If you fancy a holiday, but the idea of battling with thousands of others sends a chill up your spine, then you need to be on the lookout for hidden gems. With major cities often overrun by tourists, it is a good idea to keep your eyes peeled for hidden spots.

The experts at Iglu Cruise have shared their favourite overlooked destinations that people need to visit in 2026. This particular city is tucked away in Belgium, but unlike Bruges, it’s often passed over. This charming city is Ghent - often regarded as “Belgium’s best kept secret”.

It may look similar to Bruges with its gorgeous canals and medieval architecture, but Ghent has a far more local feel to it, with significantly fewer crowds, and it is also very easy to explore on foot.

If you want to make the most of the awe-inspiring architecture, head to the Sint Michielsbrug stone bridge in the centre of the town. From here you have an incredible view of the three iconic medieval towers which are all clustered together. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Saint Nicholas’ Church and the Belfry Tower are seriously impressive, and the view from the bridge is unbeatable. 

For a more modern, but equally impressive view, take a wander along to Graffiti Alley where street artists paint incredible, ever changing murals.

Established in the 90s, this narrow alley is the perfect place to snap a few pictures - maybe you’ll even see the graffiti artists at work. 

If that’s not your thing, or even if it is and you fancy a change, Ghent is also full of independent shops and boutiques. The best place to find these is in the Het Zuid area, and leading up towards the university campus.  

The best time to visit the city is in the shoulder season - around April to June, and then September to October. This means the weather is milder. A December visit is also a great idea, as Ghent lights up around Christmas 

Although there are no direct flights to Ghent, holidaymakers can fly to Brussels Airport, which is just one hour and 15 minutes from major UK airports.