A culinary summer day in Gent: from breakfast to rooftop cocktails

A successful summer day starts without haste. Take the time to wake up slowly, enjoy a first coffee, and start the day with a hearty breakfast before exploring Gent.

At Restaurant Cocotte every morning there is an extensive live cooking breakfast buffet ready with fresh rolls, fruit, cereals, hot dishes, and dishes prepared on the spot. It is the ideal place to start the day relaxed, whether you are staying at the hotel or just looking for a generous breakfast in Gent.

During weekends and on holidays you can also enjoy a late breakfast until 1 pm. Perfect for those who like to sleep in and enjoy a long, laid-back morning.

On sunny days, the spacious and covered terrace is an absolute must. Surrounded by greenery, you can enjoy a tranquil environment, far from the hustle and bustle of the day.

After breakfast, it's time to hit the town. Fortunately, in Gent, you don't have to follow a strict schedule. The best moments often arise spontaneously.

Take a walk along the historic Graslei and Korenlei, enjoy the cozy atmosphere in the squares, or discover the many streets and hidden corners in the center. On warm days, a boat trip on Gent's inner waters is also a fun way to view the city from a different perspective.

By intentionally leaving some time between breakfast and lunch, you experience Gent at its best: relaxed, lively, and unhurried.

After a morning strolling through the city, a long lunch is often just what you need.

At Limoncello there's a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a holiday in Southern Europe. Here, it's all about enjoying authentic Italian dishes, fresh ingredients, and pleasant moments at the table together.

On the menu are flavorful antipasti, fresh pastas, traditional stone oven pizzas, and classic Italian specialties. Ideal for a lunch that can last a bit longer, especially on sunny days when you want to escape the city's bustle for a while.

No time for an extensive lunch? The fresh pizzas are also available as take-away.

Not every stop has to be extensive. Sometimes all you need is a good terrace, a refreshing drink, and some company.

The Lobby Bar is such a place where you can easily drop by during a summer afternoon or after a busy workday. Thanks to its location, the terrace enjoys both afternoon and evening sun, making it a beloved spot for an aperitif, a cocktail, or a local beer.

Whether you meet up with friends, colleagues, or just want to savor a day in Gent, here you naturally get that relaxed summer feeling.

Those who want to end the day in style head to the tenth floor of Van der Valk Hotel Gent.

Skybar Mr. Sato is undoubtedly one of the most impressive rooftop locations in Gent. From the terrace, you enjoy a panoramic view over the city as the sun slowly sets and the lights of Gent begin to appear.

From Thursday to Saturday, you can enjoy Asian sharing dishes, surprising flavor combinations, and creative cocktails here. The concept revolves around discovering and sharing, making each table a varied culinary experience.

Yet, it's often the view that makes the most impression. With a cocktail in hand and a view of Gent's skyline, an ordinary summer evening suddenly feels like a mini-vacation.

What makes this culinary day so special is that you can go to the same location for every part of the day. No running around the city, no searching for the next stop, just enjoying at your own pace.

Start the morning with an extensive live cooking breakfast buffet at Restaurant Cocotte, explore Gent in a relaxed way, sit down for an Italian lunch at Limoncello, enjoy an aperitif in the sun at The Lobby Bar, and end with rooftop cocktails above the city at Skybar Mr. Sato.

And why stop there? With a comfortable overnight stay , a summer day in Gent quickly becomes a relaxed mini-vacation. No rush, no schedule, just more time to enjoy everything the city and the hotel have to offer.

This way, an ordinary summer day in Gent effortlessly becomes a stay full of flavor, atmosphere, and holiday feel.