Ghent
Belgium's best-kept secret — a medieval canal city with Gravensteen castle, the Ghent Altarpiece masterpiece, a thriving student scene, and all the beer and chocolate you'd expect, minus the Bruges crowds.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Ghent
📍 Points of Interest
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📋The Rundown
Ghent's St. Bavo's Cathedral houses the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck (1432), considered one of the most important and frequently stolen artworks in history
Ghent is Belgium's largest student city with over 70,000 students, giving it a youthful, creative energy that balances its medieval grandeur
The Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) is a fully intact 12th-century medieval castle right in the city center, complete with a moat and battlements
Ghent was once one of the largest and richest cities in Europe — in the 14th century, it was bigger than Paris and second only to Paris in the region north of the Alps
The city holds the Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival) every July — a 10-day street festival that is one of the largest cultural events in Europe, drawing 1.5 million visitors
Ghent is one of Europe's most vegan-friendly cities, with a "Veggie Thursday" tradition and more vegetarian restaurants per capita than most cities its size
🏛️Must-See Spots
St. Bavo's Cathedral
📌A stunning Gothic cathedral housing the Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by Jan van Eyck — one of the most significant artworks of the Northern Renaissance. The altarpiece viewing requires a separate ticket.
Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)
📌A dramatic 12th-century stone castle with a moat, turrets, and battlements rising from the center of the city. Explore the ramparts, dungeons, and medieval weapons collection for panoramic views.
Graslei & Korenlei
🗼Two picturesque medieval quays flanking the Leie river, lined with guild houses dating from the 12th to 17th centuries. The most photographed spot in Ghent, especially atmospheric at night.
St. Michael's Bridge
📌The perfect viewpoint for the famous alignment of Ghent's three towers — St. Nicholas' Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo's Cathedral — all visible in a single, stunning panorama.
Belfry of Ghent
📌A 91-meter UNESCO-listed medieval tower offering elevator access to the top for sweeping city views. The 52-bell carillon plays regularly, and the dragon weathervane has watched over the city since 1377.
Patershol
📌A charming medieval quarter of narrow cobblestone alleys, hidden courtyards, and atmospheric restaurants. Once a rough neighborhood, now one of Ghent's most desirable dining and walking areas.
STAM (Ghent City Museum)
🏛️A compelling city museum housed in a medieval abbey combined with modern architecture. Interactive exhibits trace Ghent's evolution from medieval powerhouse to modern creative hub.
Blaarmeersen Recreation Park
🌳A large urban park west of the center with a beach, swimming lake, sports facilities, and walking trails. Where locals go to escape the city without leaving it.
🗺️Where to Next
Bruges
The fairytale medieval city with canals, chocolate shops, and the Belfry. More touristy than Ghent but undeniably beautiful. A quick and easy day trip.
Brussels
Belgium's capital with the Grand Place, Art Nouveau architecture, the European Quarter, excellent museums, and a cosmopolitan food scene.
Antwerp
Belgium's diamond and fashion capital. Rubens' masterpieces, a stunning Renaissance old town, cutting-edge fashion, and a thriving culinary scene.
Ypres (Ieper)
A moving WWI pilgrimage site with the In Flanders Fields Museum and the nightly Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. The rebuilt Cloth Hall is magnificent.
Oudenaarde
A small Flemish town famous for its tapestry museum in the ornate Gothic town hall, and as the spiritual home of the Tour of Flanders cycling race.
📍Hidden Gems
Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraat)
A narrow alley near the Gravensteen that is legally designated for street art. The murals change constantly, making each visit unique. A vibrant contrast to the medieval surroundings.
Ghent actively embraces street art culture. This legal graffiti alley is a sanctioned creative space that represents the city's rebellious, student-driven spirit.
Dok Noord / Dok Gent
A former industrial docklands area north of the center being transformed into a creative neighborhood with pop-up bars, food trucks, urban gardens, and cultural events.
Most visitors never venture beyond the medieval center. Dok shows the future-facing side of Ghent — creative, sustainable, and deliciously unconventional.
Café Folklore
A quirky student bar near Sint-Pietersplein crammed with vintage decor, mismatched furniture, and an eccentric atmosphere. Belgian beer selection is excellent.
This bar captures the authentic student energy that makes Ghent different from Bruges. It's always full of locals and has the kind of character you can't manufacture.
Patershol Evening Walk
The medieval quarter of Patershol takes on a magical quality in the evening, with soft lighting, candlelit restaurant windows, and the Gravensteen castle looming above.
While tourists photograph Graslei, locals know that Patershol at dusk is Ghent at its most romantic and atmospheric — cobblestones, candlelight, and castle shadows.
De Superette Bakery & Restaurant
A bakery, restaurant, and community gathering place in a converted church in the up-and-coming Brugse Poort neighborhood, run by chef Kobe Desramaults.
Sourdough bread baked in a church, with one of Ghent's most innovative restaurant menus. It represents the city's creative food culture beyond traditional Belgian fare.
☀️Weather
Ghent shares Bruges' maritime climate — mild year-round but frequently wet. Summers are pleasantly warm without extreme heat, winters are damp and cool. Rain is possible in every season, making layers and waterproofs essential. The city is beautiful in every weather.
Spring
March - May41-63°F
5-17°C
Variable weather with improving sunshine. May brings lovely warm days. The flower markets along the Kouter square are at their best.
Summer
June - August54-73°F
12-23°C
The best season — warm enough for canal-side dining, long twilight evenings, and the Gentse Feesten in July. Rarely uncomfortable heat.
Autumn
September - November43-64°F
6-18°C
September is pleasant. October brings atmospheric mist over the canals. November is grey and wet but the city's lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
Winter
December - February34-45°F
1-7°C
Cold and damp with occasional frost. The Ghent Light Festival (every 3 years) transforms the city. Christmas events add warmth to the dark season.
🛡️Safety
Very Safe
out of 100
Ghent is a very safe city with a strong community feel. The large student population means the city is lively but not rough. Violent crime is extremely rare, and petty theft is less common than in Brussels or Antwerp. The city feels safe to walk at all hours.
Things to Know
- •The area around Sint-Pieters station can feel less safe late at night — use the well-lit main exits and tram stops
- •Watch for cyclists — Ghent is a serious cycling city with bike lanes on most streets
- •Cobblestone streets are slippery when wet — wear sturdy shoes, especially in the Patershol quarter
- •During the Gentse Feesten (July), crowding and alcohol consumption increase — keep valuables secure
- •Canal-side paths lack railings in places — take care at night, especially after visiting pubs
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
General Emergency (EU-wide)
112
Police
101
Fire Department
100
Ambulance
100
Poison Control
070 245 245
🚕Transit & Transport
Ghent's historic center is very walkable, and the city has an excellent tram and bus network operated by De Lijn. Cycling is deeply embedded in Ghent's culture — it's the most common way locals get around. The car-free zone in the city center makes walking and cycling even more pleasant.
De Lijn Trams
€2.50 onboard; €1.80 with prepaid Lijnkaart; free with a Ghent City CardFour tram lines connect the center to the station and outer neighborhoods. Tram 1 runs from Sint-Pieters station through the center to the northern docks. Frequent and reliable.
Best for: Getting from Sint-Pieters station to the center and back
De Lijn Buses
€2.50 onboard; €1.80 with prepaid LijnkaartCity buses complement the tram network and reach neighborhoods not on tram routes. The same fare system and Lijnkaart work on buses.
Best for: Reaching Blaarmeersen park, university campuses, and residential neighborhoods
Donkey Republic / Blue-bike
€1/trip Blue-bike (subscription needed); €6-12/day Donkey RepublicDonkey Republic offers dockless bike rental via app. Blue-bike public bikes are available at Sint-Pieters station. Ghent is flat and has extensive cycling infrastructure — it's the local way to travel.
Best for: Everything — cycling is the most Ghentish way to explore the city and reach Dok Noord or Blaarmeersen
Canal Boat Tours
€9-12 per adult; free with Ghent City CardVarious companies run 40-50 minute boat tours through the medieval canal network, departing from Graslei. A lovely way to see the waterfront architecture from water level.
Best for: Seeing Ghent from the water — especially beautiful at sunset
🚶 Walkability
Ghent's center has one of Belgium's largest car-free zones, making it exceptionally walkable. Sint-Baafsplein to Gravensteen is a 10-minute stroll. The entire medieval core is compact and easily covered on foot. Cobblestones are charming but tough on thin-soled shoes.
✈️Getting In & Out
✈️ Airports
Brussels Airport (Zaventem)(BRU)
65 km southeastDirect train from Brussels Airport to Gent-Sint-Pieters station in about 1 hour (€15-18). Trains run every 30 min.
✈️ Search flights to BRUBrussels South Charleroi Airport(CRL)
110 km southeastShuttle bus to Brussels Midi station (1h, €17), then train to Ghent (30min, €10-14). Total journey about 2 hours. Used by budget airlines.
✈️ Search flights to CRLOstend-Bruges Airport(OST)
65 km westLimited commercial flights. Train from Ostend to Ghent (1h, €10-13). Mainly charter and seasonal flights.
✈️ Search flights to OST🚆 Rail Stations
Gent-Sint-Pieters
2 km south of the center (tram 1 to Korenmarkt in 10 min)The main station with direct trains to Brussels (30min, €10-14), Bruges (25min, €7-10), Antwerp (50min, €10-14), and Brussels Airport (1h, €15-18). International connections via Brussels (Eurostar to London, Thalys to Paris).
🚌 Bus Terminals
Gent-Sint-Pieters Bus Station
FlixBus and Eurolines operate international routes from near the train station. De Lijn regional buses connect to smaller Flemish towns. Most connections are via Brussels.
🛍️Shopping
Ghent offers a mix of Belgian specialties (chocolate, beer, textiles) and a vibrant independent retail scene driven by its creative, student population. The city center has mainstream shopping alongside quirky boutiques and vintage stores. Belgian beer and artisan chocolate make excellent gifts.
Veldstraat
mainstream retailThe main pedestrianized shopping street with Belgian and international brands. Stretches from Korenmarkt south toward Sint-Pieters.
Known for: Belgian fashion, international brands, bookshops, mainstream retail
Groentenmarkt & Surrounds
food market & specialty shopsA historic market square and surrounding streets with food stalls, Belgian specialty shops, and the famous Tierenteyn mustard shop (since 1790).
Known for: Tierenteyn mustard, Belgian chocolates, cheese, artisan food products
Serpentstraat & Bij Sint-Jacobs
vintage & independentA cluster of vintage shops, antique dealers, and independent boutiques near the Friday market square. Sunday morning flea market at Bij Sint-Jacobs.
Known for: Vintage clothing, antiques, secondhand books, Sunday flea market
Designmuseum Gent Shop
design & giftsThe museum shop at the Design Museum Gent carries a curated selection of Belgian design objects, prints, and gifts.
Known for: Belgian design objects, art prints, curator-selected gifts
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Tierenteyn mustard — a legendary Ghent mustard shop operating since 1790 (sold only from the original shop)
- •Cuberdon (neuzekes) — purple cone-shaped candies that are a Ghent specialty, sold at Groentenmarkt
- •Belgian craft beer — Ghent has excellent bottle shops with curated selections
- •Artisan Belgian chocolates from local chocolatiers (Yuzu, Van Hoorebeke)
- •Ghent Altarpiece reproductions and prints from the St. Bavo's Cathedral shop
- •Handmade Flemish lace — more affordable than in Bruges
- •Speculoos biscuits and Belgian waffle mixes
- •Vintage finds from the Bij Sint-Jacobs Sunday flea market
💵Money & Tipping
Euro
Code: EUR
1 EUR is approximately 1.09 USD (as of early 2026). ATMs are widely available around Korenmarkt, Veldstraat, and Sint-Pieters station. Belgian banks include KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, and Belfius. Avoid standalone tourist-area ATMs with high fees.
Payment Methods
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro). Bancontact is Belgium's dominant debit card system. Some smaller shops, market stalls, and student bars are cash-only. Contactless payments are very common.
Tipping Guide
Service charge is included in Belgian prices by law. Tipping is not expected but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
No tip expected. Leaving small change (coins) is a nice gesture but not required.
Tips are included in the metered fare by law. Rounding up is a nice gesture but not expected.
€1-2 per bag for porters. Housekeeping tips are not customary in Belgium.
€2-5 per person for guided tours. Canal boat operators appreciate small tips but they are not expected.
💰Budget
budget
$65-95
Hostel dorm, frituur meals and market food, free walking tours, student bars for beer, walking everywhere
mid-range
$140-210
Mid-range hotel, restaurant meals, Ghent Altarpiece visit, canal boat tour, beer tastings
luxury
$320+
Boutique hotel on the canals, fine dining in Patershol, private tours, chocolate workshops
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | €22-32 | $24-35 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel (double) | €90-160 | $98-174 |
| AccommodationBoutique canal-side hotel | €180-350 | $196-382 |
| FoodFrites from a frituur | €3-5 | $3.27-5.45 |
| FoodWaterzooi (Ghent stew) at restaurant | €16-22 | $17.44-23.98 |
| FoodLunch at brasserie | €14-20 | $15.26-21.80 |
| FoodDinner in Patershol | €28-50 | $30.52-54.50 |
| FoodBelgian beer at a bar | €3.50-6 | $3.81-6.54 |
| TransportSingle tram/bus ride | €2.50 | $2.73 |
| TransportDay bike rental | €10-15 | $10.90-16.35 |
| TransportCanal boat tour | €9-12 | $9.81-13.08 |
| AttractionsGhent Altarpiece (St. Bavo's) | €16 | $17.44 |
| AttractionsGravensteen Castle | €12 | $13.08 |
| AttractionsGhent City Card (48h) | €38 | $41.42 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •The Ghent City Card includes most museums, a canal boat ride, and public transport — great value for 2+ days
- •Eat at frituren (fry stands) for classic, cheap Belgian frites — Frituur Jozef near the center is locally famous
- •Many churches and the Belfry exterior are free to admire
- •Walk or cycle everywhere — the car-free center makes it easy and pleasant
- •Student bars around Sint-Pietersplein offer the cheapest beer in the city
- •The Sunday flea market at Bij Sint-Jacobs is free to browse and has bargains
- •Ghent is cheaper than Bruges for accommodation and dining — consider staying here and day-tripping
- •Bring a refillable water bottle — Belgian tap water is excellent
🗓️When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Late April through September offers the best weather and longest days. The Gentse Feesten (10-day street festival in July) is an unforgettable experience. Spring and autumn are lovely with fewer crowds. Winter has Christmas markets and the occasional Lichtfestival.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: ModerateWarming weather brings outdoor terrace season along the Graslei. Flower markets bloom on the Kouter. May is often the sweetest month — pleasant, green, and not yet peak.
Pros
- + Pleasant walking weather
- + Flower markets
- + Pre-peak pricing
- + Outdoor terraces open
Cons
- − Rain possible any day
- − April can be chilly
- − Easter weekend more crowded
Summer (June - August)
Crowds: High — especially during Gentse FeestenPeak season with the longest days and warmest weather. The 10-day Gentse Feesten in mid-July is the ultimate summer event. Canal-side dining and outdoor concerts.
Pros
- + Gentse Feesten (mid-July)
- + Long warm evenings
- + Canal-side dining
- + Best weather for cycling
Cons
- − Accommodation books up for Gentse Feesten
- − Day-tripper crowds on weekends
- − Higher prices in July-August
- − Rain still possible
Autumn (September - November)
Crowds: Moderate in September, low by NovemberSeptember is ideal — warm enough for outdoor activities with thinning crowds. Autumn beer festivals celebrate Belgian brewing culture. November is atmospheric but grey.
Pros
- + Fewer tourists
- + Atmospheric autumn light
- + Beer festivals
- + University back in session (vibrant atmosphere)
Cons
- − Increasing rain
- − Shorter days
- − Some outdoor terraces close
- − November can be cold and grey
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Low — except Christmas market periodCold and damp but the Christmas market on Sint-Baafsplein adds winter charm. January-February are quiet months perfect for cozy pub culture.
Pros
- + Christmas market
- + Cozy pub season
- + Lowest prices
- + Lichtfestival (every 3 years, next 2027)
Cons
- − Cold and damp
- − Short days (dark by 4:30 PM)
- − Some canal boats don't run
- − Grey skies
🎉 Festivals & Events
Gentse Feesten
Mid-July (10 days)One of Europe's largest cultural street festivals. Ten days of music, theater, street performers, markets, and parties across the entire city center. Over 1.5 million visitors annually — free entry.
Ghent Film Festival
OctoberAn international film festival screening world cinema, with a focus on music in film. Screenings in venues across the city.
Ghent Light Festival
January/February (every 3 years)A stunning light art festival where international artists illuminate the city's medieval architecture with installations. Next edition expected 2027.
Christmas Market
DecemberWooden chalets on Sint-Baafsplein and surrounding squares selling mulled wine, Belgian waffles, crafts, and seasonal treats. An ice rink adds to the festive atmosphere.
🛂Visa & Entry
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. Visitors from many countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The ETIAS travel authorization system is expected to launch for visa-exempt nationals — check current requirements before travel.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure. ETIAS authorization may be required — check before travel. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Post-Brexit, UK nationals follow Schengen third-country rules. The 90/180-day rule applies. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Standard Schengen rules apply. International Experience Canada (IEC) program available for youth. |
| EU/EEA Citizens | Visa-free | Unlimited | Freedom of movement applies. Can live and work without a visa. National ID card sufficient for entry. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Standard Schengen rules apply. Working Holiday visa available for ages 18-30. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | Up to 90 days | Must apply for a Schengen visa at the Belgian embassy or VFS Global center. Requires travel insurance, accommodation proof, and financial means. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •The 90-day limit is cumulative across ALL Schengen countries — time in France or the Netherlands counts against your Belgium allowance
- •Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
- •Belgium is a founding Schengen member — border checks are rare when arriving from other Schengen countries
- •If arriving from the UK by Eurostar via Brussels, passport control happens in London or Brussels
- •Keep proof of accommodation and return travel accessible — occasionally checked at Belgian airports
💬Speak the Language
Ghent is in Flanders, where Dutch (Flemish variant) is the official language. Nearly everyone speaks excellent English, and many also speak French. The Ghent accent is broader than Brussels Dutch. A few Dutch phrases are appreciated but never expected.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Goodbye | Hallo / Tot ziens | HAH-loh / tot ZEENS |
| Good morning / Good evening | Goedemorgen / Goedenavond | HOO-duh-MOR-ghun / HOO-duh-NAH-vont |
| Thank you | Dank u / Dank je (informal) | dahnk oo / dahnk yuh |
| Please | Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft (informal) | AHL-stoo-bleeft / AHL-shuh-bleeft |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Pardon / Sorry | par-DOHN / SOR-ee |
| Yes / No | Ja / Nee | yah / nay |
| How much is this? | Hoeveel kost dit? | HOO-vale kost dit? |
| Where is...? | Waar is...? | vahr is...? |
| The check, please | De rekening, alstublieft | duh RAY-kuh-ning, AHL-stoo-bleeft |
| I don't understand | Ik begrijp het niet | ik buh-GHRYPE hut neet |
| Do you speak English? | Spreekt u Engels? | spraykt oo ENG-uls? |
| A beer, please | Een biertje, alstublieft | un BEER-chuh, AHL-stoo-bleeft |