A glass lift takes you up to the roof providing wonderful views over the city centre. A little to the north is the Stadhuis. Each ornate niche on the elegant fa ade holds a statuette of a powerful and famous local figure. Stroll on through the elegant streets until you arrive at Korenlei, the western side of the old city harbour where you can explore the fantastic gabled merchants' houses. A little to the north is the Castle of the Counts, the interior of which holds an impressive and frightening collection of torture instruments.
C heck out some of the town s fine museums.
The renowned Museum voor Schone Kunsten has a first-rate collection of old masters, housing works by nearly every great Flemish artist. Discover the life of eighteenth century Ghent in the period rooms of the Museum voor Volkskunde, which is located in a series of restored almshouses. Wander the surrounding lanes and narrow streets and get a feel for the Ghent of the past. The best shopping is on Veldstraat which is thronged with young and fashionable Belgians. Be sure to have some coffee in one of the many elegant caf s and don t forget to sample some of the local beer.