Ghent travel guide: visiting Belgium’s hidden gem

Cobbled streets winding along glistening canals, medieval castles and cathedrals, and busy bars serving strong Belgian beer. Welcome to Ghent – Belgium’s best-kept secret!

Bruges and Brussels often steal the spotlight, but Ghent deserves a visit too! We stopped for the day as we travelled from Brussels to Bruges – it’s perfect for a day trip, but we’d recommend spending longer if you can.

Ready to experience Ghent for yourself? Our Ghent travel guide has got everything covered – all the practical advice such as the best time to visit and how to get there, to how to explore sustainably. Check out our separate guide if you’re looking for the best things to do in Ghent.

Whether you’re planning a quick stop or a longer stay, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to one of Belgium’s most enchanting cities.

Is Ghent worth visiting?

Yes! Ghent is packed full of things to do.

While it’s historic centre is smaller, it has a similar old world charm of Bruges. It’s a bit larger and with perhaps a bit more going on though.

How long should I stay in Ghent?

We went to Ghent on a day trip while getting the train from Brussels to Bruges. We were able to see most of the main sites in a day, but we could have stayed longer. There was more than we wanted to see but didn’t get to, and some cafes and restaurants which looked great but we didn’t have time to go to.

If you have enough time, there’s easily enough for two full days and probably three, depending on your interests.

It’s also a good base to do some day trips to places around Ghent, Brussels and Bruges so you could base yourself here for a few nights and explore.

Where should I stay in Ghent?

Ghent’s pretty compact, so you can’t go wrong wherever you stay.

The historic centre is where the action is. It’s a bit pricier, but you’ll be steps away from the main sights.

We love the Patershol neighbourhood – it’s full of decent-looking restaurants and has a real local feel.

If you’re on a budget, look at areas like Sint-Pieters or Muide. They’re a bit further out but still well-connected.

How do I get to Ghent?

The easiest way to get to Ghent is via train, arriving into Gent-Sint-Pieters train station.

It’s about a 30-minute walk into town from here (you can follow the canal for most of this, which is a pretty walk). Or, take the T1 or T3 tram from just outside the station to the Gent Vogelmarket tram stop. It will take about 20 minutes in total.

You can buy train tickets in the train station on the ticket machines. The machines are simple to use and have an English language option, and you can pay via card or cash.

How do I get from Ghent from the UK?

The easiest way is to take the Eurostar to Brussels (just over three hours from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi). From there, it’s a 10 minute walk through the station to transfer to the platform to Ghent (see below for getting from Brussels to Ghent).

You can also fly into Brussels and get the train into the city, to get the train onto Ghent. But, we’d recommend Eurostar as its quicker overall, more comfortable, and far less damaging to the environment.

How do I get from Brussels to Ghent?

There are regular trains from Brussels Centraal or Brussels Midi stations. They take just over 30 minutes and are direct, with a couple of stops. They run regularly – up to every 20 minutes during the day.

They cost around €17 one way (May 2025).

Trains can get pretty busy during rush hour so you might be stood in a corridor rather than seated, but it’s a short journey so not too bad.

How do I get from Bruges to Ghent?

There are regular trains from Bruges to Ghent, costing around €17 one way. They also take about 30 minutes, and are direct. They run regularly, about every 20 minutes at peak times.

It’s the same train line as the Brussels to Ghent train, so liable to getting busy at peak times.

How do I get around Ghent?

Ghent is super walkable, which is great for your wallet and your waistline (you’ll need the exercise with all the waffles you’ll be eating). We walked everywhere and didn’t have a need for transport.

If you prefer to walk less or are going further a field, Ghent has a good tram and bus system. The Citymapper app covers Ghent and will plan your route and give you live arrival times (note that it comes under Brussels on the app, but it covers Ghent too). Buses and trams cost £3 per ride when you pay by Contactless card, so you can transfer to another bus or tram within this time and not be charged again.

Another option to get around is cycling, which is popular in Ghent. There’s plenty of bike rental shops and like everywhere in Belgium, the roads are designed for cycling. It may also be a good option if you’re staying longer and fancy a day trip cycling in the Ghent countryside.

When should I go to Ghent?

Ghent’s a year-round destination, but we think spring and early autumn are the sweet spots.

You’ll get mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August can be busy with tourists, but there’s also some great events happening in the city such as the Ghent Festival.

 Winter can be chilly, but there’s great Christmas markets if this is your thing. You might want to pack an umbrella or wet weather gear, as Belgian weather can be unpredictable and it may rain!

What should I do in Ghent?

Ghent’s packed with things to do! Check out our full guide on the best things to do in Ghent.

There’s loads to do in Ghent, such as:

• Wander through the old town to see its waterways, medieval towers, and historic buildings or take a boat trip along the city’s iconic canals.
• See the city from above by climbing the Belfry of Ghent or explore Ghent’s medieval landmarks like Gravensteen Castle.
• Stroll along Graslei and Korenlei to see the historic guild houses and stop at a historic café or pub for a drink.
• Discover the history and art at museums like the STAM (Ghent City Museum), Museum of Fine Arts (MSK), and Design Museum Gent.
• Go off the beaten path and explore the Patershol district, find street art at Graffiti Street or explore the ruins of Sint-Baafsabdij.

Top tip: most museums and some other attractions are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

What should I pack to visit Ghent?

Pack for all seasons, even if you’re visiting in summer.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must – Ghent’s cobblestone streets are charming but can be tough on your feet.

And if you’re planning on cycling, pack some padded shorts. Your bum will thank you later.

How can I be more sustainable when I visit Ghent?

Ghent’s leading the way in sustainable tourism, so it’s easy to be eco-friendly. The biggest thing you can do is to not fly into Belgium – if you’re coming from Europe, try getting the train instead. You’ll reduce your carbon emissions by 90%.

Ghent is pretty compact so you can get about via walking – or, use public transport if you have to, or you can also hire a bike.

Bring a reusable water bottle – tap water is safe to drink.

Stay in eco-friendly accommodations – many hotels in Ghent have green certifications. And consider visiting during off-peak times to reduce overtourism.

Does it snow in Ghent?

Yes, occasionally. But, it doesn’t snow often (Belgium as a whole only gets 15 days of snow a year) and its generally very thin and light.

Is it safe in Ghent?

Yes, like the rest of Belgium, Ghent is generally very safe.

Be careful of pickpockets especially in crowded places and near places which sometimes attract crime, such as train stations (but we recommend this of everywhere).

We never had any issues while in Ghent or Belgium.

Conclusion

Ghent has all the history and beauty you’d expect from a Belgian city, but with a cool, laid-back vibe that sets it apart.

Whether you’re into art, food, history, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Ghent’s got something for you.

So what are you waiting for? Get planning that trip!

Why not:
➳ Check out our guide on the best things to do in Ghent
➳ See all our content on travelling in Belgium
➳ Find out more about sustainable tourism