Our purpose is NOT to do daytrips but to spend two full days in Gent. We would appreciate any recommendations for restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and sights off the beaten track, both indoors and out (we're photography buffs). Thanks.

The Sailor's quarter or redlight district though diminuitive to amsterdam's is the same classic redlight district with gals behind redlit picture windows - for something that many tourists may not stumble on

just north of town center if i remember right

Don't miss Van Eyck's famous knock-your-socks-off masterpiece -- the Ghent Altarpiece -- at St. Bavos Cathedral. Just incredible.

Get there early to avoid the crowds.

You'll love Ghent. I can't wait to go back.

In season there are also boat trips thru Gent's canals - Gent is in many ways like Bruges in that regard - canals lined by ancient buildings.

Yes Gent is a highly overlooked city IMO. I spent many days there for years on business and do love the place

The Castle of the Counts of Gent - a neat old castle and with a Torture Exhibit documenting some of the gruesome things that happened there!

make that the Counts of Flandres i think

Gent was once one of the most important cities and ports in europe and the world - it's steeped in great Flemish art and architecture and modern european ambience

You might be interested in my trip report. At any rte, I recommend the B&B which is within walking five minutes of the castle and the old town core.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34444403

A piece of Ghent I really like a lot is the part behind the Castle of the Counts, along the river Lieve (Lievekaai, Prinsenhof,...). It's very pieceful and quiet.

The red light district is around the Belgradostraat and the so called "Glazen Straatje" or "Glass Alley", a covered gallery between the Vlaanderenstraat and the Brabantdam.

I also love the view on the St Peters Abbey from the Muinklaan, a pleasant residential neighbourhood by itself.

Enjoy Ghent !!!

For a great lunch or dinner, check out Pakhuis. The interior is gorgeous, and the food is very good.

http://www.pakhuis.be/

Hey - I'm doing research into finding accommodation in Gent - can you by any chance remember the name of your B&B

Thanks

Sorry - that mail was meant for another poster

't Dreupelkot at Grotenmarkt 12

http://www.waterhuisaandebierkant.be/e7.htm

and do not fail to see the altarpiece in st. bavo's