Ghent In Your Pocket

(1)

N°3 - € 2.50

www.inyourpocket.com

Hoels Resaurans Cafés Nighlife Sighseeing Evens Maps

GHENt

Music o your ears

W

elcome to Gh

ent: UNESCO City

of Music. From the

Gentse

Feesten

to

V

ooruit

100

100 and

and

Parkkaffee

, there’s a concert

this year for everyone

Food

Discover why Ghent is

Belgium’s

top culin

ary

destination. Isn‘t li

fe

simply njummie?

July 201

July 2013 - January 2014

3 - January 2014

“In Your Pocket:

“In Your Pocket: A cheeky, well-

A cheeky,

well-written series of guidebooks.”

written series of guidebooks.”

The New York Times

(2)

Bubble Post,

for all your local deliveries,

visibility and events.

(3)

3

3 E S S E N T I A L C I T

E S S E N T I A L C I T

Y G U I

D E S

Arrival & T

ranspor

t

5

5 How to get to your hotel

How to get to your hotel

The Basics

8

8 Getting to grips with Ghent

Getting to grips with Ghent

History

11

11 The city’s past on two pages

The city’s past on two pages

Culture & Events

13

13 Concerts, galleries and events

Concerts, galleries and events

Where to stay

20

20 Beds for backpackers and business executives

Beds for backpackers and business executives

Dining & Nightlife

24

24 From light drinking to heavy eating

From light drinking to heavy eating

Cafés

32 Cafés

32 Classic cafés and bakeries

Classic cafés and bakeries

Nightlife

35 Nightlife

35 Plunge into one o

Plunge into one of Ghent’s bars: loungy, hip,

f Ghent’s bars: loungy, hip,

dark: a bar to

dark: a bar to everyone’s taste.

everyone’s taste.

Sightseeing

38

38 Museums, churches and other sights

Museums, churches and other sights

V

Vooruioorui t, pht, photo by oto by Anke SAnke Sandersanders

List of small features

Great

Great Bradley

Bradley Wiggins

Wiggins

8

8 Noosebearers

11 Noosebearers

11 Ghent,

Ghent, UNESCO

UNESCO City

City of

of Music

Music

17

17 Parkkaffee

19 Parkkaffee

19 Ghent’s Culinary Prodigies: The Flemish

Ghent’s Culinary Prodigies: The Flemish

Foodies

Foodies and

and Beyond

Beyond

31

31 Het

Het Lam

Lam Gods

Gods

39

39 Shopping

Shopping

45

45 For the ultimate gift & souvenirs

For the ultimate gift & souvenirs

51

51 Pharmacies, banks and barbers

Pharmacies, banks and barbers

Maps & Index

Country

Country map

map

53

53 Street

Street index

index

54

54 City

City centre

centre map

map

55

55 City

City map

map

56 56-57

-57

Index

58 Index

58

Lys, photo by Anke Sanders Lys, photo by Anke Sanders

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4

4 Foreword

Foreword

It’s now 21 years since we published

the first

In Your PocketIn Your Pocket

guide - to

Vilnius

Vilnius in Lithuania - in which time

in Lithuania - in which time

we have grown to become the largest

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guides in Europ

guides in Europe. We now cover

e. We now cover more

more

than

than 75

75 cities across the continent

cities across the continent

(with

(with Tbilisi

Tbilisi,

, in

in Georgia

Georgia, the latest

, the latest

city to be

pocketed pocketed

) and the number

of concise, witty, well-written and

downright indispensable

In Your In Your Pocket

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guides published each year

is approaching

is approaching five million

five million. We also

. We also

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publish an iPhone app

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Europe In Your Pocket

Czech Czech Republic Republic Poland Poland Romania Romania Serbia Serbia Bosnia Bosnia Kosovo Kosovo Albania Albania Greece Greece FYR Macedonia FYR Macedonia Bulgaria Bulgaria Montenegro Montenegro Italy

Italy CroatiaCroatia Slovenia Slovenia Austria Austria Switzerland Switzerland Ukraine Ukraine Georgia Georgia Belarus Belarus Lithuania Lithuania Latvia Latvia Estonia Estonia Russia Russia Germany Germany Belgium Belgium Netherlands Netherlands Northern Northern Ireland Ireland Ireland Ireland Forget B

Forget Bruges, Antruges, Ant werp, and evewerp, and even Brussels: it’s Ghenn Brussels: it’s Ghen t,t, a modern, buzzing city with a wonderful medieval centre a modern, buzzing city with a wonderful medieval centre that should b

that should b e on top of your ‘things to visit in Belgium’e on top of your ‘things to visit in Belgium’ list. The cit

list. The cit y’s many beautiful historical buildingsy’s many beautiful historical buildings, winding , winding canals, bustling international por

canals, bustling international por t, top-rated universityt, top-rated university,, museums, shops, restaurants and bars

museums, shops, restaurants and bars are guarare guaranteedanteed to make a visit worth

to make a visit worth your while.your while. What Ghen

What Ghen t might lack in size (it only has aroundt might lack in size (it only has around 250,00

250,000 inhabitants), and m0 inhabitants), and m edieval facades (slightly edieval facades (slightly fewer

fewer thathan Brn Brugeuges), is), i t maket makes up s up for in for in jovijovial aal a tmotmosphsphere,ere, cultural acti

cultural acti vities, unstoppable entrepreneurial drive,vities, unstoppable entrepreneurial drive, and unmistakable

and unmistakable joie de vivre joie de vivre . A case in point is the. A case in point is the infamous ten-day-long

infamous ten-day-long Ghent FestivalGhent Festival( ( Gentse Gentse FFeesteneesten in Dutch), held every

in Dutch), held every summersummer. Abou. Abou t two million visitorst two million visitors attend the

attend the Stroppendragers Stroppendragers ’ (see’ (see Noose-bearers Noose-bearers onon p.11) party each year.

p.11) party each year. Ghent is a cit

Ghent is a cit y of contrasts: it efy of contrasts: it effortlessly combinesfortlessly combines the old and the ne

the old and the ne w in its architecture, traditionsw in its architecture, traditions and citizens alike. Amidst the

and citizens alike. Amidst the medieval Saint Bavo’smedieval Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and

Cathedral and BelfroyBelfroy, young families go about th, young families go about th eir lives.eir lives. Students enjoy a traditional

Students enjoy a traditional Neuzeke Neuzeke (purple candy) or (purple candy) or a shot of Filliers

a shot of Filliers jenev jenever er before exbefore exploring the sizploring the siz zling zling Ghent nigh

Ghent nigh tlife. Penstlife. Pensioners can have a beer in the ultra-ioners can have a beer in the ultra-modern Stadshal (nicknamed the Sheep Pen). One thing modern Stadshal (nicknamed the Sheep Pen). One thing all Ghent citizens have in common is the fact that they all Ghent citizens have in common is the fact that they take pride in their cultural h

take pride in their cultural h eritage. This yeareritage. This year, Ghen, Ghen t t invites everyone to celebrate its rich cultural history with invites everyone to celebrate its rich cultural history with a number of events.

a number of events. A lit

A lit tle over 100 ytle over 100 years ago, King Albert I anears ago, King Albert I an d Queend Queen Elisabeth inaugurated the World Fair in Ghent. Th

Elisabeth inaugurated the World Fair in Ghent. Th ee Exposition universelle et internationale de Gand Exposition universelle et internationale de Gand was one of the m

was one of the m ost spectacular world fairs to dateost spectacular world fairs to date.. Ghent’s many cultural institutions and organizations have Ghent’s many cultural institutions and organizations have seized

seized the hundredth anniversary of the Ghent worldthe hundredth anniversary of the Ghent world exhibition

exhibitionto present a series of exhibitions in whichto present a series of exhibitions in which they highligh

they highligh t the signit the signi ficance of 1913 for society todayficance of 1913 for society today.. Anoth

Anoth er birthday girl is the much-loveder birthday girl is the much-lovedVooruitVooruit: the: the grand old lady

grand old lady of Ghent’s cultural scene of Ghent’s cultural scene is 100 this yearis 100 this year.. During

During Vooruit100Vooruit100(which runs until Octob(which runs until Octob er 2013) theer 2013) the building in the Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat opens its doors building in the Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat opens its doors

to everyone interested in

to everyone interested in VooruitVooruithistory. Activitieshistory. Activities include the

include the Cooperette Cooperette , where you can repair clothes, where you can repair clothes and make new things, and the

and make new things, and the Think Bar Think Bar , a place where, a place where ideas, proposals, scenarios and projec

ideas, proposals, scenarios and projec ts are examinedts are examined and shared. During

and shared. During this anniversary yearthis anniversary year, the , the VVooruit ooruit Café offers up some unique recipes from well-known Café offers up some unique recipes from well-known chefs, as well as a specially b

chefs, as well as a specially b rewed beer, therewed beer, the TTrioriomfbmfbier ier .. Moreover, the

Moreover, the Vooruit in GhentVooruit in Ghentapp guapp guides smartphonides smartphon ee users through Ghent’s city cen

users through Ghent’s city cen tre, hot on the trail of tre, hot on the trail of creativit

creativit y and transition, key words both of Vy and transition, key words both of Vooruit,ooruit, and of Ghen

and of Ghen t. Finallyt. Finally, the, theSTAMSTAMmuseum hosts an anmuseum hosts an an intriguing historical exhibition of the Vooruit building, its intriguing historical exhibition of the Vooruit building, its significance for Ghent and the many activities that have significance for Ghent and the many activities that have taken place during the past cen

taken place during the past cen tury.tury. The

The Film Festival GentFilm Festival Gentmight bmight b e a long way ofe a long way off being f being a centenarian

a centenarian, but i, but i ts 40th edition, scheduled for October ts 40th edition, scheduled for October 8th-19th, 2013,

8th-19th, 2013, merits a celebration nonetheless. Thmerits a celebration nonetheless. Th ee festival was first esta

festival was first esta blisheblished as a studd as a stud ent film festient film festi val, andval, and has since d

has since d eveloped into one of Europe’s most prominent eveloped into one of Europe’s most prominent film events, at

film events, at tractintractin g over 130,000 visitors each year.g over 130,000 visitors each year. Many international guests from the world of film flock Many international guests from the world of film flock to Ghent to present their films to th

to Ghent to present their films to th e general puble general public. Inic. In addition to the screenings

addition to the screenings, the Film Fest, the Film Festival Gent ival Gent alsoalso orga

organizes film-related exhibitions. What nizes film-related exhibitions. What makes the Festivalmakes the Festival truly unique, however, is its focus on film music: every truly unique, however, is its focus on film music: every year, the festival organizes film music concerts, giving year, the festival organizes film music concerts, giving composers of fil

composers of film scores the platm scores the plat form they deserve. Anform they deserve. An annual highlight are the

annual highlight are theWorld Soundtrack AwardsWorld Soundtrack Awards, the, the most prestigious soundtrack awards in the world.

most prestigious soundtrack awards in the world. After exploring these events, and the many oth After exploring these events, and the many oth er er delights Ghent has to offer, it will be hard not to fall for delights Ghent has to offer, it will be hard not to fall for this exciting, picturesque cit

this exciting, picturesque cit yy. This. This In Your PocketIn Your Pocketguideguide gladly takes you on a to

gladly takes you on a tour of the very bur of the very b est of Ghent.est of Ghent. Hungry for more? Check out

Hungry for more? Check out additional information onlineadditional information online at w

at w ww.inyourpocketww.inyourpocket.com/belgium. We welcome all of .com/belgium. We welcome all of your suggestions and comments: send them to ghent@ your suggestions and comments: send them to ghent@ inyourpocket.com.

inyourpocket.com. All that’s lef

All that’s lef t is for us to wish you a fantastic time int is for us to wish you a fantastic time in Ghent, which is, as th

Ghent, which is, as th ey say in Ghent slang, ‘ey say in Ghent slang, ‘vree wijs’ vree wijs’ !! (‘(‘very cool’ very cool’ ))

(5)

5

5 arriv

arriv

al &

transport

Beautiful cities always have a tourist office and Ghent Beautiful cities always have a tourist office and Ghent is no exception. For information about the city, head to is no exception. For information about the city, head to Ghent Tourist Office. If you want to know something Ghent Tourist Office. If you want to know something about the surrounding region, step inside the office of about the surrounding region, step inside the office of T

Toerisme oerisme Oost-VlaanderenOost-Vlaanderen..

Ghent T

ourist Off

ice

B-2, Sint-Veerleplein 5, tel.B-2, Sint-Veerleplein 5, tel. (+32) 926 65 660, fax (+32) 926 65 673, visit@ (+32) 926 65 660, fax (+32) 926 65 673, visit@ gent.be, www.visitgent.be.

gent.be, www.visitgent.be.To find the city’s tourist To find the city’s tourist information of

information of fice, walk through the gate in the corner of fice, walk through the gate in the corner of the square and you will spot it directly on the lef

the square and you will spot it directly on the lef t. A larget. A large selection of brochures, leaflets and city maps is selection of brochures, leaflets and city maps is avail-able, includi

able, includi ng maps with thematic walking routes and ang maps with thematic walking routes and a brochu

brochu re specifire specifically for vegetarian visitors. Tcally for vegetarian visitors. Try the futur-ry the futur-istic touch-screen tabl

istic touch-screen tabl es, which will provide visitors withes, which will provide visitors with lots of information ab

lots of information ab out the city and iout the city and i deas for places todeas for places to visit. If you still have questions, the knowledgeable staf visit. If you still have questions, the knowledgeable staf f f will enthusiastically answer them. The tourist i

will enthusiastically answer them. The tourist i nformationnformation offic

office is also the departure point for guided walks in thee is also the departure point for guided walks in the city.

city.QQOpen 15/10 > 14/03: 09:30 - 16:30/ 15/03 > Open 15/10 > 14/03: 09:30 - 16:30/ 15/03 > 14/10 : 09.30-18.30.

14/10 : 09.30-18.30.

TJAUGW

Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

B-3, Sint-Nik-B-3, Sint-Nik-laasstraat 2, tel. (+32) 926 92 600, fax (+32) 926 laasstraat 2, tel. (+32) 926 92 600, fax (+32) 926 92 609, [email protected], www.tov. 92 609, [email protected], www.tov. be.

be. If you plan to explore the region around Ghent, theIf you plan to explore the region around Ghent, the provincial tourist information office is a good place to provincial tourist information office is a good place to start. This office is particularly well equipped with cycling start. This office is particularly well equipped with cycling and hikin

and hikin g maps, which you can bug maps, which you can bu y for a small fee. Youy for a small fee. You can also pick up brochures about various regions in East can also pick up brochures about various regions in East Flanders and the helpful staf

Flanders and the helpful staf f will gladly advise you about f will gladly advise you about journeys into

journeys into the rural the rural area area around the around the city.city.QQOpen 09:00Open 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:15-16:45. Closed Sat, Sun.

- 12:00 & 13:15-16:45. Closed Sat, Sun.

J

Tourist information

Ghent is easily explored on foot with most of the sights Ghent is easily explored on foot with most of the sights lo-cated within the relatively small city centre. Riding a bicycle cated within the relatively small city centre. Riding a bicycle around the city is not a bad idea eith

around the city is not a bad idea eith er. Ter. The flat terrain andhe flat terrain and the generally short distances make cycling a lovely way the generally short distances make cycling a lovely way to discover town. T

to discover town. That being saihat being sai d, Ghent ald, Ghent al so has a wellso has a well organised public transport system, reaching nearly every organised public transport system, reaching nearly every corner of the city.

corner of the city.

All trams and buses in Fland

All trams and buses in Fland ers are operated by theers are operated by the transport company

transport company De LijnDe Lijn. You can find a rou. You can find a rou te planner,te planner, schedules and network maps at the company’s website, schedules and network maps at the company’s website, www.delijn.be, or at a

www.delijn.be, or at a Lijnwinkel Lijnwinkel or Ghent Tourist Office.or Ghent Tourist Office. Tickets can be bought either directly from the driver inside Tickets can be bought either directly from the driver inside buses and trams, at a

buses and trams, at a Lijnwinkel Lijnwinkel or in most supermar-or in most supermar-kets and newspaper shops.

kets and newspaper shops. Lijnwinkels Lijnwinkels are located at are located at Sint-Pieters station, Gent-Zuid (Graaf van Vlaanderenplein) Sint-Pieters station, Gent-Zuid (Graaf van Vlaanderenplein) and at Korenmarkt. A single ticket costs €2 if bought from and at Korenmarkt. A single ticket costs €2 if bought from the driver or €1.20 if bou

the driver or €1.20 if bou ght in advance. Ight in advance. I f you plan to usef you plan to use city transpor

city transpor t regularly, yt regularly, you could buy aou could buy a LijnkaartLijnkaart for €9, for €9, which allows you to make 10 single journ

which allows you to make 10 single journ eys. Yeys. You couldou could also choose to get a day pass for €5 (€7 if purchase also choose to get a day pass for €5 (€7 if purchase dd from th

from the drivee driver) or a 3-dr) or a 3-day pass for €10 (€1ay pass for €10 (€1 2 from dri2 from dri ver).ver). Tickets always need to be validated by using the yellow Tickets always need to be validated by using the yellow machine inside trams and buses. Stick the ticket in the machine inside trams and buses. Stick the ticket in the machine and press the number of zones you are travelling machine and press the number of zones you are travelling though. Unless you are travelling outside the city limits, though. Unless you are travelling outside the city limits, this will be just one zone.

this will be just one zone.

By car

Driving to the cent

Driving to the centre of Ghent can bre of Ghent can b e a diffe a diff icult task icult task and be quite costly.

and be quite costly.

There are four different zones, and they are split into two There are four different zones, and they are split into two different

ferent sections. Ysections. You have ou have the choice of the choice of Kort ParkerenKort Parkeren(short- (short-term parking, maximum three hours) and

term parking, maximum three hours) and DagparkerenDagparkeren(24(24 hours). Parking costs vary, from €2 an hour in the centre of hours). Parking costs vary, from €2 an hour in the centre of the city up to €10 for a full day. Remember, however, that it’s the city up to €10 for a full day. Remember, however, that it’s hard to find a parking spot in or near the Old Town. Don’t park hard to find a parking spot in or near the Old Town. Don’t park without paying unless you fancy a huge fine.

without paying unless you fancy a huge fine.

If you’re coming from out of town, free parking

If you’re coming from out of town, free parking at oneat one of the six

of the sixPark and RidePark and Ridelocations is your best option. Thelocations is your best option. The only damage is €2 for a tram ticket to town (or €1.20 if you only damage is €2 for a tram ticket to town (or €1.20 if you buy it in advance).

buy it in advance). There are

There arePark & RidePark & Ridefacilities at:facilities at: P+R Gentbrugge (250 parking places) P+R Gentbrugge (250 parking places) P+R Oostakker (200 parking places) P+R Oostakker (200 parking places) P+R Flanders E

P+R Flanders E xpo (106 parking places)xpo (106 parking places)

P+R Wondelgem Industrieweg (48 parking places) P+R Wondelgem Industrieweg (48 parking places) P+R Mariakerke (25 parking places)

P+R Mariakerke (25 parking places)

P+R Gentbrugge Moscou (15 parking places) P+R Gentbrugge Moscou (15 parking places) If you’re still determined to drive in

If you’re still determined to drive in to the Old Tto the Old Town thenown then look for a parking garage. There are nine parkin

look for a parking garage. There are nine parkin g garagesg garages in Ghen

in Ghent. Rates varyt. Rates vary, but you will pay around €1,50 a, but you will pay around €1,50 a nn hour. Y

hour. You can find theou can find the m easily by following the elm easily by following the el ectronicectronic signs on the billboards when you enter the cit

signs on the billboards when you enter the cit y from what-y from what-ever direction: the signs wil

ever direction: the signs wil l also tell you how many freel also tell you how many free spaces are available. Further details o

spaces are available. Further details o f parking garages inf parking garages in town can be found here: www.parkeerbedrijf.gent.be. town can be found here: www.parkeerbedrijf.gent.be.

Publisher

Ghent In Your Pocket Ghent In Your Pocket

Larikse

Lariksenstraat 12. nstraat 12. B-105B-1050 Brussels, 0 Brussels, BelgiumBelgium Tel. (+32) 473 51 30 02, [email protected], Tel. (+32) 473 51 30 02, [email protected], www.inyourpocket.com www.inyourpocket.com ISSN 2034-8975 ISSN 2034-8975 ©

©BIYPBIYPSPRL/BVBA SPRL/BVBA Printed by PAPERLAND S.A. Printed by PAPERLAND S.A. Published twice per year, Published twice per year, 20 000 copies annualy 20 000 copies annualy

Editorial

Editors

EditorsSofie Steen, Craig TurpSofie Steen, Craig Turp

Contributors

ContributorsAstrid Vandendaele, Kristel Vereecken,Astrid Vandendaele, Kristel Vereecken, Jean Jacques Haus

Jean Jacques Haus

Design

DesignVaida GudynaiteVaida Gudynaite

Photography

PhotographyReine Ortiz, Anke Sanders, Visit-Gent Reine Ortiz, Anke Sanders, Visit-Gent

Cover

CoverVisit-Gent Visit-Gent

Sales & Circulation

General Manager

General ManagerReine Ortiz Reine Ortiz

Sales

SalesReine Ortiz, Sofie SteenReine Ortiz, Sofie Steen

Circulation

CirculationReine Ortiz, Bubble Post Reine Ortiz, Bubble Post

Copyright notice

Text and photos copyright BIYP SPRL/BVBA 2013. Text and photos copyright BIYP SPRL/BVBA 2013. Maps copyright cartographer. All rights reserved. No Maps copyright cartographer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may b

part of this publication may b e reproduced in any form,e reproduced in any form, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, withou except brief extracts for the purpose of review, withou t t written permission from the publisher and copyright written permission from the publisher and copyright owner. The brand name In Your Pocket is used under owner. The brand name In Your Pocket is used under license from UAB In Your Pocket (Bernardinų 9-4, license from UAB In Your Pocket (Bernardinų 9-4, Vilnius, Lithuania tel. (+370) 5 212 29 76).

Vilnius, Lithuania tel. (+370) 5 212 29 76).

Maps

AQUATERRA N.V. AQUATERRA N.V.

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6

6 arrival & transport

arrival & transport

Ghent has two railway stations:

Ghent has two railway stations: Sint-PietersSint-Pieters anan dd

Dampoort Dampoort..

Most trains arrive at

Most trains arrive at Ghent Sint-Pieters (A-6)Ghent Sint-Pieters (A-6). A tunnel. A tunnel connec

connects the twelve platforms with the central hall. Enter-ts the twelve platforms with the central hall. Enter-ing the central hall from the tunnel, the ticket office (open ing the central hall from the tunnel, the ticket office (open 05:45 - 22:00, Sat and Sun 06:00 - 22:00) is located on 05:45 - 22:00, Sat and Sun 06:00 - 22:00) is located on the left side. There are three ATMs in the central hall, the left side. There are three ATMs in the central hall, several kiosks, some coffee shops and a photo booth. several kiosks, some coffee shops and a photo booth.

The toilets are located on

The toilets are located on the path towards the west-the path towards the west-ern exit and these cost €0.50. You can change currency ern exit and these cost €0.50. You can change currency at the

at theEuropa BankEuropa Bank(open 09:30 - 1(open 09:30 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:00,3:00 & 14:00 - 17:00, Thu 09:30 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 18:30, closed Sat, Sun), which Thu 09:30 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 18:30, closed Sat, Sun), which is also located towards the western exit. Lockers for is also located towards the western exit. Lockers for lug- lug-gage storage

gage storageare opposite the bank. A small are opposite the bank. A small locker costslocker costs €3.00, a

€3.00, a medium one €3.50 and a large locker €4.00medium one €3.50 and a large locker €4.00, all, all for a 24 hour

for a 24 hour period. Iperiod. I f have such f have such a large suia large sui tcase theretcase there is also a manual luggage storage. For €4.00, the man is also a manual luggage storage. For €4.00, the man behind the counter in the

behind the counter in the lost and found officelost and found office(open(open 06:15 - 21:30) will happily take care of your belongings. 06:15 - 21:30) will happily take care of your belongings. This is also for a 24 hour period and you can fi

This is also for a 24 hour period and you can find the lost nd the lost and found opposite the ticket office.

and found opposite the ticket office.

Getting to town:

Getting to town: From Sint-Pieters station, tram 1 From Sint-Pieters station, tram 1 is the quickest option to the centre. When you exit the is the quickest option to the centre. When you exit the station, the tram stop is on the lef

station, the tram stop is on the left side. Wait at platformt side. Wait at platform 2 and hop on a tram directed at Evergem. You could buy 2 and hop on a tram directed at Evergem. You could buy tickets for buses and trams from the driver, these cost tickets for buses and trams from the driver, these cost €2. If you buy a ticket in ad

€2. If you buy a ticket in advance, it costs €1.20. In casevance, it costs €1.20. In case you prefer taking a taxi, both railway stations have a row you prefer taking a taxi, both railway stations have a row of taxis lined up in front of the station entrances.

of taxis lined up in front of the station entrances.

Ghent-Dampoort station (D-2)

Ghent-Dampoort station (D-2): All trains coming : All trains coming from and going to Antwerp stop at Dampoort. This small from and going to Antwerp stop at Dampoort. This small station is closer to the city centre and usually more station is closer to the city centre and usually more con-venient i

venient if you are travelling to or from Antwerp. The ticket f you are travelling to or from Antwerp. The ticket office (open 05:45 - 20:00, Sat and Sun 06:00 - 20:30) office (open 05:45 - 20:00, Sat and Sun 06:00 - 20:30) is located inside the waitin

is located inside the waiting room, where you will g room, where you will also findalso find lockers for luggage storage. Beware that the waiting room lockers for luggage storage. Beware that the waiting room closes at 20:30 and you cannot get access to the lockers closes at 20:30 and you cannot get access to the lockers after that tim

after that time. Just outside the main entrae. Just outside the main entrance is an ATnce is an ATM.M. After 22:00 you have to enter the station throu

After 22:00 you have to enter the station through the sidegh the side entrance next to the parking area.

entrance next to the parking area.

Getting to town:

Getting to town: The walk from Dampoort stationThe walk from Dampoort station to the city centre takes about 15 minutes, but you could to the city centre takes about 15 minutes, but you could also take bus 3, 38 or 39. These buses all leave from also take bus 3, 38 or 39. These buses all leave from platform 1 on the opposite side of the road next to the platform 1 on the opposite side of the road next to the railway bridge. railway bridge.

By train

By plane

Ghent does

Ghent does not have its own airport, but getting not have its own airport, but getting to the city from Belgium’s major airports is quite to the city from Belgium’s major airports is quite straightforward.

straightforward.

The country’s largest flight hub,

The country’s largest flight hub,Brussels Airport (Za-Brussels Airport (Za-ventem)

ventem), is about an hour away from Ghent. Those taking , is about an hour away from Ghent. Those taking budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz to Belgium will land budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizz to Belgium will land at

at Brussels Charleroi Airport,Brussels Charleroi Airport,50km outside of Brussels50km outside of Brussels proper.

proper.

Antwerp Airport

Antwerp Airportonly handles a few charter flights,only handles a few charter flights, but if you ha

but if you ha ppen to arrive here, take bus 14 to Antwerpppen to arrive here, take bus 14 to Antwerp Central station and hop on a train there. The trip to Ghent Central station and hop on a train there. The trip to Ghent will take about 1.5 hours.

will take about 1.5 hours. Flights to

Flights to Ostend-Bruges AirportOstend-Bruges Airportare also limited to aare also limited to a few char

few char ters. From hters. From h ere, bus 5 aere, bus 5 a nd 6 rund 6 run to Ostenn to Ostend raild railway way station, from where trains to Ghent are leaving three times station, from where trains to Ghent are leaving three times an hour.

an hour.

Brussels Airport

Leopoldlaan, Zaventem, tel. (+32)Leopoldlaan, Zaventem, tel. (+32) 275 37 753, www.brusselsairport.be.

275 37 753, www.brusselsairport.be. Next to a villageNext to a village called Zaventem, 12 kilometres from central Brussels, lies called Zaventem, 12 kilometres from central Brussels, lies Belgium’s prime international airport.

Belgium’s prime international airport. TTaking a aking a taxi to taxi to centralcentral Brussels will cost ab

Brussels will cost ab out €45. A cheaper option is to make theout €45. A cheaper option is to make the 15 minute train ride to Brussels Central station, from where 15 minute train ride to Brussels Central station, from where you can change trains to nearly eve

you can change trains to nearly every cry corner of the countrorner of the countr yy.. The railway station at th

The railway station at th e airport is at le airport is at l evel -1evel -1. There are two. There are two direct trains leaving Brussels Airport for Ghent: the IR-train direct trains leaving Brussels Airport for Ghent: the IR-train (final destination De Panne) is the quickest and takes 55 (final destination De Panne) is the quickest and takes 55 minutes to complete the journey to Ghent. The other direct minutes to complete the journey to Ghent. The other direct train, (final destination Ghent Sint-Pieters) is much slower train, (final destination Ghent Sint-Pieters) is much slower due to the many stops on the way. You can also take any due to the many stops on the way. You can also take any train from the airport to Brussels North railway station and train from the airport to Brussels North railway station and change there. A ticket from Brussels Airport to Ghen

change there. A ticket from Brussels Airport to Ghen t costst costs €11.80.

€11.80.

GW

Brussels Charleroi Airport

rue des Frères Wrightrue des Frères Wright 8, Charleroi, tel. (+32) 902 02 490, 8, Charleroi, tel. (+32) 902 02 490, www.charleroi-airport.com.

airport.com. After collecting your luggage you haveAfter collecting your luggage you have essentially two options for travel to Ghent: take a shut essentially two options for travel to Ghent: take a shut tletle bus to Brussels Midi and catch a train to Ghent Sint bus to Brussels Midi and catch a train to Ghent Sint Piet-ers from there, or take bus A to Charleroi railway station. ers from there, or take bus A to Charleroi railway station. The Brussels City Shuttle can be found directly outside The Brussels City Shuttle can be found directly outside the terminal, leaves every 30 minutes and the €13 ticket the terminal, leaves every 30 minutes and the €13 ticket can be purchased online in advance, from the driver, or can be purchased online in advance, from the driver, or via one of the streetside vending machines. Those opting via one of the streetside vending machines. Those opting for

for ChCharlarl eroeroi’s i’s tratrain in stasta tition on wilwill l haha ve ve to to chchanange ge tratrainins s at at Brussels Midi.

Brussels Midi.

Buses

Although Ghent lacks a central bus station, nearly every Although Ghent lacks a central bus station, nearly every part of the city can be reached by bus. Most towns in part of the city can be reached by bus. Most towns in the surrounding area are connected to Ghent by bus as the surrounding area are connected to Ghent by bus as well. The main hubs in the ci

well. The main hubs in the ci ty’s bus network are at Zuidty’s bus network are at Zuid (Graaf van Vlaanderenplein), Sint-Pieters station and (Graaf van Vlaanderenplein), Sint-Pieters station and Dampoort station. Regular buses run from 06:00 until Dampoort station. Regular buses run from 06:00 until 23:00.

23:00.

Waiting for the boats on Korenlei, photo by Reine Ortiz Waiting for the boats on Korenlei, photo by Reine Ortiz

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7 arrival & transport

arrival & transport

Biker

C-2, Steend am 16, tel. (+3C-2, Steendam 16, tel. (+32) 922 42 903,2) 922 42 903, www.bikerfietsen.net.

www.bikerfietsen.net. Biker sells, repairs and rentsBiker sells, repairs and rents bicycles. The rental fee is €9 per

bicycles. The rental fee is €9 per dayday..QQOpen 09:00 -Open 09:00 -12:30 & 13:30-18:00

12:30 & 13:30-18:00. Closed Mon, . Closed Mon, Sun.Sun.

J

De Ligfiets

D-4, Lange Violettestraat 49, tel.D-4, Lange Violettestraat 49, tel. (+32) 922 50 777, fax (+32) 922 34 496, info@ (+32) 922 50 777, fax (+32) 922 34 496, info@ ligfiets.be,

ligfiets.be, www.deligfietswww.deligfiets.be..be. Have you ever Have you ever wanted to ride a recumben

wanted to ride a recumben t bicycle? Well, here is your t bicycle? Well, here is your chance.

chance. De Ligfiets De Ligfiets , which means ‚, which means ‚the recumbentthe recumbent bike

bike ’ in Dutch, rents these relaxing bicycles for €25’ in Dutch, rents these relaxing bicycles for €25 per day. The store is only open three days a week, per day. The store is only open three days a week, but you can make an appointment for other days. but you can make an appointment for other days.

Q

QOpen 14:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. ClosedOpen 14:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun.

Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun.

J

Max Mobiel

A-6, Voskenslaan 27, tel. (+32)A-6, Voskenslaan 27, tel. (+32) 924 28 040, fax (+32)

924 28 040, fax (+32) 924 28 049, max-mob924 28 049, max-mob iel@iel@ gent.be, www.max-mobiel.be.

gent.be, www.max-mobiel.be. Located behindLocated behind Sint-Pietersstation, you can rent a bicycle here for Sint-Pietersstation, you can rent a bicycle here for €9 p

€9 per der day oay or €2r €25 pe5 per wer weekek.. Max Mobiel Max Mobiel is primarily is primarily aimed at local commuters, but tourists are welcome aimed at local commuters, but tourists are welcome as well.

as well.

People getting off at Dampoortstation can also People getting off at Dampoortstation can also col-lect a bike there.

lect a bike there. QQOpen 07:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00Open 07:00 - 19:00, Sat 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sun.

- 17:00. Closed Sun.

Bicycle rental

is about 40 percent cheaper than a normal return is about 40 percent cheaper than a normal return ticket. If you are staying in Bel

ticket. If you are staying in Bel gium for a while, yougium for a while, you could consider bu

could consider bu ying a Rail Pass (€76), which allowsying a Rail Pass (€76), which allows you to make 10 single journ

you to make 10 single journ eys within Belgieys within Belgi um. Tum. Travel- ravel-lers who haven’t yet reached the age of 26 cou

lers who haven’t yet reached the age of 26 cou ld get ald get a Go-Pass for €50.

Go-Pass for €50.

Trams

Three tram lines run through the city. The most frequent Three tram lines run through the city. The most frequent and perhaps the most useful one is tram 1, which travels and perhaps the most useful one is tram 1, which travels from

from FlFlanandeders Ers E xpo, xpo, via via SiSint-nt-PiePie terters sts statiati on ton to Eveo Evergergem.m. T

Tram 4 tours around the ciram 4 tours around the ci ty centre from the suburty centre from the subur bb Moscou, via Zuid and Sint-Pieters station to Moscou, via Zuid and Sint-Pieters station to Zwijnaarde-brug, at the cit

brug, at the cit y’s southern edge. Ty’s southern edge. Trams are frequent rams are frequent and you will rarely be waiting longer than 8 minutes. The and you will rarely be waiting longer than 8 minutes. The latest departures are roughly at 23:00.

latest departures are roughly at 23:00.

Riding

Riding a a bike bike is is fun fun for for the the whole whole famfamily ily © © Ghent Ghent City City Council Council

Eurolines

A-6, Koningin Elisabethlaan 73, tel. (+32)A-6, Koningin Elisabethlaan 73, tel. (+32) 922 09 024, www.eurolines.be.

922 09 024, www.eurolines.be. If you want to takeIf you want to take a cheap bus to discover another exotic destination, the a cheap bus to discover another exotic destination, the Eurolines bus might

Eurolines bus might be your thing! be your thing! YYou can take your bottleou can take your bottle of Roomer or your box of chocolates with you to of Roomer or your box of chocolates with you to Stock-holm, Paris or even Bratislava.

holm, Paris or even Bratislava. QQOpen , Mon, Tue, Wed,Open , Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 08:45 - 12.30&13:30-17:45, Sat 09:00 - 12:30. Thu, Fri 08:45 - 12.30&13:30-17:45, Sat 09:00 - 12:30. Closed Sun.

Closed Sun.

Car rental

Avis

Kortrijksesteenweg 676, tel. (+32) 922 20 053,Kortrijksesteenweg 676, tel. (+32) 922 20 053, www.avis.be.

www.avis.be.QQOpen 08:00 - 12:00 & 13:00-18:00, Sat Open 08:00 - 12:00 & 13:00-18:00, Sat 08:00 - 12:00. Closed Sun.

08:00 - 12:00. Closed Sun.

AL

Hertz

Nieuwewandeling 76, tel. (+32) 922 40 406, faxNieuwewandeling 76, tel. (+32) 922 40 406, fax (+32) 922

(+32) 922 40 604, 40 604, herthert [email protected], [email protected], www.hertw.hertz.z. be

be..QQOpen 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Open 09:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.Sun.

TA

Taxis

There are five official taxi ranks in Ghent:G

There are five official taxi ranks in Ghent:G ent-Sint- ent-Sint-Pietersstation, Gent-Dampoort station, Korenmarkt, Pietersstation, Gent-Dampoort station, Korenmarkt, Woodrow Wilsonplein and Flande

Woodrow Wilsonplein and Flande rs Expo.Trs Expo.The flag-downhe flag-down rate for all taxis is fixed at €8, which in

rate for all taxis is fixed at €8, which in cludes the first 3cludes the first 3 kilometres and a waiting time of 5 minu

kilometres and a waiting time of 5 minu tes. Every addi-tes. Every addi-tional kilometre costs €2 and at night (between 22:00 tional kilometre costs €2 and at night (between 22:00 and 06:00) there is a flat

and 06:00) there is a flat surcharge of €2surcharge of €2 .50. T.50. Taxiaxi drivers are always required

drivers are always required to use the meter, even toto use the meter, even to destinations outside the ci

destinations outside the ci ty perimeter. Tty perimeter. The only excep-he only excep-tion to this rule applies to long-distance journ

tion to this rule applies to long-distance journ eys witheys with fi

fixed xed raratetes. s. SuSu ch ch dedeststininatatioio ns ns inin clcludud e Be Brurusssselels As Airirpoporrt t (€95) and Brussels South-Ch

(€95) and Brussels South-Ch arleroi Airport (€140).arleroi Airport (€140).

CR Taxi

Zuidledeplein 19, tel. (+32) 489 22 20 80, faxZuidledeplein 19, tel. (+32) 489 22 20 80, fax (+32) 925 92 188, [email protected], www.taxicr.be. (+32) 925 92 188, [email protected], www.taxicr.be.A A reliable taxi company

reliable taxi company. I. I t is possible to bt is possible to b ook a taxi ook a taxi for up tofor up to six passengers.

six passengers.QQOpen 00:00 - 24:00.Open 00:00 - 24:00.

PA

Minerva Watertaxi

A-3, B-4, Coupure Rechts 2a,A-3, B-4, Coupure Rechts 2a, tel. (+32) 923 37 917, fax (+32) 378 91 759, www. tel. (+32) 923 37 917, fax (+32) 378 91 759, www. minervaboten.be.

minervaboten.be.This bThis b oat rental coat rental c ompany offompany offers a water ers a water taxi ser

taxi ser vice along thvice along th e Leie Rivere Leie River, but you will have to book , but you will have to book in advance. Miner

in advance. Miner va also rents its boats for trips upstreva also rents its boats for trips upstreamam the scenic Leie Ri

the scenic Leie Ri verver, into the r, into the r ural area southwest of theural area southwest of the city.

city. QQOpen 10:00 - 20:00. Prices: €50/hour, €20/hour Open 10:00 - 20:00. Prices: €50/hour, €20/hour waiting time.

waiting time.

J

V-Tax

Wiedauwkaai 98, tel. (+32) 922 22 222, faxWiedauwkaai 98, tel. (+32) 922 22 222, fax (+32) 922 24 436, [email protected], www.v-tax.be. (+32) 922 24 436, [email protected], www.v-tax.be.OnOnee of the largest and oldest taxi companies in the country. of the largest and oldest taxi companies in the country.

Q

QOpen 00:00 - 24:00.Open 00:00 - 24:00.

A

Trains

With 3513 kilometres of railroads,Belgium has one With 3513 kilometres of railroads,Belgium has one of the densest rail

of the densest rail way networks in the world. Tway networks in the world. Trainrain travel is the easiest way to get around in the country. travel is the easiest way to get around in the country. Gent-Sint-Pietersstation has trains departing in all Gent-Sint-Pietersstation has trains departing in all di-rections.Every train that travels to or from Antwerp also rections.Every train that travels to or from Antwerp also stops at Gent-Dampoort station. Belgiu

stops at Gent-Dampoort station. Belgiu m’s nationalm’s national railway company, NMBS (SNCB in French), runs th railway company, NMBS (SNCB in French), runs th reeree types of trains: Intercity trains (IC) are the quickest types of trains: Intercity trains (IC) are the quickest ones, Interregio trains (IR) usually h

ones, Interregio trains (IR) usually h ave a few moreave a few more stops and the slowest type is the Local train (L). For stops and the slowest type is the Local train (L). For departure times and fares, surf to www.b-rail.be. departure times and fares, surf to www.b-rail.be. Tickets can be bought at ticket offices, vending Tickets can be bought at ticket offices, vending ma-chines or from the conductor inside the train. I

chines or from the conductor inside the train. I f you buy f you buy a ticket inside the train

a ticket inside the train you have to pay a €3 surchargeyou have to pay a €3 surcharge and you will have to

and you will have to immediatelimmediatel y notify the conducy notify the conduc tor tor (otherwise you could be fine

(otherwise you could be fine d).First class tickets ared).First class tickets are about 50% more expensive than second class tickets, about 50% more expensive than second class tickets, but not really worth th

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8 BasiCs

BasiCs

Read on and find out why the Belgian police do not all Read on and find out why the Belgian police do not all owow you to ride a bicycle with a passen

you to ride a bicycle with a passen ger on the back seat,ger on the back seat, along with many other useful Belgian facts.

along with many other useful Belgian facts.

Alcohol

Belgians love to go to the pub and enj

Belgians love to go to the pub and enj oy the countroy the countr y’sy’s famou

famously fressly fresh beer, conh beer, considersidered to be thed to be the natie national dronal drinkink.. Most pubs serve Belgian beers of whi

Most pubs serve Belgian beers of whi ch the best knownch the best known are

are Jupiler Jupiler ,, Maes Maes andand Stella,Stella,but in the city centre many but in the city centre many bars serve a much wider range of regional be

bars serve a much wider range of regional be ers. Watchers. Watch out for the heavier stuff like

out for the heavier stuff like Delirium Tremens Delirium Tremens (9%),(9%), which makes you see pink elephants...For those who which makes you see pink elephants...For those who stick around more than a day, city brewery

stick around more than a day, city brewery GruutGruut-C-3- is-C-3- is worth a visit. Restaurants, pubs and shops serve and sell worth a visit. Restaurants, pubs and shops serve and sell beer and win

beer and win e to anyone over the age of 16, although toe to anyone over the age of 16, although to buy and consume spiri

buy and consume spiri ts you have tts you have to be 18. Speaking of o be 18. Speaking of spirits, look out for the infamous

spirits, look out for the infamous Jenever: Jenever: a potent liquor a potent liquor that Belgians enjoy inflicting on tourists.

that Belgians enjoy inflicting on tourists.

Climate

While it’s usually cold and wet in winter and often warm While it’s usually cold and wet in winter and often warm and dry in summ

and dry in summ er, but unfortunately you never really er, but unfortunately you never really know in this mild sea-climate. So it’s always wise to bring know in this mild sea-climate. So it’s always wise to bring a raincoat or an umbrella. Whatever the weather, Belgians a raincoat or an umbrella. Whatever the weather, Belgians always find a reason to complain abou

always find a reason to complain abou t it. A good websitet it. A good website to check the current weather in your favourite Belgian city to check the current weather in your favourite Belgian city is www.meteo.be.

is www.meteo.be.

Cycling

Ghent is a great town to explore by bike. Even though a Ghent is a great town to explore by bike. Even though a lot of monuments are within walking distance of each lot of monuments are within walking distance of each other, a bicycle gives you the chance to see more in other, a bicycle gives you the chance to see more in lessless time. A couple of cycling routes will get you to the different time. A couple of cycling routes will get you to the different corners of the town and then beyond. Bikers pretty much corners of the town and then beyond. Bikers pretty much reign the cit

reign the cit y. Ty. They can cycle in alhey can cycle in al most every street and amost every street and a part of the historical centre is car-free. Overall, Ghent is part of the historical centre is car-free. Overall, Ghent is Postal delivery in Belgium is generally reliable. Wireless

Postal delivery in Belgium is generally reliable. Wireless internet is also sweeping the nation. Read here how to internet is also sweeping the nation. Read here how to keep in touch with your loved ones back home. Straight keep in touch with your loved ones back home. Straight from the bar or one of the many terraces.

from the bar or one of the many terraces.

Mobile phones

You can use your mobile phone if your provider has an You can use your mobile phone if your provider has an international roaming agreement with one of the mobile international roaming agreement with one of the mobile phone networks of Belgium. Normally, if you’re abroad, phone networks of Belgium. Normally, if you’re abroad, you have to pay roaming charges on all incoming and you have to pay roaming charges on all incoming and outgoing calls, text messages, mms and internet. outgoing calls, text messages, mms and internet.

Dialing

AllAll In Your PocketIn Your Pocket guides list country codesguides list country codes before all telephone numbers. The Belgian country code before all telephone numbers. The Belgian country code is (+32).

is (+32).

Post

The Belgium postal system works more or less infallibly. The Belgium postal system works more or less infallibly. Letters and parcels are sent without ado across the whole Letters and parcels are sent without ado across the whole world. At post offices you can buy stamps and drop off world. At post offices you can buy stamps and drop off parcels. Posting a letter or a postcard within Belgium will parcels. Posting a letter or a postcard within Belgium will cost you €0.77, within Europe €1,13 and for the rest of cost you €0.77, within Europe €1,13 and for the rest of the world you pay €1.34. For parcel shipping prices and the world you pay €1.34. For parcel shipping prices and the most up-to-date postage rates check www.bpost.be. the most up-to-date postage rates check www.bpost.be. Some supermarkets have a ‚postpunt’, indicating th Some supermarkets have a ‚postpunt’, indicating th at youat you can buy stamps there and post your letters or parcels. can buy stamps there and post your letters or parcels.

Postkantoor Gent Centrum

B-3, Lange KruisstraatB-3, Lange Kruisstraat 55, tel. (+32) 220 1

55, tel. (+32) 220 12 345, ww2 345, www.bpost.be.w.bpost.be.The post officeThe post office at Gent Centrum is th

at Gent Centrum is the largest in the city centre. If wou want e largest in the city centre. If wou want to avoid the big crowds,

to avoid the big crowds, come in the quieter periods (betcome in the quieter periods (betweenween 09:00-10:00

09:00-10:00, 13:00-14:00 or 17:00-18:00). Mail can also , 13:00-14:00 or 17:00-18:00). Mail can also bebe posted in the re

posted in the red letter boxes spread all ovd letter boxes spread all over Ghent.er Ghent.QQOpenOpen 09:00 - 18:00, Sat 09:00 - 15:00. Close

09:00 - 18:00, Sat 09:00 - 15:00. Closed Sun.d Sun.

JU

Wireless internet

If you’d like to

If you’d like to check your e-mail or just surcheck your e-mail or just sur f the web whilef the web while sipping a chai tea, just look for one of the many hotels, sipping a chai tea, just look for one of the many hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes that offer free wireless bars, restaurants and cafes that offer free wireless internet acces in their rooms. Many times you have to internet acces in their rooms. Many times you have to ask the staff for the current password or fill in their phone ask the staff for the current password or fill in their phone number, which actually also works most of the time. Just number, which actually also works most of the time. Just look for the wifi symbol in this guide to find venues with look for the wifi symbol in this guide to find venues with free wireless access.

free wireless access.

Mail & Phones

Who knew? The first Englishma

Who knew? The first Englishma n to ever wn to ever win thein the TTour dour de e France

France ,,Bradley WigginsBradley Wiggins, is a son of... Ghent., is a son of... Ghent. Wiggins, who won

Wiggins, who won Le Tour Le Tour in 2012 and who willin 2012 and who will start this year’s race as the favourite, was born in start this year’s race as the favourite, was born in Ghent in 1980, the son of an English mother Linda Ghent in 1980, the son of an English mother Linda and an Australia

and an Australia n father, Gary. Wiggins Sr. was alson father, Gary. Wiggins Sr. was also a professional cyclist, and at the ti

a professional cyclist, and at the ti me was riding for me was riding for the now defunct

the now defunct Marc-ARD Marc-ARD team, which was basedteam, which was based in Ghent.

in Ghent.

After his parents divorced in 1982, Wiggins moved After his parents divorced in 1982, Wiggins moved to England with his mothe

to England with his mothe r, r, and would not see his father and would not see his father again for more than 14 years.

again for more than 14 years.

Living in Maida Vale, north London, Wiggins attended Living in Maida Vale, north London, Wiggins attended the St Augustine’s Church of England High School, a the St Augustine’s Church of England High School, a comprehensive in Kilburn at which his mother worked. comprehensive in Kilburn at which his mother worked. He began cycle racing at the age of 12 at the Herne Hill He began cycle racing at the age of 12 at the Herne Hill Velodrome, recalling recently in an i

Velodrome, recalling recently in an i nterview that: ‘At 12nterview that: ‘At 12 I told my art teacher, I’m g

I told my art teacher, I’m going to be Olympic chaoing to be Olympic cha mpion,mpion, I’m going to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour.’

I’m going to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour.’ And much more besides, he coul

And much more besides, he coul d have added. Wig-d have added. Wig-gins’s career began in track cycling, specialising in the gins’s career began in track cycling, specialising in the pursuit and the

pursuit and the MadisonMadison, before he gradually moved, before he gradually moved into road racing.

into road racing. He has won s

He has won six cycling World Championix cycling World Championships, his first ships, his first in 2003 and his most rec

in 2003 and his most rec ent in 2008. He won a bronzeent in 2008. He won a bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics, a gold, a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics, a gold, a silver and a bronze at the 2004 Summer Olym

and a bronze at the 2004 Summer Olym pics, two goldspics, two golds at the 2008 Summer Olympics and another gold at the at the 2008 Summer Olympics and another gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

2012 Summer Olympics. After the 2008 Olympi

After the 2008 Olympi cs, Wiggins took a break fromcs, Wiggins took a break from the track to focus on the road. Initial

the track to focus on the road. Initial ly viewed as a timely viewed as a time trial specialist and as a

trial specialist and as a rouleur rouleur , Wiggins showed his, Wiggins showed his ability in stage races when he came fourth in the 2009 ability in stage races when he came fourth in the 2009 Tour de France

Tour de France (later promoted to third after Lance(later promoted to third after Lance Armstron

Armstrong’s results were g’s results were voided in 2012). His first victory voided in 2012). His first victory in a major stage race came in the 2011

in a major stage race came in the 2011 Critérium du Critérium du Dauphiné

Dauphiné , and later that year finished third in the, and later that year finished third in the Vuelta Vuelta a España.

a España. He then took second in the time trial at theHe then took second in the time trial at the 2011 UCI Road World Championships.

2011 UCI Road World Championships. In 2012 - besides winning the

In 2012 - besides winning the Tour Tour and taking twoand taking two individual stages - Wiggins won the

individual stages - Wiggins won the Paris–Nice Paris–Nice , the, the Tour Tour de Romandie

de Romandie , the, the Critérium du Dauphiné Critérium du Dauphiné , and the time, and the time trial at the Olympics. He was then given a knigh

trial at the Olympics. He was then given a knigh thood inthood in the Queen’s New Year honours list, but has since gone the Queen’s New Year honours list, but has since gone on to say that he will not use the title

on to say that he will not use the title Sir Sir until he retiresuntil he retires from cycl

from cycling.ing.

Great Bradley Wiggins

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9 BasiCs

BasiCs

Dutch is spoken in Flanders, the upper part of Belgium. Dutch is spoken in Flanders, the upper part of Belgium. Although it is almost identical to the language used Although it is almost identical to the language used in the Netherlands, in Belgium the Dutch language is in the Netherlands, in Belgium the Dutch language is called

called FlemishFlemish. In Flanders, most people have a fairly . In Flanders, most people have a fairly good knowledge of English. Next to Dutch, Belgium good knowledge of English. Next to Dutch, Belgium also has French and German as national languages. also has French and German as national languages. Almost 60 per cent of the Belgian population speaks Almost 60 per cent of the Belgian population speaks Dutch. French is the common language in Brussels Dutch. French is the common language in Brussels and Wallonia (the southern part of the country). Only and Wallonia (the southern part of the country). Only one per cent of the countrys population uses German one per cent of the countrys population uses German as its mother tongue, spoken in a few communities in as its mother tongue, spoken in a few communities in the east of Belgium.

the east of Belgium.

Useful Phrases in Dutch

How are you?

How are you?Hoe is het ermee?Hoe is het ermee?

Pleased to meet you.

Pleased to meet you.Aangename kennismaking.Aangename kennismaking.

Do you speak English?

Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?Spreekt u Engels?

Where is the nearest shop, hotel, restaurant, bar Where is the nearest shop, hotel, restaurant, bar or toilet?

or toilet?

Is er een winkel, een hotel, een restaurant, een café of Is er een winkel, een hotel, een restaurant, een café of een toilet in de buurt?

een toilet in de buurt?

What’s your name?

What’s your name?Wat is uw naam?Wat is uw naam?

My name is …

My name is …Mijn naam is ...Mijn naam is ...

What time is it?

What time is it?Hoe laat is het?Hoe laat is het?

How much?

How much?Hoeveel kost dit?Hoeveel kost dit?

Hello

Hello HalloHallo

Good morning

Good morning GoeiemorgenGoeiemorgen

Good evening

Good evening GoeieavondGoeieavond

Goodnight

Goodnight Goeienacht Goeienacht

Goodbye

Goodbye Daaaaag Daaaaag

Yes

Yes JaJa

No

No NeeNee

Maybe

Maybe MisschienMisschien

Thank you

Thank you Bedankt Bedankt

Days of the week

Monday

Monday maandag maandag

Tuesday

Tuesday dinsdag dinsdag

Wednesday

Wednesday woensdag woensdag

Thursday

Thursday donderdag donderdag

Friday

Friday vrijdag vrijdag

Saturday

Saturday zaterdag zaterdag

Sunday

Sunday zondag zondag

Numbers

1

1eeneen 1313 dertiendertien

2

2tweetwee 1414 veertienveertien

3

3driedrie 1515 vijftienvijftien

4

4vier vier 1616zestienzestien

5

5vijf vijf 1717zeventienzeventien

6

6zeszes 1818 achttienachttien

7

7zevenzeven 1919 negentiennegentien

8

8acht acht 2020 twintig twintig

9

9negennegen 2121 eenentwintig eenentwintig

10

10tientien 100100 honderdhonderd

11

11elf elf 500500 vijfhonderdvijfhonderd

12

12twaalf twaalf

Street smarts

Street, road

Street, road straat straat

Square / Market Square / Market pleinplein

Airport

Airport luchthavenluchthaven

Port

Port havenhaven

Bus station

Bus station busstationbusstation

T

Train srain stationtation treinstationtreinstation

Taxi

Taxi taxitaxi

Language

Population

Population (Belgium): 10,839,905 (in (Belgium): 10,839,905 (in 2010)2010)

Longest rivers

Longest rivers: Maas (Meuse) an Schelde (Scheldt): Maas (Meuse) an Schelde (Scheldt)

Highest point

Highest point: Botrange (694m): Botrange (694m)

Length of Belgian coastline

Length of Belgian coastline: 66,5 km: 66,5 km

Land area

Land area: 30.528 km²: 30.528 km²

Borders

Borders: Belgium has borders with the Netherlands,: Belgium has borders with the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France.

Germany, Luxembourg and France.

Capital

Capital: Brussels: Brussels

F

acts & Figur

es

as flat as a pancake, but don’t misju

as flat as a pancake, but don’t misju dge the steep streetsdge the steep streets surrounding the

surrounding the Blandijnberg Blandijnberg . Those streets make you. Those streets make you crave you had the stamina of a top Bel

crave you had the stamina of a top Bel gian cyclist like Tgian cyclist like Tomom Boonen.

Boonen. A couple of things A couple of things to keep to keep in mind: beware of in mind: beware of thethe tramlines, as onc

tramlines, as onc e your wheel gets stuck in it, you will fall.e your wheel gets stuck in it, you will fall. Remember to always lock your bike be

Remember to always lock your bike be cause - to the frus-cause - to the frus-tration of many bikers - stealing bikes is the national sport tration of many bikers - stealing bikes is the national sport of Belgium’s rascals. And don’t even think about having of Belgium’s rascals. And don’t even think about having your loved one (or anyone else) riding on the back o

your loved one (or anyone else) riding on the back o f your f your bike, as the police will hit you with a heavy fine.

bike, as the police will hit you with a heavy fine.

Disabled travellers

Most public places and facilities in Ghent are Most public places and facilities in Ghent are acces-sible for disabled travellers. Most pavements have sible for disabled travellers. Most pavements have been adapted with rubber strips, and traffic lights at been adapted with rubber strips, and traffic lights at crossings have clickin

crossings have clickin g systems. Accessible Travg systems. Accessible Travelel Info Point is a ser

Info Point is a ser vice of the Flemvice of the Flem ish Tish Tourist Board that ourist Board that people with disabilities can consult when travelling to people with disabilities can consult when travelling to Flanders. I

Flanders. I f you’f you’re travelling by train in wheelchair, there travelling by train in wheelchair, the Belgian rail system asks to go get in touch with the Belgian rail system asks to go get in touch with the sta-tion of depar

tion of depar ture at least - believe it or not - 24 hoursture at least - believe it or not - 24 hours in advance.

in advance.

Electricity

The electrical current i

The electrical current i s 220V AC, 50Hz. Europeans 220V AC, 50Hz. European plugs are a must. At least if you wanna be c

plugs are a must. At least if you wanna be c onnected toonnected to the outside world...

the outside world...

Emergency numbers

Dial the European emergency num

Dial the European emergency num ber 112 in case of ber 112 in case of emergency. The number will connect you with local emergency. The number will connect you with local po-lice, ambulance or fire department. For all other cases lice, ambulance or fire department. For all other cases (for instance Anonymous Alcoholics, the Drugsline and (for instance Anonymous Alcoholics, the Drugsline and Abusement of El

Abusement of El ders hotline - really), just surf to www.ders hotline - really), just surf to www. noodnummer.be.

noodnummer.be.

Healt

h & S

h & Safety

afety

Ghent is a relatively safe city for residents and tourists, Ghent is a relatively safe city for residents and tourists, but you shoul

but you shoul d watch out for pickpockets. Obviousld watch out for pickpockets. Obviousl yy,, don’t leave your belongings unattended and use don’t leave your belongings unattended and use common sense at all ti

common sense at all ti mes. There is a large policemes. There is a large police presence in the centre. Neverth

presence in the centre. Neverth eless, try to avoideless, try to avoid unlit streets and parks late at night. As mentioned unlit streets and parks late at night. As mentioned elsewhere, bicycle thef

elsewhere, bicycle thef t is common so a good lock ist is common so a good lock is essential.

essential.

Local time

From the last weekend of March till the l

From the last weekend of March till the l ast weekendast weekend of October, Belgium is in the Central European Summ of October, Belgium is in the Central European Summ er er Time Zone, or GMT+

Time Zone, or GMT+2. During 2. During the rest of ththe rest of th e year thee year the clock ticks according to the Central European Time clock ticks according to the Central European Time Zone,

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Hoels Resaurans Cafés Nighlife Sighseeing Evens Maps

Hoels Resaurans Cafés Nighlife Sighseeing Evens Maps

GHENt

GHENt

Music o your ears

Music o your ears

W

W

elcome to Gh

elcome to Gh

ent: UNESCO City

ent: UNESCO City

of Music. From the

of Music. From the

Gentse

Gentse

Feesten

Feesten

to

to

V

V

ooruit

ooruit

100

100

and

and

Parkkaffee

Parkkaffee

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Food

Food

Discover why Ghent is

Discover why Ghent is

Belgium’s

Belgium’s

top culin

top culin

ary

ary

destination. Isn‘t li

destination. Isn‘t li

fe

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simply njummie?

simply njummie?

July 201

July 2013 - January 2014

3 - January 2014

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visibility and events.

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3

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Contents

Contents

E S S E N T I A L C I T

E S S E N T I A L C I T

Y G U I

Y G U I

D E S