From Antwerp to Ghent: A Medieval Marvel Adventure!

After soaking up the vibes of Antwerp, it’s time to hit the road (or train tracks!) and head south to Ghent: A Medieval Marvel, a gem of northwestern Flanders. This charming town cozies up to the French border and has enough medieval magic to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. Ghent is a port city where the Leie and Scheldt rivers meet. Back in the Middle Ages, it was a big deal—a powerful city-state dripping with wealth and influence. These days, it’s a vibrant university town and cultural hotspot, where cobblestones meet creativity. Strolling through Ghent feels like walking through a storybook, with its 12th-century Gravensteen castle and the Graslei, a picturesque row of guildhalls along the Leie River. You can almost hear the echoes of medieval merchants striking deals. Ghent isn’t just a living museum—it’s a thriving city where history and modernity shake hands. And bonus: fewer crowds than tourist-packed Brussels or Bruges, making it an ideal destination for history buffs, architecture fans, and anyone who loves to explore on foot or by bike.

My Plan: Walk, Wander, and Wing It!

I’m kicking off my walking tour with the GPSMyCity app, diving into the “17 Essential Sights to See in Ghent.” First stop: Gravensteen Castle, a fortress so medieval it practically demands a suit of armor to enter. Built in the 12th century, it was home to the Counts of Flanders and now houses a museum. I’ll climb towers, roam ramparts, and soak in all the castle vibes.

Here’s the lineup of sights I plan to hit:

1. Gravensteen Castle
2. St. Bavo’s Cathedral
3. St. Nicholas’ Church
4. Ghent Belfry
5. City Pavilion
6. Ghent Town Hall
7. Old Post Office
8. Sint-Michielsbrug Bridge
9. Great Butcher’s Hall
10. Vrijdagmarkt
11. Rabot Tower
12. Our Lady of St. Peter’s Church
13. Pand University Gardens
14. Ghent University Campus

Of course, this list is just a guideline. I’m all about those spontaneous “ooh, what’s that?!” moments. Check back later to see how my itinerary evolves during my 6-week backpacking adventure!

Getting There: Antwerp to Ghent Made Easy

Hop on a direct train from Antwerpen-Centraal to Gand-Dampoort. The ride takes less than an hour, and from there, it’s a quick 25-minute walk or a short tram ride to Gravensteen Castle. Easy peasy!

Fun Finds and Local Must-Dos

Raise a Glass (and a Shoe!) at Pub De Dulle Griet

Picture this: you hand over a shoe as collateral for a beer served in a towering liter glass. No, I’m not kidding. Pub De Dulle Griet has this quirky tradition to keep their pricey glasses safe from sticky fingers. Choose a light or dark beer, surrender your shoe, and watch it get hoisted to the ceiling in a basket. Ready to reunite with your footwear? Finish your beer and return the glass. Bonus: they’ve got 500+ beers on the menu, so you’re spoiled for choice.

Get Artsy on Graffiti Street

Just a short stroll from the pub is Graffiti Street, an ever-changing alley of vibrant street art. Think of it as an outdoor gallery where layers of creativity pile up over time. Perfect for snapping pics or just soaking in the edgy vibes.

Sip on Some Jenever

When in Belgium, do as the Belgians do—try Jenever, the local liqueur! The traditional version packs a punch, but I’ve got my eye on the sweeter flavors like blood orange, apple, or even cactus. These sippers come in tulip-shaped glasses, and while they’re meant to be savored, I won’t judge if you throw one back for fun. So there you have it—Ghent: A Medieval Marvel in a nutshell! Follow along as I explore, sip, and savor every medieval nook and cranny. Check back soon to see what adventures (and surprises) await! View our complete European backpacking trip itinerary.