Ghent is one of the largest cities in Belgium, but still retains its historic old town dating back to medieval times. It’s known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and streets, its canals and canal tours, its vibrant food scene, and world-class museums.
Ghent is a beautiful city that makes for an excellent destination to spend a day or two. The charming historic city centre is filled with gothic buildings, castles, churches, and cobbled streets that transport you back in time. Iconic landmarks like Gravensteen Castle, and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral give you a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Ghent is also known as a university city, giving it a youthful, creative vibe.
The practical stuff
How long should you stay in Ghent?
We visited Ghent on a day trip, going between Brussels and Bruges. It was long enough to wander round and see the main sites, but you’d need a bit longer if you wanted to go inside some of the tourist sites. If you wanted to spend a bit longer, you could spend a night or two before moving on to somewhere else.
Where should you stay in Ghent?
The old town is quite compact so we’d recommend staying in the centre, or just outside, so that you can easily walk into the old town. Gent is a very walkable city so once there, you should find you can reach everything on foot.
How do you get there?
The best way to visit Ghent is by train (to Ghent-Sint-Pieters station, which is Ghent’s main train station). It takes about 30 minutes from Brussels (go from Brussels Midi-Zuid station) and cost us €11 one way in May 2024. Trains are regular but get busy, so you may need to stand at times. It’s also 30 minutes from Bruges (also €11 in May 2024), so ideal as a stop between the two.
Its about a 30 minute walk from the station to the town centre. Its slightly longer, but there’s a nice walk along the canal you can take. You can also take the T1, T3 or T4 trams.
When should you go to Ghent?
Similar to Bruges, it can get a bit busy (although not as busy as Bruges when we visited). Going in spring or autumn would help beat the crowds. It also has a fantastic Christmas Market in December/January.
What are the best places to see?
Wander round Ghent City Centre
The historic city centre of Ghent is an absolute must-see when visiting this medieval city. At the heart of the city centre lies the imposing St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece – The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a 15th century polyptych altarpiece by Flemish artists Jan and Hubert van Eyck. This stunning work of art is considered one of the most influential paintings made as it was the first ‘major’ oil painting.
Other noteworthy buildings in the city centre include St. Michael’s Bridge, a beautiful stone arch bridge offering beautiful views along the river, and St Nicholas’ church. The bustling city centre is also filled with picturesque waterways, medieval towers, fascinating museums, and historic buildings from the Middle Ages and beyond.
The best way to take it all in is on foot. We just wondered around ourselves, but you can also go on a walking tour of the city centre (many guided by locals). Wandering the quaint cobblestone streets, canals, and squares really lets you appreciate the history and charm of Ghent.
Visit Gravensteen Castle
Gravensteen Castle (€13 entrance in May 2024) is a medieval castle located in the heart of Ghent. It was originally built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace as his residence when he was the count of Flanders.
The castle has a fascinating history – it served as a courthouse, a prison, and the location of Ghent’s mint in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, it’s one of the best preserved medieval castles in Belgium.
We’d definitely recommend going to see it from the outside, but you can also go inside. The ramparts give beautiful views over Ghent, and there’s also a museum with artifacts found during the castle’s excavations.
It’s a great place to visit for a glimpse into Ghent’s medieval past. Allow 1-2 hours to tour the castle and take in the views from the ramparts.
Wander Ghent’s Canals and go on a Boat Trip
Ghent’s picturesque canals and waterways are one of the city’s most iconic features. The city has over 100 kilometres of canals that date back to medieval times when Ghent was a prosperous port city. The three main rivers flowing through Ghent are the Leie, the Scheldt, and the Lys.
Just wandering round the canals is a great way to spend a few hours, but you can also experience the charm of the canals by taking a boat tour. There are a few options for canal cruises in Ghent. The most popular is the Hop On Hop Off Boat Tour which allows you to hop on and off at various stops around the city. You can also opt for a regular 45 minute canal cruise for nice views of the historic centre.
For great views of the waterways without needing a boat tour, head to Graslei, Korenlei or St Michael’s Bridge. Early morning or late evening are beautiful times to stroll along the canals when the light is soft and crowds are smaller. The canal area near Vrijdagmarkt and Bisdomkaai is very picturesque. Don’t forget to look up too – the buildings along the canals are just as lovely as the waterways themselves.
Climb the Belfrey of Ghent
The Belfry of Ghent is an iconic symbol of the city, standing tall at 91 meters, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Historic Centre of Ghent. Climbing the Belfrey (€11 in May 2024) offers amazing views of the canals, rooftops and buildings of Ghent costs. The bells were installed in 1325 and chime on the hour. Time your trip to coincide with the chime to see how the bell mechanism works on the inside, or stand outside and listen.
Explore the ruins of Sint-Baafsabdij
Sint-Baafsabdij, also known as Saint Bavo’s Abbey, is a historic site in Ghent that holds immense cultural and architectural significance. Founded in the 7th century, the abbey was once a thriving religious and cultural centre.
Today, you can explore the remnants of the complex, including the Abby Tower and the gardens. The abbey grounds offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, with serene gardens and scenic views. There’s a Museum of Stone Cutting and Sculpture, which contains medieval tombstones, sculptures and artefacts from the 12 -18th centuries.
Stroll through Graslei and Korenlei
Korenlei (Wheat quay) and Graslei (Grass quay) are two picturesque waterfronts in Ghent that exude charm and beauty. Located along the banks of the River Leie, these historic quaysides boast a stunning collection of medieval buildings that date back centuries. Walking down Korenlei and Graslei feels like stepping into a time capsule, with cobblestone streets and a mismatched blend of architecture from different periods of Ghent.
Graslei, the quay on the eastern side, was the centre of the grain and cereal trade. Its known for its vibrant row of colourful guild houses, each with its own unique charm. These buildings once served as homes, warehouses, and meeting places, and now, they house restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
On the other side, Korenlei is lined with stately buildings adorned with elegant facades and decorated gables, creating an impressive and romantic atmosphere. Look for the two gilded swans swimming in opposite directions. One indicates left for women, and the other right for drinks – a clue to pastimes in the 16th century.
Whether you take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a drink at a waterside café, or simply sit and admire the view, Korenlei and Graslei are two beautiful areas showing the best of Ghent. We’ve mentioned St Michael’s bridge a few times here – but we’ll mention it once more as it’s the perfect spot to get the best views of Korenlai and Graslei (and a great photo spot).
Stroll round Patershol and grab a bite to eat
Patershol is a historic neighbourhood tucked away in the heart of Ghent, just north of the town centre and Gravensteen. Its known for its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval houses, and cute and charming atmosphere, and is full of colourful houses and hidden squares. Once a working-class district, Patershol is now a vibrant and trendy neighbourhood filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafes and restaurants.
Many of the restaurants have outdoor seating, providing a perfect place to grab something to eat, rest your feet after all this walking, and watch the comings and goings of the area.
Have a Belgian beer (or two) at the Herb De Dulle Griet
Herberg De Dulle Griet is a unique and iconic tavern located in the heart of Ghent, just off Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market Square). The tavern is named after a famous cannon called “Dulle Griet,” which is on display in front of the building.
One of the highlights of De Dulle Griet is its impressive beer menu, boasting an extensive selection of Belgian and international brews. The tavern is particularly famous for its “Max” beer, served in a massive two-litre glass called the “Dulle Griet Trophy.”. While not the most practical drinking vessel, it’s a fun tradition (where you’ll need to leave a shoe as collateral until the glass is returned).
Beyond the unique beer offerings, Herberg De Dulle Griet is filled with character and charm. The interior is cozy, with low ceilings, wooden beams, and antique decorations, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Whether you’re looking for a casual drink, a lively atmosphere, or simply a place to soak in the heritage of Ghent, Herberg De Dulle Griet offers a one-of-a-kind experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Visit the Museums and Galleries
Ghent has a thriving arts scene, with world-class museums and unique galleries spread throughout the city. The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit, housing a collection of Belgian art spanning from the 14th to 21st centuries. Major artists like Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck are featured here.
For contemporary art, head to the S.M.A.K. Museum which showcases avant-garde works and hosts temporary exhibits. The quirky House of Alijn offers a glimpse into daily Flemish life over the past century.
Smaller galleries like Zwarte Zaal and Galerie Barzo exhibit local artists in rotating shows. Check their websites for current exhibitions.
Most museums are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Tickets range from €5-15 per museum. If you’re going to a few, a CityCard may save you some money but check that you’ll go to enough to make it worth it.
Go shopping in Ghent
Ghent has plenty of options for shopping, from major department stores to local boutiques and markets. The main shopping streets are Veldstraat, Langemunt, and Korenmarkt, which are located in the pedestrian zone in the heart of the city centre. This area is full of major brands, shoe stores, bookshops, and more. Don’t miss out on a Belgian chocolate shop like The Chocolate Line while you’re exploring the city centre.
For more local and independent stores, head to Sleepstraat which has small art galleries, vintage shops, and concept stores. Another area to check out is the Patershol neighborhood just outside of the city centre, home to local chocolate shops and clothing designers. Stop by LABEL for stylish fashions by Belgian designers.
Some of the best souvenirs to take home include Belgian chocolates, lace, beer, and cuberdons (a cone-shaped purple candy). Pick up beautifully packaged chocolates at stores like The Chocolate Line or buy some delicate lace items. Belgian beers make great gifts – pick up some rare bottles at a bottle shop or an assortment of mini bottles. Cuberdons can be found at candy stores around the city.
Day Trips from Ghent
Ghent makes an excellent base to explore other cities and towns in Belgium and northern France. Here are some of the best and most popular day trips:
Bruges – one of the most obvious and popular day trips from Ghent. The fairy tale medieval town is just a 30-minute train ride away, making it an easy day trip. Wander the charming cobbled lanes, admire the medieval architecture, and take a boat tour along the canals.
Antwerp – another great day trip option, and under an hour away by train. It’s a lively port city with impressive architecture, museums, and Belgium’s largest cathedral.
Ostend or Blankenberge – for a change of scene, head to the coast. It takes just over an hour to reach the beach by train making it the perfect day trip. Relax on the sandy beaches, stroll the seaside promenade, or visit some of the coastal museums and attractions.