Ghent — Medieval weekend on the canals

Gay Ghent is the low-key version of a city trip through Flanders: smaller and more relaxed than Brussels or Antwerp, but compact and uncomplicated. When it comes to LGBT rights, Belgium has been one of the most progressive countries in Europe for years, and you can see that in everyday life in Ghent. Walking hand in hand through the old town is hardly noticed by anyone here. If you travel, you get a university city with a large proportion of students, many small restaurants and short distances.

The nightlife takes place around the Vlasmarkt in the historic centre, a street full of bars and pubs that naturally takes queer guests with it. Near the university is the Overpoort, a second axis, where there is a lot going on in the evenings. So the scene is less spread over a clearly defined district, but blends into the normal nightlife. During the day, the medieval scenery with Gravensteen Castle, the guild houses on the Graslei and the towers in the centre as well as the Museum of Fine Arts and the S.M.A.K. for contemporary art are worthwhile. May to September is the best time to visit, when the terraces are open and the Festival of Lights and the ten-day Gentse Feesten in July fill the city. Ghent is good enough for a long weekend, often combined with Bruges, Antwerp or Brussels on a train journey through Flanders.