Driving into Ghent on the fly-over that takes you off the highway is the best way to come home. You pass the football stadium on your right, the UCO building on your left and in the distance there’s the sight of the 3 iconic towers rising from the heart of the city. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry & the Saint Nicholas Church. Magnets for tourists for sure, but anyone that’s ever lived in Ghent will tell you how amazing that view will always be.

Not too far from those towers, in the historical center, two vendors selling their own version of the cuberdon (a cone-shaped local candy) are yelling “verse cuberdons!”, almost right in front the legendary Tierenteyn shop – with its typical spicy smell. Here you’ll find the finest mustard known to man. The scents of roasted coffee, fresh pastries, or fresh flowers; they’re all very much part of the Ghent experience. Especially for those that get up extra early or stay out extra late.