Why a weekend in Ghent feels surprisingly Italian this summer

Every city has a season when it is at its most beautiful. For Ghent, that is undoubtedly the summer.

When the sun warms the historical facades and the water of the Leie reflects the golden evening light, the city takes on an almost Mediterranean character. Terraces slowly fill up, boats peacefully pass by, and on every corner, someone seems to be enjoying a good glass of wine.

It is then that you discover that Ghent is not a city to check off a list, but to experience.

Dolce vita tip: feel free to let go of your route. Wander through the cozy streets, unexpectedly linger in a sunny square, or wander aimlessly along the Graslei. Often, it is those spontaneous moments that linger the longest.

The Italians have a beautiful expression for it: dolce far niente. The art of doing nothing wonderfully.

Perhaps that is exactly what we long for most during a weekend getaway.

Not quickly visiting that one museum or completing a checklist, but simply enjoying the moment. Lingering over breakfast a little longer. Ordering a second coffee. Wandering through the city without haste and sitting down somewhere just because the view is too beautiful to walk past.

A city trip doesn’t need to be jam-packed to become unforgettable.

There is one place where that Italian holiday feeling becomes completely true.

Limoncello brings the flavors of Italy to Ghent. Think of fresh pastas, refined Italian classics, a good glass of wine, and of course, an ice-cold limoncello to finish the evening.

Because honestly... a summer evening just feels a bit longer with a glass of limoncello in hand.

Here, it's not just about delicious food, but about the Italian way of dining: enjoying extensively, having good conversations, and above all, not being in a hurry.

Just like a holiday should feel.

Those who really want to experience Ghent don’t do so in a hurry.

Take a boat trip along the historic facades, discover hidden streets, or rent a vespa and set off. This way, you not only discover the historic center but also the green spots around the city that most visitors just pass by.

Not faster. Freer.

And maybe that is the most beautiful way to get to know a city.

After a day full of impressions, it is lovely to come home to Hotel Ghent.

No search for a parking space or long drive home, but just enjoying a little longer. A comfortable room, all the peace to catch your breath, and the knowledge that tomorrow another relaxing summer day awaits you.

Do you want to fully embrace the Italian atmosphere? Then the Dolce Vita Suite is the perfect choice. A stylish suite where comfort, peace, and a touch of Italian elegance come together.

Because ultimately, luxury often lies not in grand plans, but in the small moments that allow you to completely relax.

When evening falls over Ghent, the city takes on a different face again.

The sky slowly turns gold, the warmth lingers a bit, and everywhere you hear the cheerful murmur of people who are not ready to go home yet.

With a cocktail in hand and a view over the skyline from Skybar Mr. Sato time seems to stand still for a moment.

No tight schedule. No obligations. Just a perfect summer evening.

• 09:30 AM | Wake up slowly and enjoy an extensive live cooking breakfast buffet in Restaurant Cocotte. Today, nothing is necessary.

• 11:00 AM | Explore the historic city center, walk along the Graslei, or board a boat for a trip on the Leie.

• 02:00 PM | Have lunch on a sunny terrace and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of the city.

• 04:00 PM | Discover Ghent and its green surroundings with a vespa and stop wherever feels beautiful.

• 06:00 PM | Time for aperitivo. Order a spritz or an ice-cold limoncello and enjoy the summer evening on the terrace.

• 08:00 PM | Join for an extensive Italian dinner at Limoncello.

• 10:00 PM | End with a cocktail or mocktail at Skybar Mr. Sato as the sun slowly sets behind Ghent.

Not because you have to. But because the best vacation days rarely go as planned.

Maybe you're just looking for a place where the days seem to last longer.

Where an aperitivo naturally flows into an extensive dinner. Where an ice-cold limoncello tastes as if you're on the Amalfi Coast. Where you order another drink without feeling guilty, forget the time, and discover that a holiday sometimes can be surprisingly close by.

Let yourself be surprised by the Italian side of Ghent this summer and make Hotel Gent your home base for a weekend full of dolce vita.

Posted July 2026 - read our other blogs here