Gravensteen & Ghent: A Medieval Summer Adventure

#summervacay **Why Summer is Magic Here?** The **12th-century "Castle of the Counts"** becomes a time machine when golden light bathes its turrets, while the surrounding canals and guildhalls burst with open-air festivals and floating bars. --- ### **🏰 Your Perfect Day in Medieval Ghent** #### **9:00 AM - Castle Conquest** - **Beat the Crowds:** First entry to climb the **castle battlements** (€13) - **Gruesome Treasures:** See the **original torture devices** in the dungeon - **Secret View:** The **east tower** overlooks sleepy canals tourists miss #### **11:00 AM - Canal-Side Cool Down** - **De Graslei:** Snap pastel guildhouses reflected in the Leie River - **Local Treat:** **Cuberdons** ("Ghent noses") from Tierenteyn’s 1823 shop #### **2:00 PM - Hidden Histories** - **Patershol District:** Wander cobbled lanes to find: - **House of Alijn** (folk life museum with AC) - **’t Dreupelkot** (200+ jenever tastings in a tiny tavern) #### **7:00 PM - Sunset on the Water** - **Boat Tour:** Evening **"Ghosts of Ghent"** cruise (€20, English at 7:30 PM) - **Dinner:** **Pakhuis**’ warehouse-turned-brasserie (try the *waterzooi*) --- ### **💰 Budget Breakdown** - **Castle + Boat Combo Ticket:** €30 (saves €5) - **Food:** €40 for a feast - **Transport:** Walkable! Or €3 tram day pass --- ### **⚠️ Summer-Smart Tips** - **Footwear:** Cobblestones demand **sturdy sandals** - **Heat Hack:** Buy a **lace fan** from local artisans - **Hidden Gem:** The **free rooftop terrace** at STAM museum **Why It’s Special?** ✅ **Climbable castle** with panoramic views ✅ **Canals that rival Amsterdam** (minus the crowds) ✅ **Summer-only night markets** under torchlight **Tag your adventure #ghentingold!** 🏰🌞 *(Day Trip Idea: **Bruges** is just 25 mins by train!)*