Ghent travel guide: visiting Belgium’s hidden gem

Cobbled streets winding along glistening canals, medieval towers casting long shadows, and cosy cafés serving up rich Belgian chocolate and frothy beer. Welcome to Ghent – Belgium’s best-kept secret!

While Bruges and Brussels often steal the spotlight, Ghent blends history, art, and a laid-back local vibe that’s impossible to resist. If you love discovering places that feel authentic and full of life, you’re in for a treat.

We visited Ghent during our Brussels-Ghent-Bruges trip, walked its cobbled lanes, climbed its castle walls, and sipped coffee in its cosiest corners. And trust us, this city is worth every moment. In this Ghent travel guide, we’ll share insider tips on how to get there, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time.

We first arrived in Ghent expecting a quick stopover – a day trip squeezed between Brussels and Bruges. But within hours, we were hooked. A spontaneous detour led us to the charming Patershol district, where we stumbled upon a candle-lit bistro serving the creamiest Gentse waterzooi (a local chicken stew). We realised that Ghent we should have given Ghent more time on our itinerary – don’t make the same mistake!

Ready to experience Ghent for yourself? Our Ghent travel guide has got everything covered – from the best time to visit and how to get there, to what to do, where to eat, and how to explore sustainably. 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. Let’s dive in!

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 cute 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). 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, and you buy a ticket at the machines in the station.

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.

Trains can get pretty busy during rush hour so you might be stood in a corridor, 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). For longer trips, hop on a tram or bus – the public transport here is top-notch. Cycling is big in Ghent, and there are plenty of bike rental shops if you want to pedal like a local.

When should I go to Ghent?

Ghent’s a year-round destination, but we reckon 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 a great festival vibe.

 Winter can be chilly, but the Christmas markets are magical. Just pack a brolly whatever time you visit – Belgian weather can be as unpredictable as a game of bingo.

What should I do in Ghent?

Where do we start? Ghent’s packed with things to do. Check out our full guide on the best things to do in Ghent.

Don’t miss the Castle of the Counts – it’s like stepping into a medieval fairy tale. The Ghent Altarpiece in St. Bavo’s Cathedral is a must-see for art lovers. For a more offbeat experience, check out the graffiti street (Werregarenstraat) – it’s like an ever-changing outdoor gallery.

Foodies, you’re in for a treat. Head to the Groot Vleeshuis, a historic meat hall turned foodie paradise. And make sure to try some Gentse waterzooi, a creamy chicken stew that’s a local favourite.

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. Layers are your friend here.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must – Ghent’s cobblestone streets are charming but can be tough on your feet. Don’t forget your camera – Ghent is seriously photogenic.

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 here. 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’s the kind of place that’ll make you want to pack up and move to Belgium. It’s got all the history and beauty you’d expect, 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!

Have you been to Ghent? We’d love to hear about your experiences. Drop a comment below, share this post, and don’t forget to subscribe for more off-the-beaten-path European destinations.