Top 5 places to take a break

1. Botanical Garden Universiteit Gent

Looking for a hidden gem in Ghent to escape the rush of the city? The Botanical Garden of Universiteit Gent is the place to relax!💆

This botanical garden lies on the edge of the Citadel Park and is located next to Campus Ledeganck. It is a green oasis where you can surround yourself with an amazing collection of more than 10,000 plant varieties!🌵🍃 You will find both local and exotic plants in different greenhouses.

Apart from the greenhouses, you can enjoy beautiful walkways and quiet sitting areas.🌳 The Botanical Garden is ideal for those who want to relax, read or enjoy nature without going too far from the city center.

On top of that, entrance is free, making it an accessible and popular spot for students and people who are looking for a moment of rest.🎟️

Things you should know:

🕐 Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 9:30 - 17:30
• Weekends: 10:00 - 18:00

💸 Price: Free

✉️ Contact info:

• More information
• Mail: Info.gum@ugent.be
• Tel: +32 (0)9 264 50 73

2. Jenny Spinning Ghent

Are you still looking for relaxation after a busy day at work? Then you should try spinning! 🚴‍♀️

Spinning is standing or sitting cycling to exhilarating music on a special exercise bike.🎶 You are guided by a coach to give the best of yourself on the bike.

We went spinning at Jenny’s place. Talk about a beautiful location. Jenny is in the heart of Ghent and at this location you are completely immersed in the world of spinning. The old character of the building combined with those lights and music complete the experience. Shoes for cycling and a towel against sweat are included in the price of 12 euros each time.👟

Super tiring but ideal to get rid of the stress from work or school. 😌🚴‍♀️

Things you should know:

🕙 Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 7:00 - 22:00
• Weekends: 9:45 - 12:00

💸 Price: 12 euros

✉️ Contact info:

• More information
• Mail: info@jenny.be
• Tel: +32 (0)495 60 70 15

📍Address:

3. S.M.A.K. museum

If you need a break from the busyness of Ghent, SMAK Museum is a perfect place to relax!

A visit to SMAK offers an inspiring break at a wonderful location. 🖼️

At the SMAK, you can enjoy several important collections of contemporary art. Besides the permanent collection, the museum also lets you go and see changing exhibitions every 3 months.

The place is also actively committed to making art accessible to all by offering adapted tours for visitors with visual, hearing or cognitive impairments

Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for something new during your visit to Ghent, an afternoon at SMAK offers a unique way to pause and feel inspired🎨

After enjoying the remarkable and memorable pieces of  art, the SMAK Café is the ideal spot to reflect on the different stories the art pieces were telling. At this cafe you can enjoy an excellent coffee, a selection of tasty pasterys or a delicious lunch.🍰☕

So, next time you’re in Ghent and in need of a different kind of break, let yourself be surprised by the modern art at SMAK.😍

Things you should know:

🕐 Opening hours:

• Monday: closed
• Tuesday- Friday: 9:30 - 17:30
• Weekends: 10:00 - 18:00

💸 Price:

• Standard rate: €13
• Age 19-25: €2.50
• Age 0-18: free

✉️ Contact info:

• More information
• Mail: info@smak.be
• Tel: +32 (0)9 323 60 01

📍Address:

4. GOYA

Are you tired of sitting behind a desk for hours on end? Stressed by those nerve-wracking deadlines and feeling the weight of it all? Take a break and recharge at this peaceful coffee bar in the heart of Ghent. It’s the ideal spot to refresh with a fantastic cup of coffee, tea, or even a cozy hot chocolate. ☕ Remember the name: GOYA.

This inviting bar has a very warm interior which instantly gives you a very calm and pleasant feeling. The coffee bar spans two stories, so there’s plenty of room to enjoy all kinds of coffee and other beverages.🍵 Apart from all those delicious coffees they also serve you a few kinds of different appetizing pastries. 🍰 I can really recommend the hot chocolate which was amazing!

Nestled close to Coupure on Verlorenkost. GOYA is conveniently located near the University Campus UFO, Rozier, the Boekentoren, and Blandijnberg. It’s the perfect place to close your books for a while and enjoy a peaceful, well-deserved sip. 📚

Another important thing about this interesting place is that it is very affordable. Especially for students this might be a hard turnoff to skip this place but it’s definitely worth trying. You won’t regret making this spot your go-to study break destination.

Things you should know:

🕐 Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 8:30 - 18:00
• Saturday: 9:00 - 18:00
• Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00

💸 Price: Student-friendly, low-budget

✉️ Contact info:

• More information
• Mail: info@goyacoffee.be
• Tel: +32 (0)470 62 46 39

📍Address: 

5. Jacqueline

Looking for a hidden gem in Ghent to enjoy a brunch? Meet Jacqueline lunch and brunch bar, where flavour, atmosphere and authenticity come together.🕯️

You can find this place near the historic centre of Ghent within walking distance of the Korenmarkt. Besides the fun atmosphere, Jacqueline offers an innovative menu that every visitor will be a fan of.😋

The bar is not just an eatery, it is a place with a story.💭 The business was founded by a passionate local entrepreneur, who named it after his grandmother. This is completely in line with the interior, which perfectly blends vintage and modern elements.🖼️

From the friendly service to the comfortable decor, you will come home and be able to escape from your busy life for a while.🍴

The menu has something for everyone. It ranges from avocado toast to a simple pasta. You can dine elegant but also come for a quick lunch.🍝🍳

Things you should know:

🕐 Opening hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00
• Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00
• Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

💸 Price: Affordable menu

✉️ Contact info:

• More information
• Mail: info@jacquelinegent.be
• Tel: +32 (0)9 225 77 65

📍 Address: