Things To Do
in Wondelgem

A creamy stew originally from Ghent made with fish or chicken, potatoes and vegetables — try it in local bistros and traditional restaurants in Ghent.

Must-Try!

Mussels cooked in white wine or cream served with Belgian fries; popular in restaurants across East Flanders and widely available in Ghent.

Slow-cooked beef in a rich beer-based sauce, usually served with fries or mashed potatoes — a Belgian classic found at many cosy eateries.

Fresh-cut, double-fried fries served with a variety of sauces from local fritkots (fries stands) — great as a snack while exploring.

A polite handshake is common for first-time encounters; in informal settings friends may kiss on the cheek. Use a friendly greeting (e.g., 'Hallo' or 'Goeiedag').

Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; many people speak English, especially younger generations. Politely attempt basic Dutch phrases — locals appreciate the effort.

Be punctual for appointments; queuing is expected and respected in shops and public transport.

Residential areas value quiet, especially in the evening; keep noise down and respect private property and local customs.

Service charges are typically included in restaurant bills in Belgium; leaving a small extra tip (5–10%) for good service is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up taxi fares or leave small change at cafés.

Belgium uses the euro. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; carry some cash for small shops, markets and fritkots. Mobile payment apps are increasingly usable.

Mild temperatures, blossoming parks and fewer tourists than summer make it a pleasant time to visit. Expect frequent showers; pack a light rain jacket and layers for variable days.

Warm and generally comfortable, with long daylight hours for outdoor cafés and festivals in Ghent. Occasional heatwaves are possible but temperatures are usually moderate; book accommodations early during festival season.

Crisp weather and colourful foliage in parks and reserves; a great time for cycling and nature walks. Rain increases toward late autumn, and temperatures can drop quickly in the evening.

Cold and damp rather than severely snowy; heating is good indoors but bring warm, waterproof layers. Winter markets and cosy cafés in Ghent provide seasonal cheer despite shorter daylight hours.

Belgium's main international airport about 60–70 km from Ghent; reachable by train via Brussels or direct shuttle services and car/coach in roughly 45–75 minutes depending on connection and traffic.

Low-cost carrier airport south of Brussels, around 80–100 km away. Often requires a coach or train transfer via Brussels to reach Ghent — travel times vary but plan for 1.5–2 hours.

Smaller airport north of Ghent (about 50–60 km); useful for regional flights and reachable by car or train with transfers, typically under 1.5 hours.

Regional airport on the coast (roughly 60–80 km away) with seasonal and charter services; accessible by car or combined public transport with longer connections.

Long-time residents and families who contribute to the neighbourhood’s community feel and local commerce.

Ghent has a large student population that influences dining, nightlife and cultural offerings; many students live in or commute through Wondelgem.

A mix of immigrant communities from Turkey, Morocco, Eastern Europe and other countries, contributing to cultural diversity and international shops/restaurants.

A segment of aging locals living in quieter residential streets and involved in neighborhood associations.

The most popular sport across Belgium; local amateur clubs are active and Ghent hosts professional football with a strong fan culture.

Cycling is both recreational and everyday transport — the region supports road cycling, touring and commuting by bike with many dedicated paths.

With many rivers and canals, water sports like rowing, canoeing and recreational boating are popular in Ghent and surrounding areas.

Field hockey is a widely played club sport in Flanders, with active clubs and pitches near Ghent.

Ghent is one of Belgium’s most vegetarian-friendly cities with many dedicated restaurants and plant-based options; in Wondelgem, small cafés usually offer at least a salad, veggie tart or pasta. Ask for 'vegetarisch' dishes and confirm ingredients if you avoid dairy or eggs.

Vegan options are plentiful in Ghent; in Wondelgem you may need to travel into town for the best dedicated vegan cafés. Use apps or ask staff — most places understand basic dietary requests in English.

Many restaurants offer gluten-free alternatives, but traditional Belgian cuisine often uses wheat in sauces and bread. Notify staff ('glutenvrij') and choose naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled fish or salads when unsure.

Carry allergy cards in Dutch (or English) and clearly explain your needs; restaurants are generally accommodating but cross-contamination can occur in smaller kitchens.