I just got back from Ghent, and honestly? I'm still buzzing from the whole experience. When I think of the best things to do in Ghent, I can feel a little excitement welling up inside me. It was one of those trips that surprises you at every corner, often in ways you didn't see coming. I mean, I had my itinerary and all, but sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones, right? So let me share some of those unexpected gems that filled my days there.
This spot? Total surprise.
I'll start with a tiny café I stumbled upon—Café Labath. I was just wandering around, partly lost and getting a bit hangry (you know those moments when you realize you haven't eaten but kept telling yourself just five more minutes to take a picture? Yeah). I wasn't expecting much, just looking for a spot to grab a quick bite. But then, there it was, tucked away between two buildings, with a logo that looked charmingly quirky.
The café was cozy, and the barista had this kind of infectious enthusiasm. I ordered a cappuccino, and they seriously nailed it. Deep brown crema, beautifully foamed milk, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder that instantly made everything feel more special. As I sat by the window, watching locals go about their day, I realized this little detour had become one of my favorite moments. I didn't even want to leave. The coffee had that perfect balance of caffeine kick and warmth, and it felt like a moment stolen from time itself.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then there was this one afternoon that flipped my entire mood. I had been wandering around Gravensteen, the imposing castle right in the heart of Ghent. I was kind of impressed but also overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists. At one point, as I stood there trying to take a decent photo, I felt the weight of all the history pressing down on me. It made me question if I'd made the right choice in even visiting. But then—I kid you not—I turned a corner and found a street filled with artists painting and sketching.
I stopped, intrigued. It was one of those moments where I thought, “Wow, this is it! This is what travel is all about.” I don't remember the name of the street, and I don't even know how I ended up there. I just started chatting with one of the artists, a woman in her forties with paint-splattered clothes and an infectious smile. She was working on a beautiful rendition of the castle I'd just left, but it was framed with these whimsical trees that didn't exist in reality.
We talked about everything: her life in Ghent, what it means to be an artist in today's world, and even the oddities of life. That random conversation shook me out of my funk. It was like a reminder that travel isn't just about checking boxes; it's about human connections.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
And speaking of almost missing things, oh man, was I off the grid some days. I have a terrible sense of direction—like seriously, I once went left instead of right and ended up wandering through some residential area instead of the bustling city center. But that detour led me to a hidden gem: a tiny local market called the Bloemenmarkt, which was kind of a lifesaver.
Imagine farmers selling fresh flowers, vegetables, and baked goodies—all wrapped up in this vibrant, aromatic chaos. I remember stopping by a stall where a kind lady offered me a slice of this incredible bread topped with rich, creamy cheese. I didn't catch what she called it, but I can still taste it. It was sharp and velvety, and I could've eaten the whole block. I chatted with her for a bit, practicing my very rusty French—a hilarious mix of “merci” and hand gestures. She laughed, and it made the experience feel even richer.
Meal of the trip? Hands down.
Now, let's talk food. I had meals that I still think about, but one stood out among the rest—Mussels and fries at De Graslei. I kind of doubted I'd find anything extraordinary because mussels are mussels, right? But this dish turned out to be hands down the best meal I had on the trip. I don't even know how to describe the flavors without starting a food war. The broth! It was a fragrant blend of white wine, garlic, and herbs, kind of like a warm embrace that enveloped the seafood rather than just a sauce drizzled on top.
You'd think I was being overly dramatic, but if you'd tasted it, you'd understand. Those fries? They were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and dipped in mayo—pure magic. I remember I sat by the canal, people-watching as the sun dipped lower. I could have savored that moment forever.
Reflecting on the little moments
The thing is, this trip was loaded with little moments, some that were mildly embarrassing—like when I accidentally asked a shop owner if they spoke French in the most mangled French I could muster. “Uh, we speak Flemish here,” they replied with a grin, and we both laughed. Honestly, I think I was a bit bummed about my clumsiness at first, but in hindsight, it just added flair to the whole experience.
I didn't do everything I intended to do, but those little detours and missteps turned into the best parts of the journey. I mean, isn't that just the beauty of traveling? The unexpected. The people you meet. The flavors that surprise you.
As I sit here sipping the last of my coffee, I can't help but reflect on Ghent—its canals, its laughter, and the way those unplanned moments woven into the fabric of the trip became the memories I'll treasure. So, yeah, if you ask me about the best things to do in Ghent, I'd just smile and say, “Get lost a little—you'll find the most incredible things.”
