3 day itinerary for Ghent

Itinerary

Ghent is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Ghent:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to the Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century. You can explore the castle's towers, dungeons, and courtyard, and learn about its fascinating history.
• After the castle, head to the nearby St. Bavo's Cathedral, which houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Flemish art. The cathedral itself is also a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
• For lunch, head to the Patershol neighborhood, which is known for its charming cobblestone streets and cozy restaurants. Try some traditional Flemish dishes like stoofvlees (beef stew) or waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish soup).
• In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei, two picturesque quays that are lined with historic buildings and offer great views of the city's skyline. You can also take a boat tour along the canals for a different perspective.
• End your day with a visit to the Ghent City Museum, which tells the story of the city's past and present through interactive exhibits and multimedia installations.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Design Museum Gent, which showcases the best of Belgian and international design. The museum's collection includes furniture, fashion, graphic design, and more.
• After the museum, head to the nearby SMAK (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst), which is one of Belgium's leading contemporary art museums. The museum's collection includes works by artists like Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, and Gerhard Richter.
• For lunch, head to the Vrijdagmarkt, a lively square that hosts a daily market and is surrounded by bars and restaurants. Try some local specialties like Gentse waterzooi or Ganda ham.
• In the afternoon, visit the Belfry and Cloth Hall, which is one of Ghent's most iconic landmarks. You can climb to the top of the belfry for panoramic views of the city, and visit the Cloth Hall to learn about Ghent's textile industry.
• End your day with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, which has an impressive collection of Flemish and Dutch art from the 15th to the 20th century. The museum's highlights include works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Ensor.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Botanical Garden, which is located in the heart of the city and is home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world. The garden also has a beautiful greenhouse and a pond with water lilies.
• After the garden, head to the nearby St. Peter's Abbey, which was founded in the 7th century and has a rich history. You can visit the abbey's church, crypt, and museum, and learn about the lives of the monks who lived there.
• For lunch, head to the Oudburg neighborhood, which is known for its trendy cafes and restaurants. Try some fusion cuisine or international dishes like sushi or tapas.
• In the afternoon, visit the Museum Dr. Guislain, which is dedicated to the history of psychiatry and mental health. The museum's exhibits include art, artifacts, and documents that shed light on the treatment of mental illness throughout history.
• End your day with a visit to the Citadel Park, which is a beautiful green space that's perfect for a leisurely stroll. The park also has several museums and cultural institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art.