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Practical Tips & Hacks

Practical Tips & Hacks

Flanders, Belgium

Money-Saving Strategies

Make your budget stretch further in Ghent.

Discount Cards & Passes

  • CityCard Gent: This pass includes entry to major Ghent attractions and unlimited public transport for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Purchase it at the Tourist Information Office or online.
  • Museum Pass (Museum Pass Musées): For many museums across Belgium, this pass includes a year of access to over 200 Belgian museums, including some in Ghent.
  • Free activities and attractions: Enjoy Ghent’s many free offerings.
  • Happy hours and dining deals: Look for "dagmenu" (daily menu) or "lunchmenu" options for affordable fixed-price meals.

Transportation & Shopping

  • Public transport: Purchase multi-day De Lijn passes. Walk or cycle everywhere.
  • Avoid taxis for short distances.
  • Capital One Travel: Explore travel rewards for your trip expenses.
  • Eagle Creek: Discover travel organization products for efficient packing.

Accommodation & Booking

  • Consider hostels for budget-friendly dormitory beds or private rooms.
  • Apartment rentals: These bring savings for groups or longer stays, often with kitchen facilities.
  • Book early: Secure better rates for accommodation and some tours.
  • Look for loyalty programs to gain exclusive deals.

General Savings

  • Prepare some of your own meals if your accommodation has kitchen facilities.
  • Use free Wi-Fi spots instead of mobile data where available.
  • Pack light to avoid checked baggage fees.
  • Utilize student or senior discounts if eligible.

Time-Saving Tips

Maximize your sightseeing time and avoid delays.

Efficient Sightseeing

  • Skip-the-line options: For popular attractions like the Ghent Altarpiece, book online to bypass queues.
  • CityCard Gent functions as a skip-the-line pass for many included attractions.
  • Visit major attractions (Gravensteen, Saint Bavo's, Belfry) right at opening or an hour before closing.
  • Early mornings bring quieter experiences and better photo opportunities.

Transportation Efficiency

  • Trains are generally the fastest way to travel between Belgian cities.
  • For airport transfers, the direct train from Brussels Airport to Ghent is the quickest option.
  • Efficient routing: Group attractions by geographical proximity to minimize travel time.
  • The three towers and Patershol are close, easy to explore together on foot.

Pre-booking Strategies

  • Book accommodation, especially during high season or major festivals.
  • For long-distance train tickets, booking in advance secures better fares.
  • Book popular tours like the Ghent Altarpiece VR experience if you have specific time slots in mind.
  • Babbel: Learn basic phrases before you go for smoother interactions.

Digital Tools

  • De Lijn app: The official public transport app for Flanders.
  • Google Maps: For general navigation, download offline maps.
  • Google Translate: Download the Dutch offline language pack.
  • NordVPN: Secure your internet connection on public Wi-Fi.

Local Insights

Grasp Ghent's unique character and customs for a more authentic visit.

Common Tourist Errors

  • Not validating public transport tickets; inspectors check.
  • Do not skip Ghent in favor of Bruges alone.
  • Driving into the city center without checking the Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Fines apply.
  • Only eating at tourist trap restaurants. Venture a few streets away from main squares for better value.

Local Customs & Social Norms

  • Belgians are generally reserved but friendly; punctuality is valued.
  • Make eye contact when speaking.
  • Avoid being overly loud in public spaces, especially residential areas.
  • Queuing is common and expected. Give way to cyclists on bike paths.

Language & Interaction

  • Do not assume everyone speaks English, though widely understood in tourist areas.
  • Attempting a few basic Dutch phrases shows respect and often elicits a positive response.
  • Even if you revert to English immediately after, the effort is appreciated.
  • Polite engagement improves your local interactions.

Solo, Family & Group Advice

  • Ghent is very safe for solo travelers. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace.
  • Hostels often feature social environments and organized activities. Join tours to meet others.
  • Gravensteen Castle or STAM museum are hits with kids for interactive fun.
  • For groups, book restaurants for dinner. Consider group tickets for transport. Coordinate meeting points.

Family-Friendly Tips

Tailor your approach to Ghent based on your travel companions.

Activities for Children

  • Canal boat tours offer a relaxing and scenic way for families to see the city.
  • The Blaarmeersen recreational area offers ample space for kids to run and play.
  • Belgian fries and waffles are universal kid-pleasers and easy meal options.
  • Consider renting bikes for a family adventure along the canals.

Group Logistics

  • For groups, pre-book restaurants for dinner, ensuring seating.
  • Consider group tickets for public transport or attractions if available.
  • Coordinate meeting points and times clearly for group members.
  • For accessibility, research specific venues in advance for travelers with mobility challenges.

General Family Advice

  • Engage kids with a scavenger hunt based on city landmarks.
  • Encourage children to take photos, making them more involved.
  • Read up on Ghent's history in a kid-friendly way before you go.
  • Reward good behavior with local treats.

Specific Needs

  • Research information on accessible infrastructure and attractions.
  • Consult official tourism resources for details on accessible routes.
  • Contact venues directly for specific accessibility inquiries.
  • Travelers with specific needs can find more resources in the dedicated accessibility section.

Note on Accessibility

For travelers with specific needs, research specific venues in advance.

Local Insights

Grasp Ghent's unique character and customs for a more authentic visit.

Common Tourist Errors

Not validating public transport tickets. Fines are possible. Do not skip Ghent for Bruges alone. Driving into the city center without checking LEZ.

Local Customs & Norms

Belgians are reserved but friendly. Punctuality is valued. Make eye contact. Avoid being overly loud in public, especially residential areas. Queuing is common.

Civic Considerations

Give way to cyclists on bike paths. They move quickly. Do not assume everyone speaks English, though widely understood in tourist areas. Basic Dutch phrases show respect.

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Solo Traveler Tips

  • Ghent is safe for solo travelers.
  • Hostels often feature social environments and organized activities.
  • Join walking tours, food tours, or pub crawls to meet other travelers or locals.

Family Travel Tips

  • Gravensteen Castle, with its audio guide, often appeals to kids.
  • The STAM museum has interactive exhibits that engage younger visitors.
  • Canal boat tours are a relaxing and scenic way for families to see the city.

More Family Ideas

The Blaarmeersen recreational area offers ample space for kids. Belgian fries and waffles are universal kid-pleasers. Consider renting bikes for a family adventure along the canals.

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