Ghent is located in the Flemish part of Belgium, with beautiful riversides to stroll along. With a history dating back to the Stone Age and Iron Age, much of the city's medieval architecture remained intact and is remarkably well preserved and restored.
In terms of music, there is a major Belgian underground Rock scene with Ghent Indie band Raketkanon in particular. Perhaps you may also remember Gorki, a former Rock band from this town. Leng Tch'e is for the ones among us favouring Metal style. The Belgian Grindcore formation describes their style as Razorgrind, a combination of Grindcore with Death Metal, Stoner Rock, and Metalcore. One reason why so much good music emerges from Ghent is that artists have plenty of opportunities to get out of their basements to perform. There are always free concerts happening around town. So check out the event calendar before heading to town.
B&B Au Grenier lies directly at the motorway and also in neighbourhood to the centre of Ghent. You may jump into your car again or even onto a bike to get into town. Inside with a lovely boutique style, the outside featuring a fancy outdoor swimming pool and relaxing area. Perfect for having a rest after the long drive. Also offering excellent rates.
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One of the remaining Hard Rock and Metal cafés in Ghent and a legendary place on the scene. Featuring Rock and Metal sounds from disc as well as monthly live concerts. Whether you are up for Hard Rock, Punk, Hardcore, Stoner Rock, Doom, or Grunge - a must see when around in town.
Located just a short 10-minute walk away from Ghent’s historical city centre, Foley’s is combining big hearted Irish hospitality and a homely decor, with quality drinks and outstanding food. The menu mixes hearty Irish cuisine with the finesse of the Belgian kitchen, and the ever popular burgers and Irish fries have kept customers coming back for years. Enjoy relaxed hours on the outside terrace or inside with its pleasant, stunning looking brick wall setting. Definitely worth a try: the large selection of whiskeys. Open until late.
Not only record shop, but also café: Consouling Store in the city centre of Ghent. Have a chat to the competent storeholders while sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. They are always up for good advice. The label itself is specialising in Doom and Ambient, nevertheless widening their scope to other genres.
South of the inner city of Ghent is Vinylkitchen. Browse the huge range of used vinyl as well as new arrivals. Genres include Rock, Punk, Metal and Blues, but also Soul, Funk, Classical, and many more. You may also listen to the records before buying. A haven for music lovers.
Vooruit has always been an important venue in the Belgian town of Ghent. It’s a former socialist arts centre and meeting place in a beautiful historical building, once combining a theatre with a supermarket, and a big hall. Nowadays, the city’s scene is very much about crossovers between visual arts and music. Concerts come with exhibitions and vice-versa.
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Located in the centre of Ghent, Kinky Star is an independent youth and music centre well known for its non-standard music program. On their agenda: weekly live gigs or DJ nights from various genres. They manage to find unknown but high-performing bands from Belgium and abroad, and even though you don't always know what you're in for, it will always leave an impression. Definitely a great place to discover underground newcomers and established bands alike.
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Muziekcafé Elpee may be somewhere in Belgium but is home to heavy music from local neighbourhood and abroad alike. A Metal live club with super-loyal visitors where guests and artists set the atmosphere, which is really unique. One day Elpee might be an oasis of tranquility, the following day a band with an international reputation will raise the roof. Their event calendar offers something for every preference. Also supporting local talents.
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Campsite Groeneveld is located between Ghent and Deinze and perfect for exploring the historic towns of Ghent and Bruges. Whether tent, caravan, or camper van – there is a quiet place waiting for you at this welcoming site. All surrounded by lush green scenery. Also offering few hikers cabins.
If you want to stay the night near your Calais ferry, choose this four star countryside campsite in the Pas-de-Calais district of France, just ten minutes north of Saint Omer. A beautiful area of wooded park, overlooked by the 19th century chateau. Ideal for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet, but also offering great amenities and attractions such as two swimming-pools and a tennis court. Located at the gates of England, only 35 minutes from Calais ferry.
Music Mania is the biggest independent record store in the Belgian city of Ghent. Founded in 1969, it has always been more than a shop, it also is home to two record labels. The shop is accompanied by events, performances, and in-store events, all supporting the musical scene in town. In the store, there's a massive musical spectrum from Jazz, Blues, and Folk, to Disco, and much more.
Really nice and authentic place to eat in the welcoming centre of Ghent. The place for ribs. Just across Vooruit venue.
The Vinyl Touch is a truly heaven for everyone with a passion for collecting vinyl. They offer plenty of records in Jazz, Soul, Pop, Alternative Rock and more. They also buy used records so do not hesitate if you want to sell your own collection.
This small and intimate venue in the Belgian city of Ghent is all about Metal and Rock music. If your are in town and into the heavier tunes, check out their fine event calendar offering live music as well as party club nights.
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Where Franconian traditions meet huge Rock festival in a city that is deeply rooted in its long history.
The historical city of Aachen, close to the border to Belgium and the Netherlands is also called Aix-la-Chapelle in French. It developed from a Roman settlement to the preferred medieval imperial residence of Charlemagne and was the place where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned as Kings of the Germans.
Bruges is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe featuring notable architecture. The historic centre of the Belgian city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Canterbury is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kent city lies on the River Stour and is home to a beautiful cathedral. Still today, the impressive building is focus of pilgrimage and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury who is primate of the Church of England.
The city of Oxford is globally known as home of the University of Oxford, which is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Numerous historical university and college buildings boast with marvellous architecture. Everything surrounded by green parks and lush nature walks.
Birmingham is not only birthplace of once entirely new music genres such as Heavy Metal or New Romantic, but also home for globally renowned bands like Black Sabbath or Duran Duran. Brum also offers a really vibrant live music scene.
World-famous for huge Oktoberfest, cosy beer gardens, and lush English Garden, Munich is not only one of the must stops for touring acts. Moreover it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Stratford-upon-Avon situated on the River Avon is a welcoming market town with more than 800 years of history. It is worldwide known as the birthplace of English playwright and poet William Shakespeare.
Ghent (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Ghent (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Ghent (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Ghent (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
