TOP 5 HIDDEN GEMS IN GHENT

Top 5 secrets in Ghent waiting to surprise you!

1. GRAFFITI STREET

📍 Location: Werregarenstraat, 9000 Gent

The Colorful Haven of Urban Art in Ghent 🎨

Like many international students on Erasmus, our first move was to explore the city. While doing this, we wandered into Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraat), a place that felt alive with color and creativity.🖌️The vibrant murals instantly caught our eyes, with every inch of wall space transformed into a canvas of expression. What we appreciated most is that this narrow alley is a place where artists from all over the world can freely express themselves, creating a dynamic mix of art. 🎨

What fascinated us about Graffiti Street is its constant evolution. Every year, the city repaints the walls, giving artists a blank canvas for new creations.   This perpetual cycle keeps the space fresh and full of surprises. 🔄 Far from the medieval architecture of Ghent, Graffiti Street offers a striking contrast, becoming a popular spot for art lovers and tourists alike. 🌍 A place where creativity and freedom of expression can be found in every corner!✨

2. THE VINTAGE FACTORY

📍 Location: Nederkouter 39, 9000 Gent

📞 Phone number:  0494 43 86 70

The Vintage Factory in Ghent is a must-see location for anyone who enjoys vintage clothing or just appreciates unusual fashion finds. 🛍️ Located at Nederkouter 39, this charming shop is a gold mine of high-quality vintage apparel and accessories.👗 

From the moment we stepped inside we we're greeted by racks of carefully chosen items that span decades. There is something for everyone, from vintage sunglasses 🕶️ to leather jackets 🧥. It’s isn't just a second-hand shop; it's a place where each item is as unique as we are.

And it's not just about the clothing. The Vintage Factory's collection of retro vinyl records adds to the experience, which is perfect for bringing a nostalgic vibe home to our music collections.🎶💿 

Whenever we're in Ghent, The Vintage Factory offers a refreshing break from the typical shopping experience.  This store has it all, whether you’re looking for a statement piece, a warm sweater, or simply a fun day out discovering unique treasures. 🔍 

So next time we're wandering through Ghent, let's make sure to take a trip to The Vintage Factory. Who knows what hidden gems we'll discover? 💎✨ 

For those who are already anxious to visit, The Vintage Factory opening hours are: ⏰ 

• Monday - Saturday: 11:00 - 18:00
• Sunday: Closed ❌ 
  
  
  

3. PUB DE DULLE DRIET 

📍 Location: Vrijdagmarkt 50, 9000 Gent

📞 Phone number: +3292242455

Why this belgian bar made us trade our shoes for a beer? 👞👠

If you’re planning a trip to Ghent, make sure Dulle Griet Pub is on your list – it’s a one-of-a-kind experience! We checked it out recently, and it was one of the highlights of our time there. Located in the charming Dulle Griet Square, this pub has a cozy, old-fashioned vibe with lots of wood, beer posters, and that warm Flemish pub feel. Open daily, it offers over 500 Belgian beers, so there’s truly something for everyone.🍺

For a truly unique experience in Ghent, we ordered order MAX VAN HET HUIS (,,Max of the House" house beer). The process itself was quite memorable. We noticed that the glass is oddly shaped and came with its own wooden stand. To receive the drink, however, we had to hand over a shoe, which the staff then hang in a metal cage above the bar! They took our shoes as a "safety deposit" to make sure that we weren't going to steal the glass.

⚠️ What's important - the pub operates on a cash-only basis! 💶

Even aside from the novelty of the shoe tradition, there are a lot of reasons to visit this place. More than 500 different beers are on the menu, which is a pretty impressive selection - and would make a great addition to any European pub bucket list.

4. CAFÉ GALGENHUIS

📍 Location: Groentenmarkt 5, 9000 Gent

📞 Phone number: +32474930034

Recently we went to check out Café Galgenhuis in Ghent! It's the smallest and most mysterious tavern in Ghent🍻🏰 . It’s tucked away in a quiet corner of Groentenmarkt square, and it’s the smallest bar in the city, with only space for 20 people. Sounds a bit weird, but it’s one of those places with a fascinating dark history, and it has such a cozy vibe that you won’t forget it.

Things we didn't know before going there:

• There is very limited spaces, only 20 people can fit, so if you’re going in winter, make sure to get there early to grab a spot. 🏃‍♂️
• We found out some good news, it’s not that expensive. Drinks range from €1 to €10, so it won’t break the bank.
• The interior is small, but it has such a special atmosphere, like stepping back in time. Plus, we found a little terrace where you can chill and drink your coffee.
  

Opening hours⏰:

• Monday: 09:00 - 18:00
• Tuesday to Saturday: 09:00 - 22:00
• Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00

We promise, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and while its history might be a little dark, the spot is amazing. You’ve got to try it!

5. BARAOKE BAR

📍 Location: Sint-Pietersplein 58, 9000 Gent
📞 Phone number: 0492 83 34 20

If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your night out we recommend place in Ghent, called BARAOKE! 🎤✨ This private karaoke bar, located at Sint-Pietersplein 58, is the ultimate destination for unforgettable evenings filled with music, laughter, and friends. 🥳🎶 We found that BARAOKE offers themed private rooms for groups who want to make memories singing their hearts out. 🎉 

BARAOKE isn’t your typical karaoke bar; it’s designed to provide a personalized experience for each group. We tried out the "Red Room" and had so much fun! 🎭❤️ We think it is perfect for special occasions or just a fun night out, BARAOKE is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a private karaoke experience away from the main bar scene. 

Things we think you should know 🎶✨

• We highly recommend to reserve online, although you can check in at the bar for any available rooms. 📅 
• Price: €20-€30 per person, depending on the room and reservation time. 💸
• We brought our own playlist - that way you can get ready with some song ideas and make the most of your time there! 🎵 
  

 Baraoke Bar opening hours are: ⏰ 

• Monday: 16:00 - 02:00 
• Tuesday: 16:00 - 02:00
• Wednesday: 16:00 - 02:00
• Thursday: 16:00 - 02:00
• Friday: 16:00 - 02:00
• Saturday: 16:00 - 02:00
• Sunday: Closed ❌

We promise that BARAOKE in Ghent provides you with a night you’ll be talking about long after the last song ends.!🎤💖