Culture

Ghent is a city full of cultural things to see and do for expats. The old part of the city is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Flemish Béguinages and the Belfry of Ghent, as well as many historic buildings and fine examples of medieval architecture, like the Saint Bavo Cathedral and the old Graslei harbour.

Monuments and heritage

Ghent is a city with a small-town feel: all the top attractions are within walking distance from one another. Therefore, walking is the most efficient – and the healthiest! – way to discover the city.Ghent looks after its precious heritage. The city counts the highest number of heritage buildings in Belgium. Yet its past does not stop the city from living in the present and looking towards the future as well. The city encourages visionary architectural projects that show charachter. There is for example the City Pavilion ('Stadshal'). Located in the historical cetre, this futuritic monument allows its thousand-year-old neighbours to stand out to their full advantage.

Museums

Ghent has a lot of museums. There are a wide variety of museums, so everyone can find something to his or her liking.

Libraries

The main City Library is located at the Woodrow Wilson Square, but every neighbourhood has its own (smaller) branch library. Apart from a large collection of fiction and non-fiction books, you can also borrow movies, music, comics and magazines. You can easily find whatever you need and where you can find it using the online catalogue. The University Library provides access to a wide range of scientific information and supports users in finding it. The catalogue includes the faculty libraries of all departments of the University of Ghent.

Music

Ghent is an inspiration to artists of all kinds. Many musical talents such as Trixie Whitley, 2 Many DJ’s, Dirk Brossé and the Collegium Vocale Ghent have taken up residence in the city. There are various music venues in Ghent. Make sure to go and see a concert there.