Spend a Weekend

Cruise into Ghent on a Friday night and check into any number of stylish hotels. For those seeking something unique, there are the independent Hotel Harmony (Kraanlei 37), Hotel de Flandre (Poel 1-2) and Hotel Gravensteen (Jan Breydelstraat 35). Those watching their loyalty points or preferring the recognition of an international chain, might consider the Marriott (Korenlei 10) or the NH Ghent Belfort (Hoogpoort 63). All are located close to the city centre and all have an element of historic charm.

Wander through the cobbled streets of Patershol, the culinary heart of the city, and one of the restaurants there is sure to appeal: Vier Tafels, serving international fusion food, is frequented by both tourists and locals; Amadeus is a Belgian restaurant particularly popular with visitors; while Karel de Stoute and De Blauwe Zalm are gastronomic restaurants serving top-notch cuisine. En route back to your hotel, admire the city's fairy-tale lights, which reflect in the canals and really bring the city to life at night.

On Saturday morning, do the essential sights: the 12th century fortress of Gravensteen, St Baafskathedraal, not forgetting to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb for which there is an entrance fee, and Belfort, the 14th century belfry for views over the neighbouring cathedral and city. For lunch, Het Groot Vleeshuis (The Butchers' Hall) comes highly recommended, because it serves only produce from the East Flemish region, such as delicious platters of cured meats and cheeses, all in the atmosphere of a medieval building.

In the afternoon, head for the shops. Jan Breydelstraat is full of interesting shops that you won't find anywhere else, including Fallen Angels (an old-fashioned curiosity shop selling kitsch collectables), an art gallery selling the work of Ghent's best-known contemporary artist Roger Raveel, one dedicated to aeroplane and boat models, Papaver flower shop (selling flower-scented ice-creams in summer) and, on the corner with Korenlai, Home Linen (selling pretty linens and antique jewellery), as well as Brooderie, an organic cafe selling delicious cakes. The Design Museum is also on Jan Breydelstraat, should you wish to pay a visit.

If you want to party on Saturday night, you can - don't go thinking that just because Ghent is a medieval city, it's a quiet one. Not at all. There are 45,000 students in the city so the bar and club scene is well and truly lively. Local students drink around Sint-Petersplein and in the Overpoortstraat, while the chic area to drink is Vlas Markt, but you might prefer to say in the historic heart, where the canal-side Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant (Groentenmarkt 9), with 100-plus beers, and 't Dreupelkot (Groentenmarkt 10), with 100-plus genevers, are two of the best spots for sampling the local tipple. Follow up with dinner at hip Belga Queen, housed in a stunning 13th century grain store on Graslei, where you can stay on for late night drinks. But if you are into dancing, you will want to move on to Culture Club (Afrikalaan 174), consistently rated one of the best clubs in Europe, which is a little way out of town.

Sunday morning is market day in Ghent. A sprinkling of those on offer includes the bird market in Vrijdagmarkt, the flea market in Bij St Jacobs/Beverhoutplein and craft products in the Groentenmarkt. Alternatively, if you are more of a museum person or the weather dictates an indoor activity, visit SMAK, MSK, MIAT, the Design Museum or the House of Alijn - all offer complimentary entrance to individuals on Sunday morning between 10am and 1pm.

With the end of the weekend in sight, lunch is likely to be a leisurely affair: try Brasserie Pakhuis (Schuurkenstraat 4), which serves traditional French and Italian cuisines in a beautifully restored iron foundry.

In the afternoon, if it's summer when the boats run, take a canal trip. Otherwise, take the chance to wander the picturesque streets of Ghent, strolling down Vlaanderenstraat, which is undergoing something of a regeneration and is now home to lots of interesting fashion, gift and interiors boutiques. Wander over to the beautiful Klein Begijnhof and then walk back into the historic town centre via the Koning Albert Park, rounding off your weekend in Ghent.