http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17638
Ghent specialisms including waterzooi, eels and a magnificent beef in beer stew. A good range of others too, including a delicious fish soup and a rather special pork, bacon and sausage dish served with sorrel mash.

The waiters were good fun and 'very good' in Flemish turned out to be 'veer lekken' with a bit of Welsh (as in coch) on the double kk.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17638 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16873
The huge café area plays host to multiple activities from quiet union meetings to cinema and concerts. Most of the latter are free. The French and Flemish press are available.

Sit down at any of the tables and you can be left alone or join in on the conversations. Nearly everyone talks English. The bar is good and very cheap and the food is wholesome. Homemade soup and bread for 2.60 euros which is great and pasta for about 8. Mostly fair trade and not bad for veggies.

For the stay over there my favourite in an ex-convent called Geertje Henckens on Zwartezusterstraat in the centre of town. There are only two bedrooms so book. A breakfast to die for and the second day it gets better.

If it is full try Faja Lobi in Tarbotstraat, a little further from the centre but with a lovely garden and (if possible) an even better welcome from the gay couple that run the place. Both are about 60 euros for a couple.

Then take a wander. Everything is within 30mins walk but take one of the river tours if you haven't done any research. The Cathedral is a must.

For light refreshment I recommend The Pink Flamingo in Onderstraat as possibly the most kitsch bar in the world. I go at least twice a year with my wife to Ghent and we are never disappointed.

The thing about the chip shop is true - it is the best.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16873 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16801 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16801 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16800 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16800 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13604
It was even better than expected. It may only be a "bed and breakfast", but it is one of world class.

Super-friendly owners. The 18th-century restored mansion has kept its original features while incorporating dazzling flashes of modernity.

It made my stay feel like a visit to a friend's grand country house.

Ghent has a surprisingly large number cultural and musical activities on offer, and is a great medieval city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13604 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12879 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12879 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11190
It is housed in a fantastic, converted warehouse which makes an amazing setting for a meal.

Food is a wonderful mixture of French and Italian. They also do great fish platters with whole lobsters etc. There is an extensive wine list, and also (of course) an extensive list of beers. As well as the restaurant there is also a bar which you can visit for a drink.

Pakhuis is popular with locals, which I always think is a good sign.

Have a look at their website for a menu and an idea of what it looks like.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11190 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9852 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9852 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9851 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9851 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9842 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9842 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9841 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9841 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9840 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9840 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9474 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9474