barista boat, for a private lunch or dinner (don’t worry : the skipper skipper is in cluded in the price). QOpen 08:00 - 18:30, Sat 09:30 - 18:30, Sun 09:30 - 18:00. Also at Meerseniers Me erseniersstraat straat 16. Open Op en Tue Tue - Fri, 08:00-18:00, Sat, Sun 09:30 - 18:00. ZJBSW

Den Hoek Af  C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 1, denhoekaf@ gmail.com. Den Hoek has to be one of our favourite spots. Finally, here’s a cafe owner who’s not led by marketing concepts but who speaks and serves from the h eart. While this approach approach might have resulted in a hodgepodge of di fferent  ferent  styles, it provides the place wi th an atmosphere that would thaw even the most cold-hearted person in the th e world. Sit down on one of the many second-hand chairs or sofas and enjoy  a fresh juice, homemade soup or one of the delicious cakes. cakes. QOpen 08:00 - 19:00. Closed Sun. TJBW Huize Colette C-2, Belfortstraat 6, tel. (+32) 478 90 64 73, [email protected]. Chocolate, coffee and second-hand books: that basically sums up the lovely Huize Colette, a tranquil hideaway right in the busiest part of Ghent. If you’re looking for a place to kick back and enjoy the most  delicious things in life, just order a scrumptious scone, a spicy  ‘17th Century’ hot chocolate and take a seat in the iconic green sofa. Early birds can enjoy a lovely breakfast, with a brownie to boot. Have a read in one of the b ooks displayed all over over the quaint shop, and why n ot buy one to take home as a sou venir. venir. There’s free wifi, which is especially appreciated by Ghent  students, who often set up camp with their course books and a brownie... or two! QOpen 09:00 - 19:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 19:00. Closed Mon. TJGW

Julie’s House B-2, Kraanlei 13, tel. (+32) 923 33 390, [email protected], [email protected], w ww.julieshouse.be. Cup-cakes are what Julie’s House does best. b est. You You can enjoy all different kinds in this Engli sh like coffeehouse, coffeehouse, wh ere you can feel like Alice in big sweet Wonderland. Even if you don’t like the sweet stuff, this friendly friendl y two-storey cafe is still a great great place for a long, la zy  breakfast. With free internet, a cool atm osphere and lots of  locals around it’s little shor t of perfect. The banana cake is a house favourite. favourite. QOpen 09:00 - 18:30. Closed Mon, Tue.

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Mokabon B-2, Donkersteeg 37, tel. (+32) 922 57 195, [email protected], www.mokabon.be. Mokabon is where you can arguably arguably find ‘the bes t coffee coffee in Ghent’. An d at a reasonable price at that! Alth ough the coffee coffee is definitely great, and invariably served with a lush dollop of whipped cream, the people alone are worth the visit. As the tiny tables are quite close together and the place is al ways buzzing, you get  the opportunity to have a chat with the locals. This authentic little coffee shop was established in 1937 by a young Italian, one of those habitués told us. He then urged us to try one of Mokabon’s delicious waffles with powdered sugar, which turned out to be a lovely treat. Aside from a wide selection of coffees coffees and teas, you can also try a health y smoothie or a homemade caramel i ced coffee. coffee. Mokabon’s muffins, donuts and baguettes make for an excellent excuse to hang around

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CaFÉs a lit tle lon ger. ger. If you’re in a ru sh, just grab a coffee to go, from the colourful col ourful take-away window. window. And don’t d on’t forget forget to take home some freshly ground Mokabon coffee for your mum. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JGS

OR C-3, Walpoortstraat 26, tel. (+32) 922 36 500, can www.orcoffee.be. If someon e would ask us where you can get the best coffee and the best brownies of Ghent, at OR would be the correct answer. This nice little place offers you a fantastic selection of coffees, coffees, homemade l emonades and splendid teas. It’s also the only place in Ghent where they  serve bagels, and that also deserves an extra star! Don’t  hesitate to walk inside if th e windows are steamy, steamy, just h op in and enjoy this nice lit tle gem. QOpen 07:30 - 17:30, Sat, Sun 09:00 - 17:30. TJNGSW

Lunchrooms Balls & Glory C-2, Sint-Jacobsnieuwstraat 103, tel. (+32) 486 67 87 76, www.ballsnglory.be. Wim Ballieu is the Flemish version of Jamie Oliver (in his earlier years), presenting a cool new formula: meatballs (even vegetarian ones). Ever tried a meatball meat ball filled with wi th cherries, cherrie s, black olives or  even rhubarb? You You can enjoy your lunch in this nice set ting, and your meatballs will be accompanied with stoemp  (mashed potatoes). You can even buy some meatballs to surprise your other half in the evening with a romantic dinner (you can always pretend you’ve you’ve turned in to a fantastic cook wi th aspirations for your own culinary TV-programme). QOpen 10:00 - 15:00. Closed Sat, Sun. JAGKS

Café Labath A-2, Oude Houtlei 1, tel. (+32) 922 52 825, info@cafelainf [email protected], w ww.cafelabath.be. ww.cafelabath.be. Café Labath is situated in a unique corner building, and is known around town because of its warm retro design. A distinctive vintage bar, bar, a colour ful mosaic wall and comfy white designer chairs make you perk  up as soon as you walk in. To chase that bad mood away   for good, tr y one of Laba th’s yummy yumm y ‘slow coffees’, coffees’, skill fully  prepared prepared on th e spot by th eir award winning baristas. This is more than coffee, coffee, this is art. Feeling pe ckish? Why not order  a sandwich with real Ghent Tierenteyn mustard, freshly  made soup, or a piece of delicious cheesecake (made by  Julie’s House). QOpen 08:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00 - 19:00, Sun 10:00 - 18:00. TJGBSW

De Poort Croissanterie D-2, Oktrooiplein 12, tel. (+32) 922 39 822. Located right next to Dampoort railway  station, this place has everything a passenger might need. You can buy newspapers, magazines, ma gazines, cigaret tes, soft drinks, sandwiches an d bus tickets here. In case you have to to wait a while for your train, why not sit down and have a coffee or a beer on the ou tside terrace? terrace? If you really have a long waiting  time, you could order a soup or toasty. De Poort is just left  of the main entrance to the station: follow the signs with ‘taverne ’ written on them. QOpen 06:00 - 19:00. Closed Sat, Sun. (€2 - 6). GBKXS

Gwenola B-3, Volderstraat 66, tel. (+32) 922 31 739, [email protected], www.gwenola.be. Gwenola belongs to the hear t of the culinary scene in Ghent; maybe not when it comes to high-quality dishes, but most  certainly be cause of its auth entic feel. Since 1963, 1963, students, shopping ladies and pensioners have been ea ting pancakes here - be it with a twist, be cause in the two separ separate ate Gwenola   joints  join ts the t he pancakes are served ser ved according acc ording to a recipe from Breton, in France. The majority of the staff here might not  be young and hip, but their sincere friendliness and speedy  service are textbook. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00. Closed Sun. Also at Donkersteeg 12-16. TJLGBK

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Het Leescafé C-4, Graaf van Vlaanderenplein 40, tel. fin d this (+32) 477 77 27 63, [email protected]. [email protected] e. You’ll find spacious lunchroom on the first floor of the public librar y. This reading café is also open for non-members of the librar y and, aside from the reasonably priced soups, sandwich es and pastas, it offers (hot) drinks and alcoholic beverages (in Belgium, reading a good book or an in teresting magazine requires an ice cold pint of beer by your side). There is a large sunny terrace with a panoramic view of thousands of commuters, and you can also go and have fun by studying the monumental stained glass window here, by the artist Herman Blondeel. QOpen 10:00 - 19:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. (€3- 8). TJULNBK Het Salon C-4, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 194, tel. (+32) 922 50 355. Het Salon is a typical student bar. It is literally  located at the foot of the Boekentoren, Boekentoren, which is characteristic  for  for Ghent and exudes knowledge and literature. literature. The place place is full of tables where studen ts sit working at th eir laptops. You You have a choice of many kinds kin ds of tea,coffee tea,coffee or student-friendly student-fri endly aff a ffordable ordable cakes and sandwiches. Surrounded by books, paintings and students that sandwich tastes just that little li ttle bit better. better. QOpen 08:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun. (€3 - 6). AUGKW Le Bar Depot, Bistro & Brocante C-2, Beverhoutplein 14, tel. (+32) 485 44 04 25. Le Bar Depot opens at 6am on flea market days. Despite the early hour, hour, bubbles are th e most served drinks here. While sipping Champagne, Cava  or Kirr Royal , art lovers get in the mood before the market  starts. The heated terrace is extremely popular but the h uge chandeliers, intimate seats and paintings from great artists also make the inside a nice place to sit. As you might expect   from a chic place like this, the servi ce is good. Prices are very  reasonable though. QOpen 06:00 - 14:00, Sat 06:30 - 14:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu. Breakfast €5 - 11. JG

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CaFÉs Simon Says B-1, Sluizeken 8, tel. (+32) 923 30 343, [email protected], www.simon-says.be. At the edge of  Patershol , one of the loveliest districts of Ghent, at  a major traffic artery, there’s Simon Says . In an artistic setting, inside or outside, you can enjoy all sorts of cof fee, smoothie smoo thies, s, chai teas, one of the four draf t beers, be ers, or  something from a whole list of wines. The homemade pies, too, are an attraction. The mosaic-covered tables, the paintings by Flemish artist Panamarenko on the wall (married to Eveline Hoorens, who delivers the coffee beans here) and the lounge music create a relaxing atmosphere. The fresh soup of the day and the Club Simon sandwich are also good reasons to visit as often as possible. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. (€3 - 8).

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Soep+ C-4, Lammerstraat 33, tel. (+32) 922 31 688, [email protected], www.soepplus.be. If you’re up for  a freshly made soup or a sandwich at  Soep+ , you’d better  take a good good look at th e opening hours. This sleek joint is only  open for four hours a day, Monday to Friday. Besides three different different kinds of soup, you can choose bet ween five varying  sandwiches and three salads every week. QOpen 11:00 15:00. Closed Sat, Sun. (€4 - 9). JKS

Ventura Sint-Jacobsnieuwstraat 25, tel. (+31) 933 54 759, www.linoventure.be. This place offers a nice alternative to all th e other places offering offering the same old (ham & cheese, the old time classic prepare (raw meat), chicken

Bakeries Jacquet C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 118, tel. (+32) 922 54 725, [email protected]. A visit to Jacquet is like lowering yourself into a nice warm bath. Although the original French owner of this lunchroom sadly passed away years ago, his kind spirit still floats about in this cosily decorated joint. The whole left side of this recently renovated place is filled with displays of  homemade pies, biscui ts and other sweets, while on the right you’ll find six sets of tables and chairs that fill up every inch of space. Privacy might be hard to find here, but the relaxed ambiance, the attentive staff and the charmin g owner make a visit visit all the more worth it. QOpen 06:00 - 19:00. Closed Tue, Wed. ZJAGBKS

Oud Huis Himschoot B-2, Groentenmarkt 1, tel. (+32) 932 90 904. For over a century the charming  Bakkerij Himschoot, located at the Groentenmarkt, has been known for its tasty homemad e bread. The process of crafting and baking the artisan Himschoot bread has remained largely the same as a hundred years ago: quality ingredients are mixed, hand shaped, and baked in small batches in masonry ovens on site. Every nook  and cranny of the tiny bakery is filled with tasty treats, such as the infamous ‘Gentse neuzen’. Recently, the bakery opened a second shop, Oud Huis Himschoot, near St Pieters station. H ere you can also grab a loaf of  your favourite specialty bread, but why not hang around and enjoy a simple but generous breakfast. The cosy  breakfast area boasts a large table and a few smaller  ones, surrounded by a collection of quirky sixties paraphernalia. The syrupy jam and the croissants are particularly delig htful. An id eal way to get get your energy levels up before exploring Ghent. QOpen 07:30 - 18:00, Sat, Sun 08:00 - 18:00. Also check out Oud Huis Himschoot at  Koningin Elisab ethlaan 57. 57. Opens dail y at 08:00. Closed on Wednesday. TJSW

Ghent In Your Po cket

Walpoortstraat Walpoortstraat café, photo by Reine Or tiz  curry). You can enjoy soup, a sandwich here, while trying to decipher the Flemish newspapers. newspapers. Don’t forget forget to try a piece of homemade cake before you’re off on the streets again. QOpen 11:00 - 16:00. Closed Sat, Sun. TJNGS

Vooruit C-4, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23, tel. (+32) 926 72 820, vooruit.be. One of the most popular places to have lunch in Ghent. The monumental building itself is wor th a look even if you are not eating. In 1914, the labour movement in Ghent started using this place as a cultural centre  for i ts memb ers and factory factor y managers alike. Yet while the original socialist mentality might have been lost years ago, you can still have lunch here for highly reasonable prices. Chalkboards announce the dish of the day, there’s also a vegetarian option. If you like to finish your meal with a good cup of coffee, coffee, we advise advis e you to check our list of coffeehou coffeehouses, ses, since the coffee here isn’t the best you’ll find in Ghen t. QOpen 10:00 - 02:00, Mon, Tue 10:00 - 01:00, Sun 16:00 - 01:00.

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Museum cafes Mub’art B-6, Fernand Scribedreef 1, tel. (+32) 922 14 489, [email protected], www.mubart.be. This eatery is located in the th e cellar of the Museum voor de Schone Kunsten (Museum of Fine Ar ts) and its grey, grey, green and orange colours  form a great contrast contr ast to the high ceilings ceilin gs and ligh t rooms inside the museum. mus eum. Don’t expec expectt a culinary feast, feast, but instead instea d affordable affordable dishes, some som e of whose names alone alon e will tickle your   fancy,  fancy, unless unless you are already familiar familiar with dishes like the Flemish tutjespap (a particular kind of mashed potato) pota to) with sorrel or almond croquette. Also, the extensive wine list stands ou t. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 22:00. Closed Mon. (€7 - 13). THAULBKS

STAMcafe A-5, Godshuizenlaan 2, tel. (+32)928 58 350, [email protected], [email protected], ww w.stamgent.be. w.stamgent.be. This museum presenting the cit y’s history opened in October 2010, and is definitely worth a visit. But even without visiting the museum, you should try to have lunch at th e museum’s café  : a nice selection of sandwiches and typical dishes of Ghent  : you must try the Gentse stoverij (a kind of goulash). The location, Bijloke, is a former medieval hospital, where you can still feel the gh osts’ presence of former plague victims... Don’t tell us we didn’t warn you... QOpen 09:30 - 18:30. Closed Mon. (€9 - 12).

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nightliFe Once again, the number of pubs in Ghent has increased this past year. It would almost certainly be possible to visit  a dif ferent pub every day of the year, year, without ever visiting  the same place twice. It is also worth notin g that, even though Gh ent is a genuine student city, it doesn’t die at the weekend, when many students go back to their home cities. Ghent also has more than i ts fair share of good clubs.

Bars Café Afsnis C-2, Bij Sint-Jacobs 10. Of the handful of  alternative cafes in Ghent, this one is our favourite. Located at the attractive square of Bij Sint-Jacobs, there are a wide range of restaurants and bars nearby, but the unpretentious Afsnis  has stole our hearts the moment it opened in 1996. On sunny days, make sure you arrive here early, because th e sun-bathed patio chairs are in high demand, and not only wi th the exhibitors and visitors visi tors of the flea market that takes place here every weekend. The charm of Afsnis is that it a ttracts a wide variety of cafe lovers who all admire and praise th e cosy  and homely atmosphere of the place. And with a choice of  nearly thirty different beers, you don’t have to stay thirsty in this rather rath er sparingly furnished bar. bar. QOpen 10:00 - 04:00, Fri, Sat, Sun 08:00 - 04:00. T6LNGBXW

Café den d en Turk Turk C-2, Botermarkt 3, tel. (+32) 923 30 197, [email protected], www.cafedenturk.be. The oldest  cafe in Ghent (1228) is still one of the most popular. In 1944, this was even the homebase of the Canadian allied forces during the lib eration. In fact, the interior of this brown cafe has not changed mu ch since World War War Two. Two. With wonder ful retro lamps, the black and white ch equered floor, floor, the wooden tables with red cloths and the lace curtains, this pub could well be a location for a historic historic drama. The Belgian beer menu is rich wi th choices and you all beer comes in the correct glass. QOpen 11:00 - 01:00. JG

Café Jan van Gent A-3, Annonciadenstraat 1, tel. (+32) Alth ough bird watchers won’t won’t find the tough sea 925 60 203. Although bird Jan-van-Gent in urban Ghent, the relaxed atmosphere makes visiting this cosy pub with the same name definitely  worth your while. Although th e furniture is a wild mix of styles, somehow i t all comes together perfectly. Come and have one of the five beers on draft, if you’re interested in the story of  the many stuffed stuffed animals on the wall and the large window. Our  tip: the blond Keizer Karel  (Charles Quint). The two different  outdoor terraces, terrace s, with heated heate d chairs, are also real crowd pleasers. QOpen 10:00 - 01:00. LGBKXW De Belleman B-2, Botermarkt 8, tel. (+32) 922 40 152, [email protected]. Long before the introduction of  the Internet, Interne t, radio and television, town criers criers or bell men went  around to make loud public announcements of all important  new laws and (naturally) (na turally) gossip. gossip. This age old profession may  have died out in most m ost of Europe, but in pub De Belleman this tradition is still honoured. Over the years landlady Marie-Paul has collected a large number of bells which are nicely put on show in her authentic pub. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00, Sat 11:00 - 01:00, Sun 11:00 - 20:00. Closed Mon. JNB

De Spinnekop Einde Were 42, tel. (+32) 922 30 088, [email protected]. You have to put a little effort in to  finding this place, as De Spinnenkop isn’t exactly exactly in the th e centre of Ghent. But those th ose who are tired of student-like student-like behaviour and like to turn their backs on the groups of tourists tourists every once in a while, are welcome in this authentic watering hol e. One look at  the opening hours h ours and you’ll you’ll realize that the owner of the place couldn’t couldn’t care less about abou t what everyone else does, do es, as he keeps his little lit tle pad inconventionally closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Saturdays. A look at the exteriors reveals reveals that the property propert y has seen better 

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times - a lick of paint and a bit of putty could work miracles. On the inside, too, the past glory is hinted at, bu t it does not seem se em to bother any of the pa patrons trons at all: they’re only interested in the affordable price of their  Jupiler beer, at only €1.40. QOpen 20:00 - 02:00. Closed Fri, Sat. LNGX

Dreupelkot B-2, Groentenmarkt 12, tel. (+32) 922 42 120, fax (+32) 922 40 479, [email protected], www. dreupelkot.be. This small but very cosy pub has a selection  jenever (Dutch gin). The owner even of more than 200 kinds of  jenever  regularly regularly distills his own stuff. Just never say to him that all je-  nevers are similar, similar, because becau se he won’t be amused amuse d and will teach  jenever  you a thing or two. He will explain the ar t of producing  jenever  in detail, so you will never again again consider it to be just something  old men drink. QOpen 16:00 - 24:00. Closed Sun. JG

Geus van Gent C-5, Kantienberg 9, tel. +32 922 07 825, geusvangent@tele [email protected], net.be, www.geuzenhu ww w.geuzenhuis.be. is.be. Café Geus van Gent offers offers a second home hom e to the free spirits spiri ts of Ghent. They  Th ey  come here to talk about life, play some pool, recei ve inspiration or sit back and get drunk. With either eit her a glass of wine, a cocktail cock tail or a home brewed bear. Or two. The different areas, the mix of homely furniture and the relaxed background music, make that everybody feel instantly at ease here. Wednesday night  you can attend jam sessions for free. QOpen 16:00 - 3:00, Sat, Sun 19:00 - 5:00. . JLG Herberg De Dulle Griet B-2, Vrijdagmarkt 50, tel. (+32) 922 42 455, fax (+32) 922 42 305, [email protected], www.dullegriet.be. Brown bars are rarely as brown as De  Dulle Griet. Take Take a seat in the ‘old Flemish interior’, in terior’, as the sign si gn outside says, and choose from over 250 different beers on offer offer.. If you pick th e ‘beer of the th e month’ you get a second secon d one  for free, but the specialit specialityy is definitely definitel y the ‘Max ‘Max on the house’, a beer which is served in such a special glass that it requires you to hand over your shoe as deposit! Yet another oddity, this is probably the only bar in Belgium which is named after  a canon; the red canon dating from 1431 down the road on Groot Kanonplein to be precise. QOpen 12:00 - 01:00, Mon 16:30 - 01:00, Sun 12:00 - 19:30. JGB

Live Music Kinky Star C-2, Vlasmarkt 9, tel. (+32) 933 57 342, [email protected], www.kinkystar.com. Every new metal band in Belgium seems to have been  founde d in Kinky Star . The last fifteen years, thousands of (wannabe) rock artists have been baptised here. But  mind you: Kinky Star does not limit itself to one specific style - you’ll also hear Flemish hiph op, electro music and plenty of rock here. The stage out back turns into a seating area later in the evenings. And believe it or not, Kinky  Star  is also an excellent place for cocktails. For those who like the ambience, but hate the music, you can get   free earplugs at the bar. QOpen 18:00 1 8:00 - 03:00, Tue, Tue, Sun 18:00 - 01:00. Closed Mon, Wed. JLEGB

La Resistenza C-3, Brabantdam 82, tel. (+32) 925 60 967, [email protected], www.laresistenza.com. As far as food’s concerned La Re-  sistenza is no more than average. Yet as far as small scale live performances are concerned this music pub is definitely one of the better places in town, where you can enjoy intimate jazz conc erts or see new bands. The beer here is actually cheaper than water, just like in the Middle Ages. QOpen 16:00 - 02:00, Sat 18:00 - 02:00. Closed Wed, Sun. JLEGBX

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nightliFe Microbreweries Brewery Gruut C-3, Grote Huidevettershoek 10, tel. (+32) 926 90 269, fax (+32) 922 52 332, ingrid. ingri d. [email protected], www.gruut.be. In the Middle Ages city dwellers had a valid excuse to drink beer on a daily  basis. This alcoholic brew had been boiled and was there fore a much muc h safer drink than the pollu ted water. The only  remaining city brewery in Ghent, Gruut, is unique in that  it doesn’t use hops in its five different beers, but a mix of  herbs. Even after having tried them several times, we are not really abl e to tell you which one is ou r favourite. The White, Blonde, Amber, Brown and Inferno beer each have their own characteristic chara cteristic flavour. There are regular tours of  the brewery, when you are given a torrent of in formation in just forty minutes. Allegedly, the mayor of Ghent can be observed naked on a l arge painting, even when you’re sober... QOpen 11:00 - 22:00. JEBK

Het Spijker B-2, Pensmarkt 3 - 5, tel. (+32) 932 94 440. Even though Het Spijker might not be very clear about what  audience i t’s targeting, targeting, the th e place is packed every single day, and everybody in this centuries-old spot seems to be fine with that. From old hippies hippies to studen ts, from shopping women to rockers. Even though the large terrace at the front side is filled to the last spot once there’s th ere’s a tiny bit of sunshine, the rear (through the smoking area) reveals a small hidden terrace with a l ovely  view over the Leie. Don’t leave Het Spijker Spijker without with out havin g a look  at the inside of this monumental building, too - be i t for the cool girls that serve ser ve you, or or the swingin g blues rock music they play  here. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00. JA6LGBXW

Het Trefpunt C-2, Bij Sint-Jacobs 18, tel. (+32) 922 53 676, fax (+32) 923 31 037, [email protected], www. trefpunt.be. It’s been around for decades and yet Trefpunt  Café has never lost its hip image. This is a pub for real music lovers of all all types and st yles of music. Wheth er you’re looking   for singer-songwriter singer-songwriter classics or h ouse music, you can find i t  here at weekends. weeken ds. Even Even on a hangover Monday this place is full of people chatting chattin g away while nipping nipping on their Jupiler . QOpen 17:00 - 02:00. JLB

Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant B-2, Groentenmarkt 9, tel. (+32) 922 50 680, fax (+32) 922 40 479, info@ waterhuisaandebierkant.be, waterhuisaandebierkant.be, ww w.waterhuisaandew.waterhuisaandebierkant.be. It won’t be easy to find another pub in Ghent  where beer is as important as in this place. With a selection of no less than 160 Belgian beers and 17 of those on draft, you can’t go go wrong. Name any Belgian beer and they’ll pour  you one, from Aardbeienbier (Strawberry beer) to Zinnebir  (a Belgian ale). Add the good atmosphere in this typically  Belgian pub - few are more authentic - and the staff who are always willing to give you an explanation of the beer  they’ve just poured for you, you, and suddenl y you’ll be six b eers  further  furt her down the line. Simply Simpl y brilliant. QOpen 11:00 - 02:00.

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Jos C-2, Vlasmarkt 7. Jos is located on the best square in Ghent for going out, the Vlasmarkt. It’s not the kind of  pub where you go for for a chat, b ecause the music is too loud, althou gh there are usually qui te a few couples and groups of   friends  friend s desperatel de speratel y tr ying to communi cate wi th each ea ch oth er. er. It’s also impossible to detect a particular style in the DJ’s choice of music. On the other hand, Jos’ artistic a tmosphere is fabulous. Black and white photographs of ar tists and murals of lascivious objects combine well in this pub. It’s also a good place for cocktails. QOpen 16:00 - 04:00. Closed Mon, Sun. JLNG

Ghent In Your Po cket

Kaaiman C-3, Reep 9, tel. (+32) 923 43 410, www. kaaimancafe.be. Kaaiman calls itself another kind of  bar with anoth er kind of interior, interior, menu and musi c. So yes, it’s not the kind of bar you’ll find at the nearby hotspots of the Vlasmarkt and the Oude Beestenmarkt. At this spacious bar with lounge music, the interior is modern bu t  modest. All tables are widely spaced out and the menu gives a fairly wide selection of beer, aperitifs and spirits. The atm osphere is relaxed and the two bar owners rarely  rush. Still, Kaaiman is missing some schwung . Perfect   for a quiet quie t drink in a stre s tress-fr ss-free ee ambie am bienc nce e thoug tho ugh. h. QOpen 15:00 - 02:30. Closed Mon, Tue. JGBW

Limonada B-3, Heilige-Geeststraat 7, tel. (+32) 923 37 585, [email protected]. With its trendy and cosmopolitan look, this pub offers offers the opportunity to s tep outside typically Belgian nightlife for a while. Slightly hidden in the Heilige-Geeststraat , with a front door that hardly stands out, you get the feelin g you’ve found found a hidden gem wh en you come here for the first time. Relaxed, trendy trendy an d loungy are words that describe Limonada  best. But above all this is one of the b etter places to come to in Ghen t for a cocktail. The strawberr y daiquiri in in particular is worth a try, alth alth ough the expert staff staff will be able to gi ve you a number of other  tips. QOpen 20:00 - 04:00. Closed Sun. J

Old Fashioned Koning Albertlaan 115, tel. (+32) 927 95 215, [email protected], www.old-fashioned. be. Since February 2012, Ghent has its own cocktail and absinthe bar. At this peaceful place close to St-Pieters station, you drink your cock tail at a reasonable price. Tom Tom and Steve, Steve, the bartenders in whi te shirts and braces, make the cock tails according to the original recipe. For the longbanished absinth e, you have to ask for the separate menu. On a week night, it is very quiet at the bar but the suitable old-fashioned old-fashioned décor makes you feel at home. Th e menus in English are an extra plus. QOpen 20:00 - 01:00, Fri 19:00 01:00, Sat 17:00 - 01:00. Closed Sun. (€8 - 9). G

Rococo B-2, Corduwaniersstraat 57, tel. (+32) 922 43 035. If you’re having trouble finding Rococo in Patershol’s medieval surroundings, look for an establishment  solely lit by candles. In this restful environment, which is  fur th er enh ance an ce d by classi cla ssi cal back ba ckgrou grou nd musi mu sicc and an d a crackling fire (in winter), you cannot help bu t relax. For nearly  25 years owner Betty has b een the driving force behind this oasis. The landlady pampers her guests, guests, usually consistin g  of artists, creative minds and the occasional tourist, tourist, withou t  being in th e way. way. Lovebirds Lovebirds recei ve a free, home mad e love potion... QOpen 22:00 - 03:00. JG

Cocktails Jigger’s B-2, Oudburg 16, tel. (+32) 933 57 025, ha ve to pass [email protected], [email protected], ww w.jiggers.be. You have the face check at the door here, before you’re allowed to descen d to the cellar. cellar. The hand writ ten menu is packed packed with recipes for delicious cocktails with extraordinary names like Green Beast, Horses Neck and Run Crusta . But the booklet also mentions the house rules: ‚Behave like real men and women’ and ‚No loud talking and no talking about   fight  fig htin ing.’ g.’ Th e well-dress well-dr essed ed sta ff, with suspen su spen ders an d bow ties, supervise the place and are always ready to advise you. A must! QOpen 17:00 - 01:00, Fri, Sat 17:00 - 02 :30. Closed Mon, Sun. (€9 - 11). JLG

Polé Polé Café C-4, Lammerstraat 8, tel. (+32) 935 66 700, fax (+32) 935 66 710, info@polepole. be, www.polepole.be. Two exotic cocktail bars in one. Polé Polé  café is decorated in African spheres and has a

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nightliFe large wooden bar with all the necessary cocktail-making  equipment. Attached to this African style bar is a Mexican style bar called the Gringo . Here you will see sombreros on the c eiling and drink ... you guessed it, exotic exotic cock tails. The Th e Gringo bar opens a bit later than Polé Polé , at 20.30. Both bars use the same entrance, the same toilet facilities and at both you can enjoy the same Latin music. QOpen 19:00 - 02:00. J6GX

Poppi Cocktail & Lounge bar B-2, Korenlei 10, tel. (+32) 926 97 745, [email protected], www. marriottghent.be. An absolute eyecatcher in the centrallylocated Marriott hotel, whose large glass dome functions functi ons as the beating heart of this luxurious place. At the foot of this six-floor transparent wall, you’ll find an oasis of peace and quiet. By day, day, this red-and-black coloured coloure d lounge area serves as a meetin g place for hotel guests and anyone who wants to be pampered. Later in the evening, evening, the rela xing music here is often disturbed by the sound of shaking, when the bartenders bar tenders do their best Tom Tom Cruise moves with their cock tail shakers. shakers. With prices way below those of similar bars, this spacious spot is an absolute must. Every Wednesday, there’s live piano music; musi c; every Friday, Friday, it’s Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm. QOpen 07:00 - 01:00. PJAULGKW

Jazz bars Hot Club de Gand B-2, Groentenmarkt 15b, tel. (+32) 486 74 07 99, [email protected], www.hotclubdegand.be. You will have to pay attention to  find the entran ce to this t his place, pla ce, whi ch is in a narrow all ey off  Groentenmarkt that is easily missed. Once you found the entrance, chances are that you will then be searching for a spot to sit down. The Hot Club is often packed, and we totally  understand why. Five days a week (Friday and Saturday are the exceptions) jazz band s play for a generally young crowd, making it a great place to spend a relaxing evening. Live music is performed on th e ground floor, floor, but you could also sit at the somewhat improvised upper floor or on the lovely terrace outside. QOpen 15:00 - 02:00. JEGBX

Hotsy Totsy A-2, Hoogstraat 1, tel. (+32) 922 42 012. Check out the wallpaper at this fancy jazzbar : you will immediately feel in the mo od to order a cocktail or just  sip a Martini. If you’re less in the mood to watch around and feel fancy, you can always invite your friends to come over for a board-game or a game of pool. QOpen 18:00, Sat, Sun 20:00. JN Jazz Café Damberd B-2, Korenmarkt 19, tel. (+32) 932 95 337, [email protected], www.damberd. be. be . For more than 25 years Damberd  has been a wellestablished name in Ghent. Jazz enthusiasts of all ages have made it th eir fave fave spot, but really anyone wh o enjoys good music, a drink and a chat is welcome here. It can be difficult to find a seat on busy nights, bu t once you’ve found found one it won’t be easy to drag yourself hom e. Damberd’s beer  list is quite extensive. QOpen 11:00 - 01:00, Sat 12:00 01:00, Sun 13:00 - 01:00. 6EBX

Minor Swing C-2, Ottogracht 56, tel. (+32) 494 90 64 83, [email protected]. This jazz bar  might just be one of our favourite ones in Ghent : nice atmosphere, good music, very good wine and friendl y staff. staff. Every Every first Sunday of th e month, th ere’s a live gig. QOpen 18:00 - 03:00. JN

Misterioso C-1, Krommewal 96, tel. (+32) 474 72 Th e 11 06, [email protected], [email protected], ww w.misterioso.be. w.misterioso.be. The location, along a busy road in the middle of a residential

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area on the edge of the ci ty centre, i s not the b est. However, However, this is the only downside we can think of. Misterioso  is a lovely jazz bar with a great vibe. It is one of those places designed for conversations about literature, philosophy  and, of course, music. Every on ce in a while you can see live  jaz z bands ban ds playin play ing g here, he re, usua lly ll y on o n Wednesd Wedn esday ay evenin gs. The interior features dusty sofas and a piano that looks like it has sur vived both World Wars, Wars, bu t in our opinion the rickety furniture creates a nicely warm ambiance. ambiance. Anoth er  prominent element in th e interior is th e bumper-billiard bumper-billiard table, but you might want to ask the staff about the rule s of the game first. QOpen 16:00 - 03:00. JENGBX

Pubs Mosquito Coast B-2, Hoogpoort 28, tel. (+32) 922 43 720, [email protected], www.mosquitocoast.be. For a moment we imagined ourselves in a backpacker\s backpacker\s pub on the Caribbean Mosquito Coast. That was until we looked outside the window and saw rain drizzling on Hoogpoort shopping street. On rainy days, this traveller’s traveller’s pub can severely severely trig ger the imagination and just  seeing all the l ovely photographs, maps and souvenirs from exotic places around the world makes us sometimes forget  the beauty of our own city. Mosquito Coast not only is a source of travel inspiration, it is also the  place to meet   fellow  fello w globe glo be trot t rot ters. Dri nks and an d dish es from all al l con tinen tin ents ts can be ordered, of which the lo cal favourite favourite is th e Mac Mar-  rakech. There is even a travel agency conveniently located at the entrance. QOpen 11:00 - 01:00, Sun 15:00 - 01:00. Closed Mon. J6GBKX

Billiards & Pool Café De Ploeg C-4, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 13, tel. (+32) 477 55 83 78. This large bar is a great place to hang out and play a few games of pool. An hour of pool at one of the three excellent tables costs €8. You can also play  foosball , throw darts or try to beat the high-score on the pinball machine. Owner Danny has enough CDs stacked behind the bar to make sure you will have a nice evening and thanks to a large balcon y, smokers will also feel ver y  welcome. The bar is located in the section of SintPietersnieuwstraat just nor th of Vooruit. Look for the door with number 13a and walk up the metal stairs. The entrance is the left door with a ‘non-smoking’ sticker on it. QOpen 11:00 - 01:00, Sat 20:00 02:00. Closed Sun. JGBKX

Overpoort Bowl B-5, Overpoortstraat 38, tel. (+32) 922 42 418, info@overpoortb owl.be, www. overpoortbowl.be. If we didn’t kn ow any better, we would think the only thing local students do is hang  around here. Or to put it differently, it wouldn’t surprise us if the Overpoort Bowl was amongst the top  five  fi ve r easo ea sons ns for le ctur ct ure e abs a bsen en tee ism. is m. Thi s lar l arge ge b ar, located in the heart of the student district, is often  floo  fl oode ded d with wi th stu dent de nts s playi pl ayi ng gam es of pool, po ol, tr ying  yi ng  to hit a strike at the bowling lane or pressing buttons on arcade machines. There are also foosball tables, dart boards, large TVs TVs showing football matches and, not unimpor tantly, inexpensive drinks on offer. In any  case, you don’t need to be a student to come here. Pool costs €6 per hour and th ere are seven tables to choose from. QOpen 10:00 - 02:00, Sat, Su n 14:00 - 02:00. GBX GB X

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what to see There is much to see in Ghent, from the old industrial par ts of the city which h ave become hip, trendy arts venues to the fine Gothic architecture of the city centre. There are fine parks and gardens too, and some seriou sly  good museums. We have a guide to the best of i t all.

Essential Ghent  (+32 ) 926 Ghent Illuminated Tel. (+32) 67 760, fax (+32) 926 67 799, www.gent.be/gentverlicht. Due to a comprehensive light plan, Ghent can be wonder fully re-explored re-explored after sunset. All of the city’s main monuments are attractively illuminated at night, which brings brin gs a different perspecti ve to the medieval sights. Details of buildings which are concealed during the day become accentuated at night. The Graslei is superbly  lit and th e illuminated Belfry shouldn’t be missed eith er. er. The city has developed a two hour walking tour past Ghent’s illuminated highlights, and you can pick up a brochure with the walking route at the tourist office, office, or you can download i t   from the website. we bsite. TJ6

Graslei B-2, Graslei. It’s very  simple. You You haven’t really b een to Ghent if you haven’t seen the Graslei . Together with the Leie River and the Korenlei on the opposite side of the water, this is Ghent’s prime highlight  and the bustling heart of the city cit y. From From the 11th centur y until the late Middle A ges, the quays of Gras Graslei lei and Korenlei served as the city’s main port as well as a major trade centre for  grain. The buildings at number 9 and 12 are former guildhalls of grain traders and the building at number 10 used to be a wheat storehouse. The latter building is also the oldest  step gable house in the world, and dates from the 12th century. On sunny days, the quays of Graslei and Korenlei are usually packed with people, simply because locals love to hang out at this picturesque spot. The best views of the Graslei are from St Michael’s bridge or from Korenlei across the Leie River. J

Great Beguinage Groot Begijnhof 67, tel. (+32) 922 82 308, [email protected], www.grootbegijnhof.be. This remarkably large beguinage is an oasis of serenity within the bustling city. The walled village was constructed in 1873 as a replacement for the older St  Elisabeth’s beguinage, which by  that time had almost completely lost i ts closed character due to the cit y’s expansion. expansion. Over 700 devout women moved to the new location at Sint-Amandsberg to continue their religious life in quietness. Throughout the 20th century, the number of  beguines continuously decreased until the last beguine died in 2003. Despite the fact that the Great Beguinage has now lost its i ts original function, the gates are still closed from 23:00 until 06:00 and it truly remains a haven of tranquillity. At the centre of the th e largely neo-gothic beguinage b eguinage stands a tall church, which is surrounded surrounded by eight h ectares of greenery and houses, making it a beautiful beau tiful place to spend a quiet afternoon. Together  Together  with several other beguinages around Flanders, the Great  Beguinage of Ghent is listed as UNESCO world-heritage sight   for its historical historical value. value. QOpen 06:00 - 23:00. 6B

Ghent In Your Po cket

The Belfry B-2, Sint-Baafsplein, tel. (+32) 937 53 161, www.belfortgent.be. The Belfry is the middle of Ghent’s famous row of three-towers and the proudest symbol of the city’s independence. The dragon on top of  the tower is the symbolic guardian of  the cit y privileges, which were kept kept in a trunk in the ‚secrecy room’ until 1539. You can’t make it to th e dragon, bu t you can climb a long way up and enjoy an amazing view over the city. Every Friday and Sunday, Ghent’s carillons perform concerts. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Admission: adults €5. JL

Town Hall B-2, Botermarkt 1. Both the interior  and exterior of Ghent’s Cit y Hall faces many differdifferent styles of architecture,  fr om G ot hi c to Rena Re na i ssance, from flamboyant  to sober. The City Hall is probably the most popular  spot in Ghent for weddings, and since 2011, it’s even possible to get marrie d in the Ghent dialect here. Q Openin g times vary, closed on Fridays and weekends. J

Boat tours Rederij De Gentenaer B-2, Groentenmarkt, tel. (+32) 926 90 869, fax (+32) 923 15 484, info@rederijdegentinfo@rede rijdegentenaer.be, www.rederijdegentenaer.be. Standard guided tours at De Gentenaer will take you for 50 minutes along the Leie River, allowing you to view the city’s highlights from a different different perspecti ve. Boats are decen t and large enou gh for  at least 20 people. Beware though th at the b oats are roofless, so if dark clouds are appearing in the sky, it might be wise to postpone th e river journey for a while. Guides are well equipped with all sorts of fun facts and trivia, which th ey will narrate in Dutch, English and French. The point of departure is near Groentenmarkt, next to the en trance of ‘Waterhuis ‘Waterhuis aan de Bierkant’. Departure times depend upon the weather, weather, with inter vals between leaving b oats varying varying from 10 to 30 minutes. QOpen 10:00 - 17:00. Adults €6.50, students and 60+ €6, children under 12 €3.50. TJ

Buildings Achtersikkel C-2, Biezekapelstraat. Walk through the narrow S-shaped street just north of St Bavo’s Church and you will find a delightfully quiet courtyard surrounded by  14th and 15th century buildings. Achtersikkel  is named after the aristocratic Vander Sickelen family, which resided here for several centuries. The tall round tower has a renaissance style gazebo dating from 1566, which unfortunately  is inaccessible to the public. Since the early 20th century, Achtersikkel has housed Ghent’s conservatoire , so you might be able to enjoy some classical music while admiring  the medieval m edieval architecture. architecture. J

Castle of the Counts B-2, Sint-Veerleplein 11, tel. (+32) 922 59 306, fax (+32) 923 35 037, ww w.gent.be. w.gent.be . The Gravensteen Castle, originally a fortress built by Count  Boudewijn I in about 868, was rebuilt as a castle at the b ehest  of Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders. The structure, situated in the hear t of Ghent, was once a residence of the Count and was later used as a cotton mill but is n ow a tourist attraction in itself, as th e only remaining medieval castle in Flanders. This

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what to see impressively restored castle reveals much abou t its i ts history, history, residents, medieval weaponry and jurisdiction. The icing on the cake is the unforgettable unforgettable view over the historic centre of  Ghent. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Admission: adults: €8, 19-26 years: €6, under 19: free. TJAL

and since 1904, the state archives’ office office has b een housed here. Only th e reading room of the archive office office is a ccessible to the public. You You get the b est view of this in triguing structure  from Reep . J

Hotel d’Hane-Steenhuy d’Hane-Steenhuyse se B-3, Veldstraat 55. This

The Episcopal Palace C-3, Bisdomplein

stately building with its rococo frontage is located in the heart of one of Ghent’s most important shopping streets. Although the name Hotel  is somewhat misleading, as you cannot stay here any more, the rich past of this building from 1767 is still tangible in every detail. Where the architectural heritage association is now h oused, important visitors such as the French king Louis XVIII, Tsar Alexander I of Russia and King William I of the Netherlands once spent the night. The large, octagonal hall is a m odel of architectural beau ty, ty, while the pick of the interiors however is the ballroom, two floors high. In th e 1990s the premises were thoroughly renovated, making sure future generations can relive the grandeur of  its past. Unfortunately you can only look at the impressive interior a few days each year. J

2, www.kerknet.be/ bisdomgent. Since 1845, this white palace has been the residence of the Bishop of Ghent. In order not to create too much contrast with St  Bavo’s Church, the architect added neo-gothic elements to the mainly neo-classical structure. Look for instance at the typically gothic tracery in the wind ows or the crockets crockets at the balcony. The palace by itself might not be very impressive, but wi th the National Bank on the lef t, some white-coloured buildings on on the righ t and the Episcopal Palace in the middle, the square as a whole does look rath er nice. J

Masons’ Guild Hall B-3, Sint-Niklaasstraat 2, tel.

The Little Toll House Graslei 11. If you don’t pay at-

(+32) 926 92 600, [email protected]. The building opposite St Nicolas’ Church, Church, which now houses th e regional tourist office, office, was drastically reconstructed in 1852 and at the time everyone thought the original façade of the masons’ guildhall guildhall was lost with th e rebuilding. When the cit y  decided it wanted to show the architecture of guildhalls at  the World Expo of 1913, however, a copy of the façade was erected at Graslei. The original masons’ guildhall guildhall was once again reconstructed in 1976 and to everyone’s surprise, surprise, the gothic façade was found under a thick layer of plasterwork. The restored façade of the building dates from 1526, when masons demonstrated their masonry skills in their own guildhall. guildhall. At the top of the beau tiful stepped gable, six bronze  figures that ‘dance with the wind’ wind’ can can be spotted. For the copy  of the façade from 1912, look for the building named Den Enghel at Graslei 8. J

tention, you’ll walk past this house without even noticing it. Nevertheless, there lies a history in what is the narrowest  house on the Graslei. The littl e Toll Toll House is built in an alley  that provided quick access to the water in case of fire and is squeezed between the storehouse (now Belga Queen) and the Tweede Korenmetershuis. In the 17th and 18th century, the Toll House was used as a place to collect taxes on grain. Clearly, the public servants didn’t need much room. The gable of the house dates from the 17th century and probably  replaced a wooden m edieval façade. façade. In 1912, the h ouse was restored and now serves as a tiny pub.

The Aula Academica B-3, Voldersstraat 9. Once you see the auditorium of Ghent’s University, you will probably consider  taking up studying again. Judging from the facade, it’s hard to imagine how glorious the interior is. Entering the lecture hall instantly makes you feel underdressed underdresse d since it’s more like entering an ancient ancien t theatre. The bad thing: thin g: the Aula Academica is not open to public. But if  you’re you’re lucky, you can can usually enter the building with out being  b eing  reprimanded. J

The Castle of Gerald the Devil C-3, Geraard de Duivelstraat 1, tel. (+32) 495 45 36 91, [email protected], www.duivelsteen.be. Few buildings have such a fascinating  history as the Castle of Gerald the Devil . The grim fortress was constructed in the early 13th century by the legendary  Gerald Vilain, Vilain, who was the son of the visc ount of Ghent and got nicknamed ‘the devil’ due to his dark appearance and black hair. From its construction until 1378, the castle had been inhabited by nobles and knights. After that, the city  bought the colossal building and used it for a whole variety  of purposes. To sum it up briefly, the castle has been: an orphanage, a monastery, an asylum for the mentally insane, a music academy and a fire station. At the end of the 19th century, the Belgian state bought Gerald the Devil’s castle

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‚t Tor Toreken eken C-2, Vrijdagmarkt 36, tel. (+32) 922 52 225, www.poeziecentrum.be. The oldest building at  Vrijdag-  markt was once the guildhall of Ghent’s leather tanners. It   fell into decay in the early 20th cen tury, but in the 1980s the building was renovated. It now houses a poetry centre. ‘t Toreken is named after its main feature: the tall watchtower. On the top of the tower, you can see a mermaid who turns with the wind and symb olically protects the inland waterways. There are no stairs in the whole building, because i ts former  former  inhabitants used ladders to climb the tower. tower. The l ogic is tha t  ladders could be pulled up in case someone attacked the building. buildin g. Renovations brou ght an elevator, elevator, which is said to be the slowest in Belgium, because too much vibration would damage the monument. J

Het Lam Gods In the autumn of 2012, a  five year renovati ren ovati on pro gramme began, intended to renovate and restore the panels of the Lam Gods . The restoration is necessary to prevent further  hardening of old layers of  varnish. The panels will be treated in the Museum of  Fine Arts in Ghent in different stages. Throughout the whole process, the panels of the Lam Gods that are not being restored will remain in the Sint-Baafskathedraal for all to admire.

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what to see Zwembad Van Eyck C-2 & C-3, Veermanplein 1, tel. (+ 32) 923 52 740, www.gent.be. Zwembad van Eyck is the most monumental bathhouse in Belgium: the history of  the eleven tubs, showers, and 68 tiled changing cubicles here go back a hundred years. The roof with glass elements completes the art deco feel of the building. At the start of  construction in 1886, Van Eyck was the third bathhouse in Belgium to be built in this style, a trend that had been started in Liverpool in Britain earlier that century. In 2003, the architectural masterpiece got a new entrance. On the  first fl oor, oor, you’ll find f ind the t he restaurant  restauran t Au Bain, from which you can enjoy the gorgeous interior of the building. Q Opening  times vary depending on school holidays, so check the website. TJLC

Churches Augustine Monastery B-1, Academiestraat 1, tel. (+32) 922 51 659, fax (+32) 922 42 033, klooster. gent@online [email protected], .be, www.osabel.be. ww w.osabel.be. Since 1295 the Order  of Saint Augustine has been house d in this large monastery  monastery  and it is still inhabited today by a small community of monks. As the monastery is large and the livin g community is small, the gorgeous building is frequently rented out by various organisations organisations for exhibitions an d conferences. Nevertheless, visitors are welcome to walk around around the courtyard court yard and see the monastery’s St Stephen’s church, which became a popular  site of pilgrimage thanks to a chapel dedicated to Saint Rita of Cascia. Another treasure treasure is th e impressive library, library, dating   from 1720, which can b e visite vi sited d on request reque st or as par t of a guided city tour. Like many other monasteries and abbeys in Belgium, the Augustine Au gustine monastery monaster y once brewed its own beer. beer. It is now no w brewed by Van Van Steenberge Steenber ge yet by drinking  drinking Augustijn you contribute to the restoration works in the monastery. QOpen 07:00 - 12:30 & 14:00-18:30. JHU

Carmelite Monastery A-2, Burgstraat 46, tel. (+32) 922 55 787, [email protected], www.karmel-gent. be. Through the ages, the Carmelite monastery has been a centre of quietness and spirituality. spirituali ty. Ghent’s Ghen t’s Carmeli Carmeli te monks were known for their particularly strict and sober lifestyle, which is still observed by the current community of nine monks. The m onastery basically consists of a large garden garden surrounded by several buildings, buildings, of which only the 18 th century church is open to visitors. But if you kindly ask one of th e monks, chances are that you can see the beauti ful garden garden as well. On request, it is even possible to stay at th e monastery, monastery, though thoug h it is only intended for people who are seriously looking   for serenity, reflection and quietness. QOpen 07:00 - 11:30 & 14:30-19:00, Sat 07:00 - 11:30 & 14:30-18:00, Sun 09:00 11:30 & 14:30-18:00. HUL

St Anne’s Church D-3, Sint-Annaplein 1, tel. (+32) 922 38 009, www.kerk-ingent.be. In the early  nineteenth century, th e Het Zuid  neighbourhood developed rapidly, causing a sharp population growth in the area. For the increased local population, construction of a new church started in 1853 to replace the small Saint Anne’s chapel. Saint Anne’s church, built in the eclectic Rundbogenstil , was never fully completed, but  opened any way in 1862. 1862. The façade was recently renovated and currently renovation works on the western side are taking place. Un fortunately, fortunately, the church only opens i ts doors for  Sunday mass and is not open for visitors. Q J

Ghent In Your Po cket

St Bavo’s Cathedral C-3, Sint-Baafsplein, tel. (+32) 926 92 045, sint-baafskathedraal@ kerknet.be, www. sintbaafskathedraal. b e . The Saint Bavo Cathedral, originally a chapel from 942 built   for Saint-J ean-Baptis te, is the location where Emperor Charles was baptised. During that period the church changed  fr om Roma Ro ma n e sq u e to a grand Gothic church. The only remnant of the Romanesque church is the crypt, which is open to visitors. Despite many gifts from the emperor, the church remained unfinished for 58 years. The Saint Bavo Cath edral houses a number of special art works, including the rococo pulpit by Laurent Delvaux and many sculptures and wood carvings. The high altar dates back to the beginning of  the 18th century. The cathedral’s undisputed show piece is the master piece Adoration of the Mystic Lamb  (aka Ghent Altarpiece) by the brothers Jan and Hubert van Eyck. The polyptych can be admired in a chapel which has been equipped with a special secured glass cage. An €4 entrance  fee is charged for this. QOpen 08:30 - 18:00, Sun 13:00 18:00. Admission: €4, children up to 12 years: €1,50. J

St. James’ Church C-2, Bij Sint-Jacobs, tel. (+32) 922 32 526, www.kerk-in-gent.be. In 1093 a wooden chapel was constructed for pilgrims on the St. James’ Way to Santiago de Compostella and in the middle of the 12th century, the chapel was replaced by a Romanesque church. St  James’ Church was then however reconstructed several times times during the Middle A ges and different architectural styles can today be admired. Take for instance the western towers. One of the towers interestingly has a Gothic peak, while the whole western  façade  façad e was ere cte d in Roman esque esq ue styl s tyl e. Local Loc al Cal vini sts destroyed the interior during the 16th century iconoclastic  fur y and this thi s has ha s be en rec ons tru cte d in Baro que st yle. yle . Current highlights of the church include an alter dating from 1657, several several 17th centur y paintings and th e tomb of Jan Palfijn, who was an 18th century obstetrician. The church can only be visi ted on Friday and Saturday mornings, when there is also a flea market on the square in front of the church. QOpen , Fri, Sat 09:30 - 12:30. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun. Free admission. JU

St Michael’s Church B-2, Sint-Michielsplein, tel. (+32) 923 42 869, www.cultuurinkerken.be. This Gothic church is a bit overshadowed by its larger brothers dedicated to Saint Nicolas and Saint Bavo, but a visit to Saint Michael’s Church is well worth worth i t. Construction of the church began in 1440 and, due to a variety of political and  finan cial slowdo slo wdowns, wns, was final ly comple com pleted ted 200 years later. The church tower was once planned to be the highest in Flanders, but, due to a lack of funds, never exceeded the current 47 meters and wasn’t roofed until the early 19th

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what to see century. Today visitors can admire the bright interior, featuring an organ dating from 1817, a gorgeous neo-gothic pulpit and several baroque paintings. Another element is Obiit), which the exceptional amount of memorial tables ( Obiit demonstrates the large number of wealthy families that  once resided in Ghent. The incon testable pride of the church church however is the painting ‘Golgotha’, dating from 1630 and executed by An thony Van Dyck, Dyck, who was a collaborator of  Rubens. QOpen 14:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun. Admission:  free.  fre e. JU

Interesting Interesti ng places Boekentoren (Book Tower) B-4, Rozier 9, tel. (+ 32) 926 43 851, libservice@ ugent.be, www.boekentoren.be. Locals either love or hate this giganti c concrete tower. tower. The colossal, modernist  masterpiece of architect H enry enr y Van Van de Velde Velde was built in th e 1930s, when concrete was still a symbol of modernism, and it houses the library  of Ghent University. Over three million books are stored in this 64-metre tall building, which is why it is called the Book Tower . Visitors are welcome, as long as you don’t  make too much noi se. After all , you are in a librar y. Take Take the elevator up to the bel vedere and you can enjoy a view over  the whol e city. In 1992, Boekentoren was given the status of protected monument and the building will be thoroughly  renovated from 2012 until 2017. QOpen 08:00 - 22:00, Sat, Sun 09:00 - 18:00. UG

Bridge Portus Ganda D-3, Julius de Vigneplein, Ever fancied recreating th e most  www.portusganda.be. Ever romantic scene in Titanic ? You know, the one where Jack  and Rose are at the very end of the boat and Rose says: ‘I’m flying!’. Well, at this bridge of Portus Ganda you can do  jus t tha t. Your Your vi ew is i s not no t the th e Atlan tic O cean, cean , bu t the th e point  poi nt  where the Lys and Scheldt ri vers meet. From From the bridge is visible the n ew marina for passing passing boa t traffic and Belgium’s oldest indoor swimming pool, the Van Eyck , which was fully  restored in 2001. B

Hof van Ryhove B-2, Onderstraat 22. One of the things we love about Ghent is exploring the city’s many hidden corners. Hof van Ryhove is such a place. Looking at it from Onderstraat you will see a step gable building like many  others, but walk through the gate with the green doors and you will enter a delightful medieval courtyard. From the court yard, yard, the 13th cen tury palace, once inhabited by  wealthy nobles, reveals its true magni tude. Hof van Ryhove became quite notorious during Ghent’s Calvinist period in the 16th centur y, when Cath olic Bishops were locked up in the basem ent by i ts owner Francois Vander Vander Kethulle, a key  political figure at that time. The building currently functions as an office for the city’s administration. J

Prinsenhof A-1 & B-1, Between Prinsenhof and LieveV, ruler of th e Hol y Roman Empire, kaai. In 1500, Charles V, was born in a huge palace named Hof ten Walle . The palace covered almost the entire present-day neighbourhood and later became known as Prinsenhof  (Princes’ Court). Nowadays, only the ‘Dark Gate’ is left of the palace, which can be found at the northern end of Prinsenhof 

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Street. The eponymous neighbourhood, roughly bet ween Lievekaai  and an d Prinsenhof , is one of the loveliest areas in Ghent. Try Try to get lost in the ma ze of narrow streets, sit  down under a willow tree along the Lieve River, look at  the statue of Charles V on Prinsenhofplein or walk past a row of step gabled houses on St-Widostraat. During the  firs t weeken wee kend d of Sep tembe tem berr, Ghen Gh ent’s t’s larges lar gestt flea fl ea market  mar ket  is held at Prinsenhof.

Rabot A-1, Opgeëistenlaan 1, [email protected], [email protected], ww w. rabot.be. This structure was built in the late 15th century  and it is one of the few remainders of Ghent’s medieval rampart. The Lieve River that flows underneath Rabot  once connected Ghen t to the North Sea and it use d to be the only entrance for ships into the ci ty. ty. Every Every b oat sailing  into Ghent was checked h ere. Rabot also functioned as a  flood  flo odgate gate and an d 15 square kil ome tres of lan d around aroun d the ci ty  could be flooded in case of an attack. The sluice building  was strengthened with the addition of two towers after a  failed sie ge by Maximilian Maxi milian of Austria Austri a in 1488. Rabot is therethe re fore also kn own as ‘Drie Torekens ’,’, the Thre e Towers. Towers. The building is not open to the public, but a visi t is sometimes included in guided cit y tours. JH Small Beguinage (Klein Begijnhof) D-4, Lange Violettestraat 77-273, tel. (+32) 922 41 790, olvterhoyen@ skynet.be, www. kleinbegijnhofgent.be. Like the Great Beguinage at  Sint-Amandsberg  © Ghent City Council and eleven other  beguinages around Flanders, the small beguinage is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. This serene and religious haven was built  around 1240 1240 and was thoroughly reconstruc ted during the 17th century. century. Nonetheles s, it is one of the best preserved as well as one of the most beau tiful beguinages in Flanders. At the centre of this quiet spot stands the baroque Church of Our Lady Ter Hoyen. You can also see two chapels and the gorgeously red beguines’ houses around the central lawn. According to tradition, the gate is closed from 22:00 until 06:30. QOpen 06:30 - 22:00.

Werregarenstraat B-2, Werregarenstraat. Ask someone  fr  f r o m G h e n t fo r t h e Werregarenstraat and they probably have no idea what you’re talking about. If you ask  them for the graffiti alley, however, they’ll guide you to this alley  between Hoogpoort  and On derstraa t. TourTourists love to walk through this shady but colourful place where street artists can let themselves go. While graffiti is of course prohibited in Ghent, th e cit y makes a couple of  exceptions, and the Werregarenstraat is one of them.

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what to see Museums Design Museum Gent B-2, Jan Breydelstraat 5, tel. (+32) 926 79 999, fax (+32) 922 44 522, [email protected], www.designmuseumgent.be. The Design Museum mainly offers exhibitions of 20th century and modern-day  design, although there © Ghent City Council are some objects from earlier times. The design of the museum in i tself makes a visit worth while. Behind an 18th century frontage you’ll you’ll  fin  fi n d a mo dern de rn an d li gh t buil bu ildin din g whi ch more mo re do es th e various exhibits exhibits justice. Th ere are permanent as well as changing exhibitions. Art-deco and art nouveau lovers can indulge themselves walking through the spacious exhibition rooms. However, the name of this museum is slightly misleading. This is not really a design museum in the wider sense of the word, as the focus is mainly on  furni  fur ni ture tur e and an d h ome om e ac cess ce ssori ori es. Never Ne ver th eles el ess, s, i t’s defide finitely worth a visit. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon.

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Huis van Alijn B-2, Kraanlei 65, tel. (+32) 926 92 350, fax (+32) 926 92 358, [email protected], www.huisvanalijn.be. This delightful and intimate museum, situated in a splendid listed building, offers you a glimpse at the lives of Belgians in the twentiet h century. In the distinct rooms, each with i ts own theme, you can see  just  ju st h ow p eople eop le li ved a hund hu ndre red d years yea rs a go. Th T h emes em es su ch as weddings, birth s, social life, school and even death are covered in a museum tha t is a voyage voyage of discover y for small children and a trip down memory lane for older visitors. The museum often has temporary exhibitions. QOpen 11:00 - 17:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. 17:00. Closed M on. Admission: adults: €5, 19-26 years: €1, under 19: free. TJ

Kunsthal Sint-Piet Sint-Pietersabdij ersabdij C-5, Sint-Pietersplein 9, tel. (+32) 924 39 730, fax (+32) 924 39 734, [email protected], www4.gent.be/sintpietersabdij/. Saint Peter’s Abbey is a former Benedictine Abbey from 811 whose buildings are now use d by Kunsthal Saint Peter’s Abb ey and the De Wereld van Kina museum. It is located on the quiet Saint Peter’s Square on top of  th e Blandijnberg  (Ghent’s highest point). The buildings represent several architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Roman and Baroque are all evident in buildings oozing history. The venerable Amandus of Ghent commissioned the building of the abbey in the eighth cen tury. tury. The emperor Charlemagne use d the abbey as a defensive position against the Viking invaders in a time wh en it was surrounded by open countryside. The first earls of Ghent  were buried in the abb ey grounds. In 1566 1566 the abb ey was badly damaged by the I conoclastic Fury that ravaged the Low Counties, so that only the refectory still remains today. When the last monks were expelled in 1796 the building was subsequently used as a military barracks and up until 1948 it was use d as a prison. Nowadays the abbey is used as an art gallery with changing exhibitions and a permanent exhibition on the history of the abbey  itself. The Abbey of Our Blessed Lady Saint Peters was originally originally built in Romanesque Romanesque style in th e twelfth century. century. The current church that now stands in Baroque style was built in 1651. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. Admission: adults €5. J

Ghent In Your Po cket

MIAT (Museum of Industrial Archaeology and Textiles) C-1, Minnemeers nemeer s 9, tel. (+32) 926 94 200, fax (+32) 923 30 739, publiekswerking.miat@gent [email protected], .be, ww w. miat.gent.be. During the second half of the 18th © Ghent City Council century, Belgium became the first industrial nation in continental Europe and Ghent  was the first city in the country to embrace the new technologies. The ci ty rapidly developed as a major centre for  for  textile production, which brought wealth to town, but also led to a vast transformation of society. The Museum of  Industrial Archaeology and Textiles aims to preserve Ghent’s industrial herita ge and tells tells the story of this significan t  period in the history of B elgium. The museum is housed in a  former  form er cot ton mill an d it ha s thre e outs tandin tan ding g exhibi tion s, each on a different different floor in the building. Visitors can learn everything about the cotton industry on the third floor. The collection ‘Wereld Wijd Werken’ interactively shows the hardship of ordinary workers and explains the societal changes since the 18th cen tury. The top floor chronologically displays the history of industrialisation and houses the museum’s prime showpiece: the Spinning J enny textile machine. Detailed information is provided on each flo or in Dutch, Engli sh, French French and German. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. Admission: €5 for adults, €3.75 for visitors older than 55, €1 for visitors aged 19 - 25, free for children up to 18. TJUK

Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen B-3, Veldstraat 82, tel. (+32) 926 98 460, fax (+32) 926 98 479, [email protected], www.visitgent.be. This building used to be the residence of Joost Clemmen, a wealthy  18th centur y cotton ma gnate, and this small museum offers offers a glimpse at the lifestyle of the richest of inhabitants in industrial-era Ghent. The museum consists of two rooms, while the rest of the building currently functions as an office  for the cultural depar tment tmen t of the city. One of the two rooms shows a unique Chinese drawing room with hand painted silk  wallpaper. wallpaper. According to th e curator it’s the th e only one of its i ts kind in the world and certainly, it reveals that cotton magnates had lots of money to spend. The other room is completely  dedicated to Belgium’s only Nobel laureate in literature: Maurice Maeterlinck. This room features a reconstruction of  his work chamber, the place where Maeterlinck once wrote his masterpiece L’Oiseau Bleu (The Blue Bird). The museum can only be visited as par t of a guided tour tour and it is advised to book tickets in advance. Tours start at 14.30 on Fridays and Saturdays and it includes a visit to the 18th centur y Hotel d’Hane-Steenhuyse. QOpen Fri, Sat 14:30 - 16:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun. Adults €5, children until 18 years  free admission. admis sion. J

Museum dr. Guislain Jozef Guislainstraat 43, tel. (+32) 921 63 595, fax (+32) 921 63 535, info@ museumdrguislain.be, www.museumdrguislain. be. The most extraordinary  museum in Ghent must be without a doubt the Dr. Guis© Ghent City Council lain Museum. In this imposing  building, you’ll you’ll find every thing  concerning the history of psychiatry and mental health care - or rather, the lack of knowledge and scientific proof and arguments arguments in this area, since those wh o take a good look at 

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what to see the information signs will probably feel no more than mere shame for all those poor patien ts who’ve been guinea pigs in the most horrible, painful and degradin g experiments in the name of scien ce. The fascinating exhibi tion takes you you on a global trip through the histor y of psychiatric psychiatric care. The buildings themsel ves are wort wort h a visit. On sunny days, you can take a break from all the commotion and lay yourself  down on the large pretty fields of grass in the courtyard here. Q Open 09:00 - 17:00, Sat, Sun 13:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon. Admission:adults €6, under 26 years €1. Tram 1 starts at the P+R stop at Flanders Expo, goes to Gent Sint-Pietersstation, continues through Korenmarkt  and th en goes on to Evergem. Make sure you get off off at th e Guislainstraat stop. LB

Museum of Fine Arts (Museum voor Schone Kunsten) B-6, Fernand Scribedreef 1, tel. (+32) 924 00 700, fax (+32) 924 00 790, [email protected], museum.msk@gent. be, www.mskgent.be. Seeing the Belgian masters in their  country of origin; that’s what makes this Museum of Fine Arts so special. The masterpieces are done full justice in this wonderful building from 1904, which was completely  renovated in 2007. The natural light comes through the windows in exactly the ri ght way so you can keep admiring  the paintings by Jheronimus Bosch, Pieter Brueghel de Jonge and Frans Hals in all their splendour time and again. Besides ar t works from from the Middle Ages to the first half of  the 20t h centur y, there are special exhibitions every year: on the 2nd of March there’s the opening of the Belgian Modernism exhibition.The museum is quite small - don’t  expect a Flemish Louvre  - but it should not be skipped during your visit to Ghent. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. Admission: €5. TAL

Museum of the History of Medicine B-3, Onderbergen 1, tel. (+32) 922 30 832, fax (+32) 926 48 396, [email protected], www.ugent.be. Formerly a Dominican monastery, monastery, the building just south of  St Michael’s church now belongs to Ghent Universit y. The university decided to use part of this building for storing  its collection of ancient surgical instruments and some enthusiastic doctors and emeriti turned it into the Museum of the History of Medicine in 1991. The collec tion includes Roman medical instruments as old as the 1st centur y A.D., surgical tools from from the 18th and 19 th century and a copy of  Jan Palfijn’s renowne renowne d obstetric forceps. The museum can only be visi ted after making an appointment for a one and a half hour guided tour by a professor, professor, which discouragingl y  has to be be arranged three weeks in advance. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun. J

Museum of the History of Sciences Krijgslaan 281, tel. (+32) 926 44 930, fax (+32) 926 44 973, [email protected], www.sciencemuseum. ugent.be. This small museum at the university campus displays the history of sciences by all types of old scientific instruments. Visitors can see a large collection of microscopes, telescope s, topographic instruments, all kinds of  laboratory glassware and a massive analogue computer. Attached to the exhibition room is a small library with old scientific works and books about the history of science. Currently, detailed information about the museum pieces is only provided in Dutch, but we were told that descriptions in English will come soon. The museum is located in building S-30 on universit y campus ‘De Sterre’. You You can get here by taking tram 1 to ‘Maaltebruggestraat’, from where a short walk will get you to the museum. QOpen 10:00 - 12:00 & 14:00-17:00. Closed Sat, Sun. Adults  €2.5 0, s tud ents en ts €1.50 € 1.50,, vi si tors under un der 18 or o r over ove r 65: 6 5: free f ree admission. T

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S.M.A.K. Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art B-6, Citadelpark, tel. (+32) 924 07 601, [email protected], www.smak.be. The current Municipal Museum of  Contemporary Art (Flemish Acronym S.M.A.K.) © Ghent City Council was established in 1999 and goes back to 1957, when Karel Geirlandt Geirlandt founded th e ‘Association for the Museum of Contemporary Art’, driven by his great ambition to realise an autonomous museum for contemporary expressions in the art world. The exhibition programme is varied. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. 18:00. Closed Mon. M on. Admission: adults: adul ts: €6, 19-26 years:  €1,under 19 years: years: free. free. PTAULGK

STAM ST AM - City Museum Ghent A-5, Godshuizenlaan 2, tel. (+32) 926 71 400, fax (+32) 926 71 498, stam@ gent.be, www.stamgent.be. The town’s most modern museum will take take you on a journey through ei ght centuries of  Ghent history. In an entertaining entertaining and lighthear ted manner you will encounter Ghent’s ri ch history in three different different groups of  buildings, which are all very very at tractive. For centuries the former  abbey, which houses the th e STAM, STAM, was hidden behind behin d high walls. In the spot where the sick were looked after for 750 years, the cultural soul is now anointed. The old convent buildings, with their roots in the Middle Ages, have been turned into this modern museum mus eum in an artisticall y attrac tive way. way. If this is your   first visit visi t to the city cit y, you can get get truck loa ds of relevant information here, which will li ven up your visit visit even more. A gigantic aerial photograph of the city ci ty,, which is dozens of metres in size and projected onto a mirror floor, floor, is in i tself reason enough to visit STAM. STAM. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon.

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what to see they can take a refreshing refreshing di ve in the pond or have fun on the water slide. Access to Blaarmeersen is free, although from May to August car-drivers pay an entrance fee of €2.50. T

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve DriepikBourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a green area just three kelstraat. Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen kilometers from the Castle of the Counts. Here you’ll find 210 hectares of wet grassland full of ditches and streams. Birdwatchers love this place as it is one of the most birdrich nature reserves in Flanders. In th e area, no cyclists are allowed but th ere are three marked trails of two or five and a half kilometres. One of th em takes you you along the route of  the old railway which was used for the Ghent World Fair  of  1913 when visitors could admire this showpiece section of  the Bel gian railways. Every Every first Saturday of the mon th, there is a free guided tour at 14:30. TU S.M.A.K  i ts two museums ( S.M.A.K  Citadelpark Citadelpark. With its

Former Dominican friary Het Pand , photo by Reine Ortiz 

The World of KINA C-5, Sint-Pietersplein 14, tel. (+32) 244 73 73, fax (+32) 244 73 74, [email protected], www.dewereldvankina.be. This museum has been split  into two parts a t different different locations: The House and Th e Garden. The Garden is a beauti ful spot with borders full of special plants and a room with in formation about the world of plants. You should also take a look a t the tarantulas. tarantula s. The House is a colourful museum located in wonder ful premises and seems very modern at a t first glance. The way information information is provided is somewhat somewh at dated, however ho wever,, and you would expect expec t a museum, parti cularly one aimed aime d at kids, to offer offer a bit more interacti intera ctivit vit y. That doesn’t do esn’t mean that the large rooms with stuffed animals, the dinosaur skeletons skeletons and the Neander thals have lost any  of their appeal since the museum first opened its doors in 1924, however. however. QOpen 09:00 - 17:00, Sun 14:00 - 17:30. Closed Sat. Admission: adults €2,50, bet ween 12-25 years: years:  €1,25, children free till 12 years. TJAL

Parks & Gardens Appelbrugparkje B-2, Jan Breydelstraat. Those who are looking for a resting point in the middle of the bustling  historic centre can just take a fifteen minute break at the little Appelbrug park. Walk Walk all the way to th e water and enjoy  the view: on your left the Old Fish Market and your right the Great Butchers’ Hall. J

Baudelopark Baudelostraat. Baudelopark was the first  public park in the ci ty. In the 16th century, this was the garden of the Baudelo Abbey and during the French occupation it  became a botanical garden (which has now moved to the edge of the Ci tadelpark). tadelpark). At the beginning of th e last century, a street (the Bibliotheekstraat) was constructed in the middle of the park but at the request of the local residents the street h as been transformed into a bike and pedestrian path that uni tes the park once more. Baudelopark includes a playground and a small basketball court, and attracts a young and more alternative public. During the Gentse Fees-  ten, this park is a Mecca for dance lovers with workshops in different styles. TJ

Blaarmeersen Sport and Recreation Park Zuiderlaan 5-10, www.blaarmeersen.be. Blaarmeersen is 87  hectares of green space. This vast domain - with a gigantic lake - offer offers s numerous recreational acti vities. I t includes an athleti cs track, an adventure trail, climbing rocks and faciliti facilities es  for minigolf, tennis tenni s and volleyball. volley ball. Th ere are three thre e cafeterias and a camping site wit h hiker’s huts. hu ts. At Blaarmeersen, Blaarme ersen, lots of  youngsters youngsters enjoy the sunny days at th e beach area, be cause

Ghent In Your Po cket

and Museum of Fine Arts ), ), a botanical garden, a cast-iron bandstand, an animal shelter and various artworks, Citadelpark is undoubtedly the most versatile park in Ghent. The park was named after the large-scale citadel that was built  on the site following the fall of Napoleon. In the park, you can still see caves with remnants of primitive bunkers. As in all other parks in Ghent, mainly students - with or with out  textbooks - love lying in the grass. Plans are currently currently being  b eing  made to renovate the entire park. TJ

Garden of St Peter’s Abbey C-5, Sint-Pietersplein 9, tel. (+32) 924 39 730, 730, [email protected], w ww. gent.be/sintpietersabdij. Behind St Peter’s abbey lies a lovely green garden with a grass field that, particularly on sunny days, is a tempting place to just lie down for a while. That is exactly what students from the neighbourhood and all sorts of other people do when the sun shines. The garden of the abbey is nicely situated between the former  monastery buildings and the S cheldt Ri ver. ver. In addition to th e lawn, the garden features a vineyard, a small orchard and a herb garden. You You could also spot the ruins of the th e monastery’s monaster y’s infirmar y, which adds to the charm of this relaxing relaxin g spot. Unlike the abbey buildings, the garden is freely accessible. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon.

Keizerpark Brusselsesteenweg. Keizerpark was redeveloped in 2009 and ever since has been an attractive place, easily accessible thanks to the t wo bridges. On sunny days days local residents and students gather here, and children are more than welcome. The lit tle ones can enjoy themselves in the playground while for older kids there is a skate park and a basketball court. Via the wooden pontoon, anglers have access to the banks of the Scheldt and also th ose who like to barbecue can live it up h ere. T

Sightseeing Tours Ghent-Authentic C-3, C-3 , Keizer Karelstraat 97/201, 97/201, tel. (+32) (+32) 498 109 961, [email protected], info@ghent-authent ic.com, www.ghent-authentic.com. Ghent’s cobblestone streets can get to even the most hardy of travelers. One of the best ways to avoid unnecessary walking is therefore to join these local experts. Sightseein g tours in English, French, Dutch and German. Very knowledgeable guides take you beyond the classic sights, and lace their  tours with wonderful an ecdotes and stories. There are a range of tours to choose from, includi ng Mystic Middle  Ages , Ghent by Night and UNESCO Ghent to name  just three. Ghent-Authentic can also arrange private, customized tours. J

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shopping Antiques Antiek Depot C-2, Baudelostraat 15, tel. (+32) 477 60 61 99, [email protected], ww w.antiek-depot.com. w.antiek-depot.com. Two floors full of furniture, paintings and all kinds of other old stuff. Not everything is antique, some things are just old. Cl osed Tue. Tue. J QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed

Burkelbloem D-2, Dampoortstraat 92, tel. (+32) 922 off at Gent-Dampoor tstation 34 737. If you happen to get off (the closest station to the city) , and you take the road to the city centre, you will walk by this nice shop filled with an tiques and vintage goodies. Want to jump back in time? Here you’ll find the teapot your grandmother used in the 50’s, 50’s, haircombs from the In terbellum, and all kinds of curiosities of which you never thought you’d encounter  them a gain. gain. QOpen 14:00 - 20:00. J

Design 7 C-2, Nieuwpoort 7, tel. (+32) 485 41 01 49, [email protected], www.design7.be. Frederic Rozier, the brains behind vintage design lovers’ favourite Design Market, is truly passionate about design; this shows as soon as you enter Design7. The gallery carries a unique mi x of 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s design furni ture, ranging from cool tables and unique chairs to striking ligh ting fix tures and funky funky cabinets. Originality and affordabilit affordabilit y  are key: to this end, all items can b e rented as well. QOpen , Thu 14:00 - 18:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 12:00,14:00-18:00, Sun 11:00 - 13:00. Close d Mon, Tue, Tue, Wed. JA

Het Archief C-2, Steendam 110, tel. (+32) 922 35 200, www.het-archief.be. There are many reasons why they opened antique and vintage shop Het Archief . To us the m ost important is be cause good design lasts  forever  forev er and an d b ecau ec ause se old thin thi n gs h ave a s oul. oul . Het Archief  specializes in old school posters posters and breathes a homel y   feelin  feel in g. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sun 10:00 - 17:00. Close d Mon. JA

Bookshops & Media Atlas & Zanzibar A-5, Kortrijksesteenweg 19, tel. (+32) 922 08 799, www.atlaszanzibar.be. This huge travel shop specialises in maps, atlases, globes and, of  course, loads and loads of guides in Dutch and English. Travel lovers could spend days in this temple. QOpen 10:00 - 13:00 & 14:00-18:00. Closed Tue, Sun. Also at: Kortrijksesteenweg 1036, (+32) 937 14 101, closed Tue. TA

Audivox C-4, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 15, tel. (+32)

Paard Van Troje Bookshop B-3, Kouter 113-114, tel. (+32) 933 00 883, [email protected], [email protected], w ww.paardvantroje.be. You would really have to come up with a good excuse not to be tempted to pop in Paard van Troje (Trojan horse), a cosy bookshop come bar. Browsing through the stacked shelves, you’ll you’ll notice how the owners have tried to steer away from wha t’s on offer offer in any other chain b ookstore. The selection, which contains of a good number of titles in English, is upda ted regularly, regularly, and you can always expect a few surprises. Bring your kids, as the children’s corner boasts a number of great reads, you could easily get lost in yourself. Music lovers will will be e qually charmed by an in teresting choice of alternative and indie albums. Take your time to make up your mind about what to buy; the owners make a point of  letting costumers feel free to browse as long as they like. To be honest, once you’ve decided on which book(s) to take home, you probably won’t want to leave. Grab a table, order  the soup of the day (we were pleasantly pleasantly surprised by the butternut squash, parsley, parsley, Absolu t Black vodka (!) and Tierenteyn mustard soup, served with organic organic sweet p epper bread) or a tasty baguette, an d dive into the latest Murakami, Murakami, McEwan, McEwan, or some obscure author you have yet to discover. When the sun’s out, move to the terrace with a pint of refreshing  Belgian beer, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Kouter  square. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00, Sun 09:00 - 13:00. TJAB

Walry B-6, Zwijnaardsesteenweg 6, tel. (+32) 922 29 167, [email protected], [email protected], ww w.walry.be. w.walry.be. Everyone in Ghent Ghen t is familiar familiar with book bo ok and magazine shop Walry. Recently, Recen tly, the shop has been b een refurbished, and now no w has room for an even larger collection of books, with a special focus on (Dutch, Flemish, Italian and Spanish) literature, li terature, histor y, philosophy, art and linguistics. The lit tle ones won’t be disappointed disappointed by what Walry  has in store for them either. While browsing through stacks of great reads, you almost feel as if you’re in the courtyard garden garden adjacent to th e store. But Walry Walry is mu ch more than a bookshop; owner Paul Luyten regularly regularly hosts bo ok launches and signings. And if there’s one place in Ghent where you can have a relaxed, hassle free lunch, it’s Walry’s lunch café. This is where you go to enjoy grandmother’s kitchen at a reasonable price. We tasted the yummy meat balls with pommes dauphinoises and Walry’s Walry’s take on the i conic Ghent  stew, while having a peak at the Marquez we just bou ght. You You can also have breakfast at the café, or dig in to a pancake in the afternoon. The no-nonsense cuisine is reflected in the décor, décor, which is equally strai ghtforward, ght forward, yet pleasant. The real appeal of the place, however, is the hosts, who always offer  a warm welcome. QOpen 09:00 - 18:30, Sat Sa t 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. TA

922 42 488, [email protected], www.audivox.net. This small bookstore primarily sells English language teaching  material for middle school students. You can pick up some classic English novels here, but there is not much on offer  besides th e Penguin Classics. Classics. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00. Closed Sat, Sun. J

Limerick A-6, Koningin Elisabethlaan 142, tel. (+32) 922 21 757. Limerick is one of just a few independent  bookshops left in Ghent. This charming place looks like a genuine bookshop is supposed to: tall wooden bookcases crammed with books in all shapes and sizes, from children’s  fairy tales to world litera ture classics. cla ssics. If you happen h appen to disdi scover a hidden treasure treasure at th e very top, there’s even even a li ttle ladder to help you reach it. Can’t wait to dive into your novel of choice? In the back of the shop, you can take a seat and have a read, while enjoying a cup of freshly brewed tea and a bit of Mozart in the background. QOpen 10:00 - 18:30. Closed Mon, Sun. TA ghent.inyourpocket.com

Papaver Papaver in Jan Breydelstraat, photo by Reine Or tiz 

July 2013 - January 2014

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shopping Cheese Het Hinkelspel D-3, Lousbergskaai 33, tel. (+32) 922 42 096, [email protected], www.hethinkelspel. be. This place, where they until recently produced their own cheese (th ey moved the chees e factory out off Ghent) offers offers a fine selection of the best cheeses, organic wines, bread and icecream. QOpen 10:00 - 13:00, 14:00-18:00. Closed Sun. TJA

Mekka Koestraat 9, tel. (+32) 922 58 366. This shop is situated near Kouter-square, in a part of Ghent that resembles Paris. The cheese here is artisanal, and the owners go to Paris Paris (Rungis) once a week to buy th eir cheese on the market there. Their speciali ties are goat cheese and farmers’ cheese. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun.

Delicacies

a little lit tle gourmet’s paradis e. From simple soups and salads to Ghent specialties, everything is fresh, of the highest quality  and presented with great attention to detail. Prepare to be tempted by fragrant spices, fine wines, and even kitchen accessories. At Boxy Fine Foods you do spend spend a lit tle more, but this lu xurious experience will get any foodie going. QOpen 10:30 - 19:00. Closed Mon, Sun. JAS

Mobile Liquor Store C-2, Ham 31, tel. (+32) 922 534 13, [email protected], www.mobileliquorwant to get  store.be. In need of a nice b ottle of wine, or you want that exclusive bottle of Zacapa rum from Guatemala? In this shop you’ll find a nice selection of wines, sparkling wines and liquors. The street where it’s located at, has nothing  in particular to offer, but their selection of drinks and the  friendl y service ser vice is worth wort h the detour. QOpen Mon 11:00 19:00, Tue, Tue, Wed, Thu, T hu, Fri 10:00 - 19:00, Sat 13:00 - 19:00. Closed Sun. JA

Aula B-3, Voldersstraat 24, tel. (+32) 922 50 514, info@

Tierenteyn-Verlent B-2, Groentenmarkt 3, tel. (+32)

slagerij-aula.com, www.slagerij-aula.com. Named after  the Aula , the grand Ghent University auditorium across the street, the Aula butcher’s and delicatessen, Gh ent’s famous  food shop, is a feast feast for eyes and tastebuds tastebu ds alike. If you don’t   fancy preparing somethin something g at home, you can have a quick bite to eat among th e colourful produce, at the Aula Toog. Toog. Simply  grab a white leath er stool at the th e bar, bar, which surrounds the open kitchen, and take your pick. Good luck deciding between all the sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas and meat dishes on offer. A team of chefs prepares everything on the spot. We were pleasantly pleasantly surprised by the rich chicken salad, and immediately bought the ingredients right then and there to try and emulate the chefs’ creation. creation. QOpen 09:00 - 18:30. Closed Sun. ZJA

922 58 336, [email protected], www. tierenteyn-verlent.be. Mustard speciality shop Ti erenteyn is situated in a listed building and the family’s family’s love for tradition has left everything in this shop the way it used to be. The famous mustard is prepared behind closed doors in th e cellar according to traditional methods dating back to 1790. QOpen 08:30 - 18:00. Closed Sun.

Belartisan B-3, Ajuinlei 14, tel. (+32) 922 57 330, [email protected], www.belartisan.com. On the lookout for original and delicious Belgian products, to delight   friends  friend s at home with? wit h? You will be amazed amaze d to discover the great variety of tasty treats Belartisan has in store. Apart   from th e obvio obv ious us ass or tmen tm entt of choc ch ocola olates tes and an d be ers, we were especially surprised by Belgian Owl, a single malt  whisky whisk y, made in Belgium. Bel gium. Furthermore, Furth ermore, the th e shop offers offers a wide variety of (sparkling) wines, Ghent’s very own signa ture liqueur  Roomer and more jams than you can think of. If you’re lucky, you can attend a tasting session, which the friendly owners have regularly regularl y. We challen ge anyone to have a sip of real Ghent  ‘jenever’, and turn down a second one. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00, Sun 10:30 - 13:30. Closed Clos ed Tue, Tue, Wed. TJA

Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 36, tel. Trattoria della mamma Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat (+32) 923 41 701, [email protected], www. trattoriadellamamma.be. Close to Ghent’s favourite café, Vooruit, you will find the Italian delicatessen Trattoria rattor ia della  d ella  Mamma . If you feel like preparing preparing an I talian feast feast at home, you can select your favourites from an ever-changing ever-changing assor tment of  pastas, desserts, salads, cheeses, wines, sauces, meats and sausages and other oth er antipasti. For a quick lunch on the go, there are plenty of delicious sandwi ches (try the th e vegetarian vegetarian panini!) to to choose from. Those with a li ttle more time to spend can have lunch on the spot. The Th e generous pasta dishes are all reasonably  reasonably  priced and served wi th freshly baked Italian bread. bread. The fettucini with salsiccia (Italian sausage) and gorgonzola cheese and the rich tiramisu are are worth a mention. A no nonsense, homel y  place to escape the hustle and bustle bus tle of the shopping streets, especially with a lovely glass of red. QOpen 10:00 - 18:30, Mon 11:30 - 18:30. Closed Sun. TJAKS

Fashion Café Costume C-3, Brabantdam 135, tel. (+32) 922 56

(+32) 922 24 820. If you’re on the hunt for an excellent  bottle bot tle of wine, Bernard’s the place to go. Loved Loved by wine lovers all over Ghent because of the wid e selection of wines and spirits - and b y most Ghent children children because be cause of the life-size white horse welcoming you at the entrance - B ernard’s ernard’s wine shop is a must-see, if only for the grand town house it’s located in. Moreover, Bernard caters to any budget: after a day out  in Ghent, we were left with just five euros to spend, but the affable affable owner sug gested what turned out to be a wonderful bottle of red to accompany our pasta dish - we even even left wi th some change! QOpen 08:00 - 21:00. Closed Sun. A

323, [email protected]. If you just cannot find the perfect fi tted jacket in retail stores, at Café Costume you can simply make it yourself: at this stylish store men are encouraged to design th eir ideal tailor made suit from scratch. From From the fit and the fabric, to the buttons and pockets - every every thing  is tailored ‘à la carte’, while you sit banck and sip on some champagne. Th e experienced experience d staff staff will help you you along, aiming  to make any man look his best. be st. A word of warning: Looking that  good does come a t a price! For film buffs out there: the shop  features in Flemish hi t movie ‘Th e Broken Circle Breakdown’ as actrice’s Veerle Baetens’ tattoo shop! QOpen Tue, Wed 09:30 - 18:00, Thu 09:30 - 19:00, Fri 11:00 - 19:00, Sat  10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Sun. A

Boxy B-3, Hoornstraat 13, tel. (+32) 923 34 535, info@

Cream B-2, Hoogpoort Hoogpoor t 9, tel. (+32) 922 40 40 085, info@

boxyfinefoods.be, www.boxyfinefoods.be. A delicatessen which uses ‘Variety is the spice of life. That gives it all its flavour’ as its tagline promises to offer a great diversity  of delicious dishes. Boxy Fine Foods delivers just that, and more. In a striking white 19th century townhouse near the river, river, brothers broth ers Stefan and Kristof Boxy have managed mana ged to build

cream.be, www.cream.be. Cream caters mainly to younger   fashion addi cts ou t there: th ere: th e items i tems on offer are usuall y dif ferent, hip, and up-to-date. up-to-da te. In on e of the t he largest mul ti-brand boutiques in Gh ent, both b oys and girls can have their pick of   fashionable brands brand s such as Sessun, S essun, El even Paris, Carhar Car hartt, tt, Wesc, Ben Sherman, Only, Nudie Jeans, Alprausch, Cheap

Bernard Junior A-6, Koningin Elisabethlaan 43, tel.

Ghent In Your Po cket

gh en t.inyourpo cket.com

shopping

Monday, and Junk de Luxe, while listening li stening to th e in-store DJ’s DJ’s beats. There’s also a great selection of accessories on offer  offer  (frisbees, skateboards, headph ones), as well well as some trend trendy  y  sneakers. If you want want more, check che ck out Cream’s ‘older ‘older broth er’ Limits, for even more skate wear. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JA6

Cube B-3, Onderbergen 34, tel. (+32) 922 57 380, fax (+32) 922 55 674, [email protected], www. nee d for a tailored tailored suit no n o longer  cube-menswear.be. Men in need need nee d to travel to Milan, London London or Paris. Fashionable guys guys wi th (a little) cash to spend from as far as Amsterdam pay Cube, situated across from the historic Het Pand, a visi t. The store sells high end brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchi, Dsquared², and Lanvin. The building, in which the shop takes up the ground floor, floor, is impressive in i tself. Inside, the recently recen tly finishe d black and and white interior makes just browsing  an experience. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00, Mon 14:00 - 19:00. Closed Sun. PJA

Elle et Gand C-2, Jan Palfijnstraat 36, tel. (+32) 923 42 333, w ww.elleetgand.be. ww.elleetgand.be. Elle et Gand is a cute little shop in a beautiful corner building tucked away from the bustle. The colle ction of shoes and clothes from Scandinavion brands and young Belgian designers, is girly. And so are the pillows, jewellery and little artworks they sell here. QOpen 11:00 - 19:00. Closed Mon, Sun. J6L

Eva Bos C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 66, tel. (+32) 495 49 61 64, [email protected], [email protected], ww w.evabos.be. Two thin gs on the outside of this store give away what you shop for at  Eva Bos : gold and cocktail glasses. glasses. When you need a par ty  dress and matching accessories, access ories, get here. QOpen Tue, Tue, Wed We d 10:30 - 18:00, Thu, Fri 14:00 - 18:00, Sat 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. JA6U

Humør B-3, Bennesteeg 19/21. Humør is an ecological concept store, linked to the Rewind shop. On offer are top Scandinavian fashion and interior design, all produced with Mother Nature in mind. Unique to the store are the homemad e lighting fixtures. Humør also serves as a place for upcoming designers to showcase their products in a specially  designated ‘shop in shop’. For wine lovers lovers out th ere: once a month, on Sundays, you can attend winetastings in the store’s outdoor outdo or bar. bar. QOpen 10:30 - 18:30. Closed Clos ed Tue. Tue. First Sunday  of the month: open from 11:00 - 18:00 JA

Kollektie Eva-Stoffen Janssens B-2, Korenlei 5, tel. (+32) 923 39 445, [email protected], www. kollektie-eva.be. This is how it works: Kollektie Eva  is a small selection of prototype dresses from designer Eva Janssen. You pick one, Eva measures your size, and an d together 

ghent.inyourpocket.com

you select the m ost suitable fabrics from from the sh op and in two weeks you will have a highly exclusive dress. QOpen 10:00 18:00, 18:00, Mon by appointment. Closed Sun. JA

La Fille d’O A-2, Burgstraat 21, tel. (+32) 933 48 010, lafilledo.com. Murielle Scherre has a thing with women, she not only makes women friendly porn but also (and maybe more impor tantly) women friendly un derwear. derwear. La Fille d’O tries to redefine the very alphabet of lingerie-making. As she spells it out herself : La Fille d’O =  Libertine. Animal. F ootloose. ootloose. Indulgent. Legendary. Long-term. Electric. Determined. Oddly overwhelming. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. Les Filles et Les Chiens C-3, Zuidstationstraat 9, [email protected], www.lesfillesetleschiens. for both ladies&gentlemen ladies&gentl emen be. This ‚fashion concept store’ is for (not only for girls and dogs, as the shop’s name might mislea d you), the nice ni ce sellers offer you a cup of tea, while you’re sniffing  around the cloth es, jewelry jewelr y, T-shirts, shoes and nic e gadgets. The interior of the shop itself is already worth th e visit : this building used to be an old hotel, and is decorated wi th 18th C   frescoes  fresco es and paintin gs. The shop is open on a Sunday, which is great for the shopaddicts among us. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00, Sun 14:00 - 18:00. Closed Clos ed Mon, Tue. JA

Maaike Kleedt A-2, Zuivelbrugstraat 8, tel. (+32) 933 kleed t’s owner, owner, has long b een a fan 55 840. Maaike, Maaike kleedt’s of Scandinavian fashion. Her unique (and crooked!) corner  store, near Ghent’s charming Patershol, sells pure, feminine clothes by mainly Swedish and Danish designers. Luxurious items, but with an ecological twist: that is what Maaike is going for. for. Swedisch bran d Dagmar and Danish bran d Costum made are but a few examples of this ‘eco luxury’ trend. If  you’re you’re into beau ty products, Maaike kleedt also carries the Odd Molly beauty collection - if it’s good enough for Helena Christensen, it’s good enough for us! FYI: Th e shop’s interior  was designed by Jan Hoet Jr., son of Jan ‘Ghent’s king of  contemporary art’ Hoet. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00, Mon 14:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun.

Mieke C-2, Baudelostraat 23, tel. (+32) 933 07 144, [email protected], www.mieke.tv. Mieke claims to cater for  ‘every ‘eve ry woman’. This pretty shop, owned by th e eponymous trendwatcher Mieke De Winter, seems to be well on its way  to make that statement come true. De Win ter is constantly  browsing the web looking for creative designers from all over  the world. Hence, th e ever changing collection. Keep an eye out for truly original clothing brands such as Niche, Niche, Eucalyptus Eucal yptus and Friday Friday On My Mind. The accessories acce ssories (necklaces, but tons, hair pins) make for wonderful presents. QOpen 11:00 18:00, Sun 12:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue. JA

July 2013 - January 2014

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shopping Mis-en-plis B-2, Hoogpoort 31, tel. (+32) 486 80 45

Au Bon Marché B-3, Hoornstraat 4, tel. (+32) 926

29, [email protected], www.mis-en-plis.be. All primary  colors are represented at Mis-en-Plis . If n ot in the form of a cool retro dress or skirt, then in one of th e leather ba gs. gs. 100 per cent Belgian, 100 per cent cool. QOpen 12:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. JA

90 260, www.aubonmarchegent.be. Where to look first  in this wood-dominated shop full of things you don’t really  need? Just go with the flow of the Cuban music, breathe in the smell of leather and chat along with one of the shop’s relaxed girls. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 18:30. Closed Sun. JA

Modesalon Seraphine B-2, Hoogpoort 30, tel. (+32) 923 40 237, [email protected], www.modesalonseraphine.be. At Seraphine you don’t just browse the racks, you’re getting dressed by one of the stylists. And they’re willing to devote hours to you. Or days if you need a complete make-over... QOpen 11:00 - 18:15, Fri 11:00 20:00, Sat 11:00 - 17:30. Closed Mon, Sun. JA

Rewind C-4, St-Pietersnieuwstraat 13 & 44, tel. (+32) 932 48 404, [email protected], www.rewindstore. be. be . Lovers of exclusive and high quality designer labels should pay Rewind a visit. Two Rewind stores across the road from each other cater to either men or women. The  focus lies mainly on Scandinavian Scandin avian brands. The collec tions on offer are quite different, at times playful and always unique. Don’t forget to check out the accessories: the sunglasses, rings and necklaces make for great presents, for you or your  loved ones. And: your (undoubtedly many) purchases won’t  break the bank either. QOpen 11:00 - 18:30, Mon 14:00 18:30. Closed Sun.

Suite B-2, Hoogpoort 59, tel. (+32) 923 38 391, suite@ pandora.be, pandora.be, ww w.suite-gen w.suite-gent.be. t.be. Suite is a neat fashion store for elegant elegant ladies ladie s who can afford afford themsel ves the pieces piece s of Flemish designers and brands like Acne. QOpen 10:30 18:00. Closed Sun. PJA6U Zoot B-2, Serpentstraat 8, tel. (+32) 923 37 075, zootgent@hotmail. [email protected], com, www.zootcos ww w.zootcostumiers.be. tumiers.be. Cute, arty  and colourful, that’s what the dresses, shoes and jewellery at  Zoot are. Situated in a lovely, small street, but it will guarantee you heaps of shopping shopping fun. Also check che ck out the th e Zoot shoestore at  Hoogpoort. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JA JAU U

For children Bach C-4, Lammerstraat 7, tel. (+32) 922 57 813. In this store parents can find everything for their kids, from giant rabbits to postcards. QOpen 10:30 - 18:30. Closed Sun. TJA TJA

Krat C-3, Keizer Karelstraat 144-150, tel. (+32) 922 36 b een a favourite 188, www.kra ww w.krat.be. t.be. Since 1997 this shop has been of local children. The owner is the driving drivin g force behind this colourful children’s paradise, where all goods are made mad e from natural materials. QOpen 10:30 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. TJL TJL Petit Bazaar Bazaars s B-2, Oudburg 13, tel. (+32) 922 33 699, www.petitbazaar.be. Online, Petit Bazaar already had a crowd of fans. fans. Especially for them Ghent opened a b outique where you can find a selection sele ction of goods for babies and children  from five f ive different web shops every month. mont h. The graphicall y  awesome fabrics of Koekepeertje  and the nostalgic items of  Whoost can also be found here. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. JA6

Gifts & Souvenirs Achter de Maan B-3, Sint-Niklaasstraat 1, tel. (+32) 923 32 891, fax (+32) 934 93 402, www.achterdemaan. www.achterd emaan. com. Vintage in all its glory can be found at this centrally  located shop. Two stores full of bags, jewellery and other  colourful items. Also modern kitchen stuff. QOpen 10:00 18:00. Closed Sun. A

Ghent In Your Po cket

Rouge et noir Hoogpoort 19, tel. (+32) 477 32 04 71, www.rougenoir w ww.rougenoir.be. .be. In this little shop, you’ll find small decorative objects in red and black, and if you look hard enough, also some small objects in whi te, all wrapped wrapped up in nice paper if you ask the friendl y owner to do so. Ideal as a gift, or why n ot as a lit tle treat for yourself? yourself? QOpen 11:00 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Tue, Sun. JA

The Fallen Angels B-2, Jan Breydelstraat 29-31, tel. (+32) 922 39 415, [email protected], www. the-fallen-angels.com. If you walk in this small street, this shop is one not to b e missed! If you don’t find a nice gift for  your mother-in-law or your brother here, then you won’t find it anywhere else... There are 2 shops, next to one another, one is more specialised in antique toys, posters and more to your vintage likings, the other one has modern versions of vintage goodies. Their own collection of postcards is a big  must. Flying outside wi th our bags filled to the brim, we feel a bit like leaving paradise. QOpen 11:00 - 12:00, 13:00-17:45. 13:00-17:45. Closed Sun. The shop specialised in antiques is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays & Sundays, and only open between 13:30 -18:00 JA

Home & Garden A puur A B-3, Onderbergen 56, tel. (+32) 922 30 241, apuura.com. This shop offers a fine selection of bags, shoes, interior design and they recently added a n ew line of  clothes : Katrien Buyle, owner of the shop, designs clothes herself, and they also sell Aiayu (a Bolivian brand), Momoni (Italian), Humanoid (Netherlands). QOpen 10:00 - 12:30, 13:30-18:00. Closed Sun. JA Bijhuis C-3, Sint-Baafsplein 66, tel. (+32) 922 37 084, info@ inf o@ bijhuis.be, bijhuis.be, www.bijhu ww w.bijhuis.be. is.be. The wide collection of designer  household/kitchen household/kitch en stuff and accessories they sell at Bijhuis is nice but not unique for a shop of this kind. But not every gift shop can say that it’s situated in a 13th Century Centur y cellar with columns though. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. JA JA6 6 Huiszwaluw B-2, Hoogpoort 3B, tel. (+32) 923 32 737, [email protected], www.huiszwaluw.com. Huiszwaluw is the kind of shop where you buy more than you were planning to. It’s not your fault, the slick design and colourful colour ful prints of their interior products, wallpapers and baby  goods are simply irresistible. Huiszwaluw is specialised in Scandinavian brands Rice, Ferm, Housedoctor as well as some local handba g&jewelry&paperware designers. designers. It’s not  about not being able to spot the right present here, it’s all about making the hard decision which present would score the best. QOpen 10:30 - 18:00. Closed Sun. TJA

Kelim Gent Kraanlei 3, tel. (+32) 922 43 834, info@ kelimgent.be, www.kelimgent.be. Herman Vermeulen, who started this shop, was the first person who introduced the Kelim carpets in Ghent, Ghen t, he made his job jo b out of this hobby hobb y, and soon he was known as an exper t not only in Kelims from Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus, but also in raffia textile from Congo. Herman Vermeulen passed away sadly enough in 2003, but his friendly wi fe Nadine Engels runs the shop now, with a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge. QOpen Fri, Sat, Sun 14:00 - 18:00. JA

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shopping Jewellery & Watches Bouverne Bijouterie C-3, Kortedagsteeg 37-39, tel. (+32) 922 39 572, fax (+32) 922 40 887, www. bouverne.be. Since 1976 Bouverne Bijouterie  has been selling, producing and repairing jewellery and watches. A  wide selection of top watch brands and fine jewellery can be  found in this stylish shop. Famous brands of the Swiss watch industry as well as exclusive exclusive names of the I talian, Swiss Swiss and French French jeweller y are present. When you visit you can expect  perfect service. Bouverne  is also the only official Rolex dealer for Ghent and around. The after-sales service on site is recognized by themain brands. Highly recommended. recommend ed. QOpen 09:00 - 18:30, Mon 14:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JAL

Elisa Lee - Glasjuweel B-2, Hoogpoort 33, tel. (+32) 932 90 878, [email protected], www.elisa-lee.be. Funny, colourful and fairylike. Wandering around Elisa Lee’s  jewellery  jewell ery shop is like strolling s trolling through throu gh a fantasy fan tasy forest. B esides being a jewellery d esigner and goldsmith, Elisa Elisa is also a passionate glass blower. Check her website too. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Sun. JA

M.A.R.T.H.A B-3, Onderbergen 19, tel. (+32) 933 06 640, [email protected]. When strolling  through up-and-coming Mecca for luxury luxur y goods Onderbergen, it is hard h ard to simply walk past M.A.R.T.H.A’s M.A.R.T.H.A’s colourful win dow display. play. The lovely little li ttle shop sells a diverse collection colle ction of trendy yet  affordable affordable necklaces, earrings, rings, scar ves, hats, and ba gs, in a range of striking colours. Just go in with your favourite colour  in mind and tr y to narrow down your choices. Still not sure? The  friendly owner offers offers style and colour ad vice as well. QOpen 10:00 - 12:30, 13:30-18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. J

Phulkari B-2, Jan Breydelstraat 40, tel. (+32) 922 51 895, [email protected], www.phulkari.be. If you can’t  afford to take the plane to India, but you just love Indian  jewerl y, this nice shop is the place to be! They don’t only  sell jewelry, but also clothes, scarves and tissues, if you’re handy enough to sew your own clothes. QOpen 11:00 18:00. Closed Mon.

Zahia C-3, Beverhoutplein 13, tel. (+32) 923 36 220, [email protected], www.zahia.be. Looking for a truly  unique piece of jewellery? At Zahia, you are encouraged to simply  make it yourself. This charming store carries a diverse collection of ethnic and glass beads, gemstones and clasps in all shapes and sizes, all at reasonable prices, to help you on your way. High time to get started then! If you feel like you might be needing  some help, the shop offers a range of workshops. Besides the colourful necklaces, rings, bracelets and ornaments, you can discover Asian, Moroccan and Chinese antiques displayed on Zahia’s many shelves. Tip: Zahia is conveniently situated on a cozy square near Sint-Jacobs, where you can browse browse the weekly  weekl y   flea/antiques market. QOpen 10:30 - 13:00, 14:00-18:00. Closed Sun. JA

Lingerie Belgrado C-3, Henegouwenstraat Henegouwenstraa t 83, tel. (+32) 923 30 184, [email protected], www.belgradobodywear.be. Men with styl e buy th eir underwear, underwear, beachwear and homewear at  Belgrado, a small homely shop full of indulgences for men. QOpen 11:00 - 18:30. Closed Wed, Sun. PJA

Lineos C-3, Henegouwenstraat 47, tel. (+32) 923 32 433, www.linger ww w.lingerie-lineos ie-lineos.com. .com. Cool retro style shop with ultra feminine underwear under wear,, swimwear from designers with style. The house poodle completes the look of the shop. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:30. Closed Sun. JA6

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Sensi B-2, Hoogpoort 3, tel. (+32) 933 00 327, [email protected], www.sensiwear.com. Although Sensi is a shop for fine lingerie, beach an d bod ywear, ywear, there’s quite an erotic atmosphere whirling through it. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Wed, Sun. PJA6

Music shops Music Mania C-4, St-Pietersnieuwstraat19, tel. (+32) 477 77 07 43, fax (+32) 477 43 62 13, [email protected], www.musicmaniarecords.com. A record shop as it was meant to be. You could easily spend hours browsing browsing through th e classic vinyl records, with everything   from AC/DC AC/D C to Mil es Davis. Dav is. In case you don’t don ’t own a rec ord player, player, you could eith er get one here or just browse throu gh the CDs. QOpen 11:30 - 18:30. Closed Mon, Sun. J6

Music Zombi C-3, Keizer Karelstraat 21A, [email protected], ww w.musiczombi.com. w.musiczombi.com. A music shop selling  only vinyl? This is the place to come. Th e sales person isn’t  really a zombie - he’s actually very friendly - so where the name of his shop comes from from beats us, but th e selection of  vinyl is great. QOpen 11:30 - 18:30. Closed Mon, Sun.

Markets Antique, flea and second hand market C-2, Sint-Jacobs and Beverhoutplein. If you’re a bargain hunter or like your in teriors to be vintage, then go hunting on the square in front of the Sint-Jacobs church on Friday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday m orning. The atmosphere i s good and there are enough cafes along the market where you can take a break and think of a haggling strategy   for that t hat great find you j ust made. QOpen Fri, Sat, Sun 08:00 - 13:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu. J

Flower Market B-3, Kouter. At the Kouter , market  venders sell fresh cut flowers or plants on a dail y basis. On Sunday however, the flower market is larger and more alive. Families, couples or anyone who loves some early  liveliness comes here to buy flowers or just have a cup of Illy coffee at the coffee caravan La Dolce Barista . To To start your Sunday Sunda y with some flair, go to to De Blauwe Kiosk  (the blue kiosk) on the other side of the square. This oyster and aperitif bar serves oysters with wine, cava  or champagne on Saturday (11:00-14:00) and Sunday  (11:00-16:00). (11:00-16:00). Between April an d September, the plaz a gets even more animated with an orchestra in the bandstand (10:30-12:00). QOpen 07:00 - 13:00. JL

Second hand book market B-3, Ajuinlei & Recolletenlei. For a couple of years now the book stand holders at Ajuinlei and Recolletenlei have been trying  to create a sort of Paris on th e Lys. Passer-bys Passer-bys or book  lovers stroll between the narrow tray tables covered with (mainly) second hand books, posters, comics and vinyl records. Whether you will be able to find the purch ase of  your life here is questionable, but it’s definitely worth the walk on a sunny Sunday morning. QOpen Sun 09:00 13:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat. J Vrijdagmarkt B-2 & C-2, Vrijdagmarkt. Sundays the Vrijdagmarkt transforms into a giant pet shop. Fish, birds, rabbits and other ani mals are patiently waiting for  a new owner while tradi tional bagpipe players take care of the music. Popular with elderly people and families with kids. QOpen Sun 07:00 - 13:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat. TJ

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shopping Shoes, Sneakers & Streetwear  Catwalk C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 116, tel. (+32) 933 09 174, [email protected], www.catwalk-gent.be. A  must-visit if you’re on the lookout for your new favourite pair of  (party) shoes. sh oes. From a small monumental pawn Catwalk sells extremely feminine footwear, footwear, all made mad e of quality qualit y leath er. er. QOpen 10:30 - 18:00, Mon 14:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JA6

Imagine C-3, Henegouwenstraat 46, tel. (+32) 922 37 525, www.imaginegent.be. Imagine you would have an infinite amount of money. Imagine you live in Ghent. Imagine a small shop full of sexy designer shoes... We would see you here a lot. QOpen 10:30 - 18:00, Mon 13:30 - 18:00. Closed Sun. PJA6

Obius B-2, Meerseniersstraat 4, tel. (+32) 923 38 269, [email protected], [email protected], w ww.obius.be. In a pretty street on the Vrijdagmarkt Obius sells shoes, tops, bags and perfumes  from big name designers. design ers. QOpen 10:30 - 18:30, Mon 13:30 - 18:30. Closed Sun. JA6 Touché C-3, Brabantdam 56, tel./fax (+32) 923 31 422, [email protected], www.touche-gent.be. Both men and women can find shoes of their taste in this new fresh shoe shop. When you’re trying on your possible new shoes on the apple green sofa and the attendant is sitting there with you, you feel instantly at h ome. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JA

Speciality shops Bietini Design C-3, Brabantdam 88 & 90, tel. (+32) 923 43 120, [email protected], www.bietinidesign. be. Trend watchers feel at home in this well equipped shop with lots l ots of stuff stuff for a modern home, like wooden furni ture and lamps. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun. JAL

Candela Verlichting Antwerpsesteenweg 1066a, [email protected], www.candela-verlichting. be. Modern and traditional lighting is available in this well designed shop. QOpen 10:00 - 12:00 & 13:30-18:30, Sat  10:00 - 12:00 & 13:30-18:00. Closed Tue, Sun. AL

Hadhi C-3, Brabantdam 53, tel. (+32) 470 09 67 20, [email protected], www.hadhi.be. Home of ethnic crafts and ceramics from Colombia. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00, Mon 13:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JAL

Oxfam wereldwinkel C-4, Lammerstraat 16, tel. (+31) 922 34 602, www.oww.be. This organisation of shops in Vlaanderen is run by volunteers who believe strongly in supporting vulnerable workers workers in Third World countries by givin g  them fair compensation for products like toys, clothing and  jewellery.  jewell ery. QOpen 10:00 - 18:30. Closed Sun. TJA

Tierenteyn-Verlent B-2, Groentenmarkt 3, tel. (+32) 922 58 336, [email protected], www. tierenteyn-verlent.be. Mustard speciality shop Tierenteyn is situated in a listed building an d the family’s family’s love for tradition has left everything in this shop the way it used to be. The famous mustard is prepared behind closed doors in th e cellar according to traditional methods dating back to 1790. QOpen 08:30 - 18:00. Closed Sun. J

Timmermans 1845 B-2, Kortemunt 5, tel. (+32) 922 33 257, fax (+32) 922 38 271, info@timmermans1845. inf o@timmermans1845. be, www.timm ww w.timmermans ermans1845.be. 1845.be. If you want a man to feel special, buy him one of the prestigious gifts from Timmerman. In their unique, uniqu e, listed 17th-century building buildin g you’ll find the

Ghent In Your Po cket

biggest pen collection in Belgium. Leather goods are another  specialty here. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JA

Twiggy C-3, Notarisstraat 3, tel. (+32) 922 39 566, [email protected], www.twiggy.be. Great selection of  Belgian designers, no need to take the Thalys to Paris! Here you’ll you’ll also find trend y French designers, with a wide s election  from cheap to m ore expensi ve. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00, Thu 10:00 - 20:00. Closed Wed, Sun. A6U

Tea & Coffee shops Simon Lévelt B-2, Kleine Vismarkt 5, tel. (+32) 923 42 059, fax (+32) 923 42 060, [email protected], c offee fee from all over th e world, www.simonlevelt.nl. Tea and cof most of it is organic and has a fair trade label. The person behind the counter will be happy to give advice advi ce about abou t the best  way to prepare each type of tea or coffee, in case you have no idea! QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. J

Sweets Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke B-2, Sint-Baafsplein 15, tel. (+32) 922 10 381, (+32) 922 42 510, [email protected], [email protected], www.chocolatesvanhoorebeke. be. Criticizing an institute like the chocolate shop of  Hoorebeke won’t be appreciated by many people in Ghent, since this family business has two locations in the city and is known for what are called the ‚m ost delicious chocolate bonbons in Ghen t, maybe in the whole of Flanders’. ders’. The shop at the Sin t-Baafsplein even has an open workshop place where, li ke a true voyeur, you can watch in awe and be tantalized by these chocolate ar tists. Yet  Yet  we found that, even after a few visits, the qualit y of the handmade bonbons and pralines was not as it should be. And that’s disappointing considerin g you’re paying a ridiculousl y high price for any of the beautifully displayed ‚artworks’ in this Ghent temple of sweets. There’s also a second shop with a beautiful range of sweets at Jan Breydelstraat 1. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. PAU

Joost Arijs C-3, Vlaanderenstraat 24, tel. (+32) 933 62 310, [email protected], www.joostarijs.be. www.joostarijs.be. This place was awarded awarded in the prestigious Gau lt&Millau  for best patisserie patis serie in Belgiu Be lgiu m, need we say more? Their  pralines, macarons, biscuits, tarts and even ice cream are heavenly! Don’t skip this one. QOpen 09:00 - 18:30, Sun 09:00 - 16:00. Closed Mon, Tue. Temmerman B-2, Kraanlei 79, tel. (+32) 922 40 041. You shouldn’t eat too much of the sweet Ghent  specialties from Temmerman. If you do, you won’t be able to move around anymore in this pretty, tiny shop  full of old fash ion ed swee ts. QOpen 11:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Tue. J Yuzu C-4, C- 4, Walpoortstraat Walpoortstraa t 11a, tel. (+32) 473 96 57 57 33, [email protected]. Nicolas Vanaise used to be a historian, and changed his professional career and dived into the history of chocolates instead. Served in nice, yellow boxes, no one is able to resist these square chocolates filled with tobacco, mustard, cheese, olive oil or even Ghent speciali ties : Roomer and Ganda ham. Definitely a must-go and a must-taste; this place. And if you’re there, ask the owner why hi s shop was named Yuzu, he will happily explain. QOpen 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon, Sun.

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direCtory Hairdressers & Barbers

€1= GBP £0.85; US$1.30 (2 June 2013)

Coiffure Coif fure Rassahaert & zoon C-4, Lammerstraat 18, tel. (+32) 922 57 134. This has been a good place to get a decent haircut since, well, God knows when. No appointment  neede d, just head in an take your your place in one of the stylish, old-fashioned chairs. Men only. QOpen 08:00 - 17:45, Sat  08:00 - 16:45. Closed Mon, Sun. Haircut: €13,50. J Cut Paste&Paint B-3, Onderbergen 43, tel. (+32) 922 44 120, www.cutpastepaint.be. Hairdresser and makeup artist Lieve Michiels and her team do hair, make-up and much much m ore. Dreadlocks, Dreadlocks, braids, extensions, a p erm or  a fancy do à la Grace Kelly: Kelly: you name it, th ey do it. Michiels uses mainly Tigi hair h air products and Make-up Studio cosmetics, as these are n ot tested on animals. Looking Looking great and b eing  kind to Mother Nature at th e same time: a win-win situation. Word to the wise: The groovy salon has a great many fans in Ghent, so al ways book your appointment appointment well in ad vance. Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 09:30 - 18:30, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. QOpen Tue, Closed Mon, Sun. J Walpoortstraat 4, tel. (+32) 932 99 441, info@ De Cliént Walpoortstraat declient.be, declient.be, www.decli ww w.declient.be. ent.be. QOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Thu, Fri 09:00 - 20:00, Sat 08:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. A Don y Doña Sluizeken 31, tel. (+32) 922 51 236, info@ n ot for your hair, hair, then a t  dondona.be, dondona.be, www.dondo ww w.dondona.be. na.be. If not least go there to look at th e art stu ff in their window. Love Love it! Th u 09:00 - 19:30, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. QOpen 09:00 - 18:30, Thu Closed Sun. A Gino’s Hairclub Dampoortstraat 28, tel. (+32) 922 38 733, [email protected]. Y&D kapper C-4, Wilsonplein 1, tel. (+32) 923 37 575, younganddynamickapsalon.be. At three different places in Ghent you can find these modern salons. This one is conveniently located at the entrance/exit doors of the Gent Zuid mall. Haircuts from €26. QOpen 09:00 - 18:30, Mon 10:00 - 18:30, Sat 08:30 - 18:00. Closed Sun. PTJA

Banks BNP Paribas Fortis B-3, Zonnestraat 2, tel (+32) 2 762 20 00. QOpen 09:00-16:00, Sat 09:00-12:00, Closed Sun. Europabank Burgstraat 170, tel. (+32) 922 47 311, [email protected], www.europabank.be. Q Open 09:30 - 17:00, Thu 09:30 - 18:30. Closed Sat, Sun. ING Bank Antwerpsesteenweg 37, tel. (+32) 921 88 100, fax (+32) 921 88 108, www.ing.be. SG Bank De Maertelaere Rijsenbergstraat 148, tel. (+32) 924 22 222, fax (+32) 924 22 244, www. sgbdm.be.

Spas & Beaut Beauty  y  Beauty Queen B-2, Donkersteeg 22, tel. (+32) 933 62 451, [email protected], ww.beauty-queen.be. ‘Beautique’ Beaut y Queen is one of Gh ent’s few city spas. Prepare to be pampered with pedicures, manicures, facials facials etc. This is a (girly) bit of h eaven, tucked away in the Donkersteeg. If you want to continue the beaut y fest in your your own bathroom, Beauty  Beaut y  Queen carries a wide range of products for you to take take home. The owners make a point of selecting sele cting brands that you wouldn’t  wouldn’t  normally find in Belgium, B elgium, such as Principessa , Bombay Duck , Face Boutique , and Cake . Still unsure after having browsed the th e shelves? shel ves? The friendly staff will quickly quickly help h elp you find the products that suit you best. QOpen Mon 12:00 - 18:30, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00 - 18:30. Closed Tue, Sun. JAD Dosha B-3, Mageleinstraat 10, tel. (+32) 922 12 318, offers a wonderfully  wonder fully  [email protected], [email protected], www.dosha.be. w ww.dosha.be. Dosha offers relaxing escape from reality: beauty beau ty through harmony harm ony,, is what  this beauty parlour strives for. Facials and massages, hair 

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Health Dentists BriteSmile Specialist Curesthetics.be Tandarts Suda Marleen Kortrijksesteenweg 724, tel. (+32) 922 20 603, [email protected], [email protected], ww w. curesthetics.be. Tandarts G. Decarnière B-2, Sint-Michielsplein 9A, tel. (+32) 922 42 473, guy.decarniere@tandarts. be, www.guy.decarniere.mijntandarts.be. Only by  appointment, which should be made by phone.

Doctor  General Practitioner Tel. (+32) 923 65 000. For  the GP on duty, ring (+32) 923 65 000. For emergencies during the day, ring 112. QOpen 19:00 - 08:00.

Hospitals AZ Sint Lucas B-1, tel. (+32) 922 46 111, www. azstlucas.be. This hospital is located in the city centre. For emergencies ring (+32) 922 455 50. Ghent University Hospital De Pintelaan 185, tel. (+32) 933 22 111, fax (+32) 933 23 800, info@ uzgent.be, uzgent.be, www.uzge ww w.uzgent.be. nt.be.

Pharmacies Apotheek De Belie C-4, Lammerstraat 37, tel. (+32) 922 52 039, [email protected], www.apotheekdebelie.be. QOpen 08:30 - 18:15, Sat 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. J Apotheek Reep C-3, Reep 44, tel./fax (+32) 922 39 411, [email protected], www.apotheekreep.be. QOpen 08:30 - 13:00 & 14:00-18:30. Closed Sat, Sun. J Apotheek Van Gansbeke B-2, Kortemunt 6, tel. (+32) 922 32 708, fax (+32) 922 39 856, info@ apotheekvangansbeke.be, www.aposite.be/evrard9000. QOpen 09:30 - 18:30, Wed 11:30 - 18:30. Closed Sun. J removal removal treatments and colour analyses, everything is don e with th e principles of ayurvedic m edicine in mind. M oreover oreover, the beau ticians solely solel y make use of all-natural Aveda Aveda products and cosmetics. You can also customize the plant-based products produc ts by adding essential ess ential oils, which are beneficial to your  specific skin t ype. A dreamy getaway, getaway, right in the city c entre. QOpen 14:00 - 18:00. Closed Sun. JA Sauna Aqua Azul B-1, Drongenhof 2, tel. (+32) 922 50 957, [email protected], ww w.aqua-azul.be. w.aqua-azul.be. QOpen 13:00 - 23:00. JAD Sauna Raj Corduwaniersstraat 4, tel. (+32) 922 33 17:00 732, www.saunaraj.be. QOpen , Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 17:00 - 23:00, Sat, Sun 15:00 - 23:00. Closed Tue. D

Dry cleaner cleaners s Vita Shop Kortrijksesteenweg 598, tel. (+32) 922 27 666.

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direCtory Press Box “From Albania to Ukraine In Your Pocket is a  wonderful source of boutique hotels, spas and   great  great litt little le bars. bars.”  ”  Elle “Detailed, carefully researched guides.”  guides.”  Daily Mail “Solid, reliable information on everything from where to book a reasonable B&B to how best to spend 72 hours in a city.”  The Guardian “You do not even need to pack a guidebook: guidebo ok: just pick up an In Your Pocket when you arrive.”  Simon Calder The Independent & LBC Radio  “In Your Pocket: a cheeky, well-written series  of guidebooks.”  The New York Times “Most of the traditional guidebook companies  now have decent websites, with with plenty of advi-  advi -  ce and information either freely available or  downloadable for a fee, but inyourpocket.com is also well worth a browse. Concentrating on both well-known and more offbeat European destinations, its free downloadable city and  country guides are compiled by locals and  regularly updated.”  The Independent “The secret of the In Your Pocket guides is that, unlike many expensive travel guides, they are  written by native English speakers living in the  city they are writing about.”  The Irish Times “With so many European Europea n cities now within within easy  range, this website is a (literally) priceless first stop before your holiday. The guides are free  to download and print off as pdfs and have  information on where to eat and stay and what to see on European city breaks.”  The Times “In Your Pocket guides are each written by an English language writer who lives locally. All  information is also available on the publisher’s  website.”  Sueddeutsche Zeitung “The In Your Pocket series of guide booklets  have turned out to be highly useful in avoiding  tourist traps and other travel hazards. They have  become a European publishing phenomenon.”  International Herald Tribune

Ghent In Your Po cket

Laundrettes Wasbar B-4, Nederkouter 109, tel. (+32) 485 42 34 32, laundret te, [email protected], [email protected], www.wasb ww w.wasbar.be. ar.be. Looking for a laundrette, music venue and lunchroom combined? Seek no m ore, this is your place: you can check your mails, while sipping a glass of  cava, while André, the name of your washing washing machine, is i s doing  his very best producing clean clothes and Josephine, the name of the dryer, dryer, is doing her best b est drying your clothes. Nice brun ch on Sunday morning. QOpen Tue, Tue, Wed, Thu, T hu, Fri 10:00 - 22:00, Sat, Sun 10:00 - 18:00. Closed Mon. JSW Wassalon B-5, Overpoortstraat 20, tel. (+32) 922 12 washing  787, [email protected]. [email protected]. Self-service washing  machines and dryers, which are primarily primarily used use d by the students stud ents living in th e neighbourho od. Using a washing washing machine costs  €4, cash only. QOpen 09:00 - 20:45.

Libraries Bibliotheek Mariakerke Trekweg 1, tel. (+32) 922 79 195, [email protected]. Q Open Mon, Thu 16:00 - 19:00, Wed 14:00 - 17:00, 17:00, Sat 10:00 - 12:00. Closed Close d Tue, Fri, Sun. W Bibliotheek Watersportbaan Neermeerskaai 2, tel. (+32) 922 08 934, [email protected]. QOpen Mon 16:00 - 19:00, Thu 14:00 - 17:00, Sat 10:00 12:00. Close d Tue, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun. W Gent Public Library - Gentbrugge Sint-Simonstraat 41, tel. (+32) 923 04 413, [email protected]. QOpen Mon, Thu 16:00 - 19:00, Wed 14:00 - 17:00, Sat  10:00 - 12:00. Closed Cl osed Tue, Tue, Fri, Sun. W

Photo services Piet De Kersgieter Hamerstraat 122, tel. (+32) 485 13 43 06, www.pietdekersgieter.be. Wolf en Wolf  Francisco Ferrerlaan 40, tel. (+32) 922 79 083, [email protected], ww w.wolfsite.be. w.wolfsite.be.

Sports Boat rental MBC Minerva Boat Company Lindelei 2A, tel. (+32) 923 37 917, www.minervaboten.be.

Bowling  Overpoort Bowl B-5, Overpoortstraat 38, tel. (+32) 922 42 418, [email protected], www. overpoortbowl.be. A game of bowling at this student  hang out ou t costs €2.50 per person on weekday weekday afternoons. afternoon s. After 19:00 and during the weekend the price is €3.50 per person per game. QOpen 10:00 - 02:00, Sat, Sun 14:00 - 02:00. GBX

Fitness & Gyms Basic-Fit Gent Dampoort Dendermondsesteenweg 23, tel. (+32) 702 22 351, [email protected].

AL

HealthCity Gent Korenmarkt Korenmarkt 2, tel. (+32) 923 32 775, svandevyver@healthcity. be. A HealthCity Gent Zuiderlaan Zuiderlaan 4, tel. (+32) 924 37 530, [email protected]. AL Yogatimes Grondwetlaan 22, tel. (+32) 486 86 70 10, [email protected].

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street register Abeelstraat C3/D3 Abrahamstraat A2/B2 Academiestraat B1  Achterleie B1/C1  Achtervisserij D3/D5 Ackermanstraat Frans C3 Adalwinstraat D2/D3 Afrikalaan D1  Ajuinlei B3 Akkerstraat A2 Alpacastraat C4 Annonciadenstraat A3 Anseelepl ein Edward B1/C2 Antheunisstraat Karel C4/D4 Antwerpenplein D2 Antwerpsesteenweg D2 Apostelhuizen C3/D3 Apotheekstraat B4 Appelbrugparkje B2 Augustijnenkaai B1  Baaisteeg C2 Bachtenwalle A1  Baertsoenkaai Albert B4 Ballenstraat B2 Barrestraat C2/C3 Basseveldestraat A1  Bastionstraat D2 Baudelokaai C1/C2 Baudelostraat C1/C2 Bauwensplein Lieven C3 Baviaanstraat B1  Beersteeg Willem de C1  Begijnengracht A2 Begijnhofdries A2 Begijnhoflaan A1/A2 Belfortstraat B2/C2 Belgradostraat C3 Bellemansstraat A1  Bennesteeg B3 Berouw C1  Beverhoutplein C2 Bibliotheekstraat C1/C2 Biezekapelstraat C2/C3 Bij sint-Jacobs C2 Bij sint-Jozef A1  Bijlokehof A4 Bijlokestraat A4 Bijlokevest A3/A4 Bisdomkaai C2/C3 Bisdomplein C3 Blekerijstraat C1  Blekersdijk C1/C2 Blindeken A2 Boeksteeg B3 Bomastraat C1  Bonifantenstraat A2 Bonteleeuwstraat B3 Boonenstraat Edmond A2 Borreputsteeg B3/C3 Boterdaelestraat  Jan-Baptist A4 Botermanstraat Jan A2/B2 Botermarkt B2 Brabantdam C3 Braderijstraat B2 Brandstraat A3 Brandweerstraat B1  Braunplein Emile B2 Breydelstraat Jan B2 Brioolstraat A3 Brouwersstraat A2 Brugsepoortstraat A2 Brusselsepoortstraat D4/D5 Bruyckerdreef Jules de C4/D5 Buitenhof D2 Burgstraat A2/B2 Casinoplein A3 Cataloniëstraat B2 Churchillplein Winston B1  Conduitsteeg B3 Coppinssteeg Gillis B1/C1  B1/C1  Coppinsstraat Gillis C1  Corduwaniersstraat B2 Coupure links A3/B4 Coupure rechts A3/B4 Creesersweg A1  Daisnestraat Johan A3 Dampoort D2 Dampoortbrug D2 Dampoortstraat C2/D2 Dendermondsesteenweg  D2/D3 Destanbergstraat napoleon B3/B4 Dobbelslot B1  Dodoensdre ef Rembert C2 Dok-zuid D1/D2 Donkersteeg B2 Doornsteeg C2/C3 Drabstraat B2 Drietorekensstraat A1  Drongenhof B1  Duivelhof Geraard de C3 Duivelsteeg C2 Duivelstraat Geraard de C3

Ghent In Your Po cket

Eendrachtstraat D3 Erpelsteeg C2 Fiévéstraat Désiré C1/D1  C1/D1  Fonteyneputpleintje A2 Forelstraat D4 Frankrijkplein C4 Fratersplein B1  Galgenberg A3 Gandastraat D2/D3 Garensteeg B2/C2 Geldmunt B1/B2 Gelukstraat C1  Gerststraat A1/B1  Gesweinstraat Mathias A2 Gewad B2 Geyterstraat Pierre de B1/C1  Gildestraat C2 Glazenstraatje C3 Godshuishammeke C1  Godshuizenlaan A4/A5 Goudenleeuwplein B2 Goudstraat C1  Gouvernementstraat C3 Graaf vlaanderenplein C4 Grasbrug B2 Graslei B2 Grauwpoort B1  Griendeplein A1  Groenbrugstraat C1  Groene ooie D4 Groenebriel B1  Groentenmarkt B2 Groot-Brittanniëlaan A4/A5 Grootkanonplein B2 Grote huidevettershoek C3 Gruuthuusestraat B2 Guinardstraat Jan-Baptist B4 Guldenspoorstraat C4 Hagelandkaai D2 Ham C1/C2 Handelsdok D1  Haringsteeg B2 Haven 120-130 D1/D2 Haven 135-135 D1  Haven 140-190 D1  Haven 70-115 D1/D2 Hazewindstraatje B2 Heernislaan D3 Heilig-sacramentstraat B3 Heilige-geeststraat B2/B3 Henegouwenstraat B3/C3 Hertogstraat B2 Hoefslagstraatje B2 Hof fiennes B2 Hof ten walle A1  Holstraat A2/A3 Hoofdkerkstraat C3 Hoogpoort B2/C2 Hoogstraat A2 Hooiaard B2 Hoornstraat B3 Hospitaalstraat B4 Houtbriel C2 Huidevetterken C1  Huidevetterskaai C1  Iepensteeg A4 Iepenstraat A3/A4 Ijkmeesterstraat C2 Ingelandgat B2/B3 Jakobijnenstraat B3 Jeruzalemstraat B4 Jodenstraat C3 Johannastraat Gravin A1/A2 Jongenstragel D3/D4 Joremaaie C2 Jozef II-straat A1  Kaatsspelplein B1  Kalandeberg B3 Kalandestraat B3 Kalvermarkt C2 Kalversteeg B1/B2 Kammerstraat C2 Kapelaanstraat D2 Kapittelstraat C2/C3 Kapucijnenham C3 Karelstraat Keizer C2/D3 Karmelietenstraat B2 Karperstraat D4 Karrenstraat A3 Kartuizerlaan B1/C1  Kasteellaan D2/D3 Kasterbant D3 Kazemattenstraat D2 Ketelbrug B3 Ketelpoort B3 Ketelvest B3/C3 Keviestraat C4 Keyserestraat Keyserestraat Pieter de C2/C3 Klaproosstraat C4 Klein raamhof A2 Klein turkije B2 Kleindokkaai D1/D2 Kleine vismarkt B2 Kleinvleeshuissteeg B3/C3 Kluizenaarstraat A1 

Kluyskensstraat Jozef A4/B4 Koepoortkaai C3/D3 Koestraat B3/C3 Kogelstraat D1/D2 Kolveniersgang A1  Komijnstraat A2 Kongostraat C1  Koningstraat C2 Koolsteeg A2 Koophandelsplein B3 Koopvaardijlaan D1/D2 Koperstraat A3 Korenlei B2 Korenmarkt B2 Korianderstraat C3/C4 Korte kruisstraat B3 Korte meer B3 Kortedagsteeg C3 Kortemunt B2 Kouter B3 Kouterdreef B3 Koutersteeg B3 Kozijntjesstraat C3 Kraankindersstraat C1/D1  Kraanlei B2 Kreeftstraat D4 Krommenelleboog A3 Krommewal B1/C1  Krommewalbrug B1  Kruideniersstraat C2 Kuiperskaai C3/C4 Kuipgat B3 Kwaadham C2 Lammensstraat Hippoliet A1/A2 Lammerstraat C4 Land waaslaan D2 Lange Boomgaardstraat C3 Lange kruisstraat B3 Lange schipgracht B1  Lange steenstraat B1  Lange violet testraat C3/D4 Langemunt B2 Langhalsstraat C4 Laurentplein François C3 Leopoldstraat Keizer C2/D2 Lievebrug B1  Lievekaai B1/B2 Lievestraat B1  Limburgstraat B3/C3 Lindenlei B3/B4 Lippensplein Hippoliet C3 Lousbergbrug D3 Lousbergskaai Ferdinand D3/D5 Lovelingstraat Gezusters B4 Lozevisserstraat D4 Luxemburgstraat A2 Maagdestraat A3 Maaseikstraat C3 Mageleinstraat B2/B3 Magnelst raat Gustaaf B4 Marcellisbrug C4 Maria Theresiastraat A1  Marialand A2/A3 Martelaarslaan A4 Mattestraat Jonkvrouw A3/B3 Meelstraat A1/B1  Meerseniersstraat B2 Metselaarsstraat D1  Minnemeers C1  Minnemeersbrug C1  Mirabellostraat Mirabellostraa t Simon de A1/A2 A1/A2 Mirystraat karel C1  Moestuinstraat C1  Molenaarsstraat A1/B1  Munichstraat Lucas D2 Nederkouter B3/B4 Nederkwaadham C2/C3 Nederpolder C2/C3 Nieuwbrugkaai C2 Nieuwebosstraat D3/D4 Nieuwenbosbrug D4 Nieuwland C1  Nieuwpoort C2 Nodenaysteeg B3 Nonnemeersstraat A4/A5 Notarisstraat C3 Offerlaan A4 Okkernootsteeg B3 Oktrooiplein D2 Oliestraat C2 Onderbergen B3 Onderstraat B2/C2 Ooilamstraat D3 Oostenrijkersstraat D2 Opgeëistenlaan A1  Oranjeberg B3/C3 Ossenstraat D3 Ottogracht C1/C2 Oudburg B1/B2 Oude Beestenmarkt C2 Oude Houtlei A2/A3 Oude Schaapmarkt C2 Oudescheldestraat C3/C4 Oudevest C1  Paardestraat D3

Paddenhoek B3 Pakhuisstraat B2 Palfijnstraat Jan C2 Papegaaistraat A3 Paradijszak B2 Pasteurlaan Louis A4 Pauwbrug Napoleon de D2 Pekelharing A3/B3 Pelikaanstraat C3 Penitentenstraat C1/C2 Pensmarkt B2 Peperstraat A2 Perkamentstraat B2 Pijndersstraat D1/D2 Pilorijnstraat D2 Platteberg C3/C4 Plotersgracht B1/B2 Pluimstraat A1/B1  Poel A2/B2 Poeljemarkt B2 Posteernestraat A3/B3 Predikherenbrug B3 Predikherenlei B2/B3 Prinsenhof A1/B2 Prinsenhofplein A1  Prooststraat D2 Provenierstersstraat A2 Puinstraat D3 Pussemierstraat A3/B3 Rabotstraat A1/A2 Raffinaderijstraatje B2 Ramen A2 Rasphuisstraat A2 Ravensteinstraat B2 Recolettenbrug B3 Recollettenlei B3 Reep C2/C3 Regattenlaan C1/D1  Reke C1/C2 Rekelingestraat B2 Ridderstraat C2 Rodekoningstraat B1/B2 Rodelijvekensstraat B1  Roderoestraat A3/A4 Rodetorenkaai C2/D2 Rokerelsstraat A4 Rommelwaterpark D3 Rozemarijnbrug A3 Rozemarijnstraat A3 Rteveldest raat Filips A D3 Saghermansstraat C3 Sanderswal A1  Savaanstraat B3/B4 Schepenenvij verstraat C3/C4 C3/C4 Schepenhuisstraat B2 Schoenlapperstraat B2 Schoolkaai D2 Schouwburgstraat B3 Schouwvegersstraat A3 Schuddeveestraatje B2 Schuddevisstraatje B2 Schuurkenstraat B2/B3 Seminariestraat C3 Serafijnstraat D1  Serpentstraat B2/C2 Sint-Agnetestraat B4 Sint-Amelbergastraat C2 Sint-Annaplein C3/D3 Sint-Antoniuskaai A1/B1  Sint-Baafsdorp D2/D3 Sint-Baafsplein B2/C3 Sint-Baafssteeg B3 Sint-Baafsstraat B3 Sint-Barbarastraat B3/B4 Sint-Crispijnstraat B3 Sint-Elisabethplein A2 Sint-Hubertusstraat B4 Sint-Jacobsnieuwstraat C2 Sint-Jansdreef C2 Sint-Jansvest C3 Sint-Jorisbrug C2 Sint-Joriskaai C2 Sint-Katelijnestraat C1  Sint-Kristoffelstraat C3 Sint-Kwintensberg B4 Sint-Liesbetsteeg B4 Sint-LievenspoortstraatD4/D6 Sint-Machariusstraat D2 Sint-Margrietstraat B1  Sint-Martensstraat A3/B3 Sint-Michielshelling B2 Sint-Michielsplein B2/B3 Sint-Michielsstraat A2/B2 Sint-Niklaasstraat B2/B3 Sint-Veerleplein B2 Sint-Vincentiusplein B1  Sint-Widostraat B2 Slachthuisbrug D3 Slachthuisstraat D3 Sleepstraat B1/C1  Sluizeken B1  Sluizekenkaai B1  Sluizekenstraat B1  Smetstraat Gebroeders de A1  Snoekstraat D4

Spaanskasteelplein D2 Spanjaardstraat D2 Speldenstraat C1  Spijkeboorstraat C1  Spijkstraat D1/D2 Spitaalpoortstraat D1  St.-Antoniusbrug A1  Stadhuissteeg B2 Stapelplein D1  Steendam C2 Stierstraat D2 Stoofstraat B3 Stoppelstraat A3/A4 Straatje Oliveten A2 Straatje Zonder Einde B2 Struifstraat A3 Stuk 't C3/D3 Stukwerkersstraat D2 Tarbotstraat D4 Tarwestraat A1/B1  Tavernierstraat Frans B3/B4 Tellstraat Willem B4 Tempelhof B1  Theresianenstraat A2/A3 Tichelrei B1  Tiebaertsteeg B4 Tinnenpotstraat B1/B2 Tolhuislaan B1  Tongstraat D4 Triomfstraat A1  Trommelstraat B1  Tussen usse n 't pas C2 Twaalfkameren A3 Tweebruggenstraat D3/D4 Twijndersstraat C1/C2 Universiteitstraat B3 Ursulinenstraat C2 Van Akenstraat Sophie A1/A2 A1/A2 Van Caeneghemstraat Caenegh emstraat Jakob C1  Van Cleeflaan Filips A1  Van Eyckstraat Gebroeders Gebroe ders C3 Van Gentstraat Jan D2 Van Malestraat Lodewijk A1  Van Stopenberghestraat Stopenbergh estraat Jan B2 Van Wittenberghestraat  Hector A1  Vanderdoncktdoorgang  Pieter C3/C4 Vandeveldestraat  Gebroeders A3/B3 Varkensstraat A1  Veergrep B4 Veerkaai C2/D3 Veermanplein C2 Veldstraat B2/B3 Verlorenkost B4 Verlorenkostbrug B4 Verspeyenstraat Verspeyenstraat Jan A1  Vigneplein Julius de C3/D3 Visserij D3/D5 Vlaanderenstraat C3/C4 Vlasmarkt C2 Vleeshuisbrug B2 Vleeshuistragel B2 Vogelmarkt B3/C3 Voldersstraat B3 Volmolenstraat C2 Voorhoutkaai D2/D3 Vrijdagmarkt B2/C2 Vrouwebroersstraat B1/B2 Waaistraat B2 Waalsekrook C3/C4 Waarschootstraat A4 Walpoortbrug C3 Walpoortstraat C3/C4 Warandestraat D1/D2 Watergraafstraat A2/A3 Watermolenstraat C3 Weertstraat Maurice de A4 Wellingstraat A3 Werregarenstraat B2 Wijngaardstraat B3/B4 Wijzemanstraat C2 Wilderoosstraat A3/B3 Wilsonplein Woodrow C4 Winnestraat Lieven d e A3/A4 Wispelbergstraat A3 Wolfstraat C2 Wondelgemstraat A1  Zalmstraat D4 Zandberg C2 Zandpoortstraat A3/B3 Zeugsteeg B2 Zilverenberg C2 Zilverhof A1/B1  Zonder-naamstraat D1/D2 Zonnestraat B3 Zoutstraat B4 Zuidstationstraat C3/C4 Zuivelbrug B2 Zuivelbrugstraat B2 Zwaanstraat B1  Zwaardsteeg C3 Zwartekatstraat A2 Zwartezustersstraat A3/B3

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index A Food Affair 26 Achter de Maan 48 Amadeus 27  Antiek Depot 45 Aparthotel Castelnou 23 Aperto Chiuso 28 Apotheek Reep 51  Apoth eek Van Gansbeke 51  Argenvino 24 Arts centre Vooruit 16 Aspendos 30 Audivox 45 Australian Homemade 32 Avalon 30 Avis 7  AZ Sint Lucas 51  Balls & Glory 33 Barista 32 Basic-Fit Basic-Fit Gent Dampoort 52 Baudelopark 44 B&B Brooderi e 23 B&B De Waterzooi 23 B&B Engelen aan de Waterkant 23 B&B Simon Says 23 Beauty Queen 51  Belartisan 46 Belga Queen 24 Bernard Junior 46 Best Western Hotel Chamade 21  Best Western Residence Hotel Cour St Georges 21  Biblioth eek Mariakerke 52 Bibliotheek Watersportbaan 52 Bietini Design 50 bij'De Vieze Gasten 17  Bijhuis 48 Blaarmeersen Blaarmeersen Sport and Recreation Park 44 Boekentoren 41  Boxy 46 Brasserie Ha' 24 Brasserie Pakhuis 26 Brewery Gruut 36 Bridge Portu s Ganda 41  BriteSmile Specialist  Curesthet ics.be Tandarts Suda Marleen 51  Brussels Airport 6 Brussels Charleroi Charleroi Airport 6 Burkelbloem 45 Café Afsnis 35 Café Costume 46 Café De Loge 14 Café den Turk 35 Café Jan van Gent 35 Café Labath 33 Cafe Rene 27  Café Video 15 Campanile Hotel Gent 22 Campo 17  Candela Verlichtin g 50 Capitole 17  Carlton 21  Carmelite Carmelite Monastery 40 Castle of the Counts 38 Catwalk 50 Central Africa 10 Citadelpark 44 Club Reserva 15 Coiffure Rassahaert & zoon 51  Cream 46 CR Taxi 7  Cube 47  Cuisine OuVerte OuVerte 30 Cut Paste&Paint 51  Charlatan 15 Charme Hancelot Hotel 20 Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke 50 De 3 Bigget jes 26 De Appelier 30

Ghent In Your Po cket

De Belleman 35 De Bijloke 14 De Brug 29 De Cliént 51  De Frietketel 25 De Graslei 27  De Ligfiets 7  Den Hoek Af 32 De Poort Croissanterie Croissanterie 33 Design 7 45 De Spinnekop 35 De Stokerij 24 De Tempeli er 24 DOK 15 Domestica 26 Don y Doña 51  Dosha 51  Dreupelkot 35 Eat Love 28 Elisa Lee - Glasjuwe el 49 Elle et Gand 47  Eurolines 7  Europabank 51  Europahotel 21  Eva Bos 47  Faja Lobi 29 Flanders Expo 14 Flower Market 49 Fortlaan 17 14 Gallery Tatjana Pieters 14 Garden of St Peter's Abbey 44 Gelateria Ferrara 32 General Practitioner 51  Gent Public Library Gentbrugge 52 Geus van Gent 35 Ghent Marriott Hotel 20 Ghent River Hotel 21  Ghent Tourist Office 5 Ghent University University Hospital 51  Gino's Hairclub 51  Godot 26 Graslei 38 Great Beguinage 38 Guesthouse PPP 23 Gwenola 33 Hadhi 50 Handelsbeurs 14 HealthCity Gent Korenmarkt Korenmarkt 52 HealthCity Gent Zuiderlaan Zuiderlaan 52 Herberg De Dulle Griet 35 Hertz 7  Het Archief 45 Het Hinkelspel 46 Het Leescafé 33 Het Salon 33 Het Spijker 36 Het Trefpun t 36 Het Waterhuis aan d e Bierkant 36 Hof van Ryh ove 41  Hogar Español 29 Holiday Inn Express Gent 22 Holiday Inn Gent Expo 21  Hot Club de Gand 15, 37  Hotel Adoma 21  Hotel Astoria Gent 21  Hotel de Flandre 22 Hotel d'Hane-Steenhuys e 39 Hotel Gravensteen 22 Hotel Harmony 20 Hotel Onderb ergen 22 Hotsy Totsy 15, 37  Huis van Alijn 42 Huiszwaluw 48 Huize Colette 32 Humør 47  Ibis Gent Centrum Opera 22 Ibis St. Baafs Kathedraal 22 Ikurasushi 29 Il Mezzogiorno 28 Imagine 50 ING Bank 51 

Intercultural centre De Centrale 17  Jacquet 34 Jazz Café Damberd 37  J.e.F J.e .F. 27  Jeugdherb erg De Draecke 23 Jigger's 36 Joost Arijs 50 Jos 36 Julie's House 32 Kaaiman 36 Keizerpark 44 Kelim Gent 48 Kinepolis 14 Kinky Star 15, 35 Kollektie Eva-Stoff Eva-Stoffen en Janssens 47  Komkommertijd 30 Kopergietery 18 Korenlei Twee 27  Krat 48 Kunsthal Sint-Piet ersabdij 42 La Casa del Cubano 26 La Fille d'O 47  La Malconten ta 29 La Resistenza 15, 35 Le Baan Thaï 29 Le Bar Depot, Bistro & Brocante 33 Lekker Gec 30 Lepelblad 25 Les Filles et Les Chiens 47  Limerick 45 Limonada 36 Lineos 49 Maaike Kleed t 47  Martino 25 Masons' Guild Hall 39 Max Mobiel 7  MBC Minerva Boa t Company 52 McDonald's 28 Mekka 46 MidiSud 23 Mieke 47  Minard Theater 18 Minerva Watertaxi 7  Minor Swing 15, 37  Mis-en-plis 48 Misterioso 37  Mobile Liquor Store 46 Modesal on Seraphine 48 Mokabon 32 Monasterium Poor tAckere 22 Mondada 27  Moochie 32 Mosquito Coast 37  Mub'art 34 Multatuli 28 Museum Arnold Vander  Haeghen 42 Museum dr. dr. Guislain 42 Museum of Fine Arts 43 Museum of the History of  Medicine 43 Music Zombi 49 Nature reserve BourgoyenOssemeersen 44 Nebula B&B 23 Nenuphar 30 NH Gent Belfort 20 NH Gent Sint Pieters 20 Nonno 32 Novotel Gent Centrum 20 NTGent 19 Obius 50 Old Fashioned 36 Onderb ergen 37 23 OR 33 Oud Huis Himschoot 34 Overpoort Bowl 37  Oxfam wereldwinkel 50

Paard Van Troje Booksh op 45 Parkhotel 20 Patyntje 25 Petit Bazaars 48 Phulkari 49 Piet De Kersgieter 52 Polé Polé Café 36 Poppi Cocktail & Lounge Lounge bar 37  Postkantoor Gent Centrum 8 Prinsenhof 41  Rabot 41  Rewind 48 Rococo 36 Rouge et noir 48 Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof Reylof 20 Sauna Aqua Azul 51  Sauna Raj 51  Second hand book market market 49 SG Bank De Maertelaere 51  Simon Lévelt 50 Simon Says 34 S.M.A.K. Municipal Museum of  Contemporary Contemporary Art 43 Small Beguinage 41  Snack Tosi 28 SnoozInn 23 Sorelle 26 Sphinx Cinema 14 STAMcafe 34 STAM STAM - Cit y Museum Ghent 43 St Anne's Church 40 Steendam 66 26 St. James' Church 40 St Michael's Church 40 Studio Skoop 14 Subway 28 Suite 48 Sushi-food 29 Sushi Palace 29 Tandarts G. Decarnière 51  Tast y World 30 Temmerman 50 't Gents Fonduehuisj e 27  The Aula Academica 39 The Belfry 38 The Castle of Gerald the Devil Devil 39 The Episcopal Palace 39 The Fallen Angels 48 The Lit tle Toll House 39 The World of KINA 44 Tierenteyn-Verlent 46, 50 Timmermans 1845 50 Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen 5 't Oud Kloos ter 28 Touché 50 Town Hall 38 Trattoria della mamma 46 Trefpunt 15 't Toreken 39 Twiggy 50 Uitbureau 19 Ventura 34 Villa Bardon 28 Vita Shop 51  Vlaamse Opera 13 Vooruit 34 Vrijdagmarkt 49 V-Tax 7  Walry 45 Warempel 31  Wasbar 52 Wassalon 52 Werregarenstraat 41  White Cat 16 Wolf en Wolf 52 Y&D kapper 51  Yogatimes 52 Yuzu 50 Zahia 49 Zebrastraat 14 Zoot 48 Zwemba d Van Eyck 40

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    With lovely lovely waterfront terrace! Open 7/7!  Afsneedorp 28, 9051 Afsnee (Gent) - T 09 221 22 32 info@restaurant info@res taurant-nenuphar.be -nenuphar.be - www.restaurant-nenuphar.be www.restaurant-n enuphar.be