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Wanderlustingk

Your perfect Ghent itinerary for Belgium’s most underrated city

October 28, 2019 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

Despite coming to Belgium so many times, I’ve definitely fallen in love with Ghent. This charming Belgian city has so much to do and after some day trips and finally a long weekend in Ghent, I’ve created an itinerary for visiting Ghent for first-timers highlighting the best things to do in Ghent. Needless to say, I’ll be back soon and I’m disappointed for not discovering Ghent sooner!

Ghent has a fairly compact city center, so if you find reasonable accommodations in the city center, you’ll be able to walk almost everywhere that you need to go! I strongly recommend staying overnight as otherwise, you won’t be able to stay out late to experience Ghent’s nightlife with a side of Flemish fries. It’s worth the overnight stay, trust me!

best time to visit ghent belgium

On my recent trip with friends, we stayed at the recently renovated Huize Maeterlinck right near Graffitistraat. It was clean, convenient, and basic. You can also find less expensive options, including a hostel ( Hostel Uppelink ) that sits in one of the most beautiful buildings in Ghent with a view that many would kill for! On the other end, if you’re looking for something more luxurious, consider splurging on 1898 The Post for the five-star experience.

Getting to Ghent is easy from many places in Belgium and the Netherlands. Gent-Sint-Pieters is the main train station linking Ghent to Brussels , Antwerpen , and also Amsterdam . If you’re on a budget, you can take Flixbus to Ghent from the Netherlands (Amsterdam) for less than lunch each way! (I paid 9 euros on this trip!) It’s a short tram or taxi ride to the center or about a 30-minute walk.

  • 1.1 “Lunch” and a waffle
  • 1.2 Step into Groot Vleeshuis
  • 1.3 Gravensteen
  • 1.4 Watch the sunset along the river
  • 1.5 Dinner in Patershol
  • 1.6 Beers (or music!)
  • 1.7 Frites after dark at Ghent’s best frites bar*
  • 2.1 Breakfast
  • 2.2 Enjoy the Ghent altarpiece without the crowds
  • 2.3 Climb the Belfry of Ghent
  • 2.4 Sample Gent’s world-famous noses, mustard, and artisanal chocolate
  • 2.5 Enjoy Graffiti Street
  • 2.6 Browse for books and fun souvenirs
  • 2.7 Borrelen
  • 3 Have you been to Ghent? Let me know your favorite things to do in Ghent!

One day in Ghent: Classic Ghent

“lunch” and a waffle.

Belgian Luikse waffle in Ghent, Belgium with background of historic city center of Gent

Ghent is constantly changing and every trip has included stopping off at the various pop-up restaurants along Hoogpoort . This trendy street is full of many international and Belgian influenced food. We ended up stopping off at a Mexican pop-up, which did not disappoint. Mosquito Coast is a favorite among locals with its fun travel-inspired decorations and international menu.

You’ll want to save room for a Belgian waffle. Personally, I prefer the Liege-style waffle over the Brussels-style one. You have plenty of choice for waffles, but a good waffle place will be making them fresh for you. I ended up picking one up from Bakery Himschoot , one of the oldest bakeries in Gent. Next to Bakery Himschoot, you’ll find a stand selling Gentse Neuzen (Gent Noses). These sweet candies are soft with a jelly-like interior and fruit flavors. It’s five euros for a bag and they won’t last long…

Step into Groot Vleeshuis

Interior of the Groot Vleeshuis, a food market in Gent Belgium

Foodies should definitely step into the Great Butcher’s Hall ( Groot Vleeshuis ). (Vegetarians, don’t be too afraid!) This beautiful 15th-century former guild house and covered market is a delight to browse. If you’re looking for a snack or a local meal that you can’t find anywhere else, you can sample more than 175 regional products from Flanders here. Entry is free if you want to peek inside (and if you’re full!), however, you can pay for any of the food with a credit/debit card within the restaurant.

Gravensteen

Exterior of the medieval castle Gravensteen in Gent, Belgium on a sunny day

This was my second time at Gravensteen. This epic medieval castle is one of my favorite castle museums in Europe and when my friends visited, I knew that they had to experience this attraction in Ghent. As you go through the castle, you get a good glimpse into the brutality of medieval life in this part of the world.

Recently, they’ve renovated the audio tour to be led by a local Gent comedian. The result is a silly tour through the castle that will make you giggle a lot. The audio tour is worth doing although it’s sometimes a bit at odds with the dark history within the castle. It’s easy to spend at least 2-3 hours within the castle and its grounds. Be sure to enjoy the stunning view of Ghent from the rooftop.

Leie River in Gent with canal cruise seen from Gravensteen castle, one of the best things to do in Ghent.

You need to be able to walk well as it’s a lot of stairs as you walk through the main route. If you’re claustrophobic, some parts of the castle will be a bit difficult as the stairways can be very narrow. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be slippery at times… Tickets with an audio guide cost 10 euros for adults. You can buy them in advance for specific time slots, which is best during weekends.

Watch the sunset along the river

Beautiful former guild houses in Ghent, Belgium along the Leie River after sunset with reflection.

Ghent is so beautiful at night. We stayed two nights in Ghent and each night, we ended up wandering down to the Leie to admire the stunning former guild houses along the riverside. Ghent was a major player in the textile trade, which brought much wealth within the medieval period. Many of these guild houses are cafes, restaurants, and hotels today. The best views are from Kraanlei . In the summer, you’ll want to grab a snack and a drink to enjoy at a picturesque spot along the river.

Dinner in Patershol

You’ll have plenty of great options for dinner in the Patershol neighborhood, which is the upcoming neighborhood of Ghent. Whether you’re craving traditional Belgian food at ‘t Klokhuys or sushi, there’s something for everyone.

Beers (or music!)

Gentse Tripel beer enjoyed within a Gent craft beer bar

The beauty of Ghent’s nightlife scene is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of slightly divey neighborhood bars ( De Croone ), drinking giant beers shamelessly as a tourist ( Dulle Griet ), old-school Flemish bars filled with wood ( Trollekelder ) , a quiet night discussing books over wine ( Le Bal ), or just want to dance the night away ( Charlatan ), Ghent has something for everyone. Just be prepared that many bars are cash only . The local craft beer is Gruut, which can be found at most bars. I also am a fan of the Gentse Tripel!

As veteran beer lovers, we loved the rule of taking one shoe off to order the giant beers at Dulle Griet although you can certainly find slightly better prices at other establishments such as the Trollekelder if you’re a serious drinker. (Still, the beer selection was sublime at both!) Our favorite experience as a group was at one of the beautiful neighborhood bars that we stepped into–and didn’t leave until closing.

Frites after dark at Ghent’s best frites bar*

Belgian frites in Gent, Belgium. Trying the local food is a must-do!

At the recommendation of our host, we ended up going to Frituur Sint-Jacobs for the best fries in Ghent, if not Belgium. We had fries a few other times and I was a fan of them. (Disclosure: We already had a few beers before coming here.) I liked the fries with samurai sauce, which was definitely a generous portion. They do not accept credit cards, so bring cash with you.

Second day in Ghent

Wake up early (or late) for a lazy breakfast at one of the more interesting brunch restaurants that we went to in Ghent, WASBAR . This combination of a laundromat with a brunch restaurant is a bit bizarre, but it works. The food is good and they accept credit cards.

Enjoy the Ghent altarpiece without the crowds

eyck_the_ghent_altarpiece_closed_1432

The Ghent Altarpiece is housed within the Saint Bavo Cathedral , a bit outside of the city center. It’s a short walk from the city center. Although the church itself is free to visit, you need to pay 4 euros in order to see the altarpiece itself. Check the hours carefully as you cannot visit while Sunday services are occurring. Photos aren’t allowed within the church (not my photo above!), however, be sure to climb the tower for beautiful views over Ghent!

The Ghent Altarpiece showcases the story of the Mystic Lamb of the Resurrection on an altarpiece. The real story of this piece of art, which is one of the most stolen art pieces in art history, is a must-read online beforehand. While you’re within the cathedral, be sure to explore this beautiful Gothic church with a Romanesque crypt.

Climb the Belfry of Ghent

Beautiful Belfry of Ghent in Gent, Belgium.  This UNESCO recognized attraction in Belgium is set against a blue sky!

Belgium’s many belfries are included within UNESCO’s World Heritage List for their important role in preserving architecture in the Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. These towers are a testament to the history and pride of each city that they’re in within Belgium, including Ghent. In Ghent, the Belfry sits in the middle of the city allowing for stunning views of the historic city center. Within this 91-meter tower, you can see Ghent’s original city mascot, the dragon, displayed.

View of Ghent, Belgium from the Belfry of Ghent, one of the best attractions to visit in Gent

We were not lucky enough to hear one of the carillon concerts (check the schedule, but Sunday mornings are a sure bet!), however, we were still able to enjoy the inner workings of the carillon. Entry costs 8 euros for adults (2019/2020) and the site is mostly accessible to those with handicaps. Otherwise, you’ll need to climb all 350 stairs. It’s steep, but worth the trek. We spent about an hour inside of the belfry and learned quite a bit about the history of the city.

Sample Gent’s world-famous noses, mustard, and artisanal chocolate

Belgian chocolate at a chocolatier in Ghent, Belgium.  You cannot miss trying the local chocolate when visiting Ghent!

Although people automatically associate Brussels with chocolate , Ghent has much to offer. After all, you are in Belgium. Ghent has a number of artisanal chocolate shops producing high-quality chocolate in-house. My favorites were Chocolaterie Cédric Van Hoorebeke (pictured above), Chocolaterie Luc Van Hoorebeke , and Van Hecke F Chocolatiere . You don’t need a chocolate tour to experience these. Simply, drop by and pick out a few chocolates that look good. (The staff speaks good English if you’re unsure what to pick.) This was easily my favorite activity in Ghent!

Enjoy Graffiti Street

Man painting graffiti on Graffiti Street in Ghent, Belgium!

On Werregarenstraat, you’ll find tons of the latest graffiti from local artists and more famous artists such as Roa (also seen in Doel ). It’s worth a stroll if you love street art and perfectly embodies the creative spirit of Ghent!

Browse for books and fun souvenirs

Books and bottles of liquor at a unique shop in Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is full of cool shops and it’s clear that this Belgian city is at the forefront of design. Be sure to browse some of the cool shops around for interesting souvenirs. I especially loved the Books & Booze bookstore and liquor store. For vintage-inspired fashions with a modern take, head to SeventyOne Ghent. You’ll also find many independent bookstores with a decent selection in Dutch and English.

In this part of Belgium and also in the Netherlands, there’s a separate meal-time for drinks and snacks in the late afternoon/early evening. Stop off at a cozy bar for a cozy drink possibly accompanied by some bar snacks (such as bitterballen). We stopped off at one of the oldest bars in Ghent, Café Den Turk for a beer. The bar itself has seen so much history in Ghent and it’s incredible that you can still just drop in for a beer. It’s cash-only.

Have you been to Ghent? Let me know your favorite things to do in Ghent!

  • More places not to miss in Belgium!
  • Your perfect Belgian itinerary
  • One day in Antwerp itinerary
  • A weekend in Brussels
  • Chocolate in Brussels
  • Doel: Flander’s almost abandoned city

Your perfect itinerary for Ghent, Belgium's most underrated city.  This guide to Ghent includes what to do in Ghent over a weekend in Gent and the best things to do in Ghent that you can't miss!

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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solosophie

How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Ghent Itinerary

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 9th March 2023

Categories Belgium , Itineraries

Last Updated on 9th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Delightful canals and architecture that looks as if it has been plucked straight from a movie: you’ll discover all this and more should you opt to visit the Belgian city of Ghent, a lesser-known and yet just as worth visiting destination than its nearby neighbour of Bruges. Here’s how to spend the perfect one day in Ghent , as well as what to know before you go.

Please note that Ghent is known as Gent in Flemish (the local language). With this being said, everyone we encountered had a great level of English and so you won’t find it hard to get by in English!

one day in ghent itinerary

When’s the best time to visit Ghent?

Is one day enough time in ghent, ghent’s belfort, admire the adoration of the mystic lamb, enjoy the view from st michael’s bridge, wander around the old town, lunch at one of ghent’s many cafés, visit gravensteen, graffiti street, begijnhofdries (holy corner) ghent, have a drink at dulle griet, go on a beer tour, where to stay in ghent.

The best time to had to Ghent is between early April and late September. This way you’ll get the best of the weather as winters can be quite cold and wet, which doesn’t make for the best weather for exploration.

I personally loved visiting the city in April as the temperatures were warm enough for exploring but it wasn’t nearly as busy or as expensive during high peak season (i.e. July and August) .

The best cherry blossoms in Ghent bloom around mid-April and there’s a whole alley of sakura at Ijzerlaan. If you’re spending more time in Belgium, be sure to check out our perfect Belgium itinerary .

Ghent travel tips

One day is enough time to visit Ghent if that’s all you have. After all, this will give you sufficient time to see the city’s major attractions, test out a few pubs and restaurants, and snap photos of the top things to do.

Ideally, if you do have time to spare during your Belgium trip, you’ll want to set aside two or three days to fully enjoy Ghent. For more Belgium ideas, check out these top Belgium tips and these top facts about Belgium .

cute café in ghent

Suggested itinerary for spending one day in Ghent

Truth be told, one of the best ways to understand any new city is to get to know the lay of the land via a bird’s eye perspective. One of the best views in Ghent can be found in the form of Ghent’s Belfort, which is of such importance that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This historic tower is part of the Cloth Hall, a later 20th-century addition to the Belfry itself. In fact, the Belfort is the tallest of the three historic towers in Ghent.

Climbing the tower will not only give you a great view of the town but also rewards those who climb the steps with an up close view of the bells and music box.

ghent belfry

Located within St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (also called the Ghent Altarpiece) is a 15th-century polyptych altarpiece that is widely regarded to be one of the most impressive artworks from the Middle Ages.

st bavo's cathedral

Begin your exploration of the old part of Ghent at the St Michael’s Bridge. Right next to St Michael’s Bridge, you can also visit the St Michael’s Church, an ecclesiastical building dating back to the 15th-century. Entrance inside the church is free and it’s also a great place to escape the rain if it happens to be raining during your Ghent visit.

st michael's bridge

Truth be told, like many European cities, one of the best ways to get to know Ghent is simply to stroll around the old town and see where your feet lead you to. Some spots not to miss when exploring Ghent include:

Vrijdagmarkt: This is one of the main squares in the city centre and is where an open air market is held every Friday. If you’re visiting on Fridays you can expect to find vendors selling everything from local cheeses to fresh vegetables.

Korenlei and Graslei : These two quays line either side of the River Leie and are connected by the Grasburg bridget. They’re easily one of the most picturesque places in the city to take photos in.

Patershol : Wandering around this area feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. A maze of cobbled streets and quaint little shops, it’s the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir in one of the little boutiques.

If you prefer to get to know the city together with a local guide, then you can book a guided walking tour like this one. Another option for those who enjoy cycling is to go on a bicycle tour like this one.

ghent river quay

It may seem a little bit random, Ghent is actually one of the best vegan cities in Europe . Some of the top vegan restaurants in the city include Le Botaniste (this restaurant is set against the backdrop of a vintage pharmacy store and their slogan is even ‘let food be medicine’) and WAY Plantbased Bakehouse (everything is vegan in this bakery).

One of the best ways to get to know Bruges is on the water. Canal boat rides are operated by several different companies and last around an hour. I personally enjoyed taking a boat ride after lunch as it was a non-strenuous way to digest and offered a little more insight into the history of Ghent. Find more details here.

canal tour ghent

Ghent’s former castle has been transformed into a museum that offers spectacular views of the water surrounding it and the rest of the Belgian city beyond. Gravensteen was constructed in the 12th-century.

Up until 1353, the fortification was the residence of the Counts of Flanders. It then served various purposes over the years, including as a mint, court, keep, and as a cotton factory. Today, it’s used as a museum, which takes around an hour and a half to visit.

The city makes for the perfect setting for a weekend getaway

If there’s one hidden gem of Ghent that I would particularly like to draw your attention to, it’s the Graffiti street, which is particularly unique to the Belgian city and is a must wander through while in Ghent.

Within the heart of the city, steps away from the historic city centre, one street is unique in that it is one of the only places in Belgium where graffiti is not only legal but is actively encouraged by the authorities. This ever-changing and offbeat street can be found between Onderstraat and Hoogpoort.

This mural was created by graffiti artist Bart Smeets on the corner of Predikherenlei and Van Stopenberghestraat and is certainly well worth admiring if you’re passing by…

Ghent Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraatje)

Within the city limits of Ghent today, there remain a few beguinages you can still explore for free. Commonly found throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, ‘Hofjes’ as they are so-called in Dutch were typically religious-founded almshouses where older women and those most in need would live.

This beguinage was founded as early as the 13th-century byCountess Johanna van Constantinople and is now one of the quietest secret spaces in Gent .

Begijnhofdries (Holy Corner) Ghent

Have you ever been to a bar, only to leave a deposit of a shoe in exchange for a glass? Well, in Ghent you can! Pub de Dulle Griet can be found on a square of the same name.

The bar is open every day of the week and boasts the largest selection of Belgian beers in Ghent, as well as a traditional Flemish pub interior!

Have a drink at Dulle Griet

if you’re looking for one of the most unusual things to do in Ghent, it has to be ordering the proef onze max van het huis  (‘max of the house’ house beer).  After all, even the fact of ordering the drink is a unique experience in of itself.

Not only will you soon discover that the shape of the glass is most unusual (and comes with its own little wooden stand), but that in order to be given your tipple, you’ll need to hand over a shoe, which is then hung over the bar in a little metal cage! The bar is cash only.  Proost!

Drink a 'shoe beer' in Pub de Dulle Griet

If you prefer to get to know more about Belgian beer together with a local, then you can go on a guided tour like this one. On the tour you’ll have the opportunity to sample a mixture of famous and small-scale craft beers. Check prices and availability here.

There are a number of different places to stay in Ghent to suit a number of different tastes and budgets. The city also makes a great alternative to staying in nearby Bruges as it is less touristic and therefore slightly less expensive.

Budget- KABA Hostel: This low-cost hostel has a trendy vibe and features amenities such as free Wi-Fi and bed lights, plus murals painted by local artists. There’s a wide range of rooms available, including mixed dorms, female only dorms, and private rooms for an extra fee. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range- The House of Trade: This quaint hotel is well-reviewed and is set against the backdrop of a 19th-century building. Highlights include free Wi-Fi and breakfast for an extra charge.

Luxury- Pillows Grand Boutique: For a luxurious stay in Ghent you won’t forget in a long time, you’ll want to book yourself into this hotel which boasts a pool. Other highlights include flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, plus minibars, Nespresso machines and tea making facilities. Check prices and availability here.

ghent city centre

Enjoyed reading about how to spend one day in Ghent? Pin this article now, read it again later:

best of ghent belgium/ How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Ghent Itinerary

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Is Ghent Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons to Visit Ghent, Belgium

Is Ghent worth visiting

Are you wondering if Ghent is worth visiting? Then you have come to the right place!

Ghent is a charming city right between Brussels , the capital of Belgium and Bruges , the so-called “Venice of the North”. However, this city is often skipped during a visit to the country.

With its cobblestoned streets and medieval buildings, Ghent has got a lot to offer, though, and I think it’s one of Belgium’s most beautiful places .

In this post, you will find out what exactly makes Ghent worth visiting. As I’m from Belgium , I have visited Ghent many times and got to know this city quite well. Ghent is one of my favourite cities in Belgium and one I love heading back to.

Is Ghent Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons Why You Should Visit this City

So, let’s dive right into it! Here are 9 reasons why you should add Ghent to your itinerary for Belgium .

1. The three towers

Is Ghent worth visiting

Ghent is often called “the city of the three towers” because of its three towering landmarks that are located in one row: the Saint Nicholas’ Church , the Belfry of Ghent and the Saint Bavo Cathedral.

These landmarks date back to the 13th to the 16th centuries, with Saint Nicholas’ Church being the oldest of the three.

While the Belfry of Ghent is famous for being the tallest bell tower in Belgium, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is famous for housing the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece of the Van Eyck brothers.

All in all, the three towers of Ghent are a good reason to visit this city if you’re a lover of architecture or a history buff.

Tip: You can take a picture of all three of these towers from the bridge where the above picture was taken.

2. Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen)

Gravensteen Castle in Ghent Belgium

Located right in the centre of Ghent, the beautiful Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen) was built in 1180 and it was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353.

After the castle was abandoned, it served as a courthouse, a prison and a cotton mill, before opening its doors to tourists in 1904.

The Castle of the Counts is one of the most beautiful castles in Belgium and a place you cannot miss during a visit to Ghent .

Not only is the castle’s interior worth visiting, but the view from its top floor also offers an amazing view over the three towers of Ghent.

If this is something you like, you will also be able to visit the castle’s torture museum , which showcases torture instruments that were used to make people confess at the time that the castle served as a prison.

French fries in Belgium

There’s a “ frietkot ” – a kiosk selling fries among other snacks – on the corner of every street in Ghent and Belgian fries are truly yummy.

Fries are one of the things Belgium is known for. Contrary to what the name “French fries” might suggest, fries were actually invented in Belgium and this is where the best fries can be eaten.

Many Belgians regularly visit so-called frietkoten (this is the plural of “frietkot), either to eat fries there or to bring them home. Some people even have a fixed day every week that’s set aside for fries from the frietkot .

All in all, Ghent is the perfect city to indulge in Belgian fries with mayonnaise!

4. The architecture

Ghent in Belgium

Another reason why Ghent is worth visiting is the city’s beautiful architecture – both medieval as well as modern.

When it comes to medieval architecture , one of my favourite places in Ghent is the Graslei en Korenlei, but places like the three towers of Ghent, the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen), Geeraard de Duivelsteen Castle and the City Hall (Stadhuis van Gent) are stunning as well.

But Ghent is also home to some amazing modern architecture . If this is something you like, you can head to the City Pavilion (Stadshal), De Krook municipal library (Bibliotheek De Krook) and the Boekentoren University Library (Universiteitsbibliotheek Boekentoren).

So if you like architecture, Ghent is a great city to visit.

5. Belgian beer

Cafe de Dulle Griet in Ghent

When asked to name one famous Belgian thing , many people will probably say “beer”, and it’s true that Belgium is famous for its amazing beer.

What makes Belgian beer so special is the yeast that’s used. During the fermentation process, Belgian yeast produces a lot of flavour compounds, which adds to the taste.

On top of that, there are many types of Belgian beers, from Pints, Abbey beers and Trappist beers to fruit beers, Geuze and Lambic beers.

During a visit to Ghent, you will be able to taste all these kinds of beers in one of the city’s many cafés. You can even opt for a typical beer from Ghent like Augustijn, Gentse Tripel or Klokke Roeland.

6. Street art

Graffiti Street in Ghent

Apart from cobblestoned streets, stunning architecture and beautiful canals, Ghent is also home to some pretty amazing street art murals . Some of the most talented artists who contributed to these murals are Bué the Warrior, A Squid Called Sebastian, Kitsune Jolene and Roa (whose work can also be seen in the abandoned town of Doel ).

Apart from that, there’s also an ever-changing graffiti street in this city. This car-free street, located in the centre of Ghent, goes by the name of Werregarenstraatje , but it’s better known as “Graffiti Street”.

Here, anyone can practice street art and this has been the case since 1995, when the authorities first announced that the street would become a graffiti tolerance zone. The fun thing about it is that this street looks different every time you visit it!

You can see the city’s most beautiful street art murals by following the “Sorry, not sorry” street art map of Ghent . This can either be done on foot or by bicycle.

7. The Ghent Festivities (Gentse Feesten)

Every year in July, the city of Ghent is transformed into a huge cultural festival for 10 days. If you visit the city during the Ghent Festivities, you can attend plenty of free concerts, theatres, exhibitions, parades and more.

The Ghent Festivities have been held since 1843, and back then, it was a small event with just around 400 visitors. Today, however, the Ghent Festivities attract over 2 million visitors every year!

All in all, if you find yourself in Belgium when these festivities are held, it’s worth heading to Ghent. The atmosphere in the city will be amazing at this time of the year!

8. Delicious chocolate

Best Belgian chocolates

One of the things I love the most about Ghent (and the rest of Belgium) is its abundance of chocolate shops selling DELICIOUS Belgian chocolate.

Being the country where the praline was invented, Belgium makes some of the best chocolate in the world !

You will find famous brands like Leonidas , Godiva and Neuhaus in the streets of Ghent, and this city is also home to Chocolatier Deduytschaever , which is one of the best chocolatiers in Belgium .

All in all, Ghent is the perfect city to stock up on chocolate if you’re a chocolate lover like me!

Are you more of a pastries and cookies kinda person? Make sure to check out my post featuring the best Belgian pastries and biscuits . They’re worth it!

9. Yummy Belgian waffles

Belgian waffles

Just like chocolate and beer, Belgium is also known for its delicious waffles.

There are two types of Belgian waffles: Liège waffles and Brussels waffles . While liège waffles are thick and contain crunchy pearls of sugar, Brussels waffles are lighter.

In Ghent, you will find plenty of kiosks selling these waffles, and believe me, they are worth trying! My personal favourite is the Brussels waffle, but Liège waffles are more popular.

best time to visit ghent belgium

Best Time to Visit Ghent

The best time to visit Ghent is in April, May and June  or in  September and October . The weather will be at its best during these months and there won’t be too many crowds.

Ghent is a city that can be visited all year round, though. You will find an overview of the weather that you can expect according to the seasons below:

  • Spring (April to June):  Spring is a wonderful time to visit Ghent. There won’t be too many crowds at this time of the year and the weather will be nice too. You can expect temperatures between 9°C and 25°C (48°F and 77°F) during spring.
  • Summer (July to August):  The months of July and August are school holidays in Belgium, therefore, Ghent will be more crowded and more expensive during these months. Temperatures will range between 21°C and 34°C (70°F and 93°F) at this time of the year.
  • Autumn (September to November):  With temperatures between 10°C and 27°C (51°F and 81°F), autumn is also a good time of the year to visit Ghent. Note that the weather will be better during the months of September and October, as November will be colder.
  • Winter (December to March):  Although it can get pretty cold in Ghent during the winter, this is a nice season to visit this city if you would like to visit the Christmas market. You can expect temperatures between -6°C and 5°C (21°F and 42°F) at this time of the year.

Statue on the Vrijdagmarkt in Ghent

Is Ghent Worth Visiting: Final Thoughts

Ghent is an easy day trip from Brussels or other Belgian cities and, if you’re asking me, this city is definitely worth visiting! With its beautiful canals, cobblestoned streets and medieval architecture, Ghent is an incredibly photogenic place.

This being said it’s true that there are more tourist attractions in cities like Brussels or Bruges . If you’re on a tight schedule, it is possible to visit Ghent and Bruges in one day , though!

All in all, Ghent is a charming medieval city full of beautiful architecture. This is the perfect place to head to if you would like to visit one of Belgium’s not-so-touristy destinations.

Have you been to Ghent? What did you think about this city? Let me know in the comments below!

Read more about Belgium:

  • 11 Best Things to Do in Ghent in One Day
  • 8 Best Heritage Hotels in Ghent
  • Reasons Why Belgium is NOT Boring
  • Is Bruges Worth Visiting? 14 Reasons to Visit Bruges
  • Is Brussels Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons to Visit Brussels
  • Backpacking Belgium: A Complete Guide

Belgium Travel Planning Guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to Belgium on  Skyscanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Hostelworld . 🚃 Use Omnio to book public transportation in Belgium. 🚗 Rent a car with  Discover Cars   to get the best rates. 💰 Get travel insurance via  Visitors Coverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa  to visit Belgium

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Is Ghent worth visiting

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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A guide to Ghent, Belgium's rebellious, unsung city

Youthful and rebellious, Ghent is stepping out of Bruges’s shadow as a Belgian canal-side classic

A view of Ghent's three towers of the Belfry, St Nicholas' Church and St Bavo's Cathedral from St Michael's Bridge.

In the 16th century, Ghent lost it all on the wrong bet. Built around rivers and canals, it was Europe’s second-largest urban centre, falling just behind Paris. When Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who ruled over Belgium, raised taxes to fund military action abroad, the city refused to pay out. They’d already given a fair share, locals argued, and surely Charles, who had been born in Ghent, wouldn’t turn on his home. In response, he marched into the city with his army, stripping it of its finery and parading its leaders in their undershirts, nooses around their necks.  

Today, you can find evidence of the city’s illustrious past in its historical centre, home to a UNESCO-listed belfry and the Gravensteen, a stone fortress said to have been inspired by Crusader castles. And while its heyday is now behind it, Ghentians proudly tell the story of their fall from grace as proof of their rebellious streak.  

This spirit survived, the sign of a place that’s at ease with its identity: socially conscious and full of fresh ideas. Initiatives like Nucleo are repurposing empty spaces into artists’ studios, and inviting the public to peer in once a year — in 2024, the open day is on 5 May. Meanwhile, chefs are experimenting with the earth’s pantry, casting Ghent as a European vegetarian capital. This energy is partly due to it being Flanders’ biggest university city: out of some 267,000 residents, over a quarter are students. This ensures a near endless supply of speciality-roast coffee in the Overpoort student district, and nightlife ranging from candle-lit wine bars to sweaty warehouses, reverberating with the kind of techno more often associated with Berlin.  

The city was named 2024 European Youth Capital by the European Youth Forum — and it’s no surprise. In April, it will celebrate the accolade as part of the biennial Ghent International Festival, which will feature opera as well as dancers on roller-skates. Events will continue throughout the year, with locals as young as 15 invited to contribute ideas. As for what they’ll come up with, all bets are off.

Street sculpture by Belgian artist Michaël Borreman, who lives and works in Ghent. It shows four faceless people huddled together, their heads touching, in the middle of a street.

What to see and do

1. Historic quays If you’ve seen photos of Ghent before, chances are they’re of the Graslei and Korenlei. Once the city’s centre of trade, these quays remain a hub of activity, lined with cafe terraces and moorings for boat tours. They’re the gateway to the historical centre, as well as the neighbourhoods of Patershol, a former working-class district turned culinary hotspot, and Prinsenhof, a residential area that was once home to royalty.

2. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb This altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers is the most stolen artwork of all time — it was even robbed by Napoleon, and over the years, it’s been forged and almost destroyed. It marked the transition from Middle Ages to Renaissance in Flemish art: admire its genre-defining details at St Bavo’s Cathedral , where a VR tour leads visitors through its history.

3. Street art Ever since a historical centre passageway — now known as Graffiti Alley — was given over to street artists in the 1990s, murals have claimed Ghent like vines. Free to download, the ‘Sorry, Not Sorry’ map pinpoints some of the most famous. Pieces from homegrown talent include the rabbits by big-name ROA on Tempelhof and the foxes on Napoleon Destanbergstraat, which helped artist Kitsune make a name for herself.  

4. Dok Noord In the city’s northern reaches, an old factory complex has been turned into Dok Noord, one of Ghent’s newest leisure and office developments. Its main draw is Hal 16, a food hall in a former brick warehouse. Try barbecued dishes or Italian specialities including mafaldine pasta with octopus ragu, then quench your thirst at Dok Brewing Company. There are 30 beers on tap, but Waar is Loca, a pale ale brewed on site, is a crowd favourite.  

5. Museum of Industry Belgium was the first country in mainland Europe where the Industrial Revolution took hold. Housed inside a former cotton mill, this museum traces Ghent’s rise to textile powerhouse. The star of the collection is Belgium’s first spinning mule, a machine created to speed up yarn production: local Lieven Bauwens smuggled its components out of the UK, as export of such machinery had been banned.

Visitors admire The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece inside St Bavo's Cathedral.

Where to eat in Ghent

1. Knol & Kool The choice at this vegan cafe, a few steps from the belfry, ranges from vegetable lasagne with rocket pesto and almond parmesan to bánh mì overstuffed with tofu, pickled carrot and red cabbage. Check out the on-site vegan minimarket for hibiscus-flavoured beer, green leek miso paste and nut cheese made locally.

2. Lepelblad This modern restaurant in tranquil Onderbergen, near the historical centre, works with local farmers and small producers to celebrate the season’s bounty. The menu might change depending on the day’s supply, but expect dishes like chicory tarte tatin with onion cream and mustard salad or marinated beef with salsify, soy and herbs. Each comes with a recommended wine and beer pairing.  

3. Oak This one-Michelin-starred restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a refurbished look but has retained the minimalist, dark-toned decor that lets its menu shine. Brazilian chef Marcelo Ballardin’s multi-course menus lean into his international background with creations such as mackerel with Philippine calamansi lime or sea bass with tucupi sauce, extracted from wild manioc root in the Amazon rainforest.

best time to visit ghent belgium

Where to go shopping  

1. Home Linen This boutique on the Korenlei has been crafting its own designs since the 19th century. A lavender scent permeates the space, which sells lace tablecloths decorated with red lobsters, retro night gowns and children’s dresses embroidered with rosebuds. It’s all reasonably priced, despite Belgian linen being renowned for its softness.

2. Antiques Ghent has a seemingly endless assortment of vintage shops. Located opposite each other on central Baudelostraat, Antiek-Depot has overflowing shelves of curios, while Moca has ceilings hung with chairs and tambourines. For more precise perusing, Galerie St-John has a pedigree selection of cutlery, porcelains and Belgian paintings, all housed in a former baroque church.      

3. Sweets & condiments While Belgium is known for waffles and chocolate, Ghentians will recommend different specialities. Cuberdons are nose-shaped hard candies filled with fruit syrup; get a packet at Patershol’s Confiserie Temmerman , which dates to 1904. Even older is Tierenteyn-Verlent in the historical centre, selling a locally famous mustard made using a secret recipe.  

Confiserie Temmerman in Petrshol.

After hours

1. ‘t Dreupelkot It’s been over four decades since Paul Rysenaer opened this pint-sized pub a few steps from the Graslei, where barrels serve as high tables and wood cabinets display shot glasses. Head here to try jenever, a juniper-flavoured Belgian and Dutch spirit: there are some 200 varieties on the shelves, some distilled by Paul himself.

2. The Cobbler Walk up a spiral staircase and into this low-lit cocktail bar within 1898 The Post hotel , one of the city’s trendiest addresses. It’s hard to say what’s better: the location on the Graslei, overlooking gothic St Nicholas’ Church, or its signature concoctions. Try the fruity pear sonata with vodka, Cointreau, cassis and pear, or the herbal downstairs harry, a mix of rum, cognac, vermouth, Chartreuse, maple syrup and sage.

3. Jazz clubs A UNESCO Creative City of Music, Ghent has a special affinity with jazz. Every July, Gent Jazz takes over a former 13th-century hospital with performances by the likes of Gregory Porter and Norah Jones, but you’ll find sessions to jam out to all year. Hot Club Gent , an intimate bar, and Missy Sippy , a self-styled ‘modern juke joint’, are good places to start in the historical centre.    

A barman at The Cobbler, the cocktail bar of 1898 The Post hotel.

Like a local

1. Portus Ganda Ghent’s name comes from ganda, Celtic for ‘confluence’. The city was founded where the rivers Lys and Scheldt meet; when the Graslei and Koreneli get too busy, follow the canals to this very spot, now a tranquil marina. If visiting in warm months, detour to St Bavo’s Abbey, where hornbeam bushes mark the outline of a long-lost church.  

2. The Bakery When pastry chef Joost Arijs set up a chocolate shop in SoGo — Ghent’s shopping district — in 2011, it was quickly named Belgium’s best by restaurant guide Gault & Millau. Opened down the road in 2023, his follow-up bakery was always going to draw in curious locals but, a year on, the morning queues show no sign of subsiding. Come early to have your pick of the crispiest croissants.  

3. Veggie Thursdays In 2009, Ghent was the first city in the world to introduce a weekly meat-free day — an initiative that’s since been replicated from Taipei to Los Angeles. Take part yourself at Boon , an airy, Scandi-chic vegetarian lunch bar opposite the Gravensteen. The seasonal soups, salads and slices of quiche will have you coming back for more no matter what day of the week it is.

Where to stay in Ghent

1. Ganda Rooms and Suites You’ll be hard-pressed to find better value for money than this B & B, set in an 18th-century townhouse in the historical centre. The eight rooms retain original mantelpieces and wooden beams, and the owners worked with artisans to furnish them with bespoke beds and Belgian art.

2. Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof True to its former life as a baronial residence, this four-star hotel dazzles at first sight with a sweeping staircase in its marbled, neoclassical lobby. Set in a separate building, the 157 rooms are a more pared-back affair, but with common areas including a library and a bijou spa in what was a carriage house — plus the Graslei a stone’s throw away — there’s more than enough to keep you busy.

3.   Hotel Verhaegen Frescoes, a landscaped garden, a bath house with vaulted ceilings: there’s nothing subtle about this city palace, a short walk from the historical centre. It was reimagined as a four-room guesthouse by a pair of interior designers, who combined hand-picked antiques with 21st-century touches. Splurge on the Suite des Annees ’40 — though at some 750sq ft, the term ‘suite’ hardly does it justice.  

Inside Ganda Rooms and Suites, a B&B set in an 18th-century townhouse.

Related Topics

  • CITY GUIDES
  • MODERN HISTORY
  • LIVING HISTORY
  • FOOD HISTORY

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The Complete Visitor’s Guide to Ghent, Belgium

LAST UPDATED: 2/3/24 – Visitor’s Guide to Ghent, Belgium

While France and Germany might get more accolades from travel publications, Belgium has every bit as much charm. In addition, the food is fantastic, and the people couldn’t be any nicer. I simply fell in love with the country the moment I landed. 

But it wasn’t the big cities of Brussels and Antwerp that really won my heart.  Instead, it was the smaller towns like Ghent and Brugge that really made me fall in love with Belgium.

Ghent Has Incredible Restaurants and Beer

Located at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers, the city of Ghent couldn’t be prettier. Much of the city is built up around these rivers, which intersect the city and give it its charm. The city’s incredible canal system is part of what has made Ghent such a popular tourist destination. Beyond its beauty, the city of Ghent is also well known for its cuisine and its beer.

In fact, according to the local tourism industry, there are 653 restaurants and 620 cafes in Ghent. And in those restaurants and cafes, there are over 250 kinds of beer available. This doesn’t even include the amazing chocolate you can buy in stores around the city. Nor does it include the delicious Belgian waffles that street vendors sell in bunches. In short, Ghent is a foodie’s dream come true.

Ghent Belgium

An All-You-Need Guide to Ghent, Belgium

In this guide to Ghent, Belgium, I am going to give you all of the information you need. Using this information, you will be confident in planning a successful trip to Ghent.  In addition to covering the best times to visit Ghent, I also discuss the best ways to get there. This way, you can maximize what you can see and do during your visit.

Speaking of your visit, I also discuss the top things to see and where to eat while you’re there. And if you are spending multiple days in Ghent, I give you some great accommodation recommendations as well. With this information in hand, planning your trip to see Ghent should be a breeze.

Ghent Visitor Guide Navigation Menu

At a glance.

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Belgium.

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Belgium. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use.

Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary. I have included this key information in my guide to Ghent, Belgium below for you to review.

Passport, VISA, and Immunization Requirements

Travel Passport

To assist you in navigating the legal requirements for visiting Belgium, I outline the key entry requirements below. I have included a link to my Belgium Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements for Visitors Guide, which you will want to review.

I have also linked to my article on the EU’s new ETIAS VISA requirements. These guides will give you all the information you need to ensure you are allowed entry into Belgium. This includes the VISA, passport, customs, and immunizations requirements and recommendations.

Packing Tips

Carry-On Bag

Outside of knowing the entry and immunization requirements, there is no pre-travel task more important than packing. Don’t worry, I am here to make sure you are packed and prepared for your trip. I have included links to my packing resources in my travel guide to Ghent, Belgium below for you to review.

Top Things to See and Do in Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

Before planning your itinerary, you need to have an idea of what you would like to see in Ghent.  There is a lot to see and do in the city, so you need to plan your time wisely.  To assist, I have listed the top attractions for you to review in my guide to Ghent, Belgium below.

Ghent Attractions Map

View Larger Map

The Gravensteen

The Gravensteen

Translated to mean the “Castle of the Counts”, the Gravensteen dates all the way back to 1180. It is a very cool medieval castle that is definitely worth checking out. The castle was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1354 and has served various other purposes throughout its life. 

While the castle is really impressive to see from the outside, especially from the water, I would not recommend the tour of the inside.  If you do want to tour the inside of the castle, it is open for visitors between 10:00am and 5:15pm daily, and an audio tour with headphones is available.

St. Michael’s Bridge (Sint-Michielshelling)

St. Michael's Bridge

One of the prettiest spots in all of Ghent has to be on the St. Michael’s bridge .  Known locally as Sint-Michielshelling, the bridge is in the epicenter of everything that makes Ghent the charming city that it is.  From the bridge, you can capture a picture of all three of Ghent’s famous towers in a row. 

If this weren’t reason enough to visit the bridge, it is also just a stone’s throw from the Old Fish Market and the Gravensteen.  Or if you would just prefer to sit and people-watch for a bit, then St. Michael’s Bridge is a great place to do that as well.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

St. Bavo's Cathedral

One of the most visible and easily recognizable features of the city of Ghent is the tower of St. Bavo’s Cathedral .  Located in the heart of the city of Ghent, St. Bavo’s church is the city’s oldest parish church and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Belgium. 

There is a ton of history behind this amazing church, so after you are done admiring its beauty from the outside, I would strongly recommend paying the inside of the church a visit to learn more about its past.

St. Bavo’s Abbey (Sint-Baafsabdij)

Bavo's Abbey (Sint-Baafsabdij)

Another can’t-miss stop when visiting Ghent is St. Bavo’s Abbey .  The abbey twice survived attacks by Vikings, but much of the complex was destroyed by the order of Emperor Charles V and a coercion castle was built on the site. 

Included in the St. Bavo’s Abbey complex is St. Abbey’s church, which includes the oldest standing wall in the city of Ghent.   I would highly recommend touring the remains of this once-beautiful abbey as it can teach you a lot about the history of the area.

Ghent Belfry (Belfort)

Ghent Belfry

Another of the can’t-miss landmarks in the skyline of the city of Ghent is the Ghent Belfry , which is otherwise known as the Belfort.  If you are looking at the city’s skyline, it is the middle tower in the famous row of three towers that dominate the city’s skyline. 

Not only is it one of Ghent’s most visible buildings, but it is also one of the city’s most beautiful.  With a stone dragon, seemingly guarding the entrance to the city, the tower is both foreboding and beautiful. 

It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its beauty and historical significance.  I would strongly recommend touring this beautiful building and learning more about it and the wonderful city it stands in.

The Ghent Canals (Graslei and Korenlei)

Ghent Belgium Canals

One of the city’s most noticeable landmarks and the pride of the people of Ghent are the canals that run through the city.  The Ghent Canals have been used by ships to travel through the city since the 11th Century and they have played an important role in the culture of the city ever since. 

In addition to their practical use, they are also part of what makes this city so beautiful and charming.  There are few things better than an afternoon or evening walk along the canals in the city of Ghent.

Patershol

As one of the oldest and most lively quarters in the city of Ghent, the neighborhood of  Patershol is a must-stop destination when visiting Ghent.  In addition to a plethora of wonderful restaurants and shops, this area is also home to some of the city’s best festivals and events.

Take a Canal Cruise

Ghent Belgium Canal Cruise

No trip to Ghent is complete without a ride on the canals.  Ghent is such a beautiful city and the best way to take in that beauty is from the water.  If you are interested in learning more about the boat rides in Ghent, there is some great information you can review on the Visit Ghent website .

Try the Belgian Waffles

Ghent Belgium Waffles

I will admit, that one of my favorite parts of visiting Ghent was indulging in the absolutely delicious Belgian waffles (over and over).  I am sorry, but they are so good.  If you visit Ghent and don’t try the waffles, you are really missing out on one of life’s most delicious treasures.   

Unlike in North America, waffles are eaten with either fresh fruit or chocolate on top (both equally as delicious) and whipped cream, instead of with maple syrup.

Have Some Belgian Beer

Ghent Belgium - Belgian Beer

With over 250 different types of local beer to choose from, Ghent is a beer lover’s dream come true.  When you visit Ghent, make sure you try at least a few of the local brews.  If you are really into beer, you can also take a beer tour that will allow you to sample some of the more popular brews from the area.

How to Get to Ghent, Belgium

Ghent Belgium

The city of Ghent is located in Northwestern Belgium in the Dutch-speaking part of the country.  It is a very short train ride from the larger cities of Brussels and Antwerp and relatively close to both Paris and Amsterdam. 

In fact, if you wanted to combine a visit to Ghent with a trip to either France or the Netherlands, you could probably even fit a visit to Ghent in as a day trip from those countries.  However, I would certainly recommend you stay more than a day because there is so much to see and do. 

To help give you a better understanding of where Ghent is located in proximity to some of the other popular tourist destinations in Western Europe, I have created a map with estimated travel times to Ghent from various cities. You can review this map in my guide to Ghent, Belgium below.

Getting to Ghent Map

There are three primary languages spoken in the country of Belgium, with Dutch being the prevalent language spoken in Ghent and the rest of Northern Belgium. 

If you are traveling to other cities in Belgium during your visit, you will want to keep the different lingual regions of Belgium in mind.  To help you understand where each language is primarily spoken, I have included a map for you to review in my guide to Ghent, Belgium below.

Belgium Regions Map

Best Time to Visit Ghent, Belgium

Ghent Belgium Bicycles

Ghent is a city that is fun to visit year-round, but depending on what you are planning on doing when you visit, there may be certain months of the year that are better for you to visit than others. 

To assist you in determining which month is best for you to visit, I have included some information for you to review in my guide to Ghent, Belgium below.

Average Temperature (°F)

The first factor that you will want to consider when deciding when it would be best for you to visit Ghent is the temperature.  The temperature in Ghent is fairly mild year-round, but it can get a bit chilly during the winter months of December through February. 

The months of June through September typically see the warmest temperatures, so if you plan on spending a considerable amount of time outside, these might be the best months for you to visit.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

The other weather-related factor that you will want to consider when planning your trip to Ghent is the amount of rain that you can expect to see when you visit. 

To give you an idea of what the typical rainfall is throughout the year, I have included the chart below for you to review.  As you can see, the Autumn months of October and November typically see the most rainfall, with February through April seeing the least amount of rain.

Where to Stay in Ghent, Belgium

Ghent, Belgium

One of the most important decisions you are going to have to make when planning your trip to Ghent is where you will stay.  When you travel, the accommodations you choose are oftentimes amongst the biggest expenditures for your trip. 

So not only do you need to be comfortable where you are staying, but you also need to be comfortable with how much you are paying to stay there.  Finding the right accommodations for your trip involves looking at the amenities, the location, and most importantly, the price. 

If you are starting to plan your trip to Ghent and want some hotel and hostel suggestions, I have included some great options at different price points for you to review in my guide to Ghent, Belgium below. 

As always, don’t be afraid to expand your search to room-sharing sites such as Airbnb or VRBO if you aren’t finding a hotel or hostel that meets your needs.

Ghent, Belgium Hotels Map

Where to Eat in Ghent, Belgium

Ghent Belgium Food

When most people plan a trip, the primary focus is on how to get there, where to stay, and what is on the list of things to see and do.  What many travelers neglect to plan, is where to eat when you are there. 

Granted, it is sometimes fun to be spontaneous when choosing a restaurant while traveling, and it is always smart to get recommendations when you arrive.  However, it can also be advantageous to have some ideas of restaurants you would like to try during your trip written down beforehand as well. 

This way you can be assured that you won’t miss out on a highly recommended culinary experience that you will regret.  To help you decide on some restaurants to add to your list, I have included a list of some highly recommended options. You can review this list in my guide to Ghent, Belgium below.

Recommended Tours and Excursions in Ghent

Ghent, Belgium Bicycles

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the Ghent area and one of the best ways to experience those things is on a tour.  If you are looking for fun tours and excursions to fill out your trip, I have included some category links to recommended tours and excursions you can review in my guide to Ghent, Belgium below.

Ghent, Belgium Photo Gallery

Ghent is one of those cities where it is nearly impossible to visit and not come away with some incredible pictures to share.  I was able to capture a bunch of great shots when I visited and have shared some of my favorites with you in the gallery below.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

Guide to Ghent Belgium

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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8 comments ›.

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Fantastic guide. I visited for a day a few years back but it looks so much more spectacular with the sun shining and clear blue skies. Might have to try and go back soon! Belgium’s a vastly underrated country with the exception of Bruges.

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Agreed!! Bruges will be my next Belgium guide. That city is unreal 😀👍

I look forward to it! It’s somewhere I need to go back to!

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An excellent comprehensive guide on a great place to visit. I must say though that the audio guided tour of Gravensteen Castle was one of my daughter’s favourite things in Belgium. Kayaking around the waterways was also great fun!

Thank you so much for reading and the kind words! And thank you for sharing your personal experiences in Ghent. I didn’t get a chance to go kayaking while there. I’ll have to add that to my to do list for my next visit. 😀

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Really great guide. Maybe interesting to mention how to travel by taxi too, like https://www.taxi222gent.be or other reputable companies. That’s a struggle to do as a tourist from personal experience.

Thanks so much for the feedback and the kind words!!

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Thank you so much for the kind words!!

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Evening in the lively city of Ghent, Belgium

Despite being one of Belgium's oldest cities, Ghent remains small enough to feel cosy but big enough to be a vibrant, relevant centre for trade and culture. There's a wealth of medieval and classical architecture here, contrasted by large post-industrial areas undergoing urban renewal that give Ghent a gritty-but-good industrial feel.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Officials unveil the restored exterior panels of "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb", an altar piece painted by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432, at Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent on October 12, 2016. .The restoration of the exterior panels and frames started in 2012, and constitutes the first phase of restauration which will be followed by two other phases for the interior panels and is set to last until 2020. / AFP / EMMANUEL DUNAND        (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb

Art enthusiasts swarm the Sint-Baafskathedraal to glimpse The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (De Aanbidding van het Lams God), a lavish representation of…

Belgium, Ghent

Gravensteen

Flanders’ quintessential 12th-century stone castle comes complete with moat, turrets and arrow slits. It’s all the more remarkable considering that during…

Belfort

Ghent’s Unesco-listed 14th-century belfry (91m) is topped by a large dragon weathervane: he's become something of a city mascot. You’ll meet two previous…

MSK

Styled like a Greek temple, this superb 1903 fine-art gallery introduces a veritable A–Z of great Belgian and other Low Countries' painters from the 14th…

St-Pietersabdij

St-Pietersabdij

Once the country’s biggest abbey, St-Pieters was the original centre around which Ghent grew. Its fabulous wealth evaporated after French revolutionary…

Kasteel Ooidonk

Kasteel Ooidonk

Thought to have been originally constructed around the 13th and 14th centuries, and reconstructed in 1595 after much savagery and repeated pillaging,…

Stadhuis

Ghent’s magnificent and flamboyant city hall was started in 1519 but not finished until 1600, by which time it had transformed into a Renaissance-style…

Korenmarkt

Ghent's best-loved waterfront square, the 'Wheat Market' is where you'll find some of the city's best architecture, including the former post office (now…

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Travelling King

Ultimate Travel Guide to Ghent

Ghent, Belgium is a port city in the East Flanders region. It’s one of the top Belgian university towns, which means you’ll find a creative, young crowd here amongst all of the looming medieval towers.

During the Middle Ages, Ghent was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. While it’s a little more lowkey these days, it remains a fascinating and evolving place with a lot of history and architecture to appreciate. 

Panoramic view of the historic city center of Ghent with Leie river illuminated in beautiful twilight, Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium

Read through this travel guide to find out what to do in Ghent, as well as what to eat, where to stay, and how to make your way around the city. You may even learn a few useful travel tips!

This ultimate travel guide to Ghent will show you all the most beautiful places in Ghent, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Ghent and things to do in Ghent which will help you in planning a trip to Ghent.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Ghent

The closest airport to Ghent is Brussels Airport in Zaventem. From the airport, you can take a train straight to Ghent.

Ghent has six railway stations, though Ghent Sint-Pieters is where you’ll arrive if you’re coming from Brussels. Depending on the time of day, the trip can take 55 minutes to an hour and a half.

If you’re already within the city of Brussels , you can depart from Brussels Central Station. Arriving from a different Belgian city? The train from Bruges takes about 25 minutes, while a trip from Antwerp is just under an hour. 

 Sunrise over passenger airliners parked at Brussels Zaventem International Airport in Brussels, Belgium.

What to expect in Ghent

There are many official languages in Belgium, including French, Dutch and German. Since Ghent is located in the province of Flanders, residents speak Flemish Dutch.

As a tourist, you’ll be able to get along fine only speaking English, as most locals are fluent in English as well. 

Belgium is a member of the European Union and uses the euro as its currency . A 10 to 15 per cent service charge is usually added to the bill at restaurants, so it’s not necessary to leave an extra tip. 

How to get around Ghent

You’ll be amazed at how well organised the public transport system in Ghent is. The network of buses and trams throughout the city are reliable and extensive.

If you purchase a Ghent CityCard , you can catch any tram and bus for free. To look up route maps in advance and plan your journey, head to the De Lijn website, which luckily has an English version. 

With the CityCard, you can also rent a bicycle for free for an entire day. All you have to pay is a €40 deposit, which will be refunded once you safely return your bike to the hire point.

Biking is a fun way to explore the winding streets of Ghent, particularly when you don’t have a destination in mind.

Walk as much as you can around the old town so that you can soak up the laid-back atmosphere and appreciate every bit of architecture.

Ghent, Belgium- View of a tram passing on railways in old part of the city Ghent. Spring morning view

The best time to visit Ghent

Tourism is at its busiest around mid-summer to early autumn, so there will be bigger crowds and increased prices during this time. June is an ideal time to visit Ghent if you want warm weather without the hordes of people. 

Mid to late December is also a busy time of year but can be a wonderful experience nonetheless. If you’re hoping to spend Christmas or New Year’s Eve in Ghent, you’ll be delighted at the abundance of festive activities and the winter wonderland vibes.

Of course, you should book in advance to avoid missing out on the best hotels or tours.

Spring is an affordable and lively time of year in Ghent too. Getting out and exploring a new city while the flowers are in bloom and the weather is beginning to warm up is always enjoyable.

Ghent, Belgium - Gent city winter festival in Flanders. Christmas fair with Xmas tree and festive decorations surrounded by historical buildings on the Ghent Old town square.

Things to do in Ghent

The first thing you should do in Ghent is pick up a Ghent CityCard . As you already know, the card includes free public transport, but what else does it offer? Pay a small upfront price to get into all of the top attractions and skip the long lines.

A card valid for 48 hours costs €30, or for €5 extra you can buy the 72-hour card. It’s easy to pick one up, as they are sold at the Ghent Tourist Office, most museums, participating hotels, and all public transport sales points.

You’ll also receive a handy attractions map, which will become one of your essential travel resources on the go.

Once you’ve purchased your CityCard, what are the best things to do in Ghent ? Here are some of the top suggestions for sights to see and fun Ghent activities:

Admire Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic architectural gem in the old town. Constructed in the late 13th-century, it is the oldest parish church in Ghent and is easily identified by its 89-metre-tall tower. It is also home to an 18th-century 6,000-pipe organ, which is the largest in the Benelux.

While the exteriors are stunning, the cathedral is even more impressive inside. You’ll find yourself marvelling at the black and red flamed marble naves and the star-shaped rib-vaulted ceiling.

The Saint Bavo Cathedral (Sint-Baafs Cathedral) in Ghent, historical city of Belgium, on a sunny day

Visit the Mystic Lamb

The Ghent Altarpiece, commonly referred to as the Mystic Lamb, is the most stolen artwork of all time. It’s fascinating to learn about the history of this beloved piece, which was once taken by Napoleon and sought after by the Nazis.

This giant polyptych from the 15th century is made up of 12 panels, each depicting a different Catholic figure or scene.

Brothers Hubrecht and Jan van Eyck spent almost a decade completing these panels, which include Adam and Eve, the Virgin Mary, and St John the Evangelist. The panel of the Just Judges has been missing since 1934.

The Mystic Lamb is currently on display at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and is without a doubt one of the top things to see in Ghent.

GHENT, BELGIUM-Interiors, paintings and details of Saint Bavon cathedral in Ghent, Belgium

Learn about the Gravensteen Castle

One of the best things to do in Ghent is to check out the imposing Gravensteen Castle . This fortified structure was built in 1180 to house the Counts of Flanders.

Since 1353, it has been used as a court, a prison, a cotton factory, and a mint. As a result of its torturous and barbaric history, the castle was almost torn down. Ultimately, a preservation group realised its architectural significance, and it has since become a museum.

Today, you can tour the medieval castle , which is surrounded by a moat on three sides. The Arms Museum and the Museum of Judicial Objects display various weaponry from the castle’s dark past, including crossbows, spearheads, shackles, and a guillotine.

The audio guide is captivating and informative, and is available in multiple different languages. 

Castle Gravensteen in Gent at sunrise, Belgium

Explore the Belfry of Ghent

Another significant medieval structure in the city is the Ghent Belfry. The 14th-century bell tower is 91 metres tall and is a recognizable part of Ghent’s skyline.

It was originally used as a watchtower, and the bells would warn residents of incoming threats in addition to announcing the time. 

The 18th-century rotating drum in the tower plays a tune every hour. There are four different songs currently programmed, which are changed by the city carillonneur every two years.

For €8, you can climb the spiral stone staircase of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are various bells and chimes to look at on the way up, though the real reason to get to the top is for the amazing views over the old town. 

Ghent, Belgium - View on the center of Ghent with Saint Nicholas Church in Belgium, from the Belfry tower

Get to know Ghent at STAM

If you’re eager to learn about Ghent and its long history, the Ghent City Museum (or STAM) is one attraction you shouldn’t miss. As one of the most thorough and modern museums in the city, STAM is best known for the Story of Ghent.

This permanent exhibit chronologically showcases Ghent’s history since the Middle Ages. This digital trip through time utilises 300 different collection pieces, and there’s an English audio guide available to enhance your experience.

See Saint Nicholas’ Church

Stop by one of Ghent’s most prominent structures, Saint Nicholas’ Church. Built during the 13th century, the blue Tournai stone structure is a great example of Scheldt Gothic architecture. Step inside and see the colourful stained glass windows, a beautiful 19th-century addition to the church.

Ghent / Belgium - Interiors of Saint Nicholas Church in Ghent, Belgium in Christmas decorations

Hop aboard the water tram

Ghent’s hop-on, hop-off water tram is a fun and different way to see the city. The water tram stops at six main locations: Veldstraat, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Saint Peter’s Abbey, the Museum Site, Graslei-Korenlei, and the Gravensteen Castle.

It can be a relaxing and pleasant way to rest your legs while still appreciating the beauty of the city. If you have the Ghent CityCard, it’s completely free as well.

GENT, BELGIUM, Evening view of Gent from the Kraanlei towards the Oude Vismarkt. Gent has a historic city centre and is a hugely popular tourist destination in East Flanders.

Relax at Citadelpark

After you’ve wandered the cobblestone streets for a while, you might be looking for a little bit of nature.

During the day, this beautiful green park is a pleasant oasis shaded by ancient tall trees. Why not put together a picnic from the local market and enjoy a peaceful outdoor lunch here?

Ghent, Belgium - Sculpture in the citadelpark is a park in the Belgian city of Ghent.

What to eat in Ghent

The people of Flanders love to get together and share a delicious meal. Fortunately, the superb restaurants and street-side eateries in Ghent make this easy. Here are some of the most well-known local dishes, as well as recommendations for where you can try them:

  • Belgian waffles: The iconic dessert that Belgium is known for, made with a lighter batter and larger squares than typical American waffles. For the best in the city, stop by Brasserie Agrea , Mokabon or Max Cafe . Be sure to enjoy with strawberries, chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, whipped cream or caramelised bananas.
  • Pommes frites: Potato fries, another Belgian classic! The locals love to eat their hot chips with unique sauces like andalouse, which is made with mayonnaise, tomato paste and peppers. De Frietketel and Frituur Jozef serve up some of the best pommes frites in Ghent. If you’re at a restaurant, you can also order moules frites to have your fries arrive with a side of mussels.
  • Waterzooi: A stew originating from Flanders with a thick, creamy vegetable-based broth. Traditionally it is made with fish, though chicken is more commonly used these days. Vegetables and herbs such as carrots, onions, leeks, potatoes, parsley and sage can also be included in the dish. Vier Tafels and ‘t Vosken both serve a delicious and authentic version.
  • Flemish hotchpotch: A meat stew with boiled vegetables, and quite different from the mashed hotchpotch you’ll find in the Netherlands. Order this warming dish at Du Progres or ‘t Klokhuys .

Chicken waterzooi - Belgian dish of stew originating in Flanders.

Where to stay in Ghent

You won’t find super cheap backpacker prices in Ghent, yet there are still some affordable places to stay that won’t break the bank. Ibis Budget Gent Centrum Dampoort is a superb option that provides incredible value for money.

The rooms are modern and clean, and there’s an open communal area to eat breakfast and socialise with fellow travellers.

The location is about a 15-minute walk away from the historic centre. However, it’s only a few hundred metres from the Gent Dampoort train station, making it a perfect spot to stay for day trips . 

If you want to spend a little more but not go crazy, Hotel Carlton is ideal. The friendly staff who will instantly remember your name will have you feeling at home in no time.

The comfortable and cosy rooms feature a relaxing bath for you to soak in after a long day of sightseeing. The hotel is only 200 metres from Ghent Saint Peter’s railway station, and the peaceful Citadelpark is right around the corner.

For the most luxurious and memorable stay, 1898 The Post is the obvious choice. An old post office is the setting of one of Ghent’s most enchanting boutique hotels.

The deep emerald green walls, dark wood floors and antique furniture create a unique atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

If you’re visiting Belgium during the colder months, you’ll definitely appreciate the open fireplace and inviting bar. The location is perfect too, situated by the Leie River near St Michael’s Bridge.

Ghent, Belgium - Hotel Gravensteen amazing building in the medieval historical city.

Tours to do in Ghent

There’s no better way to see a new city than with a walking tour. Head out on a free Ghent city walk and find out what the residents truly think about their home.

As well as visiting the must-see attractions, you’ll be shown the best local spots to eat, drink and have a great night out. Hear about the urban myths and legends behind the churches and squares, and get to know what makes Ghent unique.

Aside from chocolate and waffles, Belgium is known for its beer. Have a fun night out and join a two-and-a-half-hour beer tasting tour.

You’ll visit some of the city’s best bars and sample their finest selection of local beers, all while learning about Belgian brewing history. Tasty cheeses and other snacks are also included.

Bruges, Belgium - Belgian chocolate produced in Belgium. A major industry since the 19th century, today it forms an important part of the nation's economy and culture.

Day trips from Ghent

As pointed out earlier, Ghent is close to many other great Belgian cities. You can embark on a short, impromptu day trip to Bruges even if you sleep in late!

There are a ton of fun tours to join in this picture-perfect city. A two-hour walking tour with a local guide can show you around the colourful neighbourhoods and winding canals, pointing out the best historic sites in the city.

Afterwards, stop by the local market and taste some Belgian chocolate. A private medieval tour is a must for lovers of history.

Learn about the myths of the Minnewater Park lakes and visit Burg Square while hearing about more dark folklore tales.

Bruges, Belgium - Bruges sightseeing. Sunny Brugge cityscape with clear blue sky and old church. Church of Our Lady in Bruges.

Want to visit Antwerp for the day instead? Don’t miss a two-hour Legends of Antwerp tour. Explore the historic centre and learn about the city’s Golden Age.

Visit the Grote Markt, the Vleeshuis, the Rubens House, the Cathedral of Our Lady, Plantin-Moretus Museum and even more. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Antwerp or 22 Things to do in Antwerp articles for even more tips and recommendations. 

View on cathedral of our lady in Antwerp - Belgium

Recommended tours in Ghent

  • 2,5h Authentic Beer Tasting Journey Ghent
  • Guided Boat Trip in Ghent
  • Belfort of Ghent Entrance Ticket
  • Public Chocolate Tour, with a local guide!
  • Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Ghent

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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  • Aug 8, 2022

Ghent: A guide to Belgium's most charming city

Updated: Sep 17, 2022

Ghent is the most charming city in Belgium in our opinion. Often compared to Bruges, it has beautiful buildings, 2 rivers, and an important history. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was a wealthy and prominent city-state mainly due to the manufacturing of cloth made from English wool. Today, it’s a university town and cultural hub full of amazing architecture, such as the 12th-century Gravensteen castle. From towering churches to detailed statues and peaceful canals, there are hundreds of charming views to take in here. In this article, we'll break down how to get to Ghent, everything you need to know before going there, where to eat and drink, where to stay, and the best things to do in Ghent.

Check out our video about Ghent to get a sense of what it's like there!

How to get to Ghent

The city of Ghent is located in the northwest of Belgium, at the confluence of two rivers, the Leie and the Schelde. Ghent has a perfect location. It is only 50 kilometers from Brussels , 50 kilometers from Bruges , 55 kilometers from Antwerp , and 65 kilometers from Ostend . You have the option to fly into 3 different airports when visiting Ghent.

You can fly to Brussels Airport , take a train to Brussel Central , and then another train to Gent Sint Pieters . This will only take you an hour. Book your flight with Skyscanner to get the cheapest options!

Another option is flying to Ostend-Bruges International Airport , taking a shuttle to Ostend Station , and then a direct train to Gent Sint Pieters which takes 40 minutes.

The last option is flying to Lille Airport , taking a shuttle to Lille Flandres , a train to Kortrijk , and then a train to Gent Sint Pieters. The train journey will take you an hour and 30 minutes. If you don't want to take a train from the airport you can rent a car through rentalcars.com .

Use our map below to get directions to Ghent as well as directions to the best things to do there, which we mention later in this article.

Important things to know before you go to Ghent

The best time to visit Ghent is between June and October . The weather is best from June to September, but October is the month when all the students come back to the city so the atmosphere will be amazing. In October, the weather will be less ideal but the students will be back in the city because the university has started again. This means the atmosphere in the city will be buzzing.

Flemish is the main language spoken in Ghent. It is very similar to Dutch. Most people (especially in the tourism sector) will also speak French and English .

Ghent is safe, especially in the center and during the day. In the evening, be aware of drunk people. Be cautious when going to the Brugse Poort, het Zuid , the Overpoort (if you're partying there just watch out that you don't get involved in fights), and all the parks at night.

Try and visit Ghent on the first Sunday of the month. All the stores will be open and the busses and trams will be free. The center of Ghent is not big, so you can walk everywhere. However, the station is pretty far from the center so we recommend taking the tram (line 4) which is normally €2.50/per person for one ride. It's free on the first Sunday of the month.

travel tips ghent

Where To Stay In Ghent

Budget accommodations in ghent.

Hostel Uppelink

Guesthouse PoortAckere : is in a former monastery

Medium-priced accommodations in Ghent

Getaway Studios Gent

Baeten's bed and breakfast

Premium accommodation in Ghent

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

1898 The Post

where to stay in Gent

Where to eat and drink in Ghent

Where to eat in ghent:.

Bridge : has amazing meat stew

Frituur Tartaar : very good fries in the center of Ghent

Chocolatier Deduytschaever : has won multiple prices for their chocolate

Chocolaterie Vandenbouhede : has the craziest flavors of chocolate

't Klokhuys : has all the specialities of Ghent and Flandres such as Gentse Waterzooi, Flemish meat stew (stoverij), and much more.

O'yo : a healthy place for brunch and lunch with lots of vegan options

De Kastart : best pasta in the city

Amadeus : unlimited spare ribs

Where to go for a drink in Ghent:

Dulle Griet : has the biggest selection of beers in Ghent

Het Spijker : one of the most popular bars for students

Ghent Gruut Brewery : a brewery in the center of Ghent where you can try the beer

Barazza Café : has a cozy terrace next to the river

drinks Ghent

Best things to do in Ghent

There are so many things to do in Ghent that sadly we couldn't include them all in our list. We do want to mention the following attractions/things to do because they are also really fun.

De Krook (especially at night when the lights are on)

Delirium brewery

Beer tasting

Chocolate tasting

City bike tour

STAM Ghent City Museum

Now, let's move on to the best things to do in Ghent!

7. Try the local delicacies

One of our top recommendations for things to do in Ghent is to try the local delicacies. Belgium in general has tasty food and drinks, such as waffles, french fries, and Belgian Beer. But in Ghent specifically, you can try Delirium Tremens . It’s one of the best beers in Belgium and is brewed about 15 minutes outside the city center. We also recommend a tasty local candy called a “ Gentse Neusje ”, which looks like a human nose, but tastes like heaven. And finally, you have to try a “ Julientje ”. A Julientje is a dish with fries, mayonnaise, flemish stew saus ( stoofvleessaus ), satékruiden, viandel, and crispy onions. It was invented by de Gouden Saté in the party street of Ghent, the Overpoort .

ghent best things to do

6. Walk around Patershol

Patershol is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in all of Ghent. With unique architecture, well-preserved cobbled streets, and serene views of the canals, this is a must-visit spot. Walking around here will make you feel like you’re back in the Middle Ages. There are also many cozy pubs in this area to enjoy.

patershol ghent

5. Free walking tour of the historic center

At number 5, we recommend taking a free walking tour of the city. Starting at Hostel Uppelink next to the Saint Michaels Bridge , you’ll learn all about the history of Ghent. Including how Ghent came to be one of the largest towns in Northern Europe in the 13th century. On the tour, you’ll stop by some of the most famous tourist attractions in all of Ghent. This includes the three main churches ( Saint Nicholas Church , Saint Bavo’s Cathedral , and Belfry ) , the City Hall , Gravensteen Castle , and the Graffiti Street where it is legal to spray graffiti. The free walking tour finishes in front of the St. Bavo’s Cathedral. This is where you can find The Ghent Altarpiece, which is also called the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”. It’s worth checking it out inside the church! This artwork was created in the 15th century and is considered a masterpiece of European art.

4. Visit the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen Castle)

The Gravensteen Castle , also known as Castle of the Counts, towers high above the canal. The current castle dates back to 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. During the industrial revolution, it was even turned into a cotton mill at one point. Now, the castle is a museum and a major landmark in the city. We highly recommend doing the audio-tour that is both funny and interesting.

Ghent main attraction

3. Chill at Graslei or Korenlei

The touristic hotspot of Ghent is definitely the Graslei or Korenlei . Located directly across from each other on opposite sides of the river, these two quays are part of the medieval port that hosted ships since the 11th century. Take a moment to appreciate the details in the buildings here, such as the swans on the Marriott hotel at Korenlei. The swan swimming to the left symbolizes women, whereas a swan swimming to the right alludes to drinks. The fun part about the Graslei and Korenlei is that it is a place where tourists and locals get mixed together. During lunchtime in the school year, you'll see that it is full of students eating their lunch while during the vacations it is full of tourists and locals enjoying the sun and architecture.

graslei ghent

2. Enjoy The Festivities

Ghent is known around Europe for having some of the best festivals during holiday months. In the winter for the last few weeks of December, you can enjoy a cozy Christmas market . At the market, you will find warm glüh-wine, a variety of jenever shots, waffles, rides, and an ice skating rink. In the summer, Ghent transforms the downtown center into the Gentse Feesten . For 10 days at the end of July, over 1 million people flood the streets to enjoy free concerts at multiple stages throughout the city. The good vibes are flowing here all day long and you won’t have a shortage of entertainment options to choose from.

Gentse feesten

1. Kayak or boat tour on the river

One of the best things to do in Ghent is to take in the views from the canals. You have two options to do this. One is to rent your own kayak and go at your own pace. In this way, you can take your time at each spot depending on how long you want to stay there. To rent a kayak, head to Hostel Uppelink . The other option is to do a 50-minute guided boat tour. Here, you’ll get a short history lesson while you admire Ghent's most famous sights from a unique view on the water. The tour is conducted in English, Dutch, and French and is a great option if you just want to relax on the water and take in the beauty of the city. You can save time by pre-booking the medieval boat tour here .

Ghent boat tour

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Other Top Ghent resources:

If you're looking for some other information on Ghent and the best things to do there, here are some great articles that will help you:

10+ memorable things to do in Ghent: the gem of Belgium by The Invisible Tourist

17 Best Things to Do in Ghent by Travel Addicts

19 Fun Things To Do In Ghent, Belgium For Any Kind Of Weather by Wonderful Wanderings

Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and other articles about Belgium:

Bruges, Belgium: 5 Must-Do Things In Bruges

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If you’re asking yourself “Is Ghent worth visiting”, you’ve come to the right place!  

I live about 45 minutes away from the city and have been there countless times.  

Ghent is often the little brother of the three major Belgian destinations: Brussels , Bruges , and Antwerp . That means that fewer tourists make their way to the capital of East Flanders, but there’s no reason to skip it!

However, if I tell you that Ghent is one of my favourite cities of all time you might have an inkling what my answer will be to the original question of whether or not Ghent is worth visiting. 

I’ll explain 16 reasons why exactly you should put Ghent on your Belgium itinerary, and then I’ll also add some practical details like what tours to take, where to stay, and the best time to visit.  

Is Ghent worth visiting?   

The short answer to this is “Yes”. ( You didn’t see that one coming, right? ) 

No, truly, Ghent, Belgium has so much to offer to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.  

Brussels can be a bit bland compared to the other major destinations in Belgium and Bruges is usually seriously overcrowded, but Ghent? Ghent has it all.  

✔️ A fairytale historic centre  ✔️ Canals with boat rides  ✔️ More locals than tourists  ✔️ A young and eco-minded vibe  ✔️ A castle IN the city centre 

You can see all the sights in a single day , but if you have more time to experience Ghent, I’d totally recommend you do so. It’s also a great base for further explorations in Belgium. 

What is Ghent famous for?   

Ghent is famous for its “Three Towers”. The towers of the Belfry, the Saint Nicholas Church, and the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral can be seen from everywhere in the city and make the city unique.

Besides that, Ghent is well known as the vegetarian capital of Belgium and is often seen as the most eco-friendly city in Belgium . 

Oh and don’t forget the Medieval city centre with its many canals , obviously. 

night view of the streets of Ghent

Is Ghent Belgium safe?   

Taking rank one in the list of the top 10 safest places to visit in Belgium, Ghent is certainly a safe place for tourists but with a low crime index of 26.51 in 2022, Ghent is also a very safe place for locals.  

I’ve never felt unsafe walking the streets in Ghent, not even at night.  

Reasons why you should visit Ghent   

1. less touristy atmosphere   .

Belgium is often disregarded as a travel destination (many people are even wondering whether Belgium is situated in Germany or even whether Belgium is a country or not!). When people do come to visit, they usually limit their time to Brussels and/or Bruges.  

So it doesn’t come as a surprise that Ghent receives a lot less tourists. 

The fewer tourists around, the more you’ll be able to explore the city freely and go to tourist destinations with ease .   

2. Medieval architecture and canals   

Although not as famous as Bruges, the historical centre of Ghent is just as fairytale-like . You’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, Medieval architecture and plenty of charm .  

Ghent is a fairly small city and especially the historic centre is easily walkable . Use your legs to discover all these history-oozing places!  

Make sure to visit The Castle of the Counts – it’s pretty unique to find a Medieval fortress in the middle of a city! Other Medieval sights include The Great Butcher’s Hall and The Belfry. 

Hop on a boat tour to admire the city from a different perspective or – if you’re feeling a little more adventurous – book yourself a kayak and paddle around Ghent’s canals yourself! I highly recommend this fun activity!  

Among the most visited destinations in the area are the Graslei and Korenlei, where ships used to dock in the 11th century. Now, it’s one of the most popular spots for locals , especially when the sun is out!

Grab a coffee and watch the tourist boats go by while enjoying the hustle and bustle of a mid-sized city.  

a view of the canal in Ghent

  3. Incredible art scene and museums   

Art is another factor that makes Ghent a great place to visit.  

In a small city like Ghent, you will certainly find grand displays of galleries from world-renowned artists who visit the city for special art festivities.   

Among the top five museums in the city are the following:   

🖼️ Ghent City Museum (STAM)   

This museum is located at the Bijloke Site – a cultural haven in the city – and is easily recognised because of its modern exterior surrounded by historical buildings.  

At STAM , you can discover the story of Ghent and all its layers. 

🖼️ Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK)   

With an international reputation, this museum showcases galleries that feature global artists. Unlike other traditional museums in the city, SMAK is known for its rebellious streak.  

Instead of sticking to the usual art displays that traditional museums are known for, SMAK is not afraid to go unconventional.   

Rebellious presentations that are often controversial make SMAK one of the most visited museums in Ghent and is recommended for art enthusiasts who want to see and experience something different. 

🖼️ Design Museum Ghent   

The Design Museum in Ghent is the place to be if you’re interested in design in all its forms. Other than exhibits that showcase the evolution of design from the 15 th Century until now.

It also puts attention to Belgian design specifically and to how strongly design is interwoven with daily life. 

💡 Good to know : Right now, the Design Museum is undergoing reconstruction and is set to reopen in 2026.  

🏭 Industriemuseum   

At the Ghent Industrial Museum – located in a former cotton fabric – you can learn more about the industrial history of Ghent and the rest of Europe.

The museum houses quite an impressive collection of textile and printing machines .  

🖼️ Museum of Fine Arts (MSK Gent)  

Known as the oldest museum in Belgium (dating back to 1798, that’s older than Belgium itself!), the MSK Gent has an enormous collection of more than 15.000 paintings and sculptures and also houses its own library with art on paper.

On top of that, it’s an expertise and learning centre for 19 th and 20 th Century art. 

4. Colourful Street Arts   

It’s more of a museum out in the open; the colourful street arts of Ghent showcase the exceptional art of local artists.  

Most visitors will only pass by the well-known Graffiti Alley, but follow the Sorry, Not Sorry street art walk for a full experience.  

breathing dragon street art in Ghent

5. Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen)  

How often can you find a full-blown Medieval castle in a major city ? Guess what, Ghent has it!

The Castle of the Counts is an impressive building that is reason enough on its own to visit Ghent.

Admire the outside during a boat tour , but make sure to go in as well. They have a pretty impressive torture equipment collection.  

6. The Three Towers   

As I’ve mentioned before, there are three towers that make up Ghent’s picturesque skyline: The Church of Saint Nicholas, St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Belfry.   

⛪ Church of St. Nicholas   

The impressive church is a major site in the city – located in the heart of the city at the Korenmarkt. It has a unique tower that is not situated above the entrance but instead was built on top of the cross between the transepts and nave.  

⛪ St. Bavo’s Cathedral   

St. Bavo’s Cathedral is home to one of the most famous art pieces in Belgium : The Mystic Lamb, an altarpiece painted by the famous Flemish Master Jan Van Eyck .  

Its history is one of theft and intrigue (the panel of the Just Judges is still missing to this day!) and you can learn all about it in a 40 or 60-minute Augmented Reality tour .  

The altarpiece is under restoration at this moment (a delicate task that you can see in real-time at MSK Gent) and the panels have been replaced by high-quality photos. 

St. Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent

🕒 Belfry   

The third tower is Ghent’s Belfry. Together with 55 other Belfries in Belgium and Northern France, it is a Unesco World Heritage site.

Climb the tower for glorious views over the city and look up from the ground to spot the fiery dragon – Ghent’s mascot and protector that has been guarding the city since 1377 .  

Belfry tower in Ghent

7. St. Michael’s Bridge   

The St. Michael’s Bridge is one of Ghent’s most well-known sights and well worth a visit when you’re in the city. It’s a popular selfie spot as you can take wonderful pics with views of the Gras and Korenlei with the Castle of the Counts in the background.  

The bridge itself is a stunning work of art and adds a romantic touch if you’re planning a couple’s trip to Ghent . 

It’s also the only spot in the city where you can photograph the Three Towers all at once. However, you’ll have to find the right spot as there’s a tram track and quite a lot of traffic passing by.  

8. Beautiful neighbourhoods   

Besides its art, history and culture, Ghent is known for its charming neighbourhoods.   

Patershol   

If you love to explore the culinary corner of the city , Patershol, Ghent is the best place for you to visit. From traditional to world cuisine, everything in Patershol is worth tasting and exploring for gastronomic adventurers.   

But don’t forget to stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys either. There’s a lot of charm packed in this area! 

Prinsenhof   

Known as one of Ghent’s hidden gems, the Prinsenhof was originally a walled manor with 300 bedrooms, a zoo and a sensory garden and it was here that King Charles was born in 1500.

💡 Good to know : Nowadays, the only remaining part is the Dark Gate ( De Donkere Poort ) but the neighbourhood is well worth a visit regardless.  

It’s also the best place to learn about the nickname of the Ghentians ( De Stroppendragers – the Noose Bearers), something you can do during a boat trip in Ghent.  

💡 Good to know : Visit during the first weekend of September when the Prinsenhof Festivities are held.   

9. Vibrant nightlife   

Ghent is first and foremost a student city, so you’ll find no shortage of places for a drink or dancing.

💡 Good to know : Belgian students go home on Friday afternoon only to return on Sunday evening, so the main party night is Thursday evening. 

The student hotspot is the Overpoort, but you’ll find plenty of nightlife in the Oude Beestenmarkt and the Vlasmarkt , a paradise for those who want to explore the city while also embracing its beauty at night.   

Recommended cafes are Hot Club Gent (Jazz), Missy Sippy (blues) and Abacho 2K18 (silent disco).  

10. Festivals 

Ghent has a young and alternative vibe – which is something you’ll notice in the number of festivals that are held each year. 

festival in Ghent

🎉 Gentse Feesten 

De Gentse Feesten is the number one event for every Ghentian. Don’t miss these 10 days of (mostly free) culture, street theatre, music, food and more.

Except if crowds are not your thing – in that case, you might want to avoid Ghent during the Gentse Feesten. 

💡 Good to know : The festival usually starts on the 3 rd Friday of July. In 2023, the Gentse Feesten are held from Friday, July 14 until Sunday, July 23.

📽️ Film Fest Gent 

Film Fest Gent is Belgium’s largest international film festival and is held yearly in October. During this festival, you can watch the (Belgian) avant-première of more than 100 movies and film music concerts. 

There’s a large focus on film music and films outside of the regular offer. 

🎷 Gent Jazz Festival 

If Jazz is your thing, plan your visit to Ghent in July. The city’s cultural plaza, The Bijloke site, forms the décor of the Gent Jazz Festival. 

Both international stars and new talent is featured during the 10 days of the festival. 

11. A vegetarian capital   

Ghent calls itself proudly “the vegan capital of Europe”. The city invented a weekly vegetarian day (no schools in Ghent offer meat or fish on that day for lunch) and you’ll find an abundance of vegetarian and vegan restaurants throughout the city.  

Head over to Le Botaniste (vegan), Epiphany’s Kitchen (vegan), BOON (vegetarian), De Panda (vegetarian) and De Frietketel (friterie with lots of vegetarian/vegan options). 

12. Large pedestrian shopping district   

Ghent is also well-known for its pedestrian shopping district. The Veldstraat is Ghent’s premier shopping and it offers a wide range of international brands.   

13. More affordable than other cities in Belgium   

Compared to other cities in Belgium, Ghent is one of the most affordable destinations to visit .

So, if you are on a budget and you simply want to embrace the magic of Europe, do not forget to add Ghent to your itinerary.   

14. Typical products from Ghent   

🍬 neuzekes (purple candy)   .

A nose-shaped candy, Neuzekes are also known as Cuberdons or Ghent’s Purple Noses.

This original Ghentian candy is sold on the Groentenmarkt (nowadays only by one stall after a year-long dispute between the two salesmen ended in a conviction for one of the two), but you can also find the candy in many shops throughout Belgium. 

one of the shopping district in Ghent

The original candy is purple with a thin crust and a syrup-like raspberry filling . However, nowadays you can find them in all colours and flavours. But for the Belgians, the purple one remains the only real Cuberdon.  

💡 Side note: Neuzekes are not your average candy. You either love them or hate them. There mostly enjoyed by adults, so don’t buy a big bag for your kids without letting them try it. As much as we love candy, both me, my wife and our daughter don’t like them at all.  

🍲 Gentse Waterzooi   

Gentse Waterzooi is a traditional Flemish Stew that has two unique variants; one is made with chicken and the other is made with fish.

The soup is made with carrots, leek, potatoes, and heavy cream, giving you a rich, creamy taste. The broth and egg make the sauce thick.  

We recommend stopping for a chicken or fish stew meal at   ‘t Klokhuys , located at the heart of Ghent. 

The restaurant is famous among locals and tourists for its  Gentse Waterzooi , but it’s also the best spot for tasting that other Belgian favourite dish : beef stew ( Stoofvlees/Carbonade à la Flamande) .  

a photo of gentse waterzzoi - a traditional Flemish stew

15. Easy to get around    

Not only does Ghent have reliable and easy public transport, but the centre of the city is totally walkable . You won’t need to rely on anything but your legs if you want to see the main sights.  

Other easy ways to make your way to the other side of the city are bicycles and steps. 

16. Just a short train ride away from the other major cities   

Ghent may be small, but because it is close to other major Belgian cities like Brussels and Bruges , I actually recommend making it your base to explore Belgium.  

From one of the two train stations (Gent Sint Pieters and Gent-Dampoort), you can make your way to Bruges, Ostend, Antwerp, or Bruges within 30 to 40 minutes.  

Things to do in Ghent   

We’ve already covered the main sights in Ghent, but if you’re looking for some fun things to do , let me suggest some really cool tours. Wandering around is a great way to get a feel for a new city, but it’s not until you book a tour that you’ll discover hidden stories and fun details.  

👉 Go on a walking tour   

Take a historical walking tour that focuses on the Legends of Gent. This experience gives you a closer look into the city’s past while also giving you access to some of the most interesting destinations in the area on foot .   

👉 Discover Ghent through a boat trip   

In a city full of canals, you really can’t go home without booking a guided boat trip . I can totally recommend these 40-minute trips – we sure loved ours! They’re short, fun and full of historical anecdotes.  

👉 Indulge in Belgian chocolates   

Love chocolates? Belgian chocolates are not only exceptional in taste ; they are also created through a unique and delicate process.   

Join a Small-Group Chocolate Tour with a Local Guide. To learn more about Belgium’s most popular export product!  

💡 Good to know : if you’re looking for hands-on experience making chocolate art rather than just tasting it, book a chocolate-making workshop in Bruges or Brussels . 

Christmas bazaar in Ghent

👉 Enjoy beer-tasting with the locals   

More interested in that other Belgium treat? When in Ghent, book one of the beer tastings led by a local and learn more about the 2000+ different Belgian beers .  

👉 Ride a bike around Ghent 

If you’re looking for a more active pass-time, book an off-the-beaten-track bike tour through Ghent and combine a workout with some of Ghent’s best-hidden gems. 

Where is Ghent located in Belgium?   

Ghent is the capital of the province East Flanders and is located in the middle of the line Brussels – Bruges.  

Ghent Belgium map   

location of Ghent in Belgium

How to get to Ghent   

The easiest way to travel between cities in Belgium is by train. You can reach Ghent from Bruges in 30 minutes and from Brussels , Antwerp or Ostend within 40 minutes .  

You may also use your private car to get to the city, but make sure to book a hotel with private parking as parking spots are scarce and expensive in the city . 

💡 Good to know : booking door-to-door private transport is always the most convenient option and when travelling as a family or in a group might even turn out cheaper than any of the other options. 

How to get around Ghent   

🚶 walking   .

If you want to soak yourself in the beauty and grandeur of Ghent, walking is the best way to get around the city.

You can choose to either walk around on your own or book a local walking tour in Ghent that will let you explore the city with the help of a local guide.  

The advantage of going on a walking tour is that you not only get to enjoy Ghent at your own pace, but you will also get the chance to know the people and experience their culture on a more personal level .  

Getting great pictures is also easy because you can stop anytime you want at any spot that catches your attention for a quick photo op.  

🚴‍♂️ Biking   

If you are a bike enthusiast, Ghent offers several bike tours that you can sign up for. If you want to do it on your own, you may also rent a bike and be on your way to explore the city on wheels ( Blue Bikes ).  

Like most Belgian cities, Ghent offers a bicycle-sharing platform that allows you to rent a bicycle for 30 minutes and drop it off at one of the many stations around the city (Trapido). 

💡 Good to know : Just remember that if you are on your own, you need to be mindful of all the traffic regulations in the city to avoid any problems during your visit.  

🚌 Public transportation   

Even the destinations that are a bit further away from the historical centre can be reached within a 30-minute walk (with the exception of the Blaarmeersen). But you can choose to use trans or buses to get there too.   

Where to Stay in Ghent   

There are several comfortable and affordable accommodations around Ghent. Here are my top choices for every type of traveller:

🛏️ (€) Hostel: Hostel Uppelink  

Hostel Uppelink is a solid choice when visiting Ghent as a backpacker. Located just across the wonderful St Michaels bridge, you’re staying in the very heart of the historic centre and you even get to enjoy the view of the Three Towers right from your bedroom window!

On top of the cheap breakfast buffet (€6.90pp), you’re also able to rent kayaks or tag along with a free walking tour. A kitchen, washer & dryer and free wifi, make this hostel stay complete.  

🛏️ (€) Budget hotel: Rodelijv

Rodelijv is a recent small hotel that is definitely one of your best options if you’re looking to stay in Ghent on a budget. With bright, airy rooms and a friendly owner, you’ll be sure to have a solid base to explore the city.

The hotel is located just outside of the neighbourhood ‘t Patershol and it’s a mere 9 minutes on foot to the Gras and Korenlei . 

🛏️ (€€) Midrange hotel: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel

The Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel is one of the funkiest accommodations you’ll find in Ghent. With beautifully decorated rooms, amazing roof terras that offer spectacular views over the city and a tasty breakfast buffet , there’s no reason not to choose this hotel for your stay.  

🛏️ (€€€) Luxury hotel: 1898 The Post  

1898 The Post is a spectacular small hotel located in the old post building (hence the name). This unique hotel in Ghent was voted one of the top 500 hotels in the world by Travel+Leisure, so you know a stay here will make a  lasting impression.

The rooms have a cosy and warm design and each room has received a unique touch.

The cocktail bar downstairs, The Cobbler, is the perfect place to finish up a day of exploring the city. 

When is the best time to visit Ghent?   

Ghent is charming all throughout the year. During the summer months, you’ll be able to enjoy better weather, more daylight (the sun sets around 10 PM in Belgium!) and plenty of summer bars and festivals .

The city will be calmer though as the students have gone home for summer and many locals will be travelling abroad. 

💡 Good to know : Visit Ghent in December or January for a fairytale-like feeling thanks to the winter festival and the light festival. 

winter decorations in Ghent

How many days in Ghent is enough?   

If you don’t have much time, one day is enough to see the highlights of Ghent and get a good feel of the city. 

But if you have at least two to three days, you can add some cool museums to your itinerary and explore a couple of the hidden gems .  

Frequently Asked Questions   

🌃 is ghent safe to walk at night  .

Yes, overall Ghent is safe to walk around at night , especially in the historic centre. However, there are some areas that you might want to avoid at night if you’re a solo female traveller.

The Citadel Park for one and lately, there have been drug rapes mentioned at student party the neighbourhood of Overpoort.  

🏰 WHAT IS THE PRETTIEST PART OF GHENT?   

Ghent has a lot of pretty locations to discover. I particularly love the hidden gems Het Prinsenhof and ‘t Patershol . But obviously don’t miss the historic centre either with the main sights such as the Castle of the Counts, the St Michaels Bridge and the Belfry. 

🍲 WHAT FOOD IS GHENT FAMOUS FOR?   

Ghent is well-known for 2 things: Gentse Waterzooi , a creamy soup with vegetables, herbs and chicken or fish, and Cuberdons, also known as Neuzekes (noses) because of their cone shape. This purple candy has a thin crust and a syrup-like raspberry filling that you either hate or love.   

💸 IS GHENT EXPENSIVE?   

Western Europe isn’t cheap and Belgium isn’t any different. However, Ghent isn’t on the main tourist trail and therefore, you’ll be able to enjoy the city without having to splurge.

A hotel stay will cost you between €120-250 per night ; eating out in a restaurant will be about €25-30 per person while take-out will set you back about €10. Entry tickets to museums and other sights are €10-15 on average . 

🛏️ WHAT PART OF GHENT SHOULD I STAY IN?   

I’d recommend staying in the calmer parts of the historic centre: around Het Prinsenhof or in ‘t Patershol. These areas are only a couple of minutes away from the main sights but come with calm streets and fewer crowds .

If you are looking for the most budget-friendly options, you can opt to stay a bit out of the centre and use public transport or a bicycle to explore the city.  

🌞 IS GHENT WORTH A DAY TRIP?   

Yes. A day in Ghent is enough to see the major sights and get a good feel of the city . You can easily go on a day trip to Ghent from Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp or even Amsterdam or Paris.

However, if you stay for a couple of days, you’ll get the chance to explore more of this beautiful city including impressive museums and hidden gems. 

🏰 WHICH IS BETTER BRUGES OR GHENT?  

Both Bruges and Ghent are very similar: a charming Medieval city with lots of narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, a beguinage and canals. However, Bruges attracts much more tourists and it’s more difficult to find calm and peaceful spots .

I’d choose Ghent over Bruges a million times. But only if you don’t have the time to visit both, because Bruges is wonderful too. 

⛄ WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT GHENT?   

For someone who loves the sunshine and nice atmosphere, June to August would be the best time to visit Ghent . For someone who wants fair but not hot weather, April to May or September to October would be great.

For those who want to explore the city in a fairytale-like setting , opt for December or January when there are plenty of Christmas lights, a winter festival and a light festival.  

🏙️ CAN YOU VISIT BRUGES AND GHENT ON THE SAME DAY?   

I wouldn’t recommend visiting Bruges and Ghent on a single day . If you’re really short on time and want to see both cities without question, I’d recommend you book a day trip to Bruges and Ghent from Brussels.

However, both cities deserve at least a day to take in the major sights and get a good feel for the city. And although both cities are easy to reach by train , I wouldn’t try to combine independent train trips and visits to both Bruges and Ghent. 

night view of the town near the Scheldt river with a boat in Ghent to Antwerp

Final Thoughts: Is Ghent worth visiting?   

Yes, definitely! Ghent is one of the most interesting and inspiring cities in Belgium and perhaps even in Europe. 

Not only is it easy to reach from just about any destination in Belgium and even from Amsterdam, Paris or London, but it also offers exceptional sights that will bring you back to The Middle Ages.  

But Ghent is the perfect mix of history and modernity and that shows through its alternative mindset, its nickname as the vegan capital of Europe and the street art that you can find all around the city.  

I really hope I convinced you to pay a visit to Ghent – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!  

Drop a comment below with any questions you have or let me know if you loved Ghent as much as I do! 

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

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Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

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One Day in Ghent Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Ghent, Belgium

The sixth-largest city in Belgium, Ghent has around 200,000 residents and boasts history, culture, and architecture that you’d expect to find in a much larger metropolis. Due to its size and location, you can experience a city that exhibits an intriguing fusion of open cosmopolitanism and the calm of a provincial town. Ghent is a historical city. It was one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in Europe in the Middle Ages. Viewing the majestic architecture of churches and wealthy traders’ homes, one can see the effects of this rich history. Ghent is the most underrated city in Belgium, but if you choose to visit Ghent, you will not be disappointed – one day here will feel like a fairytale.

One day in Ghent Itinerary

What’s the Best Time to Visit Ghent?

The best time to visit Ghent is in April because of the favourable weather, low travel costs, and the absence of the busiest holiday times. Plan your visit to Ghent around this period if you want to make the most of your daytime activities since July typically has hot weather and crowds. Ghent also has a gorgeous Christmas Market, so if you’re going to check it out, visit Ghent in December!

Street of Ghent

A Few Facts About Ghent

The people from Ghent are called the Noose Bearers – This was because of a cruel emperor who found Ghent’s citizens guilty of betrayal. The city’s privileges were lost, and its citizens were forced to walk barefoot, dressed in a white tabard, and with a noose over their necks. The residents of Ghent have earned the moniker “noose bearers” ever since that fateful day. To remind the citizens of Ghent of their rebellious past, a statue of a person holding a noose mockingly gazes at the Prinsenhof today.

Ghent Canals

The majestic medieval Gravensteen Castle was only ever seized once—by students protesting the rise in beer prices – a school group entered on November 16, 1949. The students locked up the lone guard on duty and then blocked the door with a big fruit cart. The beer price had to be reduced back to 3 Franks a glass after it had just increased to 4 Franks, according to banners hung from its towers.

The spitting fire dragon on the belfry was apparently stolen – Legend has it that one night, residents of Ghent stole it from the top of Saint Donatian’s Cathedral in Bruges, a competitor city, and put it atop their belfry. Some claim that Bruges residents took it from Constantinople. Others argue that it would have been removed from that Cathedral by the Count of Flanders Baldwin IX! How did the enormous, fire-spewing dragon get to Bruges?

Ghent

What to do in Ghent in 24 Hours

To get the most out of your visit to Ghent, follow these top recommendations for the best sights in the city! One perfect day in this enchanting city will open your eyes to a whole lot when it comes to history and culture. You’ll be glad you came here, so here’s what you can do while in town.

Start Your Day at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral 

This stunning gothic Cathedral is where you can hear some of Europe’s best organ music. Built between 1350 and 1520, it’s one of only four Gothic churches in Flanders that have kept their original structure to a large extent. The stained glass windows are spectacular, the statue of Saint Bavo towers over the entrance, and the central aisle has an enormous chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Saint Bavo's Cathedral

One exciting thing about this Church is its great pipe organ with 147 stops; if you’re lucky enough to be in town when someone’s playing, don’t miss it! After visiting the Cathedral, you can check in to the nearby Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent .

Saint Bavo's Cathedral Interior

Climb on Top of Belfort Van Ghent Belfry

The Belfort is a belfry in Ghent, Belgium. The building was initially constructed around 1230. In 1453, its bell tower was built to a height of 66 meters by Jacob van Thienen with an octagonal stairway. Today the tower has six bells that are still in use and are rung every day at noon. They can also be heard on Sundays between 10 am-1 pm for a service inside the Church. Yes, there are a lot of steep, narrow stone steps to climb, but the reward is the vista from the top. There are places to stop for photos and a little break on the way up.

Belfort Van Ghent Belfry

Visit The Gravensteen Medieval Castle

The perfect way to get acquainted with historic Ghent is a tour of Gravensteen Castle. This castle has been protecting the city for 1,000 years and is one of only three castles surviving from medieval times. If interested in architecture and history, consider booking a tour with one of its expert guides.

Gravensteen Medieval Castle

Tours usually last about an hour and include interesting facts about Gravensteen’s past uses; watch out for ghost stories! After your visit to Gravensteen, take a walk along the Roeselare Canal and admire some of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau homes that are located here.

Gravensteen Medieval Castle

See The Saint Nicholas Church

This Church is a classic example of Brabantine Gothic architecture. Its intricate carvings and stunning stained glass make it one of Ghent’s most famous buildings. The best way to visit Saint Nicholas Church is during services on Sunday or Wednesday morning when you can see the congregation singing hymns.

Saint Nicholas Church

If you don’t have time for a full service, be sure to at least admire its soaring bell tower. It houses six bells that chime out beautiful melodies every hour. These bells are called The Marrow Bells because they are made from melted-down artillery used during World War I. After Church, try some Belgian food at Du Progres .

Saint Nicholas Church Interior

Explore STAM – The Ghent City Museum

The STAM—or City Museum—is a must-see when visiting Ghent. The museum was designed by architect Gunther Van de Velde and features an extensive collection of medieval weapons, suits of armor, ceramics and more. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends. If you have time, also try The Museum of Fine Arts. This museum has a collection of over 40,000 pieces, including Dutch and Flemish paintings from various periods and an impressive selection of Belgian and international modern art.

Enjoy The Views From St. Peter’s Abbey

One of our favourite places to visit while in Ghent is Sint-Pietersabdij, St. Peter’s Abbey. This medieval monastery sits on a hill overlooking much of Ghent and has fantastic views for visitors to enjoy inside and outside its grounds. The Abbey is still operational, so you can go inside and explore more of it should you be interested.

Walk Through The Graffiti Street

Ghent, a hilly city with winding streets that are great for exploring on foot, also boasts street art that’s as good as any museum. Graffiti Street is an outdoor gallery full of murals by local and international artists; these beautiful works show off surreal styles and dreamlike worlds. The best way to experience Graffiti Street is to follow it from start to finish—the first few pieces are within walking distance.

The Graffiti Street

Have Dinner in Patershol

A city within the city, Patershol is a labyrinth area that is undoubtedly highly distinctive. This is mainly due to some of the homes’ structures and their typically Flemish flooring. This neighbourhood is very calm and has some hip little stores and eateries away from the bustle of the city centre. There is a lot of character everywhere you look, and if you want to have a great dinner in Patershol, try Klaverblad or Boon .

Ghent at night

Party in Overpoort or Vlasmarkt

If you’re looking to party on the two main streets where most people are, the “ Overpoortstraat ” and the “Vlasmarkt”, try “ Rock circus ” – a bar with a variety of beer or a cozy “ Dreupelkot .”

If you’re into metal, visit “ Kinky star ” – a metal/punk bar where bands are also frequently playing. Another live music spot is Hot Club pub, and if you’re into electronic or dance, try Compass Club or Charlatan .

Where to Stay In Ghent

Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent

Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent

Brabantdam 33 Brabantdam 33, Binnenstad, 9000 Ghent

The Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent in Ghent offers speedy check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the building, and a bar. The Ghent Christmas Market is a 400-meter walk away. This hotel offers family rooms as well as a terrace for visitors. The hotel offers its visitors a 24-hour front desk, room service, and luggage storage. The accommodations include a desk, a refrigerator, a minibar, a coffee maker, a shower, and bathrobes. A private bathroom, slippers, and bed linens are provided in every room.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

Hoogstraat 36, Elisabethbegijnhof-Papegaai, 9000 Ghent

The Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent offers rooms with lofty ceilings, expansive windows, original artwork, and a modern aesthetic. The air-conditioned rooms and suites include a Nespresso coffee maker, a smart flat-screen TV, and a wireless sound system. Reylof features a medieval courtyard garden with a patio and a spa pool. The garden beautifully combines with the terrace of the gastronomic restaurant LOF, offering cuisine with Flemish influences from around the world. The Living Bistro & Bar, a dining option at Grand Hotel Reylof, is also available.

1898 The Post

1898 The Post 

16 Graslei, Binnenstad, 9000 Ghent

1898 Boutique Hotel In the centre of Ghent, The Post provides lodging in an iconic, historic structure. It is located in what used to be a post office. The Kitchen serves an American breakfast buffet, a variety of light dishes that are fresh and in season for lunch, and handcrafted pastries for afternoon tea. A cocktail bar within the hotel is called The Cobbler, after a particular cocktail shaker style. The hotel’s top-notch bartenders offer a wide variety of inventive cocktails and an excellent tapas and specialties menu. The hotel also has a 57 m2 conference space with a boardroom layout that can accommodate up to 10 people with the ability to schedule coffee breaks or light meals.

Day Trips From Ghent

You can always arrange an entertaining day trip from Ghent if you ever run out of things to do locally. You have a lot of possibilities because the city is surrounded by exciting locations perfect for this kind of activity. Here are some of our favourite day trips from Ghent:

Take the train to Bruges early, and you can be back in Ghent by night. Your itinerary for Belgium should definitely include a stop in Bruges for various reasons. Bruges is a terrific destination to stop because of its natural beauty, history, and opportunities for people-watching, indulging in beer, and visiting museums. Have a look at our itinerary for Bruges before you go on your day trip!

Brussels is much more than just a metropolis of government and politics. It is a location with a beautiful culture, a lengthy history, tremendous diversity, and contemporary art. Even if you only have a day to spend in Brussels, visiting here will be a treat for all your senses. The flavours, sounds, and fragrances are so rich but never overpowering. Exactly right. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore a truly captivating city. Check out our Brussels itinerary for more information!

After Brussels, Antwerp is the second most populated city in Belgium. It is a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis with a rich artistic and cultural heritage that permeates every pore. Due to its advantageous location on the Scheldt, it was able to gain strength and notoriety during the Middle Ages. Eventually, it developed into a prosperous city that could afford magnificent churches and sustain a thriving cultural scene. Visit the city’s numerous museums, galleries, clubs, and cafes, whose vibrancy matches the movement, colour, and sensuality. Read more about Antwerp here!

Extra Tips for Visiting Ghent

  • All the locals will chat your ear off in any bar or cafe!
  • Visit Gentse Feesten , a 10 day festival in July (Jul 18-27). Cost: free. This festival takes place in the city centre and is one of the only ones like this in Europe. Concerts, street performers, dancing, etc., are all spread across the city centre. It’s not uncommon for people to be partying until 9 am.
  • Take it easy on the heavy beers – they tend to fall between the 7.5 to 10.5 alcohol percent range, and they hit fast!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Romi R

Romi is a llama coach from Split, Croatia. This sounds made up but it’s true. ​She lived in Toronto, Canada for about ten years, give or take, but she wasn’t working with llamas. She was working in PR, restaurants, daycares, one yoga clothing store. She doesn't know how she got that job as she has never done yoga at that point. She taught English in Colombia and Vietnam. Traveled the world for two years. Then she got into writing. Actually, she was always writing, but then someone paid her to write. Then more people paid because they saw she was making them money. Then it became a thing she does for a living. And here we are now. Specializing in travel, real estate, and digital nomad guides, familiar with SEO, and always ready to learn something new so she can branch out and take over the world.

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best time to visit ghent belgium

Meaningful and Spiritual Travel Experiences Worldwide

A blue sky with streaky white clouds and the St. Bavo Cathedral tower in Ghent on the right.

One Day in Ghent, Belgium: The 14 Best Things To Do

Last Updated on: 21st February 2024, 12:22 pm

Nestled in the heart of Flemish-speaking Belgium,  Ghent is a gorgeous city with a rich historical heritage alongside a quirky, modern spirit. Ghent has been overshadowed in recent years by its more popular Belgian counterparts like Antwerp and Bruges.

Ghent is a hidden gem of Europe waiting to be discovered. Ghent has some of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Europe and makes a perfect day trip for those  staying in Brussels  – so here is what to do on a day trip spending one day in Ghent!

Planning a Last-Minute Trip to Ghent? We’ve Got You Covered! 🏨 Great Hotels for an Overnight in Ghent ✈︎ The Ghent Marriot Hotel (Overlooking the main canal in Ghent, perfectly central) $$$ ✈︎ Hotel Chamade (Two blocks from train station, right by tram, comfortable) $$ ✈︎ Monasterium PoortAckere ( Converted Monastery ! Older hotel, some rooms with ensuite) $-$$ 🛵 Best Activities and Tours in Ghent ✈︎ 50-Minute Guided Boat Tour on Canals (My favorite activity in Ghent! Great photo opportunities.) ✈︎ Small Group Chocolate Tour (Highly-rated, Ghent is a center of chocolate in Belgium!) ✈︎ Day-Tour from Brussels: Bruges and Ghent (A guided tour to see two of Belgium’s best cities!) 💶 Travel Insurance ✈︎ Do not forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you leave for Barcelona! I use SafetyWing Travel Insurance and have always been very happy with their service and pricing!

Discovering Ghent in One Day

A mineret-like tower and glass awning in front of the brick train station in Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is very easy to get to from Brussels. It’s a great idea to stay in Brussels to be able to make wonderful day trips to areas like Bruges and Antwerp, which you can easily visit in one day!

Unlike Bruges and Antwerp above, though, Ghent isn’t much to look at when you first pull into the train station – but just wait! Walk into its historic town center and  Ghent is a remarkably picturesque city .

Ghent is known all over Belgium for its historic significance, incredible art, and culinary delights. Inside Ghent you’ll find a stunning  medieval castle , winding canals, religious art, and endless bridges. 

Even if you only have one day in Ghent – Ghent is absolutely worth visiting and should not be missed on your trip to Belgium. 

Exploring  Ghent in one day  is a challenge, but is absolutely possible! I traveled to Ghent from Leuven – which is even further than Brussels – and spent an amazing day in this  Unesco World Heritage Site  city. There are plenty of  things to do in Ghent , so follow this itinerary to make the most of Ghent in one day and discover the most amazing things to do in Ghent, Belgium. 

Canals in Ghent with boats moored to the edges and historic homes with lots of windows and a cloudy sky in Ghent

Traveling to Ghent for a Day Trip 

The best way to get around Belgium is  by train . Belgium’s train system is efficient and while not the cheapest in Europe it is still relatively inexpensive. You can  easily buy tickets online  per route so you can use them at any time of day. 

If you are  staying in Brussels during your trip to Belgium , travel from  Brussels to Ghent  takes less than an hour and is very pleasant. 

When you arrive in Ghent, at the Gent-Sint-Pieters Train Station, you might be surprised it doesn’t exactly look like all the tourist photos below! Ghent is a large city and the canals and tiered guild houses that made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site are only in the Historic Center.

A fountain with two gysers and a tall statue with guns on top memorializing a war outside of the train station in Ghent against a blue sky

It’s at least a  20-minute walk  from Ghent Train Station to the city center. A better idea? One of my best Ghent travel tips is to  take the buses or trams! 

If you buy a Ghent Card for the day, free public transportation comes pre-loaded onto it. If you are on your own, just download the  DeLijn app   onto your phone and you can easily by a public transport day pass or individual tickets for 2.50 Euro each. 

Just be careful and don’t get on the tram going the wrong way like I did! I got quite the unexpected tour of Ghent.  🤦🏽‍♀️

A mural with intricate geometric patterns and landscape paintings inside half circles in the Ghent train station.

One Day In Ghent: 14 Best Things To Do in Ghent

Ghent has so much to do, and with only  one day in Ghent  you are going to want to start early to have enough time! I advise trying to arrive at the Historic Center around 9 am.

It’s easy to grab breakfast at any train station in Belgium to enjoy on the train then you can start your day fueled and ready to go! Follow this  Ghent itinerary  to make the most of your one day in Ghent! 

Morning in Ghent: Take Canal Tour and Visit Gravensteen Castle

A canal in Ghent with beautiful historic Guildhouses.

1. Take a Canal Tour in Ghent

One of the top things to do in Ghent is to take a boat tour through Ghent’s gorgeous canals! The  best time to take a canal tour is the morning  for two reasons: the light is gorgeous for photographs and a canal tour will give you a great orientation to Ghent. You can also beat the crowds in the morning – which is always a plus! 

On your guided tour of the canals in Ghent, you will not only see the highlights of the city centre by boat ride, but also get a little further into the “real” Ghent where people live and work and go to school. You’ll pass truly beautiful buildings like the new Ghent library and your local guide will point out a lot of quirky, fun houses and share a lot about the city’s history. 

There are many  wonderful boat tours in Ghent   to choose from. To make sure you get a seat I recommend  booking ahead of time online .

If you want to play things by ear for your Ghent day trip, you can always purchase at the kiosks near where the boats leave from, at  Groentenmarkt,  at the Vleeshuisbrug which is a short walk from the main historical city.

Most canal tours cost between 8 and 10 Euro per adult and can be experienced in different languages (English is almost always offered!). The different companies offer slightly different types of boats and length of tour, but they are all great options I honestly wouldn’t spend too much energy on which is best and go with what fits in your schedule and budget. 

A view of historic buildings in Ghent against a dramatic sky.

2. Take a Free Walking Tour of Ghent

Like so many cities in Europe, there are plenty of options for so-called “Free Walking Tours” of Ghent. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land or are interested in a deeper historical exploration of Ghent, a walking tour is a great way to start your Ghent day trip. 

Most likely, with only one day in Ghent , you won’t have time to do a canal tour  and  a walking tour – so you can choose which you prefer. 

There are a number of companies providing Free Walking Tours of Ghent – perhaps the best known is  Legends of Ghent  which provides a daily tour at 10:30 am (that goes until 1:30 so be prepared for lots of walking!), a nighttime tour if you do  stay in Ghent overnight , and even a tasting tour – yum!   

Remember – Free Walking Tours in Europe aren’t, technically, supposed to be completely free and it’s customary to generously tip your guide. 

best time to visit ghent belgium

3. Explore Gravensteen Castle, the Castle of the Counts

Gravensteen Castle, which translates to “ Castle of the Counts ,” is an incredible medieval fortress constructed in the late 12th century. Gravensteen was built during the reign of  Philip of Alsace,  the Count of Flanders and throughout the Middle Ages it served as a residence for the Counts of Flanders. It’s a prime example of medieval architecture in Belgium and frankly one of the coolest castles you can visit in all of Europe! 

Over the centuries, Gravensteen witnessed a huge number of historical events, including battles, sieges, and political developments. Gravensteen also played an important role in the many conflicts between the Counts of Flanders and the citizens of Ghent over the years. 

In the 19th century, sadly Gravensteen was falling apart, and there were discussions about demolishing the castle in Ghent. However, it was eventually  restored in the 19th and 20th centuries,  preserving its historical significance and allowing it to be open to the public.

Today you can visit Gravensteel Castle and stroll along its medieval towers. You can buy your  ticket online here  or at the gate.  Do not forget the audio guide!  It’s wonderful and well worth it 

You also have the option to climb the battlements for panoramic views over Ghent’s historical city! 

Lunch Time in Ghent: Savor Local Delicacies, and Wander Ghent’s Cobblestone Streets

A bowl of soup in an enamel bowl with a large chunk of brown bread to the left.

4. Savor Ghent’s Culinary Treasures

Anyone visiting Ghent, even for only one day in Ghent, needs to take time to enjoy the local Belgian cuisine! There are lots of great restaurants in Ghent, but wherever you go make sure to try local delicacies such as Ghentse Waterzooi (creamy stew), Belgian fries with their delicious sauces, and Belgian Waffles . And, of course, don’t forget about having a good old Belgian Beer along with it all! 

For a quicker meal, but utterly delicious, stop by Soup’r – a little restaurant that serves amazing soups with tons of accoutrements, as well as sandwiches on the most delicious bread. It’s at Sint-Niklaastraat 9 – a stone’s throw away from the canals and cathedrals of Ghent. 

5. Sit by Ghent’s canals like a local

One of the best things to do in Ghent is to take whatever Belgian foods you order and sit by the canals! There are a few lovely restaurants right along the canal in Ghent if you’re looking for more sit-down fare, but for to-go foods in Ghent, it’s great to have a picnic by the canal.

It will be easy to spot where to do this because all the students and locals enjoy sitting by the canals during lunch hour and afternoon! It’s delightful to watch the boats go by and get an up-close sense of daily life in Ghent this way! 

A tall square tower on the left against dramatic clouds in Ghent

6. Climb the Belfry of Ghent, Ghent’s Bell Tower

The Belfry Tower in Ghent is located near two of Ghent’s major churches, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and Saint Nicholas’ Church. The Ghent Belfry was originally built in the 14th century when it was part of the city’s cloth hall and served as a symbol of Ghent’s prosperity and autonomy during medieval times.

 The Belfry of Ghent is part of a group of belfries in the Flanders region of Belgium, which were prominent structures in medieval cities.for the best views over the historic city of Ghent!  Ghent’s Belfry is one of the tallest belfry in the region and is a great spot for the best views over Ghent. 

You can buy your ticket to the Ghent Belfry online to save time, or when you get there. As of 2023, a regular adult ticket costs 11 Euro, with discounts for young persons and students. 

The Stadhuis in Ghent an intricately carved front with niches and statues and flags.

7. Walk up the Botermarkt Street

​Very near Ghent’s Bell Tower is Botermarkt Street. This is the old market of Ghent. Here you can see Ghent’s (somewhat controversial) Stadshal – a modern recreation of Ghent’s rooftops.

You can also see Ghent’s Stadhuis – the beautiful town hall with amazing carvings all along it! (It doesn’t quite beat the one in Leuven though – which is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Belgium!) 

best time to visit ghent belgium

Afternoon: Ghent’s Cathedrals and Ghent’s Museums

You can’t go to Ghent, even for one day, without visiting at least one of Ghent’s beautiful and famous churches.

With only one day in Ghent, I advise you to choose one Cathedral to visit.

Of course, I recommend Saint Bavo Cathedral for the Van Eyck Altarpiece “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” but Saint Michael’s Church and St Nicholas Church are wonderful choices as well! If you have time I highly recommend you visit one of the  Museums in Ghent.  

A huge altarpiece behind glass with one person looking at it.

8. Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Van Eyck Altarpiece 

Aside from being one of the largest and most stunningly beautiful  Cathedrals in Europe , St Bavo’s Cathedral is one of the most famous and storied pieces of religious art in the world: the Van Eyck Altarpiece , also called the ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.’ This is truly one of the most incredible pieces of art I’ve ever seen and is well worth the admission price to see – it’s also one of the biggest tourist attractions in all of Belgium!

Aside from simply being stunningly detailed and symbolic, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is known as the most stolen painting in history! 

A tall painting showing lots of people in dynamic poses by Rubens in St. Bavo's in Ghent

Created by the Flemish artists Jan van Eyck and his brother Hubert van Eyck, first the Ghent Altarpiece was taken during the  French Revolution in 1794  and briefly displayed in the Louvre before being returned to Belgium.

The worst blow came in 1934 when the lower left panel, called the Just Judges, was stolen from the Van Eyck Altarpiece overnight – it has never been recovered but many Belgians and Art Historians dream of being the one to find it! There is a copy in place today – but honestly it’s just not nearly as incredible as Van Eyck’s original work. 

Later the Nazi’s looted the Ghent Altarpiece in 1942, and it was finally recovered by Allied Forces in 1945. 

​St. Bavo’s Cathedral itself is a wonderful example of gothic architecture with beautiful stained glass windows and a soaring nave. Don’t miss some of the other art treasures inside, such as paintings by Rubens!

9. Visit St. Michael’s Church

The outside of St. Michael's Cathedral in Ghent

St. Michael’s Church is another gorgeous Gothic Cathedral in Ghent that dates back to the 10th century when it was founded by Bishop Notger of Liège. The original church was constructed in the Romanesque style, and fragments of this early structure can still be seen in the church today.

In the 13th century, the church underwent significant renovations and was transformed into the Gothic style. 

St. Michael’s Church is known for its impressive Gothic architecture , with soaring vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. It’s also known for the art inside, including a magnificent Baroque high altar and a carved pulpit. The Ghent Altarpiece was originally housed in Saint Michael’s Church before being moved to Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.

You can find St. Michael’s Church just past St. Michael’s Bridge near one of the nicest areas of canals in Ghent – the bridge offers a beautiful view of the church and some of the famous guildhouses in Ghent. 

Even if you only have one day in Ghent, I recommend popping inside St. Michael’s Church at least briefly! 

10. Visit St. Nicholaschurch

St. Nicholaschurch is very near Ghent’s Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.  Saint Nicholas Church was started around 1200. It was commissioned by the local guilds and merchants who wanted a church that would rival St. Bavo’s Cathedral.

Like the other two main churches in Ghent, St. Nicholaschurch is built in the Gothic architectural style. In medival Ghent, St. Nicholas’ Church served as a place of worship for the city’s merchants and guild members. It was also used for important civic functions and meetings.

St. Nicholaschurch originally had a tall bell tower, but it was severely damaged in a storm in the 15th century and was subsequently shortened. The current tower is still impressive!

11. Visit MSK – Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent

Even with only one day in Ghent, the Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit for art enthusiasts in Ghent! I recommend doing this towards the mid-late afternoon. In the summers you’ll beat the heat and this makes a great capstone to your day before heading back to Brussels or enjoying dinner by the canals of Ghent. 

The MSK Ghent has an impressive collection of old masterpieces, including works by famous artists such as Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Jan van Eyck.

For those who prefer more modern art, The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent also features an extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century European art . including works by artists like James Ensor, Gustav Klimt, René Magritte. 

The best way to get to the MSK Museum in Ghent from the historic center is to hop on Tram 1 heading towards “Flanders Expo”. There is a stop on that line right in front of the art museum! Otherwise, it’s about a 20-25 minute walk from the city center. 

A modern building with two wooden points against a dramatic sky

​12. Visit STAM – The Ghent City Museum

The Ghent City Museum is another of Ghent’s museums that is well worth visiting, even with only one day in Ghent!  This   museum in particular might warrant visiting in the morning, as it will give you a comprehensive overview of Ghent and its history. It’s also a nice capstone to your one day in Ghent! 

STAM offers a comprehensive overview of the history of Ghent. Using a combination of artifacts, multimedia displays, maps, and interactive installations,  the STAM tells the story of the city from its early origins to the present day. One of the coolest features of STAM is a large-scale model of the city of Ghent that allows visitors to explore the city’s layout and development over time.

Don’t miss that STAM offers excellent panoramic views of the city from its rooftop terrace! It’s a great place to relax for a few moments and enjoy a gorgeous view of Ghent, Belgium! 

13. Visit S.M.A.K. – The Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art in Ghent

For those who prefer more contemporary art to historic art, Ghent is an amazing place for modern art! Not only is Ghent known for amazing street art (see below) but the SMAK Museum, or Museum of Contemporary Art in Ghent is world-renowned! 

Some street art in Ghent on the side of a building

S.M.A.K. boasts an extensive and diverse collection of contemporary artworks spanning a lot of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation art. It’s particularly known for site-specific installations and contemporary art installations that engage with the museum’s architecture and spaces, providing visitors with immersive and unique experiences.

14. Explore Ghent’s Amazing Street Art Scene

​Ghent is a real hub in Belgium and in Europe for Street Art . You’ll have a chance to view some of the most famous pieces on your Canal Tour in the morning, and probably continue to explore Ghent’s Street Art throughout your day in Ghent! Major Belgian street artists like ROA, Strook, and Bue the Warrior all have famous murals in Ghent. 

Don’t forget to check out Werregarenstraatje (Graffiti Street) – a legal zone where artists are encouraged to express themselves. The Graffiti is always changing and gives a real contemporary pulse of the city and its art! 

Other Suggestions of Things To Do in Ghent

If you have more time in Ghent, or you are there on Sundays or Fridays, you should check out the  markets in Ghent. 

The Flower Market in Ghent is famous and is held on Sundays. It is held on the  Kouter  and you can immerse yourself in gorgeous flowers and plants of all varieties, while picking up some delicious Belgian street food delicacies. 

Sundays also boast a Book Market in Ghent on the Ajuinlei.

The Friday market is also famous and has lots of delicious local foods to try. It’s held on the square that shares its name: Vrijdagmarkt. 

Saint Nicholas Basilica Amsterdam in sunset with its shadow reflected in the canal with tour boats on it. The Basilica has three domes.

Where to  Stay in Brussels  for a Day Trip to Ghent

If you’re planning to take a day trip to Ghent while you visit Belgium , and perhaps other great day trips in Belgium like a day trip to Leuven or Antwerp or – of course – Bruges, then you should definitely consider staying near one of Brussel’s main train stations.  This map shows the two main train stations in Brussels as well as some great accommodation options in Brussels!

Where to Stay in Ghent, Belgium

 You may choose to stay overnight in Ghent to give you more than one day in Ghent – since there’s so much to do! If you choose to do so, I recommend paying that little bit extra to stay in the historic center, near the canals, to fully embrace the beauty of Ghent by night and enjoy every minute of your trip to Ghent! 

Three great hotel options in Ghent, Belgium at different budget points are:

1898 The Post ($$$) is perhaps the best hotel in Ghent right in the historic center! It’s such a beautiful property and would make an amazing treat after your day in Ghent!

At a more budget price, the B&B Petit Prince is a highly-rated hotel in Ghent that combines comfort with being a bit more budget-friendly!

You can also choose to stay in a converted Monastery in Ghent! The Monasterium PoortAckere is an older property but with gorgeous architecture and is perfect for spiritual travelers (all are welcome of course!).

Enjoy your One Day in Ghent! 

There are so many highlights of a day in Ghent it’s hard to summarize them, but Ghent is really a must-see city in Belgium for its art, castle, churches, and romantic canal atmosphere!

It’s so easy to get to Ghent from Belgium on the train that everyone should really make sure they have at least one day to spend in Ghent on their Belgium Itinerary! 

Of course, with any list of suggested activities – you can and should always adapt this list to fit  your  interests – whether that’s culture, food, art, or just enjoying the local atmosphere. However, you spend your day in Ghent, soak up every moment in this truly charming Belgian city! 

Flights and Trains – I know everyone recommends SkyScanner…but I’ve never loved it. I simply use Google Flights for most of my searches and set alerts for routes I’m interested in to nab cheap flights. Travel Insurance – It’s so important to have peace of mind that you are covered for any health needs, accidents, or even travel delays when you are on a trip. I recommend: – Safety Wing insurance . It’s great for short trips and for digital nomads traveling for months or years at a time. Their rates are seriously affordable. I simply wont leave home these days without a Safety Wing Travel Insurance policy. Credit Cards – I am a big fan of the American Expresss Platinum Card and have used them for over 6 years now. It offers 5x points on all flights (any airline!) and hotels booked through Amex Travel, built-in travel insurance , access to the biggest network of airport lounges – it’s a no-brainer despite the annual fee! Apply for the American Express Platinum Card here and for a limitied time get 80,000 bonus points (that’s easily enough for a round-trip flight to Europe from the USA!) on signup. Language Learning – Want to brush up on your French, Spanish or another language before traveling? I’ve made huge progress (and had a lot of fun) using private tutors through italki . With rates as low as $8 per hour (seriously!) and friendly, highly experienced tutors you can make quick progress and have fun while doing it. Sign up for italki here to check out their teachers.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means I earn a small commission for products or services mentioned on this site. As always, all opinions remain my own.

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One Day in Ghent: The Ultimate Ghent Day Trip

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Ghent, Belgium is a fairytale world just waiting to be explored. Ancient castles, medieval architecture, romantic canals… what more could you want to fit into one day in Ghent?

Ghent is full of beautiful sights and exciting activities around every corner making it one of the most sought-after destinations in not only Belgium but Europe, as well!

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Ghent for one day. From the best things to do, how to get around, practical tips for visiting, where to eat, where to stay, and more!

I hope this post helps you find exactly what you’re looking for while planning a trip to Belgium , and you find yourself wanting to return!

The Perfect One Day in Ghent Itinerary

Even if you only have one day in Ghent, you’ll be able to pack a lot of fun into your day. Most of the places I have listed below can be squeezed into one day, but you may feel a little rushed.

So, what I like to do when traveling is instead of rushing through everything to get everywhere (though we are culprits of this rather often), is I’ll tell myself “I’m going to come back.”

Traveling is a way of life – it teaches us about different people, different cultures, and different traditions . .. without it, we’re forced to only know what we hear from other travelers’ tales, books, or the media. Emily Cuneo

The Best Things To Do in Ghent

I truly believe that traveling is essential to have a firm grasp on the realities of the world, so, there is no reason I shouldn’t continue my travels in the future no matter what happens!

So, don’t worry about squeezing everything into your one day in Ghent itinerary, but instead think of a time when you’ll be able to return and spend more time in Belgium as a whole, including Ghent!

Vrijdagmarkt

best time to visit ghent belgium

Vrijdagmarkt is one of the main squares in Ghent’s historical center. It was originally named for its Friday markets ( Vrijdag means Friday in Dutch) where you can still find outdoor stalls selling everything from unique textiles to food and clothing centuries later.

Over time, the market has scaled back in size and has begun to sell more modern items like iPhone cases, etc. in addition to traditional goods. While the market may not be selling as authentic Belgium souvenirs as it once did, it is no less fun to check out!

It’s a beautiful spot in town and is also home to some great restaurants and bars (though many in this area will be quite touristy and expensive) as well as charming outdoor cafes .

The area makes for some great people-watching as tourists make their way through the market as well as the perfect spot to enjoy a morning breakfast.

Vrijdagmarkt is also a great spot to begin your Ghent itinerary due to its central location enclosed by the Leie River.

Korenlei and Graslei

best time to visit ghent belgium

In the heart of Ghent, the two quays of Korenlei and Graslei sit across from each other right on the banks of the Leie River. Conveniently connected by the beautiful Grasbrug Bridge , this is one of the best parts of town!

At the meeting point of the two quays, visitors will find an array of outdoor cafes , hip bars , and trendy restaurants serving up some of the best food in the city.

You’ll also be exposed to an area of breathtaking beauty where you’ll be surrounded by medieval architecture, stone arch bridges, a lovely canal, and beautiful string lights in the summers and winters!

While this part of the city can sometimes be quite touristy , if you visit in the off-seasons as I suggested you’ll find some of the best scenery in Ghent!

Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen Castle is a must see during your one day in Ghent

The 12 th -century medieval castle known as Gravensteen is the most popular tourist attraction in Ghent and is easily recognized across Europe.

But, there’s a dark history to this grand castle that many people are unaware of. Once a prison and mint, Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts , was home to Count Philip of Alsace who abused his power and enforced horrific interrogation methods on the inmates that were trialed there.

Prisoners were gruelingly tortured to confess their crimes, and many even faced fatal harassment. This lasted until the 18 th century, but today, visitors can learn about the torture methods they used, the history behind the Counts that resided there, and how it came to be a cotton mill in the early 19 th century.

Guided day tours are available as well as self-guided tours and audio tours. You can find more information at Visit Ghent on the history behind the castle, but the best way to learn about the events first-hand is to take a guided tour !

Walking Tour through the Medieval Neighborhoods

Be sure to stroll through the medieval neighborhoods during your one day in Ghent

When doing a walking tour through Ghent, you can choose between joining a guided walking tour with a company or creating your very own walking tour with the use of a local map!

In our experience, we find self-guided tours to be more rewarding since we can include only what we actually want to spend our time at and we can choose to skip whatever we aren’t interested in.

But, that’s not to say that having a local guide who can tell you more about the history of Ghent and the local architecture, traditions, and Belgian culture isn’t an invaluable resource ! Just be sure to do some research before choosing a guide, as not all are created equal.

Along your walking tour, be sure to check out Patershol – known as the ancient quarter for its medieval architecture and tight network of narrow streets, you’ll find cozy pubs and cool souvenirs here!

Additionally, the neighborhoods of Kouter for its expansive flower and plant markets and Prinsenhof for its 16 th -century ancient palace ruins and charming residential houses without all of the tourists are definitely worth a small piece of your time in Ghent!

Take a Food and Beer Tour

If you’re going to Ghent or even Belgium as a whole, you shouldn’t deny yourself the fun of a food and beer tour! They range vastly from what foods they include like the traditional chocolates, waffles, and moules-frites as well as alcohol including beer, whiskey, and sometimes gin.

You can even find tours that allow you to cook with a local !

Take a peek at the tours below and see if any may be a good fit for you. They range from 1 hour and up and all offer exceptional reviews. I haven’t done all of these tours myself, but I have found that many of them are well known across Ghent .

Best Food and Beer Tours in Ghent

Sint-Michielsbrug and Saint Michael’s Church

best time to visit ghent belgium

Adorned with a beautiful statue of St. Michael, the Sint-Michielsbrug, or St. Michael’s Bridge, is one of the most famed stone arch bridges in the city.

It offers a fantastic vantage point overlooking the Leie River and provides visitors with one of the best perspectives of the Korenlei and Graslei quays!

Take some time to stroll over the bridge, capture a few wonderful photos, and then make your way over to the accompanying Saint Michael’s Church .

Easily seen from across the city, Saint Michael’s Church is recognized for its striking tower and gothic exterior. The exterior contradicts its interior which is embellished with beautiful artwork, large colonnades, and stunning stained glass windows .

This Roman Catholic church is a must-see when spending one day in Ghent, even if it’s only for a short period of time. The architecture and design will truly take your breath away even if you aren’t someone with a particular interest in cathedrals!

Take a Canal Boat Ride

If you only have one day in Ghent, be sure to take a canal boat ride

If you’ve ever visited Amsterdam or Bruges, it’s likely you have at the very least heard of or seen a canal boat ride go by. And I’m here to tell you that this should be at the top of your list for things to do during your one day in Ghent!

A canal boat ride offers you a completely unique perspective on the city. From the water, you’ll be looking up at all of the beautiful architecture and cafes , and you’ll glide by many of the city’s attractions (like Gravensteen Castle).

You’ll also be rewarded with the opportunity to relax and rest your feet while sightseeing . We all know how running from place to place can be exhausting, so why not sit back and let someone else take the wheel?

That way, all you’ll need to do is take a picture when the prime moment presents itself. After all, isn’t that what taking a vacation is all about?

Taking a canal boat ride is a great way to see the city while catching your breath , take advantage of some unique photo opportunities, and experience the city from a different viewpoint!

Not to mention that you can usually find boats that will provide alcohol included in the price… how can you beat that?

Map of One Day in Ghent Itinerary

The map below has everything that I just mentioned labeled for you, so it’s quick and simple to plan your walking route.

If you like it, share it on your Facebook, Twitter, or even email so you can have it when you visit Ghent!

How to Get to Ghent for One Day

best time to visit ghent belgium

Owing to Ghent’s precise location directly between Brussels and Bruges, getting to this gothic Belgium city couldn’t be easier .

If you’re coming to Ghent from Brussels, hop on the train at Brussel-Centraal and wait until the last stop where you’ll get off at Gent-Sint-Pieters. The entire journey roughly takes about 37 minutes.

If you’re coming to Ghent from Bruges, similarly you’ll just get on the train at Brugge Station and stay on until you reach Gent-Sint-Pieters approximately 30 minutes later.

If you’re coming from outside of Belgium, consider booking a train on the Eurail ! They offer thousands of different routes across Europe and can get you to Ghent in no time. But, be sure to take a look at what flights are available prior to booking if you’re traveling a long distance to Belgium.

You can occasionally find great deals on both domestic and international flights in Europe that will save you a lot of time in comparison to taking the train.

Of course, if you’re already in Belgium, the train will be the fastest and most efficient method of transportation if you don’t plan on renting a car (not usually recommended in Europe).

How to Get Around Ghent for One Day

Walking and biking are the best methods of transportation if you only have one day in Ghent

Since the city is covered in mainly cobblestone streets, thousands of pedestrians, and is divided by one-way streets and rivers, driving through Ghent can be a bit of a nightmare . Luckily for you, you won’t need to worry about renting a car over your one day in Ghent.

The city is easily walkable and you’ll find that most people (tourists and locals) get around by either walking or biking everywhere. For further destinations, the city’s public transportation system will get you there.

Affordable buses and trams line the city center and can bring you everywhere including the Gravensteen Castle, and more.

Since you’ll be short on time, consider renting a bike for a few hours to get you around to all of the main attractions quickly. Then, when you want to head to the Castle, hop on the tram!

This way, you’ll be able to fit in everything you want to see in Ghent in one day, and you’ll still have plenty of time left over for enjoying the local cafes, bars, and restaurants in the evening.

Tips for Visiting Ghent

Before jetting off to the airport, learn about these practical tips for your one day in Ghent itinerary

Even if you have visited Ghent before, there are a few useful tips below that you may just find helpful to planning your next one day in Ghent itinerary! And if you haven’t, be sure to read through these tips before jetting off to the airport.

✔️ Belgium uses the Euro and many people can speak Dutch, French, German, and English!

It isn’t uncommon to hear conversations happening in several different languages around you at any given time, so consider learning a few phrases in at least one of the aforementioned languages if you can.

✔️ Since you’ll be spending the majority of your day walking or biking around the city, be sure to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes !

This one is key to a fun day in Ghent (nobody likes blisters while sightseeing!)

✔️ Also, depending on how much money you plan to budget for your trip, you may want to consider eating at smaller cafes or getting food on-the-go to save some money.

Ghent’s restaurants, especially in the historic center and along the Leie River, are typically quite expensive.

You can occasionally find a good deal, however, most of the time you’ll notice appetizers and entrees ranging between €20- €30 each. With the addition of a round or two of beers, it isn’t uncommon to go over €100 for two people even at lunch!

✔️ Lastly, unless you plan on completing an entirely self-guided Belgium tour, avoid renting a car .

This can become quite costly and owing to Ghent’s pedestrian-only streets and numerous one-ways, it usually becomes more of a headache than anything to have a car rental in Ghent.

Instead, opt for a combination of walking, biking, and public transportation to aid you in getting around the city! This will save you a considerable amount of money and a lot of stress in the long run.

What to Eat in Ghent, Belgium

These are the best foods to try during one day in Ghent

Did you know that the Belgian waffle actually originated in Ghent ? Well, you do now, so it goes without saying that one of these sweet delicacies is a must when you are in town.

But, what else? Of course, Belgium is known for its luxurious chocolate and soft, chewy waffles, but what else should you try on your one day in Ghent? Let me show you!

Belgians aren’t just known for their dessert crafting skills, but also for their rich and savory meals that date back for centuries… but, now with a modern twist . Below are some of the best local dishes that you should try during your time in Ghent…

✔️ Stoverij – This Flemish recipe local to Ghent is a popular favorite among the locals. Authentically made with dark beer or stouts, this hearty stew is full of tender beef and simmered until a thick, savory broth is created. Often served with freshly made fries, this is the ultimate food for your soul!

✔️ Tierenteyn Mustard – this special condiment dates back to the 18 th -century and is well known in Ghent for its distinctly bright and tangy taste. Made from specially ground dark mustard seeds without the addition of preservatives, this unique sauce makes for a wonderful addition to any rich meal.

✔️ Mastel – this traditional bread also originated in Ghent and is known for its sweet, caramelized center. The bread has a denser texture than most and is often sliced, covered in butter and brown sugar, then laid on a hot griddle creating the most wonderful caramel flavor.

Where to Stay in Ghent

Check out these neighborhoods before deciding where to stay for one day in Ghent

I previously told you about some of the best neighborhoods to check out in Ghent, but what about where to stay? Especially if you only have one day, choosing a central accommodation that’s both charming and affordable can be difficult.

But, luckily for you, I have already done all of the work for you! Check out my preferred accommodations below where I have laid out the best places to stay in Ghent based on your travel style.

From budget to luxury, these are the best places to stay in Ghent for one day!

Hostel Uppelink ★★ – a bright and modern hostel located in the beautiful historic center of Ghent. With rooms as low as €24 per night, this is one of the best deals in town.

Hostel Uppelink offers its guests a unique stay where they can enjoy clean, traditional Belgian-style rooms, a buffet-style breakfast, and an affordable in-house bar.

T he House of Edward ★★★ – a chic and modern hotel located just outside of Vrijdagsmarkt. Completely contactless, this hotel offers an entirely self-hosted experience where guests can check themselves in and out of their bright rooms with ease.

Enjoy the outstanding location along with a virtual butler at your service any time night or day. With rooms around €88 per night, you can’t beat the value of this elegant hotel.

Hotel Orion ★★★ – a historical villa in the Millionaires Quarter of Ghent that is surrounded by lush gardens and effortless Belgian beauty. Guests are treated to a sumptuous indoor pool and sauna and have the option of enjoying a traditional Belgian breakfast.

Rooms range from cozy twins to deluxe family-style accommodations, and prices begin around €190 per night.

** They are currently welcoming guests back with the discount code: ORION ! The code can be used to book your room, sauna, or a local boat trip so take advantage of this offer while it’s available.

Hotel Harmony ★★★★ – a prestigious luxury hotel in the heart of Ghent located on the banks of the Leie River. Find a seasonal outdoor heated pool, a hot authentic Belgian breakfast, and a beautiful lounge to relax in during the evenings.

Rooms vary from comfort to deluxe, and prices begin around €150 per night. As one of the leading luxury hotels in the city, guests looking for the ultimate stay in Ghent surely won’t be disappointed.

Day Trips to Ghent

Day trip from brussels to ghent.

best time to visit ghent belgium

You might be wondering, “how far is Ghent from Brussels?” and “can I visit Ghent in one day from Brussels?”. If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Ghent is a mere 37-minute train ride from Brussels, so yes, you can easily wake up in Brussels and hop on the train to Ghent for the day before returning back to your accommodation in Brussels in the evening.

But, you may not want to! Many travelers regret this decision when they come to find how unique and charming Ghent is and wish they had planned to stay at least one night in the medieval city.

If you’re able to squeeze a day trip from Brussels to Ghent into your Belgium itinerary, consider booking at least one night in Ghent!

Day Trip from Bruges to Ghent

best time to visit ghent belgium

Opposite Brussels is the medieval capital of Bruges which is known for its extravagant, gothic architecture, and its mysterious, windy canals that cut through the city in random patterns.

If you’re already in Bruges, consider hopping on a quick 30-minute train ride to Ghent where you’ll be rewarded with similar, yet more vibrantly-colored, buildings and rivers.

These two Belgian cities are a classic pairing owing to their unique similarities and close proximity to one another. If you’re considering taking a day trip from Bruges to Ghent, I highly suggest that you do!

FAQ: One Day in Ghent

Is ghent belgium worth visiting for one day.

Ghent is absolutely worth visiting even if you only have on day

Even though you may be short on time, visiting Ghent is absolutely worth just a quick visit. The town is overflowing with charm and character, so it would be a shame to not take advantage of this incredible Belgian place!

It’s also easily accessible from both the capital of Brussels or the medieval town of Bruges in well under an hour, so you could even visit Ghent for less than one day if that’s all the time you had.

Ghent is overflowing with history (take the torture chamber in Gravensteen Castle, for example), charm, and spectacular cuisine and while I can’t promise that you’ll be happy you chose to visit, I do believe that there is a very good chance you’ll be pleased!

Is One Day Enough in Ghent?

One day in Ghent is plenty of time to see all of the best sights and attractions

One day in Ghent is certainly enough time to spend there. The city is on the smaller side and extremely walkable , so it won’t take you a long time to get between most sights and attractions.

But, if you or someone you are traveling with would prefer to include a half or full-day trip to the Gravensteen Castle, then one day may not be enough for you.

Likewise, if you typically enjoy exploring interesting art collections and the exhibitions in the local museums when you travel.

So, if you prefer to include plenty of time at each attraction, want to spend an ample amount of time at the Gravensteen Castle, and would like to fit in some time for simply relaxing at a riverside cafe, then one day in Ghent may not be enough time for you.

However, even if you only have one day to explore Ghent, don’t fret. You will still be able to fit in many of the main sights, attractions, and some time at a cafe or two!

When is the Best Time to Visit Ghent?

Especially if you only have one day in Ghent, be sure to visit in the shoulder seasons

Ghent, Belgium is a breathtaking city to visit year-round, but there are a few times of the year that we prefer over the others.

For instance, our favorite time to visit Ghent (and Belgium, for that matter) is in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall!

We find this to be when the weather is still comfortable (though there is a slightly higher chance of rain), most of the tourist prices for accommodations and flights have dropped significantly, and many of the tourists have left the city.

In the spring months of April through June, you’ll find thousands of blooming flowers creating a beautiful, vibrant cityscape. In the fall months of September through November , the fall foliage begins and all of the leaves turn gorgeous colors like yellow, orange, and red!

While the summers in Ghent are beautiful, they are relatively hot, flooded with tourists, and it’s also quite expensive to visit during this time, as well. Not to mention that you’ll be waiting in long lines for the major attractions and at most restaurants throughout the city.

The winters in Ghent are also beautiful! You can enjoy ice skating and holiday markets and even the occasional snowfall, however, Belgium gets very few daylight hours in the winters so you better also enjoy curling up in front of a toasty fireplace with a glass of mulled wine.

All in all, the best time to visit Ghent is in the spring and fall when you can get a balance of reduced pricing, fewer tourists, more locals, good weather (for Belgium, at least), and all the comforts of having the city to yourself!

Can You Do Bruges and Ghent in One Day?

If you have one day in Ghent, you can always include a few hours in Bruges, as well!

Since these two medieval Belgian cities are so close to one another via train, you can easily travel to both Bruges and Ghent in one day.

They also have many similarities making them a great combination for a day trip! From their canals and gothic architecture to the food and the people, you’ll find many connections between the two.

However, even though the two cities are close to one another, whether you have enough time or not to see everything is entirely dependent on your travel style .

While I enjoy squeezing as much into my travel days as possible, many people do not… and that’s okay!

If you like to take your time when visiting a new place, you may feel rushed trying to see both Bruges and Ghent in one day. But, if you don’t mind skipping some of the smaller attractions or only seeing the main sights in each city, then one day in Bruges and Ghent is enough time!

Is Bruges or Ghent Better?

best time to visit ghent belgium

In my personal opinion, I enjoyed Bruges more, however, both cities offer a healthy dose of charm, history, and Belgian culture. Bruges, with its fairy-tale medieval architecture and picturesque canals, is like stepping into a time machine set to the Middle Ages.

Ghent, on the other hand, boasts a lively, modern vibe without losing its historical roots. Its vibrant nightlife, contemporary art scene, and student population lend it an energetic atmosphere.

When visiting small, Belgian towns, I felt like Bruges hit the nail on the head in terms of a real-life fairytale, but you may find Ghent’s trendy neighborhoods to be more your style.

More One Day in a City Itineraries

Here are some more of our popular one day in a city itineraries!

One Day in Amsterdam One Day in Barcelona One Day in Berlin One Day in Lisbon One Day in Porto One Day in Prague One Day in Budapest One Day in Paris

best time to visit ghent belgium

Ghent is a unique Belgian destination known for its beautiful embankment on the Leie River that becomes overrun by tourists each and every summer. Home to stunning architecture, charming boat rides, and authentic Belgian cuisine, there’s no denying that Ghent is a leading destination in Europe!

People travel from around the world just to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking Belgian city, so why can’t you? Ghent is a magical city that deserves even just a quick visit to witness all of its history and hear its medieval stories.

If you’re considering spending even just one day in Ghent , I hope this post helps answer all of your questions and convinces you to travel to Belgium… even if you are short on time!

3 Incredible Day Trips from Brussels

If I had known about these 3 incredible towns in Belgium, I would have spent WAAAY less time in Brussels…

And no, they aren’t Ghent or Antwerp!

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Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

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Weekend in Ghent | Complete Guide to Belgium’s Best-Kept Secret

Ghent, this aesthetic & trendy city is the ultimate European destination for a weekend trip. With its stunning medieval backdrop, interwoven with canals and bursting with quaint little bars and mouthwatering restaurants, it’s hard not to fall in love with this place. The fairytale-like city succeeded somehow to dodge the big hordes of tourists throughout the years and remains rather a hidden gem compared to its neighboring Bruges, Brussels, and Amsterdam . All the more reason to find your way here, because charm & ambiance wise Ghent sticks out above the others in our opinion.

Spending a weekend in this vibrant underrated town is a perfect idea. In this complete weekend guide, you will find everything you need to know for planning a getaway to Ghent. Besides sharing an exact route plan for each day , that you can alter to your liking, we will also share some useful tips, interesting tours to join, and the best places to book a night for your stay. Last but not least the cutest spots to find local specialties , the best bars to sample local beers and delicious restaurants to still your hunger.

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Complete Guide to Spending a Weekend in Ghent

Ghent is one of the oldest & largest cities in Belgium , however, remains one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Few people have heard of Ghent, unlike other popular city trip destinations such as Antwerp, Bruges , and Brussels. This intriguing university town has fresh vibes thanks to its youthful population but also traces of incredible history, featuring remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture . It’s a place where you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture since there are fewer tourist crowds surrounding you. Just like Bruges, this medieval town makes you feel like you are being transported back in time. Admire its many cathedrals, and glittering canals along the charming streets, and indulge in its delicious gastronomy.

There are plenty of unique things to do in Ghent to keep you entertained for more than a weekend. From an imposing castle right in the city center to a boat tour along the canals, from quirky bars with famous Belgian beers to delicious chocolate and waffles, Ghent has something to offer for everyone. The picture-perfect streets truly look handpainted by one of the many Flemish Masters.

READ MORE | Best 14 Things to do in Ghent | Hidden Gem Belgium

History of the medieval city of Ghent

Ghent is a city with a rich history that thrived during the Middle Ages as a cloth trading hub in Europe. Between the 11th and 16th centuries, Ghent was one of the most important economic centers of Western Europe after Paris, thanks to its port and strategic location along the Lys and Schelde Rivers. At one point it used to be a bigger city than Moscow or London if you can imagine! Its prosperous past & prestige can be seen reflected in the many well-preserved historic buildings and merchant houses . 

Today, the city center is a lively and youthful meeting point characterized by an interesting blend of historical beauty and modern architectural treasures . Innovative museums and galleries are beautifully interwoven with medieval splendor. Of all the cities in Belgium, Ghent noticeably sticks out as a place of modernization and taking initiative for artistic projects. The vibrant town is known for its popular events and festivals as well as for having one of the most fascinating culinary scenes in all of Europe . No doubt that when visiting Ghent, you will have a good time here!

Things to Do on a Weekend in Ghent – Day 1

Ready to start exploring the magnificent city of Ghent? On our first day, we will cover the main highlights of the old city. Everything is located within walking distance and since the city is car-free, the best way is to explore everything on foot. 

Step back in time at the Old Fish Market & Castle of the Counts

We are kicking off the first day at the Oude Vismijn , which is also the location of the Tourist Information Center . Here you can pick up a city plan and the Ghent City Card , which you should definitely consider getting if you are spending more than one day in Ghent. The card offers free entry to all Ghent tourist attractions and even includes a boat tour. You can find more information on this under the tips section of this post. The information center is already an interesting building on its own. The former Old Fish Market was fully renovated with a glass window expansion giving you a pretty view of the canals. 

Outside you are currently on the Veerleplein which has some cozy cafés and quaint little buildings. From here we are heading towards the Castle of the Counts (or Gravensteen ), a moated protection settlement located right in the center. The fortress dates back to the Middle Ages and used to be the symbol of power and torture. These days you will find a museum inside that gives you a beautiful panoramic view of the city from the top!

Walk along the Lys River with its stunning medieval grandeur

Once you are done exploring the castle find your way toward the Burgstraat , where you will have a magnificent view of the Gravensteen and the stunning surrounding architecture. Afterward turn to your left into the Jan Breydelstraat , which has many quaint coffee bars housed in cute little houses. At the end of the street, you have a bridge on your left, called the Grasburg that runs over the river Lys. 

On one side you have a beautiful view of the Oude Vismijn and Gravensteen that we visited earlier. The other side gives you an open view of the lively Graslei and Korenlei . A view that will leave you speechless, with all its medieval grandeur along the river. In the distance, you can already catch a glimpse of the famous 3 towers and the beautiful St. Michael Bridge.  

Take your time to soak up all the beauty here, you can even go and grab a drink or take a seat along the water. There are always people gathering around here, definitely, in the summer this area gets quite filled! Small groups of youth sharing a drink, people kayaking on the river, boat cruises passing by, it really is the beating heart of Ghent!

Proceed on the right bank of the river, along the Korenlei. On the way towards the St. Michael bridge , you will pass by the Saint Michael church. Once on the bridge, you get a pretty vantage point of the breathtaking cityscape , which is our favorite. Next to the best views of the river, you can also behold the 3 towers , which are located almost in a row. It’s the perfect spot to take pictures of all the major highlights of Ghent and a popular postcard motive.

Shop traditional local delicacies

Once you took in all the beauty, cross over the bridge to the other side of the river, from where we will walk back in the direction of the Groentenmarket (Vegetable market). This bustling little square holds some of the best local specialty shops . You have several chocolatiers around like Zoetse or Neuhaus. 

TAKE A TOUR | Discover the Belgian chocolate delights during a Chocolate tour through Ghent.

Head inside Bakery Himschoot for some delicious patékes (little pastries) or get some vintage mustard at the famous Tierenteyn-Verlent . This one is an established name in Ghent, and many people bring home mustard from here when they visit. The mustard is freshly spooned from a huge wooden barrel in their typical ceramic pots. A really unique gift to take home!

In front of these shops, you will see a food stall selling the signature candy of Ghent called Cuberdons . (better known as “Gentse Neuzen”) These purple conical-shaped candies are filled with raspberry-flavored goodness! Get a small bag to try them out first, but these are also sold in boxes that make lovely souvenirs. 

Make sure to also quickly stop by on the other side of the square at the Great Butcher Hall . This 15th-century guild house was formerly an indoor meat market. It has been transformed into a great restaurant where you can try out local specialties. Inside you will find cured Ganda ham hanging from the wooden ceilings, just like back in the day.

Grab a bite and a drink at the Vrijdagmarkt

At this point, we have been walking for a while, so it’s a great moment to make a stop for a small bite and drink. Surrounded by gorgeous 18th-century buildings, the Friday Market (or Vrijdagmarkt ) is home to many bars and restaurants. You might encounter the weekly market on this square if you happen to visit Ghent on a Friday. A tradition, which has been ongoing since the 12th century. Grab a portion of fries with mayonnaise to feel like to true Belgian!

Check out the Dulle Griet , a legendary café that serves over 500 Belgian beers. This quirky bar has the tradition of taking in your shoe as a deposit for a beer in a shoe-shaped glass.

Discover Ghent’s Art scene & coziest neighborhoods

Of all the cities in Belgium Ghent definitely stands out for its flourishing art scene . The city is the frontrunner if it comes to taking the initiative for new artistic projects. This aspect is mostly visible in the Werregarenstraat, better known as Graffiti Street . The alleyway dedicated to street art was supposed to be a temporary project in the nineties but instead became one of the biggest sights of Ghent.

At the end of Graffiti Street find your way back to the waterside towards the Kraanlei . Here you’ll see plenty of inspiring art galleries along the Leie River, the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. The Kraanlei offers some amazing views of the buildings on the other side. One of them is the famous beer café in Ghent ‘ Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant’ . It’s the perfect spot to sample a local beer in the afternoon. 

TIP | If you are a sweet tooth, make a stop at Confiserie Temmerman to get some old-fashioned sweets and Ghent delicacies like the Cuberdons.

At this point, you are again close to the castle of the counts. Find your way to the adorable neighborhood of Patershol. This cluster of cobbled stone streets is one of the best hidden gems to hang out in, filled with cozy bars and restaurants. It’s known as the culinary heart of Ghent, so you will surely find the perfect place for dinner here since it has cuisines from all over the world. Whether you are fancying some Persian or Japanese dishes, or want to try out traditional Flemish cuisines, this area of the town has it all.

End the first day of your weekend in Ghent with a Canal Boat Tour 

The perfect way to end your first day on a weekend in Ghent is by going on a leisurely canal boat tour along the Leie. Besides familiarizing yourself more with the city it also gives you another vantage point of the beautiful surroundings. And after all that walking, who wouldn’t enjoy just sitting back and relaxing while passing all this beauty? During a 40-minute tour , the captain slash tour guide will entertain you along the way with some interesting facts and insights into the city. Though, if you are anything like me, you will just dream away while absorbing the beautiful gingerbread-looking houses and won’t even pay attention to what he is saying :p.

Most of the tours take off at the intersection of Graslei and Korenlei. Tours cost around €9 per person, if you have the Ghent City Card, the boat tour is for FREE!

Enjoy the city of Ghent at night

Ghent totally comes alive at night, especially in summer. Many locals and mostly students gather around the Graslei and fill up those bar terraces. This is absolutely a socially trendy city! However, you can still find yourself in more peaceful places around the major sights that have been illuminated beautifully . Equally impressive at nighttime, so make sure to enjoy an evening stroll before calling it a night. Or maybe hit one of the pubs for a beer?

READ MORE | Best 14 Things to do in Ghent | Hidden Gem Belgium

Things to Do on a Weekend in Ghent – Day 2

On our second day after a nice breakfast, we will first head out for the 3 famous towers of Ghent. Towards the afternoon you can dedicate your time to some more off-the-beaten sights that Ghent has to offer.

Start your day at Korenmarkt & 1898 The post

We are kicking off the second day at the Korenmarkt (or wheat market ), a square that gets rather bustling during the day. Back in the day, a warehouse was standing on the spot of the Post building and corn was being traded there. The building as you can see has an eclectic style with many interesting details. Today the postal building holds a shopping mall on the lower floor and a 4-star hotel on the first floor called 1898 The Post .

TIP | Make sure to spend some time looking at the beautiful guild halls next to the Korenmarkt. In particular,  Masons’ Guild Hall , where you can see six figures happily dancing on top of the stepped gable.

Visit the famous three towers

Without a doubt, you will have spotted the 3 towers from all over the city. These three medieval towers dominate the skyline of Ghent and form a picture-perfect row when standing on the St. Michiel’s Bridge. The first one you will pass when coming from the Korenmarkt is St. Nicholas’ Church , one of the oldest landmarks in Ghent. When walking further to the next tower, you will pass by an interesting architectural structure on the next square. The City Pavilion (or Stadshal ) is a modern masterpiece that really sticks out against the medieval landscape of Ghent. This piece of architecture has always been a subject of discussion and ridicule, you either love or hate it. 

TIP | When walking around this area of town keep your eyes open for the Coin Route (or Muntenroute ). The clusters of coins each tell a piece of history of its surroundings through the engraved drawings.

The second tower is the Belfry of Ghent (or Belfort ), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you simply cannot miss. It’s the tallest bell tower in all of Belgium with its 91-meter height. Climbing to the top of the Belfry Tower is a must-do on your weekend in Ghent. It gives you the best 360° panoramic view of the city .

The third iconic tower is the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (or Sint-Baafskathedraal ), home to the famous altarpiece “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by brothers Hubert & Jan van Eyck from the 15th century. It’s supposedly one of the earliest oil paintings in the world and is the most celebrated masterpiece of Flemish art. The cathedral itself is really stunning too, definitely worth spending some time gazing at its interior.

Marvel at the remarkable architecture

Here in the area of the towers, you will stumble upon many gorgeous other buildings. When passing the city pavilion, quickly take a look at the City Hall a little further, many statues and details on its facade are just impeccable. St Bavo’s Square is home to a row of beautiful colored houses and a magnificent Performing Arts Theater in front of the fountain. In the vicinity of the square, you can find the Rear Sickle building (or Achtersikkel ) a true hidden gem, not really known by tourists. This oasis of peace in the center of Ghent consists of a small brick corner tower that belongs to the conservatory. It has a beautiful terrace with a café where you can enjoy a drink while listening to the sound of rehearsals inside.

Many people decide to turn towards the shopping street here but just go on a little further otherwise you miss out on the second castle of Ghent. Located just a bit further you will find the Geeraard de Duivelsteen or the Castle of Gerald the Devil. Unfortunately, the building itself can’t be visited on the inside. There is however a cozy lunch bar located on the side to enjoy.

Hit the shops & the flower market

To take a break from all the sightseeing, another thing to do other than eating and drinking is obviously shopping on a city trip. If you love shopping, you will be happy to hear that Ghent is truly a shopaholic paradise . From all the big stores that can be found in the area of the Veldstraat , to the more luxury brands near Kouter Square . The hip city counts numerous small boutiques, vintage and second-hand shops to find more unique pieces.

When visiting on a Sunday there are also numerous markets all over town. One of the most popular must be the flower market (or Kouter Bloemenmarkt ) that is held on Kouter Square. A book market can be found along the water edge.

Indulge in Belgian Chocolates & Waffles 

Just like in other Belgian cities, you can find a myriad of artisanal chocolate shops in Ghent with high-quality handmade chocolate. Ch ocolaterie Luc Van Hoorebeke  and  H ilde Devolder Chocolatier offer a nice variety.

TIP | A fun & interactive way to explore the city is by joining a chocolate tour . Not only will the guide entertain you with historical tales during the tour, but will also take you to some local chocolatiers to sample and learn more about the world of chocolate.

Who doesn’t love waffles? You will find this mouthwatering treat all over town. Grab one to go from a food cart or find your way to a brasserie and enjoy it with a coffee. Did you know there are all different kinds of waffles to be found? The most popular one is the Brussels waffle , an airy crispy waffle. And the Liege Waffle , made out of thicker dough with big chunks of sugar. We personally love the Brussels waffles at Amfora , a typical kind of Belgian Brasserie-style establishment. 

Breath in some culture at one of the many museums

Ghent is home to many great museums, in case you have time left to squeeze one in. South of the city you can find a cluster of museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (S.M.A.K), the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK), and the International Convention Centre of Ghent (ICC). Just a little further lies the Ghent City Museum (STAM).

Taste some legendary local Belgian beers

One of the most well-known specialties of Belgium is beer. That’s why sampling some at one of the many cozy cafés is a must thing to do while in Ghent. The beer scene of Ghent is one of the best and you will find many craft beers and local brews besides all the big names. Browse further to the section of Best Beer spots in Ghent , to find our personal hotspots!

BOOK A BEER TOUR | Learn more about the history and brewing process of beer during a guided Beer Tour through Ghent. The tour includes multiple tasting sessions at multiple locations!

Want to experience a local beer brewery right in the heart of Ghent? Head over to the Gentse Gruut Stadsbrouwerij . Tucked away in a corner of the city, you can enjoy a beer tasting with some cheese platters in their interesting setting. A super fun activity to close off a day of exploring!

Essential travel information for a weekend in Ghent

Travel basics for a weekend in ghent.

Ghent, Gent, or Gand? All three names refer to the same location, Ghent is the English way, Gent is Dutch/German and Gand is in French.

Language? Belgium has three official languages, Dutch (Flemish dialects), French, and German, hence the many name variations for Ghent. Ghent is located in the Flemish region of Belgium where people mostly speak Dutch. Overall most people can speak English very well, definitely in the bigger cities.

Currency? The official currency in Belgium is the Euro (€).

How to pay for things? Most places like hotels, bars, and restaurants all accept cards, the only place you might need to bring cash is the market. ATMs are quite widely spread, and exchange offices are not really common.

Plugs? In Belgium Type E power plugs are being used, with the standard 230V voltage and a standard frequency of 50 Hz. So if you come from outside of Europe, make sure to check for a travel adaptor .

Safety? Overall Belgium is a very safe country, however, always be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Pickpocketing can always occur in tourist areas of bigger cities, just like all over Europe. 

Best time to travel to Ghent

Ghent is beautiful all year round in my personal opinion. However, the city comes alive during the warmer months, when you will see many students and locals enjoying the terraces, social events, festivals, and gatherings along the waterways. Nonetheless, Ghent has so many interesting indoor activities, that even on a rainy day you will always find something to do. Based on climate conditions, the cost of accommodation, and avoiding big crowds, the months of April and September are probably best to go.

In April, and spring overall, you might still need a jacket, but there is the least chance of rain. The same goes for September and early October, our personal favorite times to go. Temperatures are comfortable and still pleasant to enjoy outside terraces. 

The warmest temperatures in Ghent can be found from June to August, however, this is also the peak tourist season . In July there is the Gentse Feesten (Ghent festival), an annual music festival that attracts huge crowds. During winter the city gets extra cozy when it starts to shimmer with all the beautiful lights in anticipation of the Christmas markets. After the holidays, from January till March, Belgium overall becomes quite grey and the weather is very unpredictable. However Ghent still has its charm, you will miss out on the cozy atmosphere of the terrace culture of warmer months.

How many days do you need in Ghent?

It is possible to cover most of Ghent’s key highlights in a single day . The city center is rather compact and it’s easy to get around to all the attractions. However, we absolutely recommend at least two days to fully immerse into all this city has to offer. This way you can enjoy a drink once in a while on one of the cozy terraces, wander around the many shops, and indulge in the local specialties such as waffles, Cuberdons, and chocolate. This is absolutely what the Flemish or Flamand Burgundian lifestyle is all about, enjoying good food and drinks in a leisurely way with good company. Hey, it’s all about merging into the local culture right?

How to get around Ghent?

The historic center of Ghent is rather compact and all its main attractions are located within walking distance from each other. The good news is that the center is car-free, so super pedestrian-friendly to explore everything on foot! If you want to give your feet a break, it’s good to know that Ghent has an excellent public transport system . There are many buses and trams available that will take you all over town from early in the morning till late in the evening.

Another way to soak up the atmosphere of the city is by bike , an easy and quick way to discover all the hidden gems if you have only one day to spend in Ghent. Join a 2.5-hour cycling tour of Ghent to see all the highlights as well as many off-the-beaten tracks joined by an enthusiastic guide.

Are you short on time but want an in-depth tour to see everything of Ghent in one day? An option is to join a 2-hour guided Walking tour of Ghent for only €15 pp which includes a city discount card.

Tips On Visiting Ghent

Walk everywhere – It’s the best way to soak up the atmosphere and explore the city. All the sights are close to each other and most of the city is pedestrian only anyways. So it’s really pleasant to walk everywhere.

Wear Comfy shoes – The next tip goes hand in hand, wear comfy shoes! These historic cobblestone streets aren’t made to walk in heels, so opt for a pair of cute sneakers.

Join a free walking tour – Taking a walking tour is the best way to learn more about the city’s history, get insider facts, and cover all the main sights. A popular FREE tour is The Legends of Ghent , which takes you on a 2-hour guided walking tour along the highlights of this gorgeous city. An enthusiastic local guide talks you through a journey of the legendary past of Ghent with history and funny stories. Further, they will also provide you with some extra tips, interesting facts, and hidden gems you might miss out on otherwise!

Get yourself a Ghent City Card – If you are considering spending more than one day, getting a Ghent City Card is a great idea to make the most of your time. The card offers you free entry to all tourist attractions, museums, public transport, a boat tour, and even a free bike rental for a day. You can get the card at the Tourist Office and all participating museums and hotels. The price for the 48-hours card is 38€ and 44€ for the 72-hours card. Normally we aren’t the biggest fans of these types of cards, but if you do the math and consider that most attractions are easily €10, you can see it’s worth getting it.

Checklist & what to bring on a weekend in Ghent

The below is not imperative, but it can help make your travels worry-free during a weekend in Ghent:

  • Bring already some converted Euros with you
  • Check Visa Requirements
  • Universal travel adaptors
  • Power Bank for your phone
  • Offline Map (phone app)
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Directions to your accommodation

Best places to eat on a weekend in Ghent

As mentioned before Ghent city is a foodie Walhalla with a wide range of cuisines to choose from. In general, you simply cannot visit Belgium without indulging in all the delicious waffles, chocolates, fries, and beers! Here we will list the best places to try out traditional food during your weekend in Ghent:

Breakfast Spots in Ghent

Gust – A delightful little brunch spot located a 10-minute walk from the old town. They serve some delicious breakfast dishes, with some vegan-friendly options. Portions are quite big for good value.

Oats Day Long – If you love a portion of healthy oats, this is your place! You can also find pancakes, avocado toasts, salads, acai bowls, and amazing coffee here. Everything you need to fuel up for a day of exploring!

Simon says – If you are looking for a traditional breakfast place serving eggs, cold-cut platters, croissants, and yogurts this is the place to go. This small cozy coffee has some great coffee and friendly staff.

Lunch & Dinner Spots in Ghent

t’K lokhuys – Serving all the traditional Flemish specialties on the menu such as the local Gentse Waterzooi, Meat stew (or stoofvlees ), mussels with fries, steak, and more.

Amadeus – A Belgian franchise and favorite for unlimited all-you-can-eat spare ribs (a Volonté like we say it). 

Meme Gusta – For all the classics from grandmother’s kitchen but with a modern twist.

‘t Oud Clooster – Located in a cozy atmosphere with a nice service to enjoy all the traditional Flemish dishes. Food is served in generous quantities, so make sure to show up with an appetite! They have a lovely courtyard in the back if you come in summer.

Pakhuis – Looking for a cool venue for a special occasion? Pakhuis is an established name in Ghent, known for its lovely setting with a styled warehouse vibe. Most people go here to enjoy their fabulous seafood platters or oysters or flemish mussels pots.

Quick Bites

Rather fancy a quick bite? We Belgians love our fries! Here are a few places to grab a pack if you quickly want to still your hunger: 

Frituur Tartaar – Your typical Belgian place to get some good fries in the center of Ghent.

Frites Atelier – Not your average ‘frituur’ like how we call the place to get your fries. This fancy place is a known franchise by renowned chef Sergio Herman. They offer some of the best fries out there with special toppings. Besides the classic mayonnaise, they also offer gourmet sauces such as truffle sauce.

Beer & Appetizer Spots in Ghent

Dulle griet.

One of the most unusual ones must be bar Dulle Griet , located on the Vrijdagmarkt. This place boasts a selection of over 500 Belgian beers, the largest in all of Ghent. The interior is absolutely special, with a lot going on and you don’t know where to look first. The funniest part of visiting the Dulle Griet is the tradition of trading your shoe for beer. It’s like a deposit for a special beer glass, and you get your shoe back after settling the bill. 

Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant

Our personal favorite is Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant , a typical “brown pub” (or Bruine Kroeg) that apparently was once a brothel. It’s a beloved spot amongst beer lovers, definitely in summer when you can enjoy their terrace on the waterfront. It’s located right in the historic center and you will pass it by several times. They have 165 beers on the menu to choose from, but we suggest ordering the Delirium Tremens, which is brewed right outside Ghent. Order some cold-cut platters with mustard (they serve the one from Tierenteyn-Verlent !) which pairs amazingly with beer. This is a typical Belgian thing to do, enjoying a beer with some cheese on the side. Now relax and soak in the beautiful views!

Trollekelder

Another typical Belgian beer pub is the Trollekelder , which comes with a fun interior theme of ‘Trolls’. the pub is set in a 15th-century basement which lends itself to a cozy atmosphere. There are more than 300 beers to choose from, of which their own Trollenbier. A fun fact is that the basement used to be a library until the 1980s.

Barrazza Café

And last not but least, our favorite hidden gem,  Barrazza café . This lovely place gives you a view of the river Lys and if you are lucky you can even get a sunny seat right next to the water. You can take this quite literally since you are sitting right on the banks of the river. Enjoying a drink here feels like you escaped the hustle and bustle of the city. From the Kraanlei Waterfront, you can catch a nice view of the café.

For Wine Lovers

Gouts & Couleurs – Beautiful wine bar with an extensive offer of wines, which you can enjoy with some delicious cheese and cold-cut platters.

Bar Win – Perfect spot to enjoy an aperitive with some tasty bites.

Coffee & Dessert spots in Ghent

Mokabon – An old-school coffee house place where you can find some delicious freshly roasted coffee.

Madame Bakster – For the best cakes, pancakes, and pastries, with a lot of vegetarian, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free options.

Amfora – Our go-to place for the best classic Brussels waffles with fresh whipped cream! Set in a typical brasserie-style restaurant, right in the shopping district. They have a lovely terrace to enjoy, perfect for people-watching.

Julie’s house – Great afternoon tea house for some pie or cupcakes in a cute setting.

Ch ocolaterie Luc Van Hoorebeke  and  H ilde Devolder Chocolatier for the best artisanal handmade chocolate bonbons (pralines).

Aux Merveilleux de Fred – For meringue treats, merveilleux pastries and delicious chocolate-chip bread.  

Bakery Himschoot – Pick up some delicious pastries (patékes in Dutch) or Waffles for the on-the-go.

Best Places to Stay for a Weekend in Ghent

We suggest staying close to the city center if it’s your first time spending a weekend in Ghent. This way you are close to all the major highlights and can truly enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Since Ghent is less known than Bruges or Brussels, you can definitely find some great-value hotels.

Best Budget places in Ghent

Hostel Uppelink – Located in the heart of the city near all the main attractions. The Hostel itself is in a historic building with clean rooms and has a really helpful staff.

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum – The perfect base to explore the city of Ghent from, its central location just can’t be beaten. This stay offers everything you need for a basic, clean & comfortable room.

Best Mid-Range accommodations in Ghent

Maison Margo – Stylish rooms, ideally situated in the center, but a peaceful oasis for its visitors. Guests can enjoy the inner courtyard and an amazing wine bar.

Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent – Design hotel with a breathtaking rooftop bar that overlooks Ghent. They have their own in-house restaurant and bar to enjoy and offer private parking on-site if you come by car.

Best Luxury hotels in Ghent

1898 The Post – A gorgeous boutique hotel located in the iconic former 19th-century post office building at the Korenmarkt. The rooms are decorated with antique furniture pieces in combination with a sleek design. Guests can enjoy a seating area with an open fireplace that overlooks Ghent, as well as an in-house cocktail bar called The Cobbler.

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof – Located in a luxurious townhouse with a lush courtyard to enjoy, this boutique hotel has everything to spoil its guests, with a wellness center, bar, and lounge.

How to get to Ghent for the weekend? 

Ghent is located in the Flemish part of Belgium , more specifically in the North West. It’s the third largest city in Belgium, but to be fair we all know Belgium is tiny. Hence most big cities aren’t too far away from each other and are easily accessible by public transport . 

If you are flying into Belgium you most likely arrive at Brussels airport (BRU) in Zaventem, from which Ghent is only a little over an hour away by train. The city is in the midpoint of Bruges in the West, Antwerp in the East, and Brussels in the South. Each of them is around a 30-minute train ride away and trains run frequently and are not really expensive. It’s really easy to make a day trip to Ghent from any of these cities.

Here is a breakdown of how to get to Ghent for the weekend from these other cities:

Getting from Brussels to Ghent

It’s really easy and fast to travel from Brussels to Ghent by train . There is a direct intercity train (IC) that only takes 35 minutes from Brussels Central or Bruxelles-Midi station to Ghent (Sint-Pieters Station). The train ticket for one-way from Brussels to Ghent costs around 11€. If you are coming from the Airport, there is a direct train that takes around 1 hour. If you transfer over to Brussels Midi station you have more options to choose from.

TIP | Traveling through Belgium during the weekend by train can get you a 50% discount with the Weekend Ticket! Check online for train tickets to Ghent.

By car , it will take you around 50 minutes from Brussels (Belgian traffic can be the worst). You can’t drive into the city since it’s car-free but there are many parking garages around.

Join A Tour

You can also book a guided day tour from Brussels to explore the city of Ghent. This way you can visit all the top sights while learning more about its history along the way.

Day trip with the bus to Ghent from Brussels

Day trip to Antwerp & Ghent from Brussels, with a picture stop at the Atomium

Day trip to Bruges & Ghent from Brussels

Getting from Bruges to Ghent

Bruges is located quite close to Ghent, some people even visit both cities in one day during a tour. Personally, we aren’t the biggest fan of doing that, since you will only get a glimpse of each. Each city deserves at least one day on its own. The easiest and fastest way to get to Ghent from Bruges is by train . There is a direct intercity train (IC) going from Bruges station to Ghent Sint-Pieters station and runs frequently throughout the day. The ride only takes 30 minutes and costs around 9 euros one-way.

Getting from Antwerp to Ghent

Getting to Ghent from Antwerp by train is equally easy, but takes a little longer. The intercity train (IC) takes you from Antwerp Central Station to Ghent Dampoort Station in roughly 50 minutes. The train ticket costs around 11 euros one way.

Once you arrive at Ghent Sint-Pieters station, it’s a 25-minute walk to the historic city center. If you don’t feel like walking, there are trams 1 and 22 that take you to the Korenmarkt. They run every 10 minutes or so and you can get a Tram ticket at the Lijnwinkel (ticket shop) inside the railway station.

We hope this guide to a Weekend in Ghent helped you out. You can show some ❤ and support for the blog and help us share more adventures! Our travels are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows us to keep writing helpful travel guides and gather information to make it easier for people to discover the world.

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Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 15 Best Things to Do in Ghent (Belgium)

15 Best Things to Do in Ghent (Belgium)

Locals and tourists alike love Ghent. What’s not to love in the city after all, there is great art, great food and it is one of the countries best kept secrets. Ghent still feels fairly small compared to other cities in Europe and despite being a great place for a break, it is not overrun by tourists and sightseers.

Ghent is a perfect blend of industry and medieval architecture which will appease every travellers European city palette. Nightlife and food are also good with some truly great food being served at a range of restaurants that will suit all budgets. Beer is king in Belgium and Ghent is home to the famous Gruut beer.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Ghent !

1. Be Awestruck By Gravensteen

Castle Gravensteen, Ghent, Belgium

Quite probably the most breathtaking sight in Ghent, Gravensteen is a 12th Century castle built for the count of Flanders. The castle has been sensationally restored to all its former glory after operating for a short time as a cotton mill.

The interior may somewhat lack furnishings but makes up for this with a guillotine and suits of armor. If you want to see what the castle was like all those years ago, there is a slightly silly costume drama set in many of the castles rooms and battlements.

For the best photo of the castle from afar, try St Widostraat.

2. Adore the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb

Adoration of the Mystic Lamb

The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is thought to be one of the world’s earliest oil paintings and dates back to the early 15th Century. Huge queues to see the work are common and like the Mona Lisa, the history of the painting is much more fascinating than the work itself.

The history of the painting includes an Austrian Emperor “clothing” the nude Adam and Eve as well as a period of time where the work was stolen and hidden in a salt mine.

The painting is open year round for viewings and is almost returned to its former glory although one stolen panel remains missing to this day.

3. See Fine Art at the MSK (Museum of Fine Arts)

MSK Ghent

The MSK art gallery is housed in what looks much like an Ancient Greek temple. The artwork will soon remind you that you are in fact still in Belgium however due to the great collection of works from Belgian and Low Counties artists.

The works range from as early as the 14th century up until the 20th century and English language notes are available for each piece.

The permanent collections are constantly backed up by a series of notable temporary exhibits.

  • 4.  Eat out in Patershol

Patershol

A well hidden home of many great restaurants, Patershol is the former location of the leather tradesmen in Ghent.

The winding cobbled lanes and houses haven’t much changed from this time and are a great way to experience what Ghent was like many years ago.

All that exploring is bound to make you hungry and, luckily, Patershol is home to a number of good restaurants including t’ Klaverblad which serves French cuisine and is arguably the best place to eat in all of Ghent.

5. Marvel at the Sint-Pietersabdij Abbey

Sint-Pietersabdij

One of the biggest abbeys in all of Belgium, the St Pietersabdij was the centre of Ghent for a long time and the city began to grow outwards from the abbey.

The orchards and gardens are free to explore and are a great place to be on a summer’s day. The abbey itself boats an impressive mural in what was once the monk’s refectory and a state-of-the-art video tour lasting an hour and a half.

If you are rushed you can easily select just a few points from the tour before moving on.

6. See the St Baafskathedraal

St Baafskathedraal

This cathedral is the home of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb mentioned earlier but it also deserves a visits for its own merits. The building itself is an imposing structure made from an unusual blend of stone and brick with some stunning stained glass windows thrown into the mix.

The mural in the crypts of the building are well worth seeing as is the original Rubens artwork on display.

If you fancy a look at the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb but don’t fancy queuing, there is a print of the work on display in chapel 30.

7. Watch Some Home Movies at Huis van Alijn

Huis van Alijn

This house was formerly a children’s hospice. It has since been restored and is a great museum detailing what life was like in the city between the end of the 18th century to the early 20th century.

Within the museum, there are old shops to explore with accurate period interiors. There are also old wedding photos and family movies which prove to be surprisingly emotional.

You will find that not all of the exhibits are in English but they are straightforward and don’t really require an explanation.

8. See a Dragon at the Belfort

Belfort

Ghent may not be from a Game of Thrones novel but is still has its own dragon. The belfry dates back to the 14th century and has a dragon sat atop of the tower in weathervane form.

If you want to make the climb to the top you will see two more dragons whilst on your way. There is also an exhibition of bell making but the real attraction for most people that visit the Belfort is the view from the top of the tower. Make sure to see Ghent’s cloth hall whilst you are here.

The hall began construction in the mid 15th century but was not completed until 1903.

9. Grab a coffee from Mokabon

Mokabon

Ignore the bold, brand-new Starbucks and head into Mokabon, the cosy coffee house that is as they were and as they should be.

The cafe is one of the best places to chill out in the city with good snacks and great coffee. The coffee on offer is classic Belgian fare with espresso topped with whipped cream.

Ignore the Starbucks and treat yourself to a proper Belgian coffee.

10. Learn at the Museum of Industry

Ghent Museum of Industry

The Museum of Industry is the place to go if you want to learn about the history of industry in Ghent. The museum is set in a former mill-building (what better place to learn about industry in Belgium) and covers five floors.

Whilst travelling through 250 years worth of industry, you will see and learn about plenty of machinery, which is even still operated on certain days of the week. It is deafeningly loud but luckily earplugs are provided!

As an added bonus, there are great views of the city from the building’s top floor.

11. Learn some more at STAM

STAM

If you have room for more learning and knowledge then a visit to STAM is an absolute must. STAM explores Ghent’s history and pre-history by rewinding 70,000 years into the past.

The museum is another old building that has found a new use, formerly it was a nunnery. Interactive exhibits show what Ghent has looked like throughout various periods of time and how the city has evolved.

As if 70,000 years worth of history wasn’t enough, the museum even gives you the chance to look into the future of the city.

12. Shop at the Vrijdagmarkt

Vrijdagmarkt

This square, which gets its name from the weekly market that still takes place every Friday, was once also the city’s spot for public executions and important city meetings.

The cafes dotted around the square all provide great vantage points for admiring the statue of Ghent’s famous leader, Artevelde who was prominently anti-French.

Nearby is a so-called super cannon, which due to its rather large 250kg balls, was one of the biggest siege cannons in all of the middle ages.

13. Stadhuis

Stadhuis Ghent

Even in Ghent, a city with many beautiful buildings, this building stands out. The Stadhuis, or city hall, took almost a century to build before it was finally completed in 1600.

The architecture is flamboyant and Gothic the building is often referred to as the building with many faces. The rooms of the interior are varied in style but all are stunningly decorated and preserved.

The hall is obviously a popular spot for weddings but tourist access is limited. Hour long tours begin at the tourist office and cost 5 euros per person.

14. Try some Ghent Cuisine

Restaurants in Ghent

The food in Ghent, like in all of Belgium’s big cities, is diverse and tasty. There is truly something for everybody and food lovers will fell right at home.

Some traditional Belgium treats to try are Gruut Beer, the brewery is based in Ghent and is a great introduction to Belgium beer, Stoverij, a hearty Belgian beef stew and Waterzooi, a fish or chicken stew dating back to the middle ages.

If you have a sweet tooth then Belgium is also a great place for chocolate and Ghent is arguably the best of the best. Be sure to try pralines before you leave the city.

15. Hop onto a water tram

Boat Trip in Ghent

For a truly different way of seeing the city, why not try the Ghent’s hop on hop off water tram. There are six stops to embark from or disembark to including the Castle of the Counts and St Peters Abbey.

Not only does the tram get you from A to B but it is a unique way to see some of the city’s sights while you are at it.

As an added bonus, if you buy the Ghent City Card, travel on the water tram is included and you can use it as much as you like for no further cost.

15 Best Things to Do in Ghent (Belgium):

  • Be Awestruck By Gravensteen
  • Adore the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
  • See Fine Art at the MSK (Museum of Fine Arts)
  • Marvel at the Sint-Pietersabdij Abbey
  • See the St Baafskathedraal
  • Watch Some Home Movies at Huis van Alijn
  • See a Dragon at the Belfort
  • Grab a coffee from Mokabon
  • Learn at the Museum of Industry
  • Learn some more at STAM
  • Shop at the Vrijdagmarkt
  • Try some Ghent Cuisine
  • Hop onto a water tram

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12 Best Things to do in Ghent, Belgium

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Once one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities in the whole of Europe, Ghent still proudly showcases lots of fabulous medieval architecture. This is, in part, what makes it so delightful to explore. Located at the spot where the Leie and Scheldt rivers join, its gorgeous center is home to a towering belfry with an impressive centuries-old cathedral, church, and castle to be found alongside its picturesque canal.

Lying in between Brussels , Bruges, and Antwerp, this compact city is often overlooked in favor of its nearby neighbors, although this has changed somewhat in recent years as word spreads about its many charms.

Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to do in Ghent, and its sizeable student population lends it a very lively and youthful feel. With a wealth of interesting historic tourist attractions and fascinating museums for you to check out, Ghent is not to be missed out on when visiting Belgium.

12. Vrijdagmarkt

Vrijdagmarkt

One of the main squares in Ghent, Vrijdagmarkt is named after the lively Friday market that has taken place here ever since the 12th century. Lined by beautiful old guild houses, as well as a couple of wonderful art nouveau buildings, the square is lovely to wander around. At its heart, lies a fantastic statue of Jacob van Artevelde – an important Flemish statesman.

The weekly market is loads of fun to peruse, with all kinds of stalls selling everything from local handicrafts to fresh fruits and vegetables filling the square. Vrijdagmarkt is great to visit at any time of day, as lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars are found here.

Of these, the Dulle Griet is the most atmospheric of the lot. Besides its homely and unique looking interior, you’ll also find 350 or so Belgian beers for you to try.

11. Museum Voor Schone Kunsten

Museum Voor Schone Kunsten

Located just a short walk away from the train station, the Museum of Fine Arts – as it is known in English – boasts a brilliant collection of paintings and sculptures that showcase some of the finest examples of Flemish art.

Taking you from the early 14th century right up until the mid 20th century, its comprehensive collection displays works by such renowned masters as Hieronymus Bosch, Rubens, van Dyck, and Magritte.

While the main focus is on Belgian artists, some international names such as Boudin, Manet, and Tintoretto can be found interspersed amongst them, while temporary exhibitions are regularly held in the museum. Opened all the way back in 1810, MSK is one of the oldest museums in the whole of Belgium and is well worth checking out if you have the time.

10. Korenmarkt

Korenmarkt

Lying right in the city center, Korenmarkt is surrounded by some of the prettiest and most prestigious buildings in Ghent. You’ll certainly find yourself passing by at least once or twice while in town. Besides being lined by some magnificent old townhouses that nowadays are home to restaurants, bars, and shops, its real show stoppers are undoubtedly the gorgeous old Post Office and the majestic Saint Nicholas Church.

In addition to this, the charming cobbled square is also just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque banks of the Leie river and St Michael’s Bridge, which offers one of the best views in Ghent. A very laidback yet lively place to spend time, the Korenmarkt acts as the main square in town and hums with life at any time of day.

9. Stadhuis (Town Hall)

Stadhuis (Town Hall)

Certainly one of the most unique buildings in the city, the lavishly decorated Town Hall actually exhibits two very distinctive yet equally delightful architectural styles. While one side boasts a beautiful Late Gothic facade, the other displays some lovely Renaissance features and is adorned with elegant columns and pilasters.

These two contrasting forms came about because the Stadhuis took so long to build, and tastes changed in the meantime. Only completed in 1600 after work began on it in 1519, the town hall’s gorgeous interior is just as varied.

Visitors can book to go on an hour-long tour of its finely decorated halls and luxurious stately rooms. Set at one end of the Botermarkt, the Stadhuis lies right next to the Stadshal, not far from the belfry.

8. Patershol

Patershol

Winding their way here and there, Patershol’s ancient cobbled streets take you past lots of charming old medieval buildings, with cozy cafes, rustic restaurants, and boutique shops dotted about.

Tucked away between Gravensteen castle and the Leie river, this historic neighborhood is a joy to explore, as atmospheric alleys, unchanged for centuries, beckon you on.

Once home to tradespeople and clergymen, Patershol is now a very popular haunt amongst the city’s university students and has lots of welcoming bars where you can spend an evening sampling Belgian beers.

7. STAM Ghent City Museum

STAM Ghent City Museum

Only opened in 2010, STAM is where you want to head if you’re interested in learning all about the city of Ghent’s fascinating history. Set in a couple of fantastic old buildings that used to be part of a nunnery, the museum’s interior is strikingly modern; interactive exhibitions lie next to multimedia displays and an enormous aerial map of Ghent, which you can walk across.

In addition to perusing the many historical and archaeological artifacts, videos, photos, and projections introduce you to life in present-day Ghent – as well as what it may look like in the future. Very well presented and laid out, the award-winning STAM Ghent City Museum will certainly not disappoint.

6. Saint Nicholas Church

Saint Nicholas Church

One of the most impressive and important landmarks in the whole of the city, Saint Nicholas Church has overlooked the center of Ghent ever since work first began on it in the early 13th century.

Paid for by the city’s wealthy merchant class and luxurious guild houses, the church was constructed in the local Scheldt Gothic architectural style using bluey-grey stone from nearby Tournai.

While its cavernous interior is certainly worth checking out, Saint Nicholas is perhaps best viewed from outside. Its slender turrets flanking a magnificent nave and looming bell tower make for a spectacular sight.

5. St Michael’s Bridge

St Michael's Bridge

Spanning the Leie river that runs through the center of town, St Michael’s Bridge is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful buildings and isn’t too shabby to look upon. Lined by wrought iron balustrades with ornate lamp posts at either end, the cobbled bridge has been used by people to cross the river for centuries. From it, you can enjoy lovely views of the beautiful Graslei side of the river with all of its fantastic old buildings.

Saint Michael’s Church also makes for a fine sight. The undoubted highlight, however, is the breathtaking view you can revel in of the three towers of Saint Nicholas Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral standing in a line before you. With so many astounding vistas on show, St Michael’s Bridge is one of the best places to snap photo after photo in the whole of the city.

4. Belfry and Cloth Hall

Belfry and Cloth Hall

Towering to a height of 91 meters, Ghent’s Belfry offers up an incredible view of the city below. As such, it should come as no surprise to learn that for centuries, it was used as a watchtower. Completed in 1380, the neo-Gothic campanile is topped by a dragon weathervane, which has since become the mascot of the city. You can see two previous versions of the famous symbol on your way to the top.

Besides the majestic views, visitors can also take a look around the delightful Cloth Hall that is attached to the Belfry.

Exhibiting some fantastic Brabant Gothic architecture, it is in the centuries-old hall that the cloth merchants traded and sold their wares all the way back in the 1400s and 1500s.

Graslei

Meaning ‘Grass Quay’ in English, Graslei is one of the most picturesque spots in the city; a row of splendid medieval buildings lie along the quayside. Once upon a time a bustling port, the charming quay is now a popular tourist attraction, with cafes, restaurants, and bars found along the banks of the Leie river.

Dating back to the fifth century, Graslei is steeped in history. From the quay, you can now take scenic boat rides up and down the river, learning all about its captivating past as you go.

While it is very idyllic to visit at any time of year, Graslei really comes alive during the ten-day-long Ghent Festivities when lots of music performances and light shows take place on its banks.

2. St. Bavo’s Cathedral

St. Bavo's Cathedral

An enduring symbol of Ghent’s wealth and power in the Middle Ages, St. Bavo’s Cathedral is an imposing building that is home to the third of the city’s towering spires. Built in 1274 atop of two earlier churches, the cathedral features some wonderful Gothic architecture. It was here that the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V was baptized.

While its exterior certainly makes for an impressive sight, most people visit for the wealth of religious artworks that lie inside. While Rubens’ Saint Bavo enters the Convent at Ghent and de Crayer’s St Macarius of Gent are masterpieces in their own right, the real show stopper is The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.

Painted by Hubert and Jan van Eyck in the 15th century, the Ghent Altarpiece, as it is also known, is renowned around the world and is one of the greatest artworks to come from Belgium. As such, it is definitely worth checking out. The story behind it is just as fascinating as the marvelous painting itself.

1. Gravensteen

Gravensteen

One of the main landmarks in the city, the 12th-century Gravensteen looks appropriately castle-like. A solid keep and gatehouse are protected by ramparts, towers, and a moat. Built to house the Counts of Flanders, the castle was completed in 1180, and the design is based on other fortresses that Count Philip saw while off on the crusades.

While its once intimidating battlements and turrets now make for some fabulous photos, its interior is no less enticing. The keep, for instance, houses some interesting and informative exhibitions on Gravensteen’s history and that of the counts and countesses, while suits of armor and torture devices lie here and there.

Set in yet another pretty spot, just a short distance from the center of Ghent, this magnificent old castle is just one of the city’s most important historical monuments.

Best Time to Visit Ghent

Summer is by far the best time to explore Ghent as the sun is shining and temperatures average 20 to 22°C (68 to 74 °F). Although this is the busiest and most expensive period, there are the countless concerts and events of the city-wide Gentse Feesten to enjoy in July. You can also take boat trips along its canals or attend Rock Werchter and Tomorrowland; two of Belgium’s biggest festivals.

The spring and autumn months are much more relaxed times to visit though the weather is a bit more unpredictable. The city’s sizeable student population means there is still a vibrant feel about the place. In April and May the flowers are blossoming while both September and October, although greyer, have some amazing autumnal foliage.

Outside of these months, Ghent is quite subdued apart from around the Christmas holidays when its charming center is delightfully decorated. While sightseeing is less enjoyable in the cold, there are plenty of cozy places to stop by after exploring its magical Christmas market and roller skating about its rink.

Map of Things to do in Ghent, Belgium

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Medieval castles, world-renowned artwork and an eclectic range of culinary delights, all in Ghent

Ghent at night, Belgium

Today, its historic district has been lovingly restored and stands proudly along the banks of the Leie River. With fewer visitors, Ghent allows for an authentic view of regular life in Belgium, while still offering attractions like medieval castles, museums and a thriving local food scene. We can arrange for you to delve into the city’s history with an expert guide, take a private boat tour along Ghent’s canals  or take day trips to the battlefields of World War I, including Flanders Field.

Ghent is in the western region of Belgium in Flanders, about 30-45 minutes from Bruges , Brussels  and Antwerp .

Things to see and do in Ghent

Gravensteen castle.

Looming over Veerleplein Square is Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress built in 1180 for Philip of Alsace and used as the residence of the counts of Flanders for more nearly 200 years. Since 1353, it has served a variety of purposes, including a jail, court, mint and most recently a cotton mill. The castle was then restored in the late 1800s and opened to the public.

The castle is half-surrounded by a moat, and you can enter the property through a long tunnel on the street side. You can explore the grounds and climb the narrow, twisty stone steps to the top of the castle for panoramic views out over the rooftops of Ghent. There's also an audio guide available, narrated by a local comedian, to bring you through the museum exhibits that detail life in medieval times.

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

Town square of Ghent, Belgium

The cathedral is also home to the world-renowned altarpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb , a colossal collection of panels that depicts holy scenes, acclaimed for its incredibly intricate detailing. The central panels on the top row feature paintings of the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist flanking a portrait of either Jesus Christ or God, though scholars disagree on which it is. Other panels include angels singing, Adam and Eve and pilgrims paying homage to the lamb of God.

Ghent Belfry

Rising 91 m (299 ft) into the sky, narrowing into a stone spire and topped with a gilded copper dragon, Ghent’s Belfry is one of the most popular sights of the city. It was built in the 14th century and served not only as a bell tower to announce times, but also as a fortified watchtower.

It has been restored multiple times to accommodate the massive weight of the 54-bell carillon, which chimes every 15 minutes. Unlike many belfries in Belgium, Ghent’s has an elevator to take you to the top, where you’ll be treated with panoramic views out over the rooftops.

The Leie River snakes through the heart of Ghent, splitting the city at the Graslei and Korenlei quays. This area was once a medieval port and has remained lively, with a row of historical buildings and plentiful patio cafés to enjoy the riverside location.

We can arrange for you to see Ghent on a private boat cruise along the Leie where you’ll pass step-gabled rooftops, towering cathedrals and plenty of people sitting by the water’s edge. As you float down the river, you’ll be served Champagne or Belgian beers and a selection of charcuterie, while your guide regales you with tales of the city’s history.

Ivy lined houses of Ghent, Belgium

Another local delicacy is the Tierenteyn mustard, sold exclusively at a store called Tierenteyn-Verlent, where the store employee will reach into a barrel beside the counter and fill a bowl size of your choice with freshly made mustard. The mustard, which has a distinct sharp and tangy taste, pairs well with the local meats and cheeses.

We can arrange for you to join a local guide who will take you to some of the most interesting and indulgent spots in the city. You’ll get the chance to try rich hot chocolate, Belgian waffles, frites, different types of cheese, Belgian beer and genever, a popular gin-like Belgian spirit.

There are many museums in Ghent, making it easy to find one that suits your interests. The Museum of Fine Arts houses a large permanent collection of art that ranges from the Middle Ages through the mid-20th century, with a focus on Flemish art. The City Museum for Contemporary Art picks up where the Museum of Fine Arts left off, and focuses on the international developments in art after 1945.

To learn a bit more about life in Ghent, you can visit the Ghent City Museum, which walks you through the city’s full history. Or, you can visit House of Alijn, a former 14th-century hospital that’s now a museum that revolves around local culture and daily life in the 20th century. You can also learn more about the importance of textile mills and trade in Ghent at the Museum of Industry, Labour and Textile.

Best time to visit Ghent

We recommend visiting between April and June and September and October when the temperatures are comfortable, trees and gardens are in full bloom and cultural events and festivities are taking place. These are the busier months for domestic travel, however, so the city does tend to be a bit busier.

The warmer months of July and August see a slight reduction of visitors, as temperatures in the cities increase and many people head to beachier destinations. The city comes alive in December as the Christmas market kicks off the holiday season, attracting visitors from around the world.

January and February offer the thinnest crowds, but many museums and attractions close for renovations.

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Historic district of Ghent, Belgium

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Map of ghent, places & hotels on the map, places near ghent.

  • Bruges 21 miles away
  • Antwerp 35 miles away
  • Brussels 35 miles away
  • Liège 89 miles away

Photos of Ghent

Historic district of Ghent, Belgium

Accommodation choices for Ghent

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Ghent. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

1898 The Post, Ghent

1898 The Post

Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof, Ghent

Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof

Ideas for experiencing ghent.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Ghent, and which use the best local guides.

Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke, Belgium

World War I tour

See the fields where soldiers fought on the front lines during World War I on this full-day trip around Flanders with a private guide and driver. You’ll see a preserved trench, burial grounds, museums and memorials.

Loose diamonds, Antwerp

Diamond District tour & diamond cutting workshop

Explore Antwerp’s legendary Diamond Quarter, a stopover for 86% of the world’s legal raw diamonds, on this three-hour walking tour. Your guide will take you to a workshop where you can watch the gemstones be cut, shaped and polished.

Canal cruise in Bruges, Belgium

Bruges old town tour & canal cruise

Spend a few hours with a guide exploring Bruges’ historical highlights, where you’ll see artwork by Michelangelo, Gothic cathedrals and a towering belfry. Then, spend an hour cruising the postcard-worthy canals and see step-gabled houses and stone bridges.

Banks of the Leie River, Ghent

Private canal cruise with champagne & charcuterie

See a world-renowned altarpiece, a bird’s-eye view of the city, a medieval castle and lively market squares on a walking tour of Ghent. Then explore the city’s waterways on a boat tour of the canals, where you’ll be served local delicacies and Belgian beer.

Windmill outside of Damme, Belgium

Coastal bicycle ride Zwin Nature Park & Damme

Explore the windswept beaches, flat green meadows and reed-lined streams and canals along Belgium’s coast. Your local guide will lead you along a series of paved bike paths through the countryside, seaside resort towns and small, authentic villages.

best time to visit ghent belgium

Best time to visit Ghent , Belgium

Our verdict

The best time to visit Ghent is April

In summer, the average maximum temperature is around 23℃ (74℉), but temperatures can sometimes reach as high as 26℃ (79℉) on the hottest days of the year. The coldest it usually gets in winter-time in Ghent is around -2℃ (29℉).

The longest days between sunrise and sunset in Ghent are usually in July, so if you want to get the most out of your daytime activities, be sure to plan your visit around this time. June sees the most amount of rain in a month if you’re ok with chancing getting drenched, so if you’re looking to stay dry, visit in September instead.

For more information about when to travel to Ghent, the monthly weather breakdown and the best information and tools to book your trip, continue reading below.

Quick links: Fast facts / Seasons / Average temperatures / Monthly climate / FAQs / Map

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Ghent seasons

Before you continue, it’s important to know when the seasons are in Ghent as they might be different to yours depending on where in the world you’re travelling from. Ghent is in the Northern Hemisphere, so the seasons fall during these months:

Average temperatures in Ghent

If the temperature is a big factor for you to help you decide when to visit, the chart below shows the average minimum and maximum temperatures in Ghent for each month side-by-side so you can easily see the difference in weather throughout the year. To see the temperatures in both Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F), hover or tap the shaded boxes on the graph.

Ghent climate by month

If you already have a rough idea about which months you might want to travel, the section below shows a detailed breakdown of the climate in Ghent for each month so you can see if it all suits your wants and needs. Scroll down, or use the quick menu below to jump to your preferred month.

Ghent in January

  • Average temperature: 4℃ (39℉)
  • Average high temperature: 6℃ (42℉)
  • Average low temperature: 2℃ (35℉)
  • Average humidity: 86%
  • Average sunny days: 15 days
  • Average rainfall: 19mm (1") over 12 days
  • Average snow days: 2 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in January, make sure you pack a thick snow/winter jacket, thermals and some extra layers as it's always very cold.

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Ghent in February

  • Average temperature: 4℃ (40℉)
  • Average high temperature: 7℃ (44℉)
  • Average humidity: 83%
  • Average sunny days: 13 days
  • Average rainfall: 24mm (1") over 11 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in February, make sure you pack a thick snow/winter jacket, thermals and some extra layers as it's always very cold.

Ghent in March

  • Average temperature: 7℃ (45℉)
  • Average high temperature: 11℃ (51℉)
  • Average low temperature: 4℃ (38℉)
  • Average humidity: 79%
  • Average rainfall: 23mm (1") over 13 days
  • Average snow days: 1 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in March, make sure you pack a thick snow/winter jacket, thermals and some extra layers as it's always very cold.

Ghent in April

  • Average temperature: 11℃ (51℉)
  • Average high temperature: 15℃ (60℉)
  • Average low temperature: 6℃ (43℉)
  • Average humidity: 73%
  • Average rainfall: 15mm (1") over 12 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in April, make sure you pack a warm jacket or coat.

Ghent in May

  • Average temperature: 14℃ (56℉)
  • Average high temperature: 18℃ (64℉)
  • Average low temperature: 9℃ (48℉)
  • Average humidity: 75%
  • Average sunny days: 12 days
  • Average rainfall: 27mm (1") over 16 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in May, make sure you pack a warm jacket or coat.

Ghent in June

  • Average temperature: 17℃ (62℉)
  • Average high temperature: 21℃ (70℉)
  • Average low temperature: 12℃ (53℉)
  • Average humidity: 76%
  • Average rainfall: 31mm (1") over 15 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in June, make sure you pack a coat or jumper for the evenings and some light clothes for the daytime.

Ghent in July

  • Average temperature: 19℃ (66℉)
  • Average high temperature: 23℃ (74℉)
  • Average low temperature: 14℃ (57℉)
  • Average humidity: 74%
  • Average rainfall: 23mm (1") over 15 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in July, make sure you pack t-shirts for the daytime and maybe a light jumper for the evenings as it cools down a bit.

Ghent in August

  • Average temperature: 18℃ (65℉)
  • Average high temperature: 23℃ (73℉)
  • Average rainfall: 23mm (1") over 14 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in August, make sure you pack a light jumper or hoodie for the evenings and some light clothes for the daytime.

Ghent in September

  • Average temperature: 15℃ (60℉)
  • Average high temperature: 20℃ (67℉)
  • Average humidity: 78%
  • Average sunny days: 16 days
  • Average rainfall: 13mm (1") over 10 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in September, make sure you pack a warm jacket or coat.

Ghent in October

  • Average temperature: 12℃ (54℉)
  • Average humidity: 82%
  • Average sunny days: 17 days
  • Average rainfall: 17mm (1") over 11 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in October, make sure you pack a warm jacket or coat.

Ghent in November

  • Average temperature: 8℃ (46℉)
  • Average high temperature: 10℃ (50℉)
  • Average low temperature: 6℃ (42℉)

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in November, make sure you pack a warm jacket or coat.

Ghent in December

  • Average temperature: 5℃ (41℉)
  • Average low temperature: 3℃ (38℉)
  • Average humidity: 87%
  • Average rainfall: 26mm (1") over 14 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Ghent in December, make sure you pack a thick snow/winter jacket, thermals and some extra layers as it's always very cold.

😎 When should I go to Ghent for the hottest weather?

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The Best Time to Visit Gent, Belgium for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Gent for ideal weather are

May 14th to October 14th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Gent Travel Guide

Temperature.

  • Perceived Temperature
  • Rain and snow
  • Humidity and wind
  • The busiest and least popular months
  • Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Gent Travel Info

Weather in gent.

Average temperatures in Gent vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 30th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Gent, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid July where highs are regularly around 75.1°F (23.9°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 57.1°F (13.9°C) at night.

Gent Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Gent temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Gent Perceived Temperature (F)

Gent perceived temperature (c), average gent temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Gent are March, April, and then June. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early to mid March. For example, on the week of March 12th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in mid October with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of October 15th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Gent.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Gent (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Gent has some extremely humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is April (60.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is November (82.6%).

Wind in Gent is usually calm . The windiest month is December, followed by February and January. December’s average wind speed of around 8.6 knots (9.9 MPH or 15.9 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in mid December where average top sustained speeds reach 13.7 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Gent.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to gent.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings for Belgium; exercise a high degree of caution. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Gent, Belgium is October, followed by September and May. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Gent in April. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall gent travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 66.9°F (19.4°C) and 47°F (8.3°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 5 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is fairly slow for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have comfortably cool weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see moderate precipitation with 6 to 9 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the slowest season for tourism in Gent, so lodging and other accommodations may cost less than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 70.4°F (21.3°C) and 46.2°F (7.9°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 7 to 10 days per month. Tourism is the busiest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be higher priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is too cold this time of year in Gent to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 47°F (8.3°C) and 40.9°F (4.9°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 7 to 10 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Belgium › Gent, Belgium

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Breaking Down the Iconic Ghent-Wevelgem

253 kilometers of hills, cobbles, and Flemish weather—here’s everything you need to know about Sunday’s Ghent-Wevelgem, a race no longer just for sprinters.

85th gent wevelgem in flanders fields 2023 men's elite

The weather: rainy and windy

How to watch, what happened last year, riders to watch.

But in 2011, the event was moved to the Sunday before the Tour of Flanders in an attempt to bundle all of the most important Flemish classics into one ten-day festival of beer, frites , and cobbles known locally as Vlaamse Wielerweek (“Flemish Cycling Week”).

The organizers have also added more hills, kilometers, and even a few sections of gravel in an attempt to put the race closer to the level of the longer, hillier, and cobble- ier (we just made that a word) Tour of Flanders. That’s made the race much more challenging than it used to be.

In 2012, a women’s event, starting in Ypres, was added. In 2015, the event’s name became “Ghent-Wevelgem–In Flanders Fields” to honor the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.

It’s unsurprising that Belgians dominated the men’s event, winning 50 of the race’s 85 editions. And like many women’s races in the last decade, the Dutch have owned the women’s event, winning 5 out of 12 editions since the race was first run in 2012.

Here’s everything you need to know about Sunday’s Ghent-Wevelgem:

Despite being called Ghent -Wevelgem, both the men’s and women’s races have started in Ypres since 2020 (when the event was moved to October due to COVID-19). At the center of an area that hosted three costly battles during World War I—and has since become a central starting place for tourists looking to visit the many cemeteries, memorials, and other historic sites throughout the area, Ypres is perhaps a more fitting starting place for the race, especially “In Flanders Fields” was added to the event’s name in 2015.

It also makes sense geographically since the race generally avoids the Flemish Ardennes—an area home to the hills featured in races like the E3 Saxo Classic and the Tour of Flanders—in favor of the flatter, windier terrain that stretches across the province of West Flanders and into Northern France.

The men begin their 253K race by passing through the Menin Gate, a memorial to the soldiers who died in the area during World War I, before embarking on a tour of West Flanders that takes them out toward the Belgian coast and then down into the heart of the “Flanders Fields” immortalized by John McCrae’s poem in 1915.

diagram

After about 150K of racing, the men will complete three laps centered around a cluster of hills, each shorter than the one before it. The first lap takes the riders over four of the race’s nine climbs: the Scherpenberg, the Baneberg, the Monteberg, and the first ascent of the Kemmelberg, a steep, cobbled climb that was the site of several bloody battles during World War I, and is now the strategic focal point of the race.

After quickly descending the other side of “the Kemmel,” the men continue east toward three sections of “plugstreets.” A term coined by British soldiers during World War I due to their proximity to the town of Ploegsteert, the “plugstreets” are white gravel roads connecting famous sites associated with World War I, including Hill 63, the site of the Christmas Truce of 1914, and the Catacombs. This wooded area was once home to a series of tunnels dug under Hill 63 by Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

The plugstreets are narrow and technical, but flat compared to the white gravel roads of Italy’s Strade Bianche, so they don’t usually play a significant role in determining the race's outcome. They are beautiful, though, and they provide a stark reminder of the actual battles that were fought on these fields more than a century ago.

From the plugstreets, the men head back for a second lap over the four climbs from their first loop—including another passage over the Kemmelberg—but in a different order. The last lap takes them back over the Baneberg before one more time up the Kemmelberg, but this time from its steepest side.

It’s on the second or third ascent of the Kemmelberg that the winning selection is usually made, with a breakaway or a small group of riders pulling away from the peloton and heading back to Ypres and then on to the finish in Wevelgem, about 35K away.

In most races, 35K of flat, open roads would be more than enough time for an organized peloton to bring back whoever’s escaped. But this is Ghent-Wevelgem—a 253K Flemish classic—and the weather, well the wind at least, is usually miserable. Assuming the strongest riders in the race make it over the last ascent of the Kemmelberg at the front of the race, it’s “game over” for anyone left behind.

map

The 171K women’s race also begins in Ypres, but takes a shorter route through West Flanders before hitting the hills. Upon entering the “hill zone,” the women will tackle the same four climbs as the men do on their first loop–the Scherpenberg, the Baneberg, the Monteberg, and the Kemmelberg–but will then skip the plugstreets and the second ascent of the Kemmel.

Then they’ll loop around for a second and final time, this time covering the Scherpenberg, the Baneberg, and the Kemmelberg–from its hardest side. Then they’ll follow the same windswept route to the finish as the men: first north to Ypres, then southeast toward Wevelgem.

One of the most distinctive features of any edition of Ghent-Wevelgem is the wind: in some years, winds coming across or down from the North Sea have literally blown riders off their bikes. When it’s bad, the race is likely to break into echelons at any moment, and riders who don’t pay attention can quickly find themselves in the second or third group on the road and essentially out of the race.

Unfortunately for the riders, Sunday’s forecast calls for rain and wind. The wind is expected to be coming from west-northwest, which means the riders will face crosswind as they head north from the hills toward Ypres and then a tailwind on the run into Wevelgem. That should make for an interesting battle between the breakaway or whatever group is chasing it.

For the next few weeks you’ll appreciate having a subscription to FloBikes ($150/year or $30/month) as it’s the only legal way to stream Ghent-Wevelgem—and several other Belgian races (including the Tour of Flanders)—in the USA and Canada. Both the men’s and women’s events will be available live and on-demand via FloBikes.com, the FloSports IOS app, and the FloSports app for Amazon FireTV, Roku, and Apple TV.

Pro tip: We suggest signing up for the month and then canceling—that gets you access to five important Belgian races—and you can unsubscribe before streaming shifts back to Peacock for the Ardennes Classics like Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège and Max for the Giro d’Italia in May.

We’re still a week away from clocks springing ahead in Europe, which means fans on the east coast are five hours behind the race’s local time. The race coverage starts at 8:40 a.m. EDT, but to see the first climb of the Kemmelberg and the plugstreets, you’ll need to be watching by about 9:30 a.m. EDT. If that’s too early, you can wait another 30-45 minutes for the second ascent of the Kemmelberg, then watch the men’s race through to its estimated finishing time at about 11:35 a.m. EDT.

The women’s race coverage starts at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Flanders Classics, the group that organizes many of the, uh, Flemish classics, has started running their women’s races after the men’s in an attempt to get more people to tune in to the action. So, if you quickly switch over to the women’s race after the men’s finishes, you can catch the final ascent of the women’s peloton and the end of their race, which should wrap up around 12:45 p.m. EDT.

Last year’s men’s race ended a bit awkwardly after Belgium’s Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and his teammate, France’s Christophe Laporte , broke away from the field about 50K from the finish line after the Belgian attacked on the second ascent of the Kemmelberg and the Frenchman was the only rider able to follow him.

Perhaps impacted by the cold, rainy weather, the peloton was unable to organize a successful chase, and the Jumbo duo soon gained an advantage of around two minutes over what was left of the peloton.

85th gent wevelgem in flanders fields 2023 men's elite

Inside the final kilometer, a conversation took place between the two riders, and it soon became clear that van Aert, who won Ghent-Wevelgem in 2021 and was clearly looking ahead to the next week’s Tour of Flanders, was going to “gift” the victory to his teammate. It was a controversial decision, especially in the eyes of the home fans who had braved the terrible weather in the hopes of seeing their favorite rider take home the victory. Belgium’s Sep Vanmarcke (Israel-Premier Tech) led home the remnants of the chasing group for third on the day.

In the women’s race, SD-Worx–already winners in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Strade-Bianche–continued its spring dominance, with Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser riding away from the pack on the second ascent of the Baneberg–just before the final ascent of the Kemmelberg–with about 40K to go.

A time trial specialist, Reusser quickly rode away to an insurmountable advantage and won the race by over three minutes–even after taking a wrong turn with about 5K to go. American Megan Jastrab (Team DSM) finished second, and Dutchwoman Maike van der Duin (Canyon-SRAM) finished third.

12th gent wevelgem in flanders fields 2023 women's elite

Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck)

Since Ghent-Wevelgem moved to the Sunday before the Tour of Flanders, no rider has ever won the Flemish classic eight days after winning Milano-Sanremo . But Philipsen—who followed up his first Monument victory last Saturday with his second consecutive win at the ​​Classic Brugge-De Panne on Wednesday—looks like just the rider to pull it off.

You might consider him just a sprinter—after all, he won four stages and the green jersey at last year’s Tour de France . But the Belgian is quickly becoming one of the sport’s best classics riders. He has everything a rider needs to win a race like Ghent-Wevelgem, including a strong team that just so happens to include the rider who dominated Friday’s E3 Saxo Classic.

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck)

After dominating Friday’s E3 Saxo Classic , van der Poel might take a backseat to Philipsen in Ghent-Wevelgem. But if things don’t always go as planned and either Philipsen falters or the race develops such that van der Poel is positioned to go for the win himself, he’ll certainly jump at a chance to add the—which he’s never won before—to his already-impressive resume.

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)

In last year’s classics last season, and so far this season, Pedersen has shown himself to be just one tier below men like van der Poel, van Aert, and Philipsen. But he’s due for a big cobbled win and Ghent-Wevelgem could be the race. Winner of the race in 2020 and a former world champion, the Dane can handle the hills, and he can sprint.

His Lidl-Trek team has also been one of the deepest in the classics so far, with Belgium’s Jasper Stuyven finishing second in Friday’s E3 Classic . But they haven’t yet found a way to overcome Alpecin-Deceuninck and Visma-Lease a Bike, but on Sunday their strength in numbers could pay off.

Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)

Like Philipsen, Balsamo has had quite an impressive week: first, the former world champion won Sunday’s Trofeo Alfredo Binda , an Italian classic that, in the absence of a women’s Milano-Sanremo, is the most important Italian women’s classic. Then she won Thursday’s Classic Brugge-De Panne for the second time in her career.

The last time she won De Panne, she followed it up with a win in Ghent-Wevelgem three days later. She’s the fastest rider in the sport at the moment and has a strong and experienced squad supporting her that includes Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini and the Netherlands’ Shirin van Anrooij, both of whom could win the race themselves if Balsamo has a bad day.

Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime)

The reigning world champion, Kopecky is perhaps the best and most consistent classics rider in the world right now. Last spring, she won the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and her second Tour of Flanders, and so far this spring, she’s won Strade Bianche , Nokere Koerse, and was the runner-up at the Omloop and the Trofeo Binda .

Now, she heads to Ypres, hoping to add one of the few classics she’s never won before to her palmares. She’ll need to find a way to drop Balsamo in the hills because beating her in a sprint might be a tall order. And while her team is still licking its wounds after some crashes in Nokere, she’ll have two former winners, Reusser and the Netherlands’ Chantal van den Broek-Blaak, by her side.

Chloé Dygert (Canyon//SRAM Racing)

After a lingering Achilles tendon injury delayed the start of her season, Dygert returned to racing on Thursday at the Classic Brugge-De Panne and sprinted to a sixth-place finish. The result was a well-needed confidence boost for the American and makes her a contender for Sunday.

A fantastic time trialist, we wouldn’t be surprised if Dygert tried to emulate Reusser’s long-distance move last year. But her best chance might be to hope for a hard race that sends a small but select group to the finish, where she can try to win the sprint.

Other Riders to Watch: Matej Mohorič, (Bahrain-Victorious), Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla), Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck), and Charlotte Kool (dsm-firmenich PostNL).

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    best time to visit ghent belgium

  5. Top 15 Things to do in Ghent (Belgium)

    best time to visit ghent belgium

  6. What to See in Ghent Belgium for First-Time Visitors

    best time to visit ghent belgium

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  1. #4 must do in Ghent,Belgium-visit the Castle, January 2024 #ghent #gent #gentkasteel(1)

  2. GHENT, Belgium's coolest city!

  3. 5 Amazing Places to Visit in Belgium

  4. BELGIUM

  5. Ghent Belgium 🤎

  6. #1 must visit in Ghent, Belgium-sint Baaf cathedral #ghent #sintbaafs #visitghent #travelghent

COMMENTS

  1. The Best Time to Visit Ghent, Belgium for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

    Weather is too cold this time of year in Ghent to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 47°F (8.3°C) and 40.9°F (4.9°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 7 to 10 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists. Best Times to Travel› Belgium › Ghent ...

  2. 16 Memorable Things to Do in Ghent: The Gem of Belgium

    What to expect in Ghent . Construction began in the mid 7 th century due to the strategic location where the Leie & Scheldt rivers met. This meant that from the 11 th to 16 th centuries Ghent was one of the most important cities in Europe during the Dark Ages (and bigger than Cologne or Moscow!). Today, Ghent is bursting great food, beer and ample history to uncover if you give her the time.

  3. Your perfect Ghent itinerary for Belgium's most underrated city

    Gent-Sint-Pieters is the main train station linking Ghent to Brussels, Antwerpen, and also Amsterdam. If you're on a budget, you can take Flixbus to Ghent from the Netherlands (Amsterdam) for less than lunch each way! (I paid 9 euros on this trip!) It's a short tram or taxi ride to the center or about a 30-minute walk.

  4. How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Ghent Itinerary

    Visit Gravensteen. Ghent's former castle has been transformed into a museum that offers spectacular views of the water surrounding it and the rest of the Belgian city beyond. Gravensteen was constructed in the 12th-century. Up until 1353, the fortification was the residence of the Counts of Flanders.

  5. Is Ghent Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons to Visit Ghent, Belgium

    Temperatures will range between 21°C and 34°C (70°F and 93°F) at this time of the year. Autumn (September to November): With temperatures between 10°C and 27°C (51°F and 81°F), autumn is also a good time of the year to visit Ghent. Note that the weather will be better during the months of September and October, as November will be colder.

  6. The ultimate guide to Ghent, Belgium

    The Bakery When pastry chef Joost Arijs set up a chocolate shop in SoGo — Ghent's shopping district — in 2011, it was quickly named Belgium's best by restaurant guide Gault & Millau ...

  7. The Complete Visitor's Guide to Ghent, Belgium

    The city's incredible canal system is part of what has made Ghent such a popular tourist destination. Beyond its beauty, the city of Ghent is also well known for its cuisine and its beer. In fact, according to the local tourism industry, there are 653 restaurants and 620 cafes in Ghent.

  8. The best time to visit Belgium

    The high season (July-August) is the best time for music festivals, beach days, and summer bars. As the hottest months of the year, July and August see locals flock to the coast to escape the summer heat, which can get quite intense in densely-packed cities such as Brussels, where temperatures can rise to 38°C (100°F).Tourists still fill the historic centers of Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges ...

  9. Ghent travel

    Europe. Despite being one of Belgium's oldest cities, Ghent remains small enough to feel cosy but big enough to be a vibrant, relevant centre for trade and culture. There's a wealth of medieval and classical architecture here, contrasted by large post-industrial areas undergoing urban renewal that give Ghent a gritty-but-good industrial feel.

  10. Ultimate Travel Guide to Ghent

    Ghent, Belgium is a port city in the East Flanders region. It's one of the top Belgian university towns, which means you'll find a creative, young crowd here amongst all of the looming medieval towers. ... The best time to visit Ghent. Tourism is at its busiest around mid-summer to early autumn, so there will be bigger crowds and increased ...

  11. Ghent: A guide to Belgium's most charming city

    The best time to visit Ghent is between June and October. The weather is best from June to September, but October is the month when all the students come back to the city so the atmosphere will be amazing. In October, the weather will be less ideal but the students will be back in the city because the university has started again.

  12. Perfect One Day In Ghent Itinerary [2024]

    4. See The Views From St. Michael's Bridge (Sint-Michielsbrug and Sint-Michielshelling) Top things to see in Ghent in one day is the St Michael's Bridge. St. Michael's Bridge offers one of the best vantage points in Ghent. It's located right in the city centre - surrounded by 360 degrees of beautiful architecture.

  13. Is Ghent worth visiting? 16 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ghent in 2024

    Taking rank one in the list of the top 10 safest places to visit in Belgium, Ghent is certainly a safe place for tourists but with a low crime index of 26.51 in 2022, ... June to August would be the best time to visit Ghent. For someone who wants fair but not hot weather, April to May or September to October would be great. ...

  14. How to Spend a Perfect Day in Ghent, Belgium

    The Belfort is a belfry in Ghent, Belgium. The building was initially constructed around 1230. In 1453, its bell tower was built to a height of 66 meters by Jacob van Thienen with an octagonal stairway. Today the tower has six bells that are still in use and are rung every day at noon.

  15. One Day in Ghent, Belgium: The 14 Best Things To Do

    8. Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Van Eyck Altarpiece. Aside from being one of the largest and most stunningly beautiful Cathedrals in Europe, St Bavo's Cathedral is one of the most famous and storied pieces of religious art in the world: the Van Eyck Altarpiece, also called the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.'.

  16. One Day in Ghent: The Ultimate Ghent Day Trip

    The 12 th-century medieval castle known as Gravensteen is the most popular tourist attraction in Ghent and is easily recognized across Europe.. But, there's a dark history to this grand castle that many people are unaware of. Once a prison and mint, Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts, was home to Count Philip of Alsace who abused his power and enforced horrific interrogation ...

  17. Weekend in Ghent

    Getting from Brussels to Ghent. It's really easy and fast to travel from Brussels to Ghent by train. There is a direct intercity train (IC) that only takes 35 minutes from Brussels Central or Bruxelles-Midi station to Ghent (Sint-Pieters Station). The train ticket for one-way from Brussels to Ghent costs around 11€.

  18. 15 Best Things to Do in Ghent (Belgium)

    For the best photo of the castle from afar, try St Widostraat. 2. Adore the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Source: Pecold / shutterstock. Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is thought to be one of the world's earliest oil paintings and dates back to the early 15th Century.

  19. 17 Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium

    The Best Time to Visit Ghent. But the best time to visit Ghent is typically considered between late spring to early fall, so roughly May to October. But in all honesty, Ghent is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year. It experiences a relatively mild winter that doesn't usually get too much snow and sees lows of about 35°F/1.6°C.

  20. 12 Best Things to do in Ghent, Belgium (+Photos)

    Best Time to Visit Ghent Summer is by far the best time to explore Ghent as the sun is shining and temperatures average 20 to 22°C (68 to 74 °F). Although this is the busiest and most expensive period, there are the countless concerts and events of the city-wide Gentse Feesten to enjoy in July.

  21. Visit Ghent on a trip to Belgium

    01993 838 407. Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. Explore your interests at your own speed. Select your preferred style of accommodation. Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists. Ghent is just one of the places you can visit on your tailor-made holiday to Belgium created by Audley's travel experts.

  22. Best time to visit Ghent , Belgium

    The best time to visit Ghent is April Ghent can be visited year-round, but based on the ideal climate conditions, cost of travel, and avoiding peak holiday periods, April is the best time to go. In summer, the average maximum temperature is around 23℃ (74℉), but temperatures can sometimes reach as high as 26℃ (79℉) on the hottest days ...

  23. The Best Time to Visit Gent, Belgium for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

    Winter (December through February) Weather is too cold this time of year in Gent to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 47°F (8.3°C) and 40.9°F (4.9°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 7 to 10 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.

  24. 2024 Ghent-Wevelgem

    Last year's men's race ended a bit awkwardly after Belgium's Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) and his teammate, France's Christophe Laporte, broke away from the field about 50K from the ...