First time travelers to Ghent shouldn't miss:

• 1- A ride on bike across the town and the surrounding countryside;
• 2- Cruise the canals in open and covered boats and admire the historical buildings that span centuries of architectural styles;
• 3- Visit Gravensteen Castle or Castle of the Counts. Dated in 1100's, be prepared to travel into the Middle Ages;
• 4- Admire the polyptich painted by the brothers Van Eyck caled the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb housed at St. Bavo cathedral;
• 5- Stop by St.Peter's Abbey to enjoy temporary art and historical exhibitions;
• 6- Have a taste of Ghent farm produces from meat to cheese at Groot Vleehuis;
• 7- Stroll along the streets of Patershol,a cute neighborhood with many restaurants and coloful bars;
• 8- Visit S.M.A.K., the museum of Contemporay Arts, be amazed at the collections that boast some of the greatest artists of the Twentieth Century;
• 9- Go back to the 16 th century and visit the City Hall; and
• 10- Have some Stropke beer.