Ghent sits between Bruges and Brussels — better preserved than the former, more architecturally coherent than the latter. For visitors who prefer to discover Belgian culture away from tourist circuits, Ghent with a private chauffeur is the definitive choice.
Ghent — Gent in Dutch, Gand in French — is Belgium's least touristed major city, which is precisely why its architectural and cultural heritage is more legible, its restaurant scene more genuine, and its pace more rewarding for the visitor who travels with intention.
Located 55 kilometres west of Brussels and 60 kilometres east of Bruges, Ghent is logically included in any serious Belgium itinerary. FFGR Belgium operates between Brussels and Ghent in approximately 40 minutes, from Antwerp in 55 minutes, and from Bruges in 45 minutes.
**The City**
Ghent's historic centre is dense with medieval ecclesiastical architecture and Flemish guild houses concentrated around three towers — the Belfry, St Nicholas's Church, and St Bavo's Cathedral — that create Belgium's most spectacular urban skyline when viewed from the Korenlei. St Bavo's Cathedral houses the Ghent Altarpiece (the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), Jan and Hubert van Eyck's 15th-century polyptych widely considered the most important painting in existence that has never left its original location.
**Dining**
Ghent's restaurant scene is more intimate and less performative than Brussels's. At the premier level: OAK (contemporary Flemish, international acclaim), De Superette (Kobe Desramaults's sourdough and natural wine institution, relocated from Ieper), Vrijmoed (Michelin-starred, focused, remarkable), and Volta (industrial space, long tables, one of Belgium's most interesting wine lists). FFGR Belgium's concierge team can arrange reservations and private dining access at each.
**Gravensteen & Private Access**
Ghent Castle (Gravensteen) normally operates as a public museum, but after-hours private access for groups and corporate entertaining can be arranged through the city's cultural events office. FFGR Belgium coordinates the full evening — transport, access, private catering — for clients wishing to dine in a 12th-century castle within the city.
**Staying in Ghent**
For clients spending the night, Hotel Harmony (canal-side, 25 rooms, exceptional breakfast) and Ghent Marriott Hotel (central, reliable at the top tier) are the leading options. The Ghent River Hotel has the city's most dramatic views of the historic waterfront.
From Brussels, arrange a private car to Ghent through FFGR Belgium at +33 7 43 46 14 91.