Are you ready to discover a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and innovation, all while prioritizing sustainability? Look no further than Ghent, a city in northwest Belgium that is quickly becoming a model for responsible travel.
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A Sustainable City
Ghent is a city that is deeply committed to reducing its environmental footprint. From its car-free city centre to its numerous green spaces, Ghent is a city that is designed with sustainability in mind. In recent years, the city has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at promoting conscious living, including the use of renewable energy and a strong focus on recycling.
One of the most notable examples of Ghent’s commitment to sustainability is its green axes, a network of parks and green spaces that crisscross the city. These green axes not only provide a peaceful oasis for residents and visitors alike, but they also help to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen.
Getting to Ghent
So, how do you get to this sustainable city? Fortunately, Ghent is easily accessible by train, bus, or bicycle. The city is located just a short train ride from Brussels, and there are also regular bus connections to other major cities in Belgium and beyond.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even consider cycling to Ghent. The city is located along the scenic Scheldt River, and there are a number of scenic bike paths that make it easy to get around. Plus, Ghent has a number of bike-share programs and rental shops, making it easy to get around the city on two wheels.
Train Travel
| Train Operator | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| NMBS/SNCB | Brussels to Ghent | Every 10-15 minutes |
| NMBS/SNCB | Antwerp to Ghent | Every 30-60 minutes |
| Thalys | Paris to Ghent | Every 2-3 hours |
Bus Travel
| Bus Operator | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Brussels to Ghent | Every 30-60 minutes |
| Eurolines | London to Ghent | Every 2-3 hours |
| De Lijn | Antwerp to Ghent | Every 30-60 minutes |
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Getting Around Ghent
Once you arrive in Ghent, getting around the city is easy. The city centre is largely car-free, making it a pleasure to explore on foot or by bike. There are also a number of public transportation options available, including buses and trams.
Walking
Ghent is a city that is best explored on foot. The city centre is compact and easy to navigate, and there are a number of scenic walking routes that take you through some of the city’s most historic and picturesque neighbourhoods.
Cycling
Ghent is a city that is deeply in love with cycling. The city has a number of bike-share programs and rental shops, making it easy to get around the city on two wheels. There are also a number of scenic bike paths that take you through some of the city’s most beautiful parks and green spaces.
Public Transportation
| Public Transportation | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Tram | City centre to suburbs | Every 10-15 minutes |
| Bus | City centre to suburbs | Every 15-30 minutes |
Where to Stay
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Ghent, there are a number of options available that cater to all budgets and preferences. Here are a few of our top picks for eco-friendly hotels and B&Bs:
The Comic Art Hotel
Located in the heart of the city, The Comic Art Hotel is a unique and eco-friendly hotel that is dedicated to the art of comics. The hotel features a number of sustainable initiatives, including solar panels and a green roof.
Treck Hostel
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Treck Hostel is a great choice. This eco-friendly hostel features a number of sustainable initiatives, including a green roof and a bike-share program.
B&B Villa Emma
For a more luxurious experience, consider staying at B&B Villa Emma. This eco-friendly B&B features a number of sustainable initiatives, including solar panels and a green garden.
Must-Try Experiences
Ghent is a city that is full of hidden gems and must-try experiences. Here are a few of our top picks:
Dine at Organic Restaurants
Ghent is a city that is passionate about food, and there are a number of organic restaurants to choose from. Here are a few of our top picks:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Parnassus | French/Belgian | €€€ |
| Le Botaniste | Vegetarian/Vegan | €€ |
| Knol&Kool | Belgian | €€€ |
| Edelrot | International | €€€ |
Explore Ghent’s Green Spaces
Ghent is a city that is surrounded by green spaces, and there are a number of parks and gardens to explore. Here are a few of our top picks:
| Park/Garden | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Appelbrugparkje | City centre | Playground, picnic area |
| Baudelopark | City centre | Walking trails, pond |
| Muinkpark | City centre | Playground, sports fields |
| Beguinages | City centre | Historic buildings, gardens |
Visit Historical Landmarks
Ghent is a city that is steeped in history, and there are a number of landmarks to visit. Here are a few of our top picks:
| Landmark | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| St Bavo’s Cathedral | City centre | Stained glass windows, medieval architecture |
| The Belfry | City centre | Medieval architecture, bell tower |
Best Time to Visit
So, when is the best time to visit Ghent? The city is beautiful at any time of year, but the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are particularly lovely. During these seasons, the weather is mild and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the city on foot or by bike.
Spring
- Weather: Mild and sunny
- Events: Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival), Patersholfeesten (Patershol Festival)
- Activities: Cycling, hiking, boat tours
Autumn
- Weather: Cool and sunny
- Events: Gentse Stripfeesten (Ghent Comics Festival), Patersholfeesten (Patershol Festival)
- Activities: Cycling, hiking, beer tastings
Conclusion
Ghent is a city that is truly one-of-a-kind. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and commitment to sustainability, it’s a city that is sure to capture your heart. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or outdoor activities, Ghent has something for everyone. So why not start planning your trip today?
