Ghent

Ghent is Belgium's finest secret — a medieval city that combines the spectacular architectural heritage of Bruges with a vibrant, living university-city energy that Bruges lacks. The confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers creates a dramatic urban waterscape, and the trio of towers — St. Bavo's Cathedral, St. Nicholas's Church and the Belfry — rising above the old city form one of the great skylines of Northern Europe. The absolute highlight of Ghent — and arguably of all Belgian art — is the Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by the Van Eyck brothers, completed in 1432 and displayed in St. Bavo's Cathedral. It is considered the most important painting in Belgium, possibly in Northern European art history. The Cathedral itself is magnificent. The Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), a 12th-century fortress rising implausibly from the city centre, is excellent. The Graslei and Korenlei — the medieval guild house quaysides flanking the inner harbour — are Ghent's most photographed scenes. The Friday Market (Vrijdagmarkt), the Design Museum Ghent and the contemporary arts scene in the former slaughterhouse (Dok) are all excellent. The student population (Ghent University is one of Belgium's largest) ensures that bars, restaurants and cultural venues stay lively and affordable. The STAM (Ghent City Museum) is outstanding. Visit year-round; Ghent is significantly less overwhelmed by tourists than Bruges.