This 12th-century fortress boasts a stormy past and was often the centre of skirmishes and bloody battles. Built by Philip of Alsace in 1180, Castle Gravensteen embodies the old crusader strongholds found in the Holy Land. Towering stone walls with medieval merlons a central donjon, nearby stables and a moat fed by the river Lys make up the castle, creating a setting that's worthy of a fairy tale.Passing through the gatehouse and entering the keep's inner halls will give you a feel of what it was like to live within the walls. Counts and knights used to use Castle Gravensteen as their personal living quarters and display their military power in the town of Ghent. Visitors can also uncover the torture chambers, famous all over Belgium. Discover a large collection of torture tools put on display in the chamber of execution. Castle Gravensteen also hosts a plethora of cultural events and activities throughout the year, so you can find something new every time you come for a visit.

Named after the knight Geeraard Vilain, Geeraard de Duivelsteen or Castle of Gerald the Devil is one of Ghent's prized possessions. A knights residence, an armoury, a school, an asylum and then a prison, Geeraard de Duivelsteen has been accompanying Ghent's history across the ages, often changing its functions to fit the city's needs.Thick stone walls and towering turrets with blue-tiled rooftops make up this picturesque stronghold. And despite its name, the Devil has never lived in the castle. Nowadays the fortress quietly stands guard over the town and is considered to be a testament to both Ghent's elegance and flavourful past.

Nestled in the historic centre this plaza lets you take a step back to Ghent's golden age. Feel like a local as you wander through the stall-filled square. Cobblestone pavements lined with cosy cafés, restaurants and vibrant historic buildings embellish this area. Recharge your batteries as you sip on a warm drink and embrace the energy of Vrijdagmarkt. Vrijdagmarkt sparks up the town every Friday and Saturday as small market stands and kiosks fill up the square selling all kinds of eye-catching trinkets. Beer enthusiasts will be in their element as there is an abundance of local pubs selling artisanal and craft brews. From Flemish red and brown ales to traditional Trappist beers, you'll get to discover authentic Belgian beer culture, part of UNESCO's list of the 'intangible cultural heritage of humanity'.Exploring Vrijdagmarkt also means discovering Bond Moyson. This towering building overlooks the plaza. The entrance is guarded by a crowing rooster and is decorated with socialist-inspired slogans. Before venturing off into one of the eye-catching alleyways, be sure to head over to the centre of the plaza and pay tribute to the statue of Jacob van Artevelde. Hailed as a local hero, this statesman helped revive Ghent's textiles industry in the 14th century, saving the town from an economic setback.

The Graslei and Korenlei, also known in English as the 'Grass Quay' used to be the commercial hub of Ghent. From the 5th century, this medieval port was the town's hotspot for its grain supplies and other products. Today, this bustling promenade is the place to be when visiting Ghent. 13th-century Flemish buildings and historic bridges lined with welcoming cafès, restaurants and cosy dehors give off a laidback and vibrant atmosphere along the riverside, ideal for anyone wanting to blend in with the locals. Make sure to poke around some of the promenade's age-old houses, each boasting its artistically unique facade. Buildings like the 'Guild House of the Free Sailors' and 'Den Enghel House' are just some of the river houses that have been captivating visitors for centuries.

Tucked away in the town's historic district, Saint Bavo's Cathedral or Sint-Baafs Cathedral has been overlooking Ghent for over a thousand years and tells a history like no other.Gothic architecture, stone facades, narrow stained-glassed windows, an imposing spire and well-kept gardens embellish this 13th-century church. Its welcoming halls invite its visitors to uncover its grand colonnades and tepid rays of light up the cathedral with a warm aura.Walking through the cathedral's doors leaves visitors mesmerised as they uncover a true masterpiece - The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb -. Also known as the Ghent Altarpiece, this work of art is made up of twelve interior panels featuring humanity's redemption. It was composed by Flemish Primitives, one of the first major oil paintings, a true European treasure.