Ghent: a warning
 

I have just come back from Bruges and Ghent. Both are gorgeous BUT here's a warning: the whole central square (Korenmarkt) of Ghent is under reconstruction as are lots of streets and buildings in the city centre. There is noise and dust everywhere. There is no transport whatever in the centre, tram tracks are torn up, some trams rerouted, it's impossible to get about by bus, car or taxi.
This is not going to end any time soon. I talked to some local people and they told me the present construction work is scheduled to run through 2010 and in 2012 more starts with the area around the cathedrals just next to the central square.
There is plenty to see outside the central square, boat trips are not affected, the Graslei is fine as is the area around the castle. There are other beautiful squares too.
If this kind of thing is likely to bother you, I would suggest you postpone your visit if possible. On the other hand, don't miss this stunning city; the light is amazing and it's obvious where the Flemish painters got their inspiration.

You must be quite angry that these works are going on because you have posted this on a number of forums. Shame it spoilt your trip so much.

So shall they let their city crumble to pieces just because some tourists want to take photos?
I rather see work being done than historical buildings left to decay.

I was not aware hat ANYONE had said the work shouldn't be undertaken, Quokka, just that it can be an annoyance for SOME.

The OP doesn't sound angry at all. It's an informative post and has much positive to say about the city. Why not post the information on several forums? It's not a wild rant.

Valuable information. Ghent was a favorite of ours on a trip to Belgium a few years ago. It was larger than I expected, and I would not have been able to see much of it without the tram and buses. This is the only forum I read regularly, so I am glad you posted.

Several forums? No, I only posted it on Fodors.
I am not remotely angry. Just giving information for people to make their own minds up.

I saw a similar post on Thorn Tree complaining about the construction. I was there in April and while there is construction, even though I am older and not a good walker I still managed to get around to see everything and enjoyed doing so.

I found that TTW posting.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=1921966
I like reply Number 3

You might note that post was not by me.
Just for the record I had a wonderful time.

Thanks for the information. That's the type of help these boards can provide. Someone may be planning a trip who specially wanted to see the square and this just helps with their plans.

A couple of times I've been disappointed when I reached a destination and something I planned to see/visit was closed/under renovation, etc. and I hadn't found out in advance. As you said, visitors can make alternate plans when they have the information in advance or else continue with their plans but with realistic expectations.

I remember visiting Berlin with the Brandenburg Gate under renovation covered with a tarp with the Gate on it. Interesting.

gertie, I think it's startling you got these nasty replies. Thanks for posting that information.

Had a look too at that reply Number 3
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=1921966
There's plenty of truth in it. And it doesn't even mention all the churches in the center that still can be visited.
The only thing one will miss are a few postcard like pictures. But be honest. Doing better than a postcard is only realistic for the better photographer ;-))

ribeirasacra

Time to get out in the real world more often. That isn't the first time (and probably will not be the last) that you have tried to conduct psychological profiling on a poster prior to responding. It is sad.

This is supposed to be a travel forum where travellers exchange information not a place for web freaks who want to attempt forensic analysis.

Stick to the day job (if you have one) (which I doubt in view of the effort that you put into researching each post) and drop to amateur pyschology.

Most of know how to do the profiling tools you use, most of us are not sad enough or haven't the time to bother!

Right I'm off to butcher a few more sheep with my chainsaw.

Mark and don't cut yourself too much

Psychological profiling? Thought it only happened on TV. Doing it on little me? I'm horrified and will be very careful about posting on Fodors (I don't use any other forums) again! That's without even commenting on nasty replies when I'm putting up what I think is useful information. Lesson learned.

gertie- please don't let this deter you. This is very valuable type of information in general and many readers like me greatly appreciate the intent and the information.

From what I've read, a lot of the construction is to remove much of the repaving and modern construction and to get Ghent to look more like Bruges. For instance, many of the canals in Ghent were coverered over in the 50's and 60's but are now being uncovered again.

Gertie --

Thanx for your info. This won't cause me to change an itinerary but it will prepare me for what to expect. I appreciate the alert.

I am staying in a B&B close to the Graslei. Would we be able to catch the train from Ghent St Pieters to there?