Ghent: Bruges' Cooler, Edgier Neighbour

Ghent is 25 minutes from Bruges by train. Where Bruges is polished and preserved, Ghent is rougher, livelier, more student-driven.

The Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck is in St Bavo's Cathedral — one of the most important paintings in Western art. The Gravensteen castle lets you walk the ramparts.

For food, Ghent is ahead of Bruges. Try Balls & Glory or Holy Food Market in a converted chapel. Trains run every 15 minutes. Return tickets are about €12.