Best Time to Visit
April to October
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Dutch, French
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Discover Ghent
Ghent is not just a smaller, less crowded Bruges—it's a living, breathing medieval masterpiece with a rebellious student soul. Here, you'll find the world-changing Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers in St. Bavo's Cathedral, but you'll also discover a city that has defiantly covered its historic walls with world-class street art. The contrast is electric: you can tour the imposing Gravensteen Castle in the morning and spend the afternoon sipping craft beer in a converted factory along the river, all while a vibrant university energy pulses through the picturesque canals.
This is a city built for discovery on foot. Get lost in the cobbled lanes of the Patershol quarter hunting for the perfect stoofvlees (beef stew), then emerge onto the breathtaking Graslei waterfront, where centuries-old guildhouses reflect in the water. Ghent's magic lies in its authenticity; it's a place where history isn't just preserved behind glass, but is the backdrop for a dynamic, contemporary culture of innovative food, cutting-edge design, and unforgettable nightlife.
Why Visit Ghent?
A Medieval Cityscape Without the Crowds: Explore the remarkably intact historic center, from the fairy-tale Graslei and Korenlei quays to the imposing Gravensteen Castle, and feel the history without the overwhelming tourist throngs found in other European cities.
Art That Spans Centuries: Witness the revolutionary 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' (Ghent Altarpiece), a cornerstone of Western art, and then step outside to discover an ever-changing open-air gallery of world-renowned street art on official walking routes.
A Thriving, Innovative Food Scene: Move beyond clichés to experience a culinary revolution, from Michelin-starred restaurants in ancient buildings to funky food halls like Pakhuis and the legendary Tierenteyn mustard shop in the Vrijdagmarkt.
The Lively Energy of a University Town: The large student population (over 75,000 students) infuses the city with affordable, trendy bars, quirky boutiques, a vibrant nightlife in the Overpoort district, and a youthful, welcoming atmosphere year-round.
Beautiful Canals You Can Actually Enjoy: Take a boat tour for a unique perspective of the city's architecture, or simply claim a spot at a waterside café on the Graslei—the canals are integral to daily life, not just a photo opportunity.
A Perfect Hub for Exploring Flanders: With its central train station, Ghent is an ideal base for effortless day trips to Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, and the WWI battlefields of Ypres, all within an hour by train.
Ghent is Known For
Ready to explore Ghent?
Ghent Neighborhoods
Historic Center (Graslei/Korenlei & Around)
The iconic postcard view of Ghent, centered on the breathtaking Graslei and Korenlei quays with their step-gabled guildhouses. This is the medieval heart, home to the city's most famous landmarks and a bustling, tourist-friendly atmosphere.
Highlights:
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Patershol
A labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets just north of the castle, once a leather-working district and now Ghent's premier culinary quarter. It's charming, intimate, and packed with restaurants ranging from traditional Belgian taverns to international cuisine.
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Sint-Pieters & Gent Zuid
A dynamic area anchored by the Sint-Pieters train station and the vast Citadelpark. It blends grand 19th-century architecture with modern museums, a major university campus, and the trendy 'Gent Zuid' (Ghent South) district known for design and nightlife.
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Watersportbaan & Oudburg
A more local, residential feel with a creative edge. The area around the old port and canal (Watersportbaan) is known for its alternative vibe, street art, and innovative projects, while Oudburg street is a legendary strip of traditional 'brown cafes' and pubs.
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Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Buy a 'Gentse Stadskaart' (Ghent City Card) if you plan to visit multiple museums and use public transport—it includes free entry, boat tours, and bike rental.
- •For the best photo of the Graslei, go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and catch the beautiful light on the guildhouses.
- •Skip the generic waffle shops. For an authentic 'Ghentse neuzen' (Ghent nose), a raspberry-filled candy, visit a local confectioner like Temmerman.
- •On Sundays, many smaller shops are closed, but the city is lively with locals enjoying brunch and strolls. The weekly flea market at the Beverhoutplein is a Sunday tradition.
- •To experience student life, head to the Overpoortstraat area in the evening. It's lined with dozens of cheap, lively bars popular with the university crowd.
- •Don't just look down the canals—look up! The city's architecture features incredible gables, gold-leaf decorations, and historic statues that are easy to miss.
- •Rent a bike. Ghent is incredibly bike-friendly with extensive paths, and it's the fastest way to explore beyond the immediate city center.
- •Visit the Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market) square on a Friday or Saturday morning for a genuine local market selling everything from cheese to flowers.
- •Many museums are closed on Mondays. Plan your itinerary accordingly, focusing on outdoor sights, shopping, or a canal tour that day.
- •When ordering water in a restaurant, specify 'kraantjeswater' for free tap water, or you'll likely be served (and charged for) bottled water.
Ghent Food Scene
Ghent is a pioneer in sustainable, inventive eating, proudly calling itself a 'veggie capital' while also excelling in traditional Flemish cuisine. The scene is a thrilling mix of historic 'brown cafes,' cutting-edge food halls, and Michelin-starred creativity, all fueled by passionate local producers.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional Flemish
- • 't Buikske Vol (for hearty stoofvlees)
- • De Gekroonde Hoofden (classic waterzooi)
- • Patershol neighborhood taverns
These dishes are often served in generous portions—perfect for sharing or a filling solo meal.
Vegetarian/Vegan
- • Lekker Gec (fully plant-based fine dining)
- • Avalon (historic vegetarian restaurant)
- • Greenway (popular vegan fast-casual)
Look for the 'Thursday Veggie Day' logo; this Ghent-born initiative is widely adopted by restaurants.
Street Food & Markets
- • Frietkot Max (legendary fries stand)
- • Vrijdagmarkt cheese stalls
- • Frietketel (famous fries in a cone)
For authentic fries, ask for 'frietjes met stoofvleessaus' (fries with beef stew sauce).
Fine Dining & Innovation
- • OOAK (Michelin-starred tasting menus)
- • J.E.F (creative small plates in a former factory)
- • Food Hall: Pakhuis or De Superette
Book well in advance, especially for Michelin-starred venues, as they are small and highly sought after.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Ghent
Spring
Spring sees the city awaken with blooming flowers in the parks and along the canals. Days are gradually longer and milder, perfect for outdoor exploration.
Pros:
- + Pleasant temperatures (10-18°C)
- + Beautiful blooms, especially in the floralies
- + Fewer tourists than peak summer
Cons:
- - Unpredictable rain showers
- - Can still be chilly, especially in early spring
Summer
Summer is vibrant and bustling, with long daylight hours, outdoor festivals, and café terraces spilling onto the streets. The energy is at its peak.
Pros:
- + Warmest weather (avg 22°C), ideal for boat tours
- + Major festivals like Gentse Feesten (mid-July)
- + Lively atmosphere and long evenings
Cons:
- - Largest crowds and higher prices
- - Some restaurants close for summer holidays in August
Autumn
Autumn brings golden hues to the trees along the canals and a cozy, cultural vibe. The student population returns, reinvigorating the city's energy.
Pros:
- + Beautiful fall foliage
- + Comfortable sightseeing weather
- + Cultural season begins with fewer tourists
Cons:
- - Increasingly shorter days and cooler temps
- - Higher chance of rain and wind
Winter
Winter is cold and atmospheric, with Christmas markets lighting up the squares. It's a time for cozying up in historic cafes and enjoying the city's interiors.
Pros:
- + Magical Christmas market at Sint-Baafsplein
- + Few tourists and lower accommodation rates
- + Perfect for museum-hopping and warm Belgian beers
Cons:
- - Cold and often grey weather (avg 5°C)
- - Very short daylight hours (sunset around 4:30 PM)
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Day Trips from Ghent
Bruges (Brugge)
25 min by train
The quintessential medieval fairy-tale city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its perfectly preserved center, romantic canals, and lace shops offer a more polished, tourist-centric contrast to Ghent's grittier charm.
Brussels
35 min by train
The vibrant, multicultural capital of Belgium and the EU. Experience the grandeur of the Grand-Place, world-class museums, comic book murals, and an incredible diversity of food and drink.
Ypres (Ieper) & WWI Battlefields
1 hour 15 min by train/bus
A profoundly moving journey into history. Ypres was at the heart of the WWI trenches; visit the meticulously rebuilt town and the surrounding memorials, cemeteries, and museums.
Ghent Budget Guide
Ghent is generally more affordable than Bruges or Brussels, especially for food and drink, thanks to its student population. Costs are moderate by Western European standards.
Budget
€50-70 per day (hostel dorm, street food/market meals, walking/biking, free sights)
per day
Mid-Range
€100-150 per day (private hotel room, restaurant meals, museum entries, occasional taxi/train)
per day
Luxury
€250+ per day (boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours, premium experiences)
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •The Ghent City Card can offer significant savings if you plan to visit 3+ paid attractions.
- •Eat where the students eat—the Overpoort area has very affordable meal deals.
- •Many of the best experiences (canal views, street art, historic squares) are completely free.
- •Public transport tickets are cheaper if purchased in advance via the De Lijn app.
- •Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) for better accommodation rates.
Ghent Hidden Gems
Book Tower (Boekentoren)
A stunning 1930s modernist skyscraper designed by Henry van de Velde, housing the Ghent University Library.
Its rooftop terrace offers one of the most spectacular 360-degree views over Ghent, but it's only accessible on guided tours, keeping it a secret from most tourists.
Groot Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth
A serene, secluded beguinage (a community for religious women) with white-washed houses and quiet courtyards, located near the Citadelpark.
It's as picturesque as the more famous one in Bruges but sees only a fraction of the visitors, offering a truly peaceful escape.
Dulle Griet Beer Cafe
A legendary beer cafe in the Patershol known for its vast selection of over 500 beers.
For certain strong beers, they have the quirky tradition of taking one of your shoes as a deposit, which they hoist up in a basket to the ceiling until you finish your drink.
De Krook
A striking, modern architectural complex on the river, housing the city's main public library and a media center.
It's a hub of local life with a great café, often hosting free exhibitions and events. The surrounding area along the water is a favorite spot for locals to relax.
Museum Dr. Guislain
A museum of psychiatry and mental health care located in a historic 19th-century psychiatric hospital.
It's a profoundly unique and thought-provoking museum, blending art, history, and social science in a way you won't find anywhere else in the city.
Ghent Culture & Customs
Ghent is proudly Flemish, with a strong local identity, a progressive mindset, and a deep-rooted love for the good life—good food, good beer, and good company. It's a city of contrasts: deeply historic yet fiercely innovative, student-driven yet family-friendly.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Greet shopkeepers with a simple 'Hallo' or 'Goedendag' (Good day).
- •Tipping is not obligatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated.
- •When toasting, say 'Proost!' and make eye contact—it's considered rude not to.
- •Keep your voice moderate in restaurants and on public transport; Belgians generally value quiet civility in public spaces.
- •Be patient and polite when switching between languages; most locals speak excellent English but appreciate the effort.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Ghent
Is Ghent safe for tourists?
Yes, Ghent is considered a very safe city, including at night. Standard precautions apply, such as being aware of your belongings in crowded areas and at the train station, but violent crime is rare. The city center is well-lit and populated until late.
Is English widely spoken in Ghent?
Yes, exceptionally well. Due to the large international student population and tourism, English is spoken fluently in almost all hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. You will have no communication issues.
How many days do I need in Ghent?
Two full days is ideal to see the major sights at a relaxed pace. With one day, you can hit the highlights (Castle, Altarpiece, Graslei). With three days, you can delve deeper into museums, specific neighborhoods, and take a day trip.
What is the Gentse Feesten?
The Gentse Feesten is a massive, 10-day city festival in mid-July. It transforms the entire historic center with free street theatre, concerts, food stalls, and crowds. It's an incredible experience but means the city will be extremely busy and accommodations book up a year in advance.
Can I drink the tap water in Ghent?
Yes, the tap water in Ghent is perfectly safe, clean, and of high quality. Asking for 'kraantjeswater' in restaurants is common and saves money and plastic.
What's the best way to get from Brussels Airport to Ghent?
The most straightforward way is by direct train from Brussels Airport (Zaventem) station to Ghent-Sint-Pieters. Trains run frequently, the journey takes about 1 hour, and you avoid city traffic.
Is Ghent wheelchair accessible?
The historic center's cobblestone streets and many old buildings with steps can pose challenges. However, most museums, newer buildings, and public transport (low-floor trams) are accessible. It's best to check specific venue websites for detailed accessibility information.
Do I need to book Gravensteen Castle tickets in advance?
It's highly recommended, especially during summer weekends and school holidays. Tickets are timed and can be purchased online. This guarantees entry and allows you to skip the often-long ticket queue.
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