This complete guide shares all you need to know to spend a lovely getaway while enjoying the very best things to do in Ghent.
Ghent is an insanely charming port city nestled in northwestern Belgium, just over an hour from Brussels. It’s famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the picturesque canals that run through downtown, and the walled Gravenstein castle in the heart of the city.
Ghent is also famous for being vegetarian-friendly and boasting an incredible culinary and cocktail scene. We had so much fun eating and drinking our way through the city, which in my opinion, is one of the best things to do in Ghent.
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Ghent or looking for a way to fill a multi-day Ghent itinerary, I’ve got you covered with the best attractions in Belgium’s second-largest city.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!
How much time is needed to visit Ghent?
We spent two days in Ghent and felt that it was the perfect amount of time to walk around, see the historical sites, and take our time enjoying the delicious food scene Ghent offers.
The Best Time to Visit Ghent
But the best time to visit Ghent is typically considered between late spring to early fall, so roughly May to October. But in all honesty, Ghent is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year. It experiences a relatively mild winter that doesn’t usually get too much snow and sees lows of about 35°F/1.6°C.
Which is Best: Ghent or Bruges?
Ghent is often compared to Bruges because they both boast incredible medieval landmarks, and they both offer visitors a glimpse of what life in Europe looked like hundreds of years ago.
Bruges is definitely the more popular and busier city and is about half the size of Ghent. That means that Ghent is less touristy and crowded and a little more spread out than Bruges. I loved both and felt that Bruges had more small-town charm, whereas Ghent was an incredible big city that still felt old and historic.
In conclusion, if you can’t visit both, you’re sure to have a great time in either city!
Best Places to Stay in Ghent
Before we dive into the best things to do in Ghent, here are some fantastic places to stay.
- Ghent Airbnb: We stayed in this homey and beautifully decorated apartment and loved it. It was about a ten-minute walk from the city center but had multiple incredible rooftop decks with perfect skyline views and garage parking for our car. Highly recommend!
- 1898 The Post: We also considered booking a stay at The Post. This mid-range hotel sits along the passing river in the heart of Ghent. It features glamorous decor that we enjoyed with a visit to the hotel’s 1920’s inspired cocktail bar.
- Hostel Uppelink: For my solo/budget travelers, this hostel is super charming, is located in a prime location along the river, and offers dorm beds at a reasonable rate.
Check out more places to stay in Ghent.
Pro Travel Tip: Save these Places to visit in Ghent as Google Pins
I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite travel planning tips is to save all of the attractions I want to see in a new place as Google pins in the app. I’ll use the pink heart for things to do, stars for restaurants, and my hotel as the green flag. So when we’re wandering around the city, I can open my map and see what things I pinned are nearby.
If you are interested in doing the same thing, simply click on the links for each thing to do in Ghent below to save as pins in your phone!
17 Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium
1. Tour the Gravensteen Castle and get a unique glimpse into Belgium’s medieval history.
Admission: €12
Opening hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm, last admissions at 4:40pm
We kicked off our weekend in Ghent with a visit to Gravensteen Castle, aka the Castle of the Counts. This medieval castle dates back to 1180 and was once home to the Counts of Flanders for about 200 years. Since then, the castle has been a prison, cotton factory, and now a protected landmark. It’s also right downtown, which is a pretty unique thing to see in the heart of any city!
The website recommends that you book your tickets in advance because the castle only admits ticket holders in scheduled time slots to ensure you can go inside. However, we bought tickets there, and it was fine. With admission, you get an audio guide detailing the history of the castle.
2. Peek inside Saint Bavo’s Cathedral for a bit of gothic architecture.
Admission: Free, or entry for current exhibit
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 8:30am – 5:30pm, Sun 1:00pm – 5:30pm
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is a gorgeous gothic cathedral from the 10th century known for its impressive altarpiece. The cathedral is notably quite tall and reaches a height of 291 feet (89m). You don’t need too much time for a visit and can easily admire it as you walk around other Ghent attractions like the Belfry and St. Nicholas Church.
3. Climb the Belfry of Ghent for sweeping views of the city.
Admission: 8 euros per person
Opening Hours: Everyday 10am-6pm
The Belfry of Ghent is a UNESCO world heritage site recognized as one of the old town’s three medieval towers. Built in 1313, it’s also Belgium’s tallest tower and soars to an impressive height of 298.5 feet (91m).
The belfry offers 360-degree views of the city and is by far one of the best things to do in Ghent. Before you leave, be sure to also stop by to see the giant copper dragon that once sat atop the tower. The dragon was created in 1378 and sits on the top level right before the observation deck.
4. Pop into Saint Nicholas’ Church to see Ghent’s third medieval tower.
Admission: Free, or entry for current exhibit
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 8:30am – 5:30pm, Sun 1:00pm – 5:30pm
Right across from the Ghent Belfry, you’ll find the beautiful Saint Nicholas’ Church. This building is one of the city’s oldest and was built in the local Scheldt Gothic style and features an exterior constructed from Tournai bluestone.
When we visited, the Lights on Van Eyck exhibit was running, which was a hyper-visual representation of his artworks projected onto the church walls. The exhibition was €11 and temporary.
5. Grab a coffee or bite to eat in the historic Korenmarkt Square.
Translated to “Wheat Market,” Korenmarkt is the heart and soul of Ghent. It’s here that the Saint Nicholas Church stands and countless other historic buildings that now host local restaurants, bars, and shops.
Many restaurants set up outdoor seating when the weather is nice, offering a lovely place to take a break after a morning of touring.
6. Stroll Korenlei and Graslei, Ghent’s most picturesque city streets.
Korenlei and Graslei are well known for being beautiful places in Ghent. These two streets are in the heart of Ghent’s old city center along the banks of the passing Leie River. It’s here you can enjoy the traditional architecture of the region, a stop at a cafe or restaurant, or a break enjoying the passing river.
These two quays are up there as some of the best Instagram spots in Ghent. You’ll find Korenlei on the left side of the river and Graslei on the right.
7. Cruise the waterways of Ghent on a guided boat tour for a new view of the city.
Ghent is positioned where the Scheldt and Leie Rivers meet, and these waterways wind beautifully through the city center. That means taking a boat tour is an excellent way to see the city. There are numerous host tours available that show off the stunning architecture from the water.
Tours generally run for about an hour and leave from Graslei or Korenlei (two famous streets). Tickets are usually around €9 but vary depending on the tour. You can grab your Ghent boat tour tickets online in advance.
8. Stroll through the colorful Graffiti Alley.
Ghent’s Graffiti Alley, or more officially Werregarenstraat, is a cool narrow pedestrian street hidden away a short walk from the Stadhuis. Graffiti artists come to paint the stone walls along the alley with vibrant murals, and since it’s a public area, there are no entrance fees. What’s cool about the alley is that it’s painted over every week to create a blank canvas for new works of art, which means it looks vastly different from day to day.
9. Have a drink at Ghent’s smallest pub in the historic Groentenmarkt Square.
Groentenmarkt is an old city square that historically was once the place of the gallows. Today, visitors come to stroll, shop, and eat. Nestled within this lovely square is the cozy little pub called ‘t Galgenhuisje. It’s known for being itty bitty, although it has a decently sized outdoor seating that’s nice. From the terrace, you get a great view to watch people walking around. It’s also here that you can find the city’s oldest bakery, Oud Huis Himschoot.
10. Try local Flemish delicacies in a 15th century Great Butcher Hall.
One of the most unique things to do in Ghent is to visit the Groot Vleeshuis or Great Butcher Hall in English. This historic landmark was once the city’s central indoor meat market, dating back to the 15th century.
Nowadays, visitors can still purchase local meats as well as other Flemish goodies like cheese and beer. The building itself is a sight to see thanks to its interior roof, said to resemble an overturned boat and the Ganda hams that are strung from the rafters.
11. Shop the local market and enjoy a beer on Vrijdagmarkt Square.
One of the largest public squares in Ghent, Vrijdagmarkt translates to “Friday Market” in English to reflect the tradition of markets held every Friday selling local goods. This tradition lives on today, making for a great place to visit if you happen to be in Ghent on a Friday.
If not, this expansive square is still worth visiting because many stands still set up shop selling items, and numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes surround it. Beer enthusiasts should visit Dulle Griet, a bar famous for having more than 500 types of beer. The square is also near the Sint-Jacobskerk church and a notable statue of Jacob van Artevelde.
12. When hunger strikes, head to the cozy Patershol neighborhood for a bite to eat.
The Patershol neighborhood is a historic district that feels almost like a different city. This prominent street is a short walk from the Groenmarkt and is filled with cocktail bars and international fare. This part of the city is also well known for cobblestones and narrow winding streets. Some of the best places to eat in Patershol include La Bompa (traditional Flemish dishes) and Uncle Babes (delicious burgers).
13. Cross over St. Michael’s Bridge for a clear view of Ghent’s three towers.
When searching for iconic photo spots in Ghent, St. Michael’s Bridge is often the top recommendation. Not only is the bridge itself beautiful, but the view you see from it as well. Over the side of the bridge, you can snap a lovely photo of the passing river with Korenlei and Graslei on either side. From the back, you can see Saint Michael’s Church.
But the best view yet is when facing Korenmarkt, for here you can see some of Ghent’s best attractions in one place: Saint Nicholas’ Church, the Ghent Belfry, and Saint Bavo Cathedral.
14. Sling back shots of sweet Jenever at ‘t Dreupelkot
‘t Dreupelkot is a charming little pub famous for serving more than 200 flavors of Jenever, sometimes called Dutch gin, a traditional distilled malted spirit native to the Netherlands and Belgium. Of these 200 offerings, some are made fresh in-house. Flavors range from fruity to creamy to strong and include varieties like passion fruit, coconut, and classic.
You’ll find this pub across from the Groentenmarkt Square along the river. When you first walk in, don’t be alarmed if you find an older gentleman soundly asleep in his recliner- he’s the owner!
15. Sip a local beer on the Gruut Ghent brewery tour.
Admission: Free, or entry for current exhibit
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Belgium is a country famous for beer, so it only makes sense to make time for a Ghent brewery tour! One of the most popular breweries in the city is Gruut Ghent Brewery. This brewery is just a short walk from the main old city center. It offers tours every day except Sundays until six. If you’re not interested in a tour but want to try some local Ghent brews, they have a lovely outdoor terrace where you can relax with a cold one.
16. Explore all of Ghent’s bridges and get lost down narrow cobblestone streets.
With the Leie River passing through the heart of the old quarter, there are many bridges that connect both sides of the city. Some may not consider this a thing to do, but I enjoyed crossing many of the bridges for a new view. And I always think that purposefully getting lost down side alleyways is a worthwhile activity. It’s also an excellent way to find other things to do in Ghent that you may not have heard of or read about in your traveling planning.
17. Eat local Belgian goodies like waffles, chocolates, marshmallow poofs, french fries, and more.
One of the best ways to get to know a place is by eating all the local foods, and in Belgium, you have lots of fabulous things to try. From beer to chocolates, waffles to French fries, prepare to eat a lot in Ghent!
We stopped by the lovely chocolate shop Chocolaterie Luc Van Hoorebeke. We picked up a little box of assorted truffles to try, which were delicious. They’ve been around since 1982, and all their candies are made in shop and sold only at that location.
Another popular place to stop for dessert is Aux Merveilleux de Fred for coffee, tea, and Belgian merveilleux, a chocolate-covered meringue dessert that is delicious!
More Eats: Best Restaurants in Ghent
Ghent has so many fantastic places to grab a bite to eat! But here are some of the places we stopped by and enjoyed or had on our recommended list:
- Uncle Babes: Mouthwatering burgers with unique flavor options
- Valeir: Hip brunch cafe
- Umamido: delicious ramen with juicy meats
- De Bompa: Homestyle and traditional Belgian dishes
- Mission Marsala: Popular Indian fare with fresh ingredients, should book in advance!
- Le Pain Korenmarkt: Cozy cafe serving up a nice breakfast in a historic building.
Best Ghent Bars
If you’re looking for a nightcap, consider visiting these Ghent bars. We personally stopped at all three, each of which had its own distinct vibe.
- The Cobbler at the 1898 Post Hotel: Hip bar along the water mixing up excellent craft cocktails
- The Drifter: Tiki bar with creative tiki cocktails with an intimate terrace area
- Dulle Griet: A pub-style bar with 500 different beers. Be sure to order the classic Belgian beer in a traditional Koetsiers Glas. Patrons must give a shoe as a deposit which is strung up in a bucket to the ceiling as the bartender rings a bell.
Ghent Travel Tips for Smooth Travels
Before you start tackling this list of the best things to do in Ghent, here are some helpful travel tips to keep in mind.
- Ghent is considered the “Veggie Capital of Europe.” Many restaurants and hotels participate in “veggie day” every Thursday by offering vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- In general, Ghent is famous for being a very vegetarian-friendly city.
- Many tourist attractions have discounts for students under 26 years old. If you’re a student, you’ll need to show a valid student ID to enjoy the discount.
- If driving in Ghent, you’ll need to register online for the LEZ zone or emission-free zone. Once you register your license plate, you’re free to take your car to this LEZ zone (usually the center of the city) without fear of getting a fine. You can find out more here: Ghent LEZ Pass.
- Consider getting the Ghent CityCard. The Ghent CityCard is a special card that includes free access to all city landmarks, museums, and monuments, plus free public transportation. You can purchase them for 48 hours (€38) or 72 hours (€44). I recommend mapping out your plans/interests to see if it’s worth your money.
- Many restaurants accept reservations, or it’s usually seat yourself if there are tables available.
- The Visit Gent tourist website is filled with tons of helpful information about visiting the city. Some guides I found useful are their guide for local pubs and cozy cafes.