Belgium isn’t exactly a cheap country to visit, but these incredible hostels in Ghent are easy on your wallet.
Staying in hostels is one of my favorite ways to save money traveling, especially in Europe! Hotels can run upwards of $150/night, while a hostel in the same city is usually a fraction of that.
Hostels are also a fantastic way to meet other travelers, whether you’re a solo backpacker or a group of friends interested in meeting others. Thankfully, there are many excellent Ghent hostels that aren’t only cheap but trendy, cozy, and in a great location.
If you’re looking to save some money on your upcoming trip, check out these best hostels in Ghent!
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Best Time to Visit Ghent
The best time to visit Ghent in terms of weather is in the summer and fall, between May and October. Outside of these months is shoulder season and sees colder and rainier weather, but it also sees smaller crowds.
What’s Ghent Known for? A Glimpse of the Best Things to do in Ghent
Belgium’s third-largest city is a gorgeous travel destination known for its medieval architecture and pretty downtown streets. It’s also a very vegetarian-friendly city with a fantastic culinary scene!
Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the best things to do in Ghent:
- Tour the Gravensteen Castle, aka the Castle of the Counts
- Stroll Graslei and Korenlei along the Leie River, Ghent’s most beautiful streets
- Snap a photo of Ghent’s three medieval towers from St. Michael’s Bridge
- Climb the Ghent Belfry for 360-degree views
- Eat your way through Ghent: I’m talking waffles, fries, chocolates, Jenever, etc.
↠ Read More: 17 Incredible Things to Do in Ghent + Where to Eat, Stay, and More!
Where to Stay in Ghent: Best Neighborhoods in the City
Patershol
Patershol is a neighborhood in Ghent best known for its historic architecture, vibrant culinary scene, and “folksy soul,” as described by the Visit Ghent website. It’s a more off-the-beaten-path to stay in Ghent and is only a short walk away from the main downtown streets.
Historic City Center
The historic city center is definitely the best place to stay in Ghent for those who enjoy being in the heart of the action. It’s here that most of the best attractions in Ghent are easily accessible by foot, and the city’s fantastic restaurants are close at hand.
Leie River
The Leie River runs through the city center, but to get even more specific, it’s one of the best places and highly sought-after locales to stay in Ghent. It’s a beautiful and iconic view of the city and is lined with excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes. Ghent hotels on the Leie River will be pricier than other neighborhoods.
Het Zuid
Het Zuid is another buzzing place to stay in Ghent that’s excellent for those seeking a more unique place to stay in Ghent. The district is home to some of Ghent’s best shopping and dining. The area is about a 20-minute walk from the Gravensteen Castle, on the furthest, opposite side of downtown.
↠ Read More: Best Hotels in Ghent, Belgium
5 Best Hostels in Ghent
1. Hostel Uppelink
Why stay here: One of Ghent’s most popular hostels famous for its central location and social scene.
Hostel Uppelink Hostel Uppelink rocks a fantastic location along the river and right next to the iconic St. Michael Bridge. This Ghent hostel has many convenient facilities, including free Wi-Fi, a social bar, and complimentary walking tours of the old city. They even give out free tourist maps for those interested.
Private rooms and dorm-style accommodation is offered at Hostel Uppelink, and each dorm has its own shared bathroom. Guests enjoy a buffet-style breakfast every morning, and there is a shared kitchen available with a breathtaking view of the main city.
Rates start around $33/night. Book Hostel Uppelink on Booking.com.
2. De Draecke Hostel
Why stay here: Wake up minutes from the epic Gravensteen Castle in the heart of Ghent.
De Draecke Hostel is a minimalistic yet cozy hostel within walking distance to Ghent’s top attractions. You can take your pick from shared dorms or affordable private rooms that are perfect for traveling families.
During your stay, enjoy a simple breakfast each morning and relax in the social lounge in the evening. There is also an onsite bar where you can grab a drink and meet fellow travelers. Reviewers appreciate the friendly staff and cleanliness of De Draecke Hostel, as well as the central location.
Rates start around $38/night. Check out De Draecke Hostel on Booking.com.
3. Treck Hostel
Why stay here: A budget-friendly Ghent hostel with unique accommodation options that include private camper vans.
Housed in an old brickyard that dates back to the 19th century, Treck Hostel is a fun place to stay in Ghent. Aside from the interesting option to sleep in a camper van, the hostel also offers dorms with shared bathrooms. Community areas include a lovely outdoor terrace surrounded by red brick walls, a playground, and a relaxed bar.
This Ghent hostel can be found a little outside the busy downtown area in the Brugse Poort-Rooigem district. The Gravensteen Castle is about a 20-minute walk away, but the hostel also has bikes for hire available.
Rates start around $26/night. Learn more about Treck Hostel on Hostelworld.
4. KaBa Hostel
Why stay here: Minimalist dorm hostel with vibrant murals near Ghent’s Het Zuid neighborhood.
KaBa Hostel is roughly 700m from Ghent’s City Geeraard de Duivelsteen. It has a beautiful terrace with a garden view as well as a community kitchen with a coffee machine and dining area for guests.
There are mixed and female dorms, private rooms, and a family room available to book. Each dorm bed has a corresponding locker so you can secure your belongings without stress. The hostel also serves a daily breakfast for an additional fee.
Rates start around $28/night. Check out KaBa Hostel on Booking.com.
5. Ecohostel Andromeda
Why stay here: Fall asleep to the gentle waves of Ghent’s canals on a barge turned hostel about a 15-minute walk from the old city.
The Ecohostel Andromeda is a quirky place to stay in Ghent that you won’t soon forget! Although a bit outside of the city center, the barge isn’t far from the tram. On the ship, there are basic colorful dorms with wooden beds and lockers or privates available.
Previous guests appreciated the friendly and relaxed atmosphere as well as the provided organic fair-trade breakfast. Get some social time in while spending time on the terrace, interior lounge, and shared kitchen.
Rates start around $22/night. Learn more about Ecohostel Andromeda over at Hostelworld.
Other Cheap Ghent Accommodation Options
6. Private Room1
Why stay here: A quaint private room in a shared home ideal for a budget-friendly weekend visit or long-term stay.
This private room1 sleeps up to three and is located in the center of Ghent’s historic old district. It’s one unit of X that is rented out in the host’s home and offers a unique way to meet other people or experience a taste of local life.
During your stay, enjoy access to the home’s spacious kitchen, board games, and morning tea and coffee supplies. The property isn’t far from local shops and restaurants as well as the best things to do in Ghent.
Rates start around $55/night. Check it out on Airbnb.
7. Room in Cosy Urban Jungle House
Why stay here: Stylish and cute Ghent Airbnb that’s reasonably priced and 15-minutes from the center.
Aptly named, this private room is an urban jungle. Lush green plants fill the room and surround the property creating a super cozy environment even in the heart of the concrete city.
This particular Ghent Airbnb is for the first floor unit, which has access to a lovely terrace. Guests have access to all spaces in the home except the other bedrooms. St. Pieterssquare is nearby.
Rates start around $36/night. Click here to see it on Airbnb.
8. Large Airy Studio
Why stay here: A super affordable private studio on a quiet street within walking distance to Gravensteen Castle.
This large airy studio is truly a hidden gem in Ghent! It’s super reasonably priced for a private vacation rental and rocks a superb location in the heart of the action. This Airbnb sleeps three people and is brimming with nice extras like coffee and tea, “breakfast on demand”, a welcome basket of water and beer, and Ghent travel resources and recommendations.
Rates start around $34/night. Learn more about this large airy studio on Airbnb.
9. Home Stay Ghent
Why stay here: A relaxed self check-in hotel in a quiet part of Ghent near the Ghelamco Arena.
Home Stay Ghent is a unique hotel that provides an easy self-check-in service at an affordable rate. The hotel property is filled with pretty gardens and looks like a standard apartment building. Guests that arrive with a car enjoy free parking, and there is also a community kitchen, swimming pool and fitness center with a sauna.
The Ghent city center is about 4km/2.5 miles from this hotel, but there are many bus routes and the Merelbeke train station that take you quickly downtown.