Ghent Car Hire

Guide of Ghent

Geography

Ghent a city in the Flemish Region of Northwestern Belgium grew from a foundation in 630 when Saint Bavo Abbey was constructed at the confluence of the Scheldt and its tributary Lys (Leie) Rivers. Ghent’s historical, cultural, economic, agricultural development is integrated with the topography of its low lying fertile soil environment and North Sea River system connection. The reclaimed land and waterways allowed for an excellent industrial import export trade to develop in the textile industry. Flanders’ terrain was suitable for rearing sheep, along with other agricultural trades, and adjoin this with the Flemish inhabitant’s outstanding ancient craftsmanship produced a woollen cloth of exceptional quality. Proactive Flemish cloth merchants in the 12th and 13th century actively sort export markets in France along with other European countries and the Middle East. Like all good things Ghent’s cloth monopoly was challenged with England, Italian cloth competition, export import taxes being imposed, the water systems needing repairs and the workers seeking better conditions. When one industry declines Ghent introduced alternatives such as cotton cloths, in addition the canals were improved with the construction of a port in 1827, subsequently returning Ghent to being the centre of Belgium’s textile industry. Agriculture and horticultural activities are still a contributing economic force in current Ghent with a good distribution across livestock, dairy, vegetables, arable farming and ornamental horticulture. Ghent is renowned for their local flower market and their great flower show, Gentse Floralien.

Climate in Ghent

Expect the unforeseen, unpredictability of the Ghent weather and be prepared. If travelling during the Summer months, June to August, when temperatures can range from 14°C to 23°C, the days are long, around 16 hours, be blessed if the sun is shinning so make the most of your time for precipitation, although not torrential, is quite common throughout the year. In Autumn, September to November, the temperature starts to lower, 8°C to 11°C, skies are now becoming more predominantly cloudy, as expected the day length is shorter and precipitation levels are consistent. Start considering appropriate clothing and possible indoor activity. Winter is not for hibernation but time to think of alternatives for the shorter days, 5 hours, cloudier skies and yes, precipitation with temperature around 2°C to 6°C. Like the environment awakening rejoice for the coming of the warmer weather in Spring, March to May, with the anticipation of the increasing daylight hours cloudless skies and believe it or not historically recorded months of less precipitation.

Culture

Ghent’s medieval architecture in the Old Town and waterways are symbolic of Ghent’s prosperous historic past. UNESCO listed two of the three Beguinages, places for women to lead a devout life of isolation without taking monastic vows, and the Ghent Belfry as outstanding examples of preserved heritage. UNESCO also honoured Ghent in 2009 for their forward trendsetting initiatives in music and designated the town as ‘Creative City of Music’. The Ghent music scene is rich and diverse. With the ten day city festival, Ghent Festivities in July, the prestigious International Festival of Flanders Ghent for classical music, Ghent Jazz Festival with an array of international musicians intermingled with a stage for young up and coming talent. The International Film Festival of Flanders Ghent promotes music related to films. Many historical buildings of extraordinary architectural heritage are used as music institutions. The conservatory is located in a 15th century City Palace, the concert Hall premises were previously used in 1228 as the Ghent city hospital, the Flemish Opera house is widely considered one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe. Besides having built a solid reputation of a music cultural city Ghent is well acclaimed for its sustainability objectives.

Ghent is constantly thinking of sustainable initiatives that are achievable, fun, easy to undertake and reduce the ecological footprint. The city centre is a carefree space which by definition means travelling ecologically by bus, tram, electric boat, e-scooter or walking. Using special low energy lamps, Ghent has provided artistic light each night, until midnight, on a number of significant monuments, squares and architectural buildings. Waste free festivals are Ghent’s mission and have been provided many times. Thinking about delicious, sustainable foods and drinks is not just the responsibility of the locals but also the transient individuals. What do you eat, where does your food come from, how is the food waste dealt with and what do you throw away are questions that the Ghent people think about. This initiative has lead to Ghent being seen as the vegetarian capital of Europe, promoting a day a week to eating Vegan/Vegetarian meals and shopping locally grown or produced foods. Ecologically, sustainability goes with breathing so Ghent provides green space in all sorts of forms, lush building façades, green roof tops, small street gardens to large city parks which are ideal for picnics, walking, hiking or bicycling.

Things To Do in Ghent

Whatever the season or weather there is a plethora of adventures to undertake in Ghent. Summer, Spring, Autumn are ideal times to explore the historical monuments in the old town, museums, art galleries, take in a festival or opera as well as going out of town to parks and vineyards. Let’s highlight a few to entice you.

Symbolic of the Count of Flander’s power in the turbulent times of Ghent, the Castle of the Counts, is the only remaining medieval residence with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Starting as a Romanesque church in the 10th to 12th centuries St Bravo’s Cathedral was converted to an imposing Gothic Cathedral in the 15th to 16th centuries containing many art treasures, in particular ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by the Van Eyck brothers. The Belfry Tower besides providing a stunning view of Ghent, was built prior to 1377 to keep the city’s privileges in a chest safe, with the assistance of a symbolic guardian dragon standing guard. The bells of the chiming carillon housed in the Belfry still ring out over Ghent. Beguinages provide an historical escape from the hustle bustle of Ghent’s active city with their unique tranquil atmosphere. Although situated outside Ghent The Great St Elizabeth Beguinages, built in 1873, is an exceptional example of church, houses, cobble streets complexes that once housed six hundred beguines.

As a university town with endless inquisitive, creative minds you have at your feet a selection of museums or art galleries that cover an array of topics. Understand Ghent’s historical past to present through interactive multimedia, then orientate yourself with the layout of present Ghent over a gigantic aerial photograph at the STAM museum. The Museum of Fine Arts houses old masters with modernists that include paintings, statues, drawings, etchings or tapestries from the Middle Ages to the present, which were re-established after being seized during many wars. Contemporary design orientated works are displayed at S.M.A.K or the Design Museum.

At Ghent’s Opera House where Dutch/English translations are projected above the stage, a Symphonic Orchestra plays underneath, a 90 metre impressive chandelier reflects the stage lights in the luxurious horse-shaped theatre that was built in the 19th century through the initiatives of Ghent’s rich industrialist, an opera performance in this setting is bound to excite a newcomer as well as the seasonal attender.

You can walk through Ghent, bicycle ride beside the canals, but how about enjoying Ghent from a different point of view, even going further afield, by travelling the waterways. So many options are available, like you can hire your own craft, canoe or be driven, taken on a tour or just sit back relaxing as you visit the historical sites travelling the water tram.

Green spaces align with Ghent’s sustainability ideals are provided in town and out. De Meereen Park has endless possibilities of enjoyment with 164 allotments for Ghent locals to utilise their cultivating skills and the transient visitor to admire as they walk around. Parkboos 1200 hectares just south of the city centre, is full of woodlands, nature reserves and even a sustainable farm. At St Peter’s Abbey Garden with the Abbey, built in 14th to 15th century, on one side you can relax or walk amongst the lavender or vines and be taken in by the serenity of the atmosphere.

The Flanders’ flat enriched soil with high calcium levels that can be irrigated by many rivers or waterways or the regular precipitation is a flourishing environment for growing wine grapes, in particular white wine grapes for Pinot Gris in addition to the light red wine Pinot Noir. Just perfect to try on their own as you reflex about the day or with a picnic in a park or over the course of an enjoyable meal.

Winter is the time to see Ghent ablaze with enchanting lights in tune with Christmas decorations. In Ghent’s Pavilion is Belgium largest mobile roller skating rink. Fun for everyone regardless of the weather conditions. Amongst pine resin, mulled wine aromas 150 wooden huts spread out along Botermarkt and Klein Turkije creating Ghent’s Christmas market, where the stalls sell traditional arts, crafts for the stocking in addition to tasty treats, authentic foods to enjoy as your shop or a beverage to warm the body or just quench a thirst. Exploring Ghent’s inner shopping streets for that special gift is also a pleasure for the local traders have made the shop windows art creations to admire as you meander. Magical castle, carrousels, ferris wheels that make you feel like you are flying over Ghent are part of the festive spirit. The ‘Creative City of Music’ turns Zebrstraat into a winter forest themed wonderland, for 8 days during late December to early January, to hold a live music festival with winter themed catered for nourishments. What’s not to like about dancing to great music with your friends or family?

Eating Out in Ghent

The city is a food paradise, for Ghent has a blend of traditional or new seasonal sustainable cuisines offered in restaurants, cafes, bars in addition to small plates at breweries or wine venues. Ooost, a restaurant with product store, would be a great place to start your culinary adventures for it is known for the endless array of authentic traditional regional products. Ghent’s Ganda Ham, delicious Tierenteyn mustard, a variety of cheeses, some made with the local beer, sweets that include the classic snowball or cuberdons can be readily purchased or placed together in a delicious picnic hamper. The possibility of enjoying a local dish is also available by locating a table at their restaurant just across the aisle from their product store.

Ghent’s Patershol area of picturesque narrow cobblestone streets full of historic buildings is renowned for the restaurants, pubs, bars, shops that are mingled in with dwellings where Ghent inhabitants live, play on the streets and welcome transitory admirers. Amadeus restaurant serves the traditional chicken waterzooi, which is the modern version of the original 13th to 14th century fish flavoured dish, comprising of leeks, carrot, celery, potatoes, cream in a small amount of broth. In August ‘The Patershol Festivities’ is held, just like a large street party, with entertainment, performances, exhibits, a flea market and yes, lots of foodie stalls. Served at the local Folklore pub, but a highlight of the festival are the traditional salted deep fried peas (kroakemandels), (Uufflakke) a typical Ghent cheese in addition to Mastels, cinnamon flavoured round sweet pastries that are ‘ironed’ flat after being covered with butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Gust’s mission is sustainability, so local produce is delivered in the morning, minimally prepared and then cooked for an exquisite BRUNCH, which they will tell you means breakfast, lunch or anything in between. Sunny side up eggs with spinach whipped feta, peas, naan bread is a daily pleaser, along with the savoury congee rice bowls and brioche French toast combinations.

Ghent has a history of brewing, which has been revived through a number of breweries and the labours are available at the numerous Ghent pubs. Gruut brewery produces five versions of their rare beer, as it is produced with a herbal mix instead of the traditional hops. At the Gruut premise you can take a tour of the brewing process and then taste the different beers.

Ghent’s ONA, which stands for wine with a message, you will find authentic wines mainly organic from small farmers. In a relaxing atmosphere enjoy the flavour of your wine with a small side plate of say, cheese, ham or the seasonal produce of the moment to delight.

Transport

Ghent as a city does not have its own airport but Belgium has five possible airports, Brussels, Brussels South Charleroi, Ostend, Antwerp or Liege, that the European or International traveler can utilise. Brussel Airport, Ghent’s closest airport, provides a variety of transfer options for the 45 minute journey, taxi, Flibco bus shuttle service, car rental or its own railway system located beneath the airport which takes you Ghent’s Gent-Sint-Pieters Station. If arriving at Ghent’s major railway hub, Gent-Sint-Pieters, there are several options for the travel into town. A quick 10 minute taxi ride, a 15 minute Tram number 1 ride, explore the city at your pace with a bicycle ride or a 20 minute walk into the city centre. Brussel South Charleroi Airport, is a 70 minute journey to Ghent, with the options, of taxi, Flibco bus shuttle service or car rental. Ghent City centre is sustainability friendly providing many means of eco-friendly modes of transportation, as well as encouraging a pedestrian friendly culture of walking between the sights, just take care to wear comfortable footwear for the cobblestone streets. Taxi and Uber are there for your benefit. However the convenience, flexibility of hiring a car provides you effortless airport transfer, allows you to explore Ghent city then the wonders furthers afield, like the possibility of an organic vineyard for some wine tasting, a brewery, a pick your own seasonal produce facility, yum fresh strawberries, or enjoy that picnic in Parkboos Park just south of the Ghent.