Ghent

Ghent is one of Belgium's grandest and most atmospheric medieval cities, a wealthy former cloth town whose skyline of towers rises above the waters of the Leie and Scheldt. A living, student-filled city rather than a museum piece, it boasts the moated castle of the Counts, the row of stepped guild houses on the Graslei quay, and in its cathedral the celebrated Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of early Flemish painting.

What you actually see

• The medieval towers - the skyline of the cathedral, belfry and St Nicholas.
• The Gravensteen - the moated castle of the Counts of Flanders.
• The Graslei - the row of stepped guild houses along the water.
• The Ghent Altarpiece - the celebrated Van Eyck masterpiece in the cathedral.

When to go

Spring to autumn for the best weather and boat trips along the canals; the city is lively year-round thanks to its students. It is an easy day trip from Brussels and easily combined with Bruges.

Honest expectations

It is less chocolate-box perfect than Bruges but more lived-in and less touristy, which many prefer. The famous altarpiece charges entry and can queue. It is a working city, so it blends grand history with everyday student life, an atmosphere rather than a single sight.

Nearby

Bruges is a short train ride; Brussels and Antwerp are close.