12 Unique Indoor Activities in Ghent: From Medieval Castles to Hidden Bookstores

St. Bavo Cathedral is a must-visit in Ghent. The Gothic architecture, soaring ceilings, and stained glass are breathtaking. The Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of art history, is the main attraction. Visitors praise the VR experience and free entry to the main cathedral. The paid portion, including access to the Altarpiece, is highly recommended for art and history enthusiasts.

Some visitors found the entry fee for the Altarpiece viewing area expensive at €12-16 per person. Wait times for tickets can be long, especially during peak hours. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid queues. The VR experience, while interesting, isn't considered fancy by all visitors. Some may find the religious focus less engaging if not interested in Christian history or art.

Visitors rave about the Mystic Lamb's breathtaking beauty and the quality of the restoration. Many appreciate the informative audio guide and the ability to get close to the artwork. The cathedral's architecture and atmosphere also receive high praise. Reviewers often describe the experience as awe-inspiring and a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Some visitors find the entrance fee steep, especially for families. A few complain about crowds during peak times, making it difficult to view the altarpiece comfortably. Occasional criticism is directed at the limited opening hours and restrictions on photography. Some tourists report feeling rushed due to timed entry slots.

Gravensteen Castle is a must-visit in Ghent. Affordable at 13 euros, it offers engaging audio guides with historical and humorous content. The well-preserved castle allows exploration of turrets and ramparts, providing stunning city views. Surrounding attractions include boat tours and hidden gems like graffiti art. Visitors praise the informative tour and flexibility to explore at their own pace.

The humorous audio guide may not appeal to those seeking strictly historical information. During peak hours, waiting times can increase significantly, so booking in advance is recommended to avoid long queues. Some visitors might find the comedic narrative in the longer audio guide less historically accurate, though the guide clarifies when speculating.

Visitors praise the castle's well-preserved architecture and fascinating history. The audio guide receives high marks for its engaging and often humorous content. Many enjoy the stunning city views from the castle's ramparts. The torture chamber exhibition, while macabre, is frequently mentioned as a memorable part of the experience.

Some visitors find the entry fee steep for the size of the castle. Accessibility can be an issue, with many stairs and narrow passages. A few note that the castle can get crowded during peak times, making it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. Some find the torture chamber too graphic or disturbing.

Visitors praise the museum's extensive collection, particularly the Flemish masters. Many appreciate the well-curated exhibitions and the building's architecture. The audio guide receives positive feedback for its informative content. Reviewers often mention the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to see famous works without crowds.

Some visitors find the museum lacks English translations for all artworks. A few mention that certain sections of the museum can feel dated. Occasional complaints arise about the café's limited options and prices. Some tourists note that compared to larger European museums, the collection might seem small.

Huis van Alijn is a charming museum showcasing everyday Belgian life. It offers nostalgic exhibits, interactive displays, and multilingual guides. The museum captures cultural evolution and traditions. Kids enjoy the experience. The café inside is nice. Clean toilets are available. Audio guides enhance the visit with music and videos. Its central location makes it easily accessible.

The museum is small, with visits lasting under two hours. It's more suited for children, lacking adult-oriented content. Some visitors found it less interactive than expected. Most videos are in Dutch, limiting understanding for non-speakers. The museum focuses on recent history, mainly the 1990s, which may disappoint those seeking older historical content.

Visitors praise the museum's immersive exhibits and attention to detail in recreating past eras. Many appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about daily life in Ghent throughout the 20th century. The interactive elements and well-preserved artifacts receive particular commendation, with guests often noting the museum's ability to evoke memories and spark intergenerational conversations.

Some visitors find the museum small and wish for more extensive exhibits. A few mention that not all information is available in English, which can be challenging for international tourists. Occasionally, guests note that the content might be more engaging for older visitors or those with a specific interest in local history, as younger children may find some sections less interactive.

Unique brewery offering hop-free beers. Friendly staff share history. Tasting trays let you sample various brews. Good value for quality. Relaxed atmosphere with outdoor patio. Meat and cheese platters complement drinks well. Popular spot for groups. Located just outside city center, worth seeking out for beer enthusiasts.

Can get busy with large groups, affecting service quality. Tours not always available. Staff sometimes stretched thin, managing multiple tasks. This can impact the overall experience, especially during peak times. Some may find hop-free beers unusual. Limited food options beyond cheese and meat platters.

Visitors praise the knowledgeable staff, unique herb-based beers, and relaxed atmosphere. Many appreciate the detailed explanations of the brewing process and the opportunity to taste a range of flavors not found elsewhere. The brewery's location in the historic Patershol district adds to its charm.

Some reviewers mention the limited seating during busy times and occasional lack of English tours. A few visitors find the beers too experimental for their taste, preferring more traditional Belgian styles. Others note that the tour can be brief compared to larger breweries.

SMAK offers a thought-provoking modern art experience. Exhibits are interesting and diverse, making visitors think, wonder, and laugh. Staff are friendly and helpful. The museum is affordable, especially for young people. Special features like 'the temple' provide unique experiences. The café offers a nice break. Overall, it's a great escape from everyday life in beautiful Ghent.

Sunday mornings can be busy, though not overcrowded. Some visitors might find certain exhibits challenging or uncomfortable, as modern art can evoke strong reactions. The museum's content may not appeal to those who prefer traditional art styles. No other significant negative aspects were mentioned in the provided reviews.

Visitors praise S.M.A.K. for its thought-provoking exhibitions and diverse collection. Many appreciate the museum's spacious layout and well-curated displays. The knowledgeable staff and informative audio guides receive frequent compliments. Guests often mention the museum's ability to challenge perceptions and spark interesting discussions about contemporary art.

Some visitors find the art too abstract or difficult to understand. A few complain about the lack of permanent exhibitions, as the constantly changing displays can be hit-or-miss. Occasionally, guests mention that certain areas of the museum feel empty or underutilized. Some international visitors note that not all information is available in English.

Fascinating industrial museum showcasing textile and printing history. Interactive exhibits engage all ages. Visitors can see working machinery and create their own minizine. Multilingual displays and video testimonies enhance the experience. Temporary exhibitions add variety. Gift shop offers unique souvenirs. Well-organized layout across five floors. Highly recommended for families and history buffs.

Limited workshop options in English. Cafe untested by reviewers. Visit duration of 1.5 hours may be short for some. Potential language barrier for non-French/Dutch speakers during certain activities.

Visitors praise MIAT for its engaging exhibits and interactive displays. Many appreciate the well-preserved machinery and the opportunity to understand Ghent's industrial heritage. The rooftop view is often mentioned as a highlight. Reviewers also commend the museum's comprehensive approach, covering both technological and social aspects of industrialization.

Some visitors find the museum text-heavy and lacking in English translations for all exhibits. A few mention that the building's layout can be confusing to navigate. Occasionally, guests note that certain interactive elements or machines are out of order. Some feel that the ticket price is slightly high for the content provided.

Handelsbeurs is a beautiful venue in an excellent location in Ghent. It's great for meeting new people and joining activities. The venue boasts a quality sound system, stage, and acoustics. DJs play nice song collections, and there are live bands and shows. Visitors can buy coins for drinks at machines to avoid bar crowds.

The venue could improve its catering options for meat eaters. Some visitors find Ghent's Handelsbeurs modest compared to similar venues in other cities like Antwerp. The concert hall is described as merely 'ok' by some, suggesting room for improvement in certain aspects of the venue's offerings or facilities.

Concertgoers praise Handelsbeurs for its excellent acoustics, intimate atmosphere, and diverse musical offerings. Many appreciate the venue's historical architecture and central location. Reviewers often highlight the high quality of performances and the knowledgeable, friendly staff. The bar area receives compliments for its selection of drinks and relaxed pre-concert ambiance.

Some visitors mention limited seating comfort during longer performances. A few reviewers note that the venue can get warm during crowded events. Occasional complaints arise about limited parking options nearby. Some international tourists express disappointment about the lack of English translations for event descriptions on the website.

The museum offers a diverse collection of furniture and design pieces spanning centuries. Housed in a beautiful old building with a modern wing, it combines history and contemporary art. Exhibitions are multilingual and interactive, with efforts to engage children. The human-animal interaction exhibit is thought-provoking. Visitors appreciate the mix of old and new, kind staff, and the robot exhibition.

The museum is relatively small, taking no more than an hour to see. Some visitors had mixed opinions about the exhibits. The reliance on leaflets for information was questioned by one reviewer. While the museum attempts to cater to children, not all visitors may find the content engaging. The eclectic mix of design and contemporary art may not appeal to everyone's tastes.

Visitors praise the museum's diverse collection, spanning from historical pieces to contemporary designs. Many appreciate the well-curated exhibitions and the building's beautiful architecture. The interactive elements and the Design Lab receive particular acclaim for engaging visitors of all ages. Reviewers often mention the knowledgeable staff and the museum's ability to inspire creativity.

Some visitors find the ticket prices a bit high, especially for a relatively small museum. A few reviewers mention that certain areas can feel cramped during busy times. Occasionally, guests note that some exhibition descriptions lack English translations. Some also express a desire for more in-depth information about specific design movements or pieces.

Charming museum for cat lovers. Beautiful building with diverse cat-themed art. Resident cats roam freely. Lovely garden and gift shop. Staff generally kind. Takes about an hour to explore. Unique experience with interesting artwork and decor reminiscent of French royalty. Cozy atmosphere. Great for cat and art enthusiasts.

Small museum for the price. Limited number of cats present during some visits. Staff at reception desk occasionally less friendly. Takes less than an hour to see everything. Pricey for its size. Not suitable for those who don't love cats. Some visitors found it overpriced for the limited content and space available.

Visitors praise the museum's unique concept and extensive collection of cat-related art. Many enjoy the cozy atmosphere and find the exhibits both educational and entertaining. Cat lovers particularly appreciate the detailed information provided about each piece and the overall celebration of feline culture.

Some visitors find the museum small and the entry fee a bit high for the size. A few mention that the collection can feel repetitive after a while. Non-cat enthusiasts might find the theme too niche. Some reviews note that the museum lacks interactive elements or guided tours.

Aqua Azul spa impresses with top-notch cleanliness, thoughtful design, and a tranquil atmosphere. Staff are professional and kind. The silence policy enhances relaxation. Special events like Thursday night sauna infusions with live music add value. Visitors praise the warm, inclusive environment and reasonable pricing. Students enjoy discounts. The venue is beautiful, massages are excellent, and overall experience is highly rated.

No significant negative aspects were mentioned in the reviews. The only potential inconvenience noted was the need to book time slots in advance to ensure entry, and the requirement to rent towels if not bringing your own. These are minor logistical considerations rather than criticisms of the spa itself.

Guests praise the spa's cleanliness and modern facilities. Many highlight the rooftop pool as a standout feature, appreciating the city views. The variety and quality of treatments receive high marks, with massages being particularly popular. Staff are frequently commended for their professionalism and attentiveness.

Some visitors find the spa crowded during peak hours, affecting the relaxation experience. A few mention that prices are on the higher side. Occasionally, guests report difficulty in booking preferred treatment times, especially on weekends. Some find the locker rooms small and the check-in process a bit slow.

Unique Belgian chocolates with Japanese flavors delight customers. Innovative designs and complex tastes impress, especially wasabi caramel and yuzu. Chocolates are visually stunning, resembling abstract art. Dark chocolate bars offer rich flavor without bitterness. Reasonable prices and kind owner enhance the experience. Many visitors buy extra as gifts.

Some customers found flavors indistinguishable or not outstanding enough. While visually impressive, taste didn't always match expectations. A few felt the innovative flavors weren't consistently executed across all chocolates. Some visitors expected more distinctive taste experiences given the unique flavor combinations advertised.

Participants rave about the informative and fun experience, praising the knowledgeable instructors and high-quality ingredients. Many appreciate the hands-on nature of the workshop and the ability to take home their creations. The intimate group size and personalized attention receive frequent compliments.

Some visitors find the workshop pricey compared to other chocolate experiences. A few mention that the space can feel cramped during busy sessions. Occasionally, participants note that the pacing can be rushed, leaving less time for questions or experimentation.