The first time I visited Gent was November 2009. I just started my new job in Nashville and took my first trip to Europe and to this place. This was the first picture I took of Gent and it is the view that would end up changing my life forever. I fell in love with Gent; I fell in love with Belgium; I fell in love with Europe. Little did I know that three years later, I would call Gent home.

Why is it awesome?

My sister described Gent as a “snow globe” city the first time she visited and it’s probably the best tagline. Even though it is cold and rainy 75% of the time, the people and the background are enough to warm you up from the inside out.

It is difficult to make a weekend post about home because, well, I live here. I have the ability to do everything I want, anytime I want. If you’re looking for the sites to see, then hit up Google because anyone can tell you that. But here are a few of my favorite things in hopes you will want to explore it on your own.

Summertime…

…is the best time. Gentsefeesten in July and Patersholfeesten in August are just two festivals that keep the locals in Belgium for the summer period.

On a sunny day, you can find many people sitting on the Graslei enjoying music, wine and each other’s company. The restaurants on the canals are full of people as the Gentians crawl out from their interior prisons to soak up the long awaited sun.

But you’ll find me at my favorite cafe, Den Hoek Af. Their terrace is the best location to get every ounce of sun the day has to offer and their seasonal cocktails will make you not care when the sun does inevitably go away. It is always crowded so if you are lucky enough to get a spot outside, don’t leave 🙂

Kiosko is a seasonal place only open during the hotty hot months of the year. Run by Italians, they serve only the best Italian meats, cheese and wine to quench the thirst of locals and tourists alike. It is a bit off the beaten path with very limited seating making this the ultimate local hangout.

Oh! And on Sunday’s in the Kouter, you can take a break from walking the rows of gorgeous flowers to have a glass of cava (or champagne for the ultra fancy) and a plate of delicious fresh oysters.

But for the best coffee spot? Full Circle Coffee is a wonderful spot between St. Anna’s square and Gent Zuid. Emmett is pretty popular there and the drip coffee compliments their vegan yummy yums. The owner is a fan of USA so if you’re a fellow Yankee Doodle, then be sure to stop by and say hello!

Booze spots

1. 

One of my first trips to Gent took me to De Waterhuis aan de Bierkant (translates to the water house on the beer bank. Belgium’s attempt at a pun that is a slam dunk. Haha it’s just so clever) for a beer experience I’ve chosen to share with anyone who visits me. However, ask any local and they will tell you it’s the biggest tourist trap in the city. Whatever. I love it. Mainly for the house beer: Klokke Roeland. It’s something like 13% alcohol and you are only allowed three per day. It’s legit.

t’Dreupelkot is the best place for local Gent jenever; it’s like gin, only drinkable. This dashing owner was smitten with my lovely Puck who quickly locked down her position as “heiress to jenever”. They have hundreds of flavors from sweet to sour, fruity to just plain brave to taste.

3. Trappistenhuis is a lovely little underground pub that serves only trappist style belgian beers: beers made from monks. Because it is so near my house, I find myself here quite a lot 🙂 Go here in the winter time and score a spot next to the indoor fire to warm up. The terrace isn’t all that great so if you’re in the area during summer, better stick to a place near the center rather than wandering out of the center to this place. The beers are heavy but you can stay as long as you like to enjoy the tasting.

4. If you don’t like beer or beer, then Jiggers is the place for you. This is the coziest place to get an amazing vintage cocktail and located in the gorgeous Patershol district of Gent. But be careful; these drinks are lethal… Our favorite is the Green Beast but I usually stick to a classic bourbon to save my head from pain the next day.

Wintertime…

…is cold. Really, Really Cold. But at the same time is the most magical time. Gent has a Christmas market that rivals the best of the best (yes, I’m talking Germany). We have a ferris wheel, a weird christmas bulb ride, ice skating rink, gluhwine and all the food types! The lights hung on the street would make any scrooge excited for Sinterklaas to visit.

I was blessed to meet some amazing people pretty early on who showed me a Gent that most people would never see. I’ll keep some places just for me, but if you want to know more, just let me know 🙂

Oh and P.S….

…you’ll want to buy local Gent mustard from Tierenteyn Verlent. You’ll thank me later.