Best bars in town
Café Den Turk
The oldest bar in Ghent, and definitely one of our favorites! It's perfectly located in the heart of the historic center, the interior is warm & cozy and the atmosphere is always top. Moreover, everyone feels at home: young & old, tourist & Ghent, hip & less hip. Another winner is the terrace, with a view on the Ghent belfry and the town hall. This bar is a regular stop on our Tasting Tours!
The Drifter
The only Tiki bar in town! Bartender/owner Tom Neijens is an authority in the cocktail world and makes delicious, original tropical cocktails, all presented in the tiki theme! The bar is located in Oudburg, the multicultural street of Ghent and has a small, cozy terrace. Not cheap, but quality has its price, because the cocktails are made with top products.
Huzaar
Cozy no-nonsense bar at the Nederkouter, on a 5min walk from the historical city center. The wide range of local beers on the menu and the hospitality of the barkeepers are an absolute winner. The bar is regularly the setting for card nights and quizzes, and on Sundays they are open for cake and coffee!
Koffiebranderij Vandekerckhove
An established value in Ghent (since 1854) and revived by a young team of coffee roasters and baristas. Buy your beans and make your coffee at home, or have a drink on the spot!
Café Folklore
The name of the bar totally makes sense. A real local bar, where traditions are kept alife. Do not expect a wide range of gins and cocktails over here, but do expect perfectly served beers by a bartender who has mastered his craft and has been performing it for decades. Café Folklore is the only bar in town where 'kroakemandels' are still made, better know as the 'caviar of the working class': a delicious local tradition. The owner "Jacky" is an authority in Ghent's barlife and is always a pleasure to talk to. Therefore, a must visit!
Manteca
A cozy jazz café, right in the center of the city, next to the Korenmarkt. Have a seat at the big bar, socialize with the locals and let yourself be tempted by a local beer or a decent cocktail. The terrace offers a beautiful view and is just perfect for 'people watching'!
Brouwbar
The owners call their business a 'nanobrewery'. If you go down to cozy Oudburg and pay them a visit, you will see why... What they have done in the small space is simply fantastic: a tiny brewery and a little bar where you can taste them freshly made beers, all in one! Beer lover? Then this is a must visit.
Charlatan
The last resort for many locals. You better not enter this bar/club before 1am. Because when the other bars in town are thinking of closing, this places suddenly becomes alive. Already an insititute in Ghent's nightlife for decades and popular among lovers of electronical music, R&B and rock 'n roll. By the way, the movie blockbuster "Belgica" is about the history of this club!
Caffè Rosario
This place is responsible for the high caffeine content in our blood! In between tours you will find us here on a regular basis, enjoying a doppio, tasty omelette or a soup of the day. The place is very centrally located, next to the Belfry and offers many seats (inside & on the terrace). They serve your coffee with a smile :-)
't Dreupelkot
Without a doubt one of the most famous bars in Ghent, and popular among both locals and tourists. Although few can remember their visit to 't Dreupelkot. Reason? The house specialty: genever! They offer more than 200 different types of this local (alcoholic) drink, with some of 'em being home-made. A unique experience!
Tolhuisje
Tiny pub on the Graslei, at the old harbor. Pieterjan Rubben serves your beer or cocktail with a smile on his little terrace, while you enjoy the fantastic view. Hint for football fans: you can watch the games of KAA Gent over here!
't Velootje
Without a doubt the most bizarre café in Ghent. Probably the most expensive, and certainly the dirtiest. And yet this is a must visit. The owner (Lieven) is very eccentric in his clothing, the way he treats customers and the interior of his shop, which is stuffed with old bicycles and other types of strange stuff & antiques. Expect the unexpected.
