Ghent city breaks

Looming menacingly over the River Leie, Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) is hard to miss.

The current castle dates back to 1180, when it was the residence of the Counts of Flanders. After the Count moved away in the late 14th century, the site spent nearly 400 years as a courthouse and a prison.

There, the accused were held in dungeons, tortured and executed. The morbidly inclined will find the museum of torture devices on the top floor thrilling.

St Bavo’s Cathedral, with its imposing tower, is one of Ghent’s most recognised landmarks.

Inside, you’ll find all manner of religious artefacts and even a whale skeleton. And don’t forget to look out for one of the most famous paintings of all time, The Ghent Altarpiece.

Widely known as the first great oil painting, its history is marred by intrigue and scandal. It's been bought and sold all over Europe, damaged by fire and is one of the most stolen artworks of all time.

Graslei and Korenlei are the streets that trace either side of the River Leie in the middle of the city.

Both banks are popular with tourists and locals who want to take a stroll by the river, have a pint with friends or simply people-watch.

Punctuate your walk with drinks and snacks at the restaurants and cafés along the way, or grab something to go and head to St Michael’s Bridge to admire the view.

Rising high over Korenmarkt, the Belfry has served several purposes over the years; first as the city's document store and then as a watchtower.

These days, the bell (nicknamed 'Roland') no longer chimes to warn locals of impending danger, but to mark each hour, along with a cheerful carillon of 54 bells, if you stop by on a Sunday morning.

Climb the stairs to enjoy the view from the top, or hop in the lift, if you'd rather not navigate the narrow spiral staircase.

Just beyond Gravensteen’s crenelated walls, this bijou café’s squeezed into one of Kraanlei’s narrow townhouses.

It’s known for its namesake owner’s bakes, from red velvet blondies to slabs of Biscoff cheesecake.

Portions are generous, so arrive hungry. If you can find a table, it’s an excellent spot for brunch or afternoon tea, complete with delicate finger sandwiches and the option of a glass of fizz.

Despite being a fair few miles from the sea, Ghent is known as one of the best places in Belgium for oysters.

While you could stop off at a restaurant to indulge, De Blauwe Kiosk will make for a more memorable meal.

Head to the Kouter on a Sunday morning to soak up the fragrance of the flower market, stroll in the sunshine and pick up fresh oysters and champagne at the quaint blue kiosk.

The former newsstand is now something of a Ghent icon, and you'll find the surrounding tables crowded with locals and visitors alike every weekend.

In a bid to decrease meat consumption, in 2009 Ghent declared every Thursday 'Veggie Day'.

The idea caught on, and you'll now find most restaurants in the city offering tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes through the week.

Using fresh, locally harvested veg, the team at Lokaal whip up a delicious sharing menu every evening, along with a simple, ever-changing lunch option and their famous BlikiBurger (a vegan take on the traditional Belgian Bicky Burger).

With a focus on organic veg, fair trade produce and locally sourced ingredients, this friendly, plant-based café is a delicious pit-stop during a day out in Ghent.

Stop off for a hearty soup or sandwich, or hit the colourful buffet and pay by weight for what you eat. Big appetite? Grab a golden plate and dive into all-you-can-eat vegan goodness.

While you're there, wet your whistle with a homemade lemonade or explore the beer and wine list.

Headed up by Italian-Brazilian chef Marcelo Ballardin, this one-Michelin-starred hot spot serves up internationally inspired dishes, blending classic Italian flavours with the freshness and spice of Asian cuisine.

The seasonal seven-course dinner menu features five exquisite starters, followed by a main and dessert, or you can pop in for a five-course lunch.

Everything's served up in a relaxed, modern setting where pretensions are left at the door.