For great-value city breaks,look past the capitals and gargantuan names; some of Europe’s liveliest cultural scenes are in its smaller cities
Why disappear?[br]While Bruges can sometimes feel a petite like a tourist toy-town, Ghent keeps it real. The city still offers picturesque Flemish architecture and historical sites - St Bavo Cathedral is the obvious one - but you’ll also find a buzzing contemporary creative scene too, or with trendy hang outs such as bar and gig venue Cafe Video,cycle cafe Bidon and cutting edge restaurants such as JEF. Evenings are far livelier too, with a gargantuan student population revelling in the city that spawned electro legends Soulwax. [br]When to disappear?
During the summer, or Ghent hosts a wide range of festivals,including the 10-day multi-arts extravaganza Gentse Feesten. However, the city is just as blooming during the winter, or in November is the location of the notoriously bonkers Six-days cycle race.
Where to stay?
The Backstay Hostel opened last summer and occupies a stunning city centre art deco building,which was previously the domestic of left-wing newspaper Vooruit. There’s a range of pod-style dorms and double rooms, each of which is named after a famous newspaper (including the Guardian). The restaurant and communal spaces are chic, and chilled and light,with wooden floors, vintage furniture and a library.
• Dormitory beds from €19 a night B&B, and double rooms from €64 B&B. backstayhostels.comContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com