Not a city you might think of as an interesting destination, Ghent Belgium is among the most beautiful and unique places in the world. Gorgeous landscapes and amazing old castles, Gent, or Ghent depending on who you’re talking to, is like a step back in time, complete with Wi-Fi and modern day conveniences.

In a very special way, Ghent has somehow kept the medieval feeling while growing up and changing with the times. A castle that seems to be directly from the middle ages sits next door to a cafe, a chocolate shop and both are hustling with visitors, while the internet cafe down the street offers you great communications.

The city is just a showpiece of real wealth and success in commercial ventures, the very important harbor bringing products to the city and beyond, while the University (UGent) offers higher education and continues growing in both importance and stature. The entire area seems to be a Mecca of sorts for students and the young, making Ghent one of the most important cultural areas in Belgium

Not far away, a day trip to Paris is possible by means of the train, or you can go on one of the many tours which are provided by sea going tour groups on the Ghent Terneuzen canal.

The floral offerings of Ghent are both amazing and outstanding, as flower growers from the entire area sell huge floral bouquets of begonia’s and azalea’s, not only here but all over the entire world. If you get the chance to visit, time it correctly and you may get a chance to visit the once every 5 years ‘Gentse Floraliën” ( Ghent Flower Show) which brings in literally thousands of people and a great deal of color to the city.

The trip to Ghent means that you’re going to need some time. Time to take in the vast array of architectural wealth , the amazing charm and local color, the people, and the vast array of new technology in the old world atmosphere. In addition the cuisine is simply not to be equalled. Ever tiny hamlet offers a chocolate shop, all of which feature the most rich and delicious chocolates in the world, while the other foods and the veritable treasure trove of ales to try are also outstanding.

Pubs are absolutely immense and the variety of things you can do and see are  incredible. In the middle of town sits  Gravensteen castle, and is well worth the price of seeing.. Collections of medieval torture instruments will have you shuddering and pointing, as you survey one of the largest collections of these devices in the world.

Pubs as we said.. well  stand by. If yo’ure a lover of beer or ale, you’re never going to find a place better suited to you and the friendly locals here are just outstanding. So willing to show you the sites and become your friend nearly instantly.

One pub has a different glass for each type of beer, and you turn in your shoe. The glasses are so expensive that you need to leave them one shoe and when you return the glass you get your shoe back.

Ghent Belgium should absolutely be on your list of interesting destinations if you’re a lover of castles, flowers, chocolates, higher learning, new technology, hiking, … well, the list goes on and on.