We were planning to leave Bruges around noon and head back to Brussels, but we changed plans at the last minute and got off in Ghentinstead. Ghent sits roughly halfway between Brussels and Bruges.
Every Belgian city seems to carry the scent of the Middle Ages, but Ghent felt different—in Ghent, history feels dissolved into everyday life. It wasn’t so much a place to “sightsee” as a place where simply walking around was the best part.
The Distinct Presence of Gent-Sint-Pieters Station
After a 30–40 minute train ride from Bruges, we arrived at Gent-Sint-Pieters Station.
The station is a fascinating mix: a classical brick building paired with a huge glass roof—an unusual structure where the past and the present blend together. The contrast between the solid, historic tower outside and the modern design elements is oddly charming.
The Stillness of Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
As we moved toward the city center, a massive Gothic building came into view: Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.
The slightly soot-darkened stone exterior tells its own story of time. Inside, the ceiling stretches incredibly high, and the red-brick side walls seem to echo with the colors of stained glass.
Each stained-glass window looks like a painting. The colors, floating in the dim interior, felt soft—almost like candlelight. The altar carvings and decorations were solemn and magnificent, so beautiful it left me speechless.
An Overwhelming Presence: Saint Nicholas’ Church
Another place that stayed with me was Saint Nicholas’ Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk), standing near the river.
It’s a historic church, and yet the surrounding grassy square and the trams passing by give it a surprisingly modern feel—very Ghent, somehow. It just works, and it looks fantastic.
The Ghent Belfry and the Square
The Ghent Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage site—something I didn’t even realize when I was taking photos (oops!).
It dates back to around the 13th century, and I learned that a golden dragon was placed at the top as a guardian symbol of Ghent.
A Beer on a Terrace Tucked Away in an Alley
Once we were tired from walking, we sat down at a small terrace in a side street and took a break. Listening to music being played somewhere in the city center while sipping Belgian beer right in the heart of town was honestly unbeatable.
Wrap-up
Ghent wasn’t a flashy tourist destination—it was a quiet, beautiful, and calm city. Personally, it ended up being my favorite of the three Belgian cities we visited. I’d love to come back someday if I get the chance.
That wraps up the Belgium section.
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