Travel Guide of Ghent in Belgium by Influencers and Travelers

Ghent is a city and a municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province, and the third largest in the country, exceeded in size by Brussels and Antwerp.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Ghent

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Gravensteen

The Gravensteen is a medieval castle at Ghent, East Flanders in Belgium. The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city.

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2 - Korenmarkt, Ghent

Korenmarkt is a city square in the historic center of Ghent, Belgium. Located between the Leie river and St. Nicholas' Church, it is one of the city's most important and famous tourist locations.

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3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Ghent Food and Drink Tours

Discover the heart of Ghent City with the TouringBee app. This app turns your walk into an informative journey. Its audio commentary acts as your personal guide, sharing interesting stories about the city's landmarks. Go on a two-hour tour, where you'll visit 31 stops, including Gravensteen Castle and Ghent's oldest house. You'll pass by the city's largest brothel, bustling markets, old churches, and picturesque streets and quays. Enjoy this tour at your pace. Stop for a coffee, explore a hidden alleyway, or skip a point of interest if you want. The tour starts and ends at Sint-Michielsbrug, but you can keep exploring or take a river cruise (not included) afterward.

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4 - Saint Nicholas' Church

St. Nicholas Church is one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in Ghent, Belgium. Begun in the early 13th century as a replacement for an earlier Romanesque church, construction continued through the rest of the century in the local Scheldt Gothic style.

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5 - Graslei

Graslei is a quay in the historic city center of Ghent, Belgium, located on the right bank of the Leie river. The quay opposite of the Graslei is called Korenlei.

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6 - Morning | Gent-Watertoerist Boat Jetty

Leaving from one of Ghent's most beautiful sites, the Graslei, your 40-minute scenic boat trip along the Lys and the Lieve to the Rabot Towers will sail you off on a beautiful history lesson! See this Belgian university town from a whole new angle, rain or shine.

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7 - Korenlei

Korenlei is a quay in the historic city center of Ghent, Belgium, located on the left bank of the Leie river. The quay on the opposite bank of the Leie is Graslei.

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8 - Huis van Alijn

The Huis van Alijn is a museum located on the Kraanlei in Ghent, Belgium. The collection revolves around local culture and daily life in the 20th century.

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9 - Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a nature reserve on the outskirts of the Belgian city of Ghent. It lies mainly in the district of Mariakerke and covers 230 hectares.

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10 - Gent

Ghent is a city and a municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province, and the third largest in the country, exceeded in size only by Brussels and Antwerp. It is a port and university city.

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11 - T Klokhuys

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12 - 9050

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13 - Muur van Geraardsbergen

   34 km away

The Muur van Geraardsbergen is a steep, narrow road with cobblestones in Geraardsbergen, Belgium. It is also known as Kapelmuur, Muur-Kapelmuur or simply Muur.

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14 - Bruges

   38 km away

Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium, in the northwest of the country, and the seventh largest city of the country by population.

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15 - Belfry of Bruges

   38 km away

The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower in the centre of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other danger.

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16 - Zwevegem

   38 km away

Zwevegem is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the towns of Heestert, Moen, Otegem, Sint-Denijs and Zwevegem. On January 1, 2019, Zwevegem had a total population of 24,648. The total area is 63.24 km² which gives a population density of 380 inhabitants per km². The Bekaert company was founded in Zwevegem by Baron Leon Leander Bekaert.

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17 - Plaza Gran Mercado

   38 km away
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18 - Minnewaterpark

   38 km away
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19 - De Spinolarei and Spiegelrei

   38 km away
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20 - Jan Van Eyck Square

   38 km away
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21 - Marie's House

   38 km away
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22 - Malpertuske

   38 km away
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Pictures and Stories of Ghent from Influencers

20 pictures of Ghent from Baptist Standaert, Razvan Horhat, Jonatan Moerman and other travelers

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Why should you visit Ghent ?

Travel to Ghent if you like:

  🏘️ Town     🗼 Landmark     🐾 Wildlife     🏰 Château  

How to visit Ghent ?

To reach Ghent, you have several options. The nearest airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), located about 67 km away. From there, you can take a train directly to Ghent's central station, Gent-Sint-Pieters, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Another option is to travel by train from other major European cities, such as Paris, London, or Amsterdam. Finally, you can also drive to Ghent and park in one of the city's many parking garages.

When planning your trip, it's essential to book your accommodations and any guided tours in advance. Due to its popularity, Ghent hotels and hostels can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Additionally, guided tours of popular attractions, such as Gravensteen Castle or St. Bavo's Cathedral, can also sell out, so it's better to reserve your spot early.

In terms of costs, Ghent is relatively affordable compared to other European cities. You can expect to pay around €60-€150 per night for a mid-range hotel and between €15-€30 for a meal at a decent restaurant. Entrance fees to major attractions range from €4-€15 per person.

Among the best things to do in Ghent, you must visit the Gravensteen Castle, an impressive medieval fortress. Take a stroll along the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei quays, and explore the stunning St. Bavo's Cathedral, which houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. Patershol, a historic neighborhood with cobbled streets and charming houses, is perfect for an afternoon wander.

For dining, Ghent offers a variety of excellent options. For traditional Belgian cuisine, try De Graslei, located on the picturesque Graslei quay. For delicious vegetarian and vegan options, visit Le Botaniste, a trendy and eco-friendly eatery. For a unique dining experience, check out Amadeus, famous for its all-you-can-eat rib platters.

When choosing where to stay, consider the charming Hotel Harmony, a boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the eco-conscious ECOhostel Andromeda, a cozy and environmentally friendly hostel situated on a boat.

Off the beaten path: For an unusual travel experience in Ghent, consider taking a bike tour through the nearby picturesque countryside, visiting the lesser-known but beautiful Drongengoedbos forest, or exploring the hidden alleys and street art of Werregarenstraat. Another unique experience is to take a scenic boat ride along the Leie River, where you can discover lesser-known spots and enjoy a different perspective of this enchanting city.

Learn More about Ghent

Discover Ghent, a port city in the north-west of the country which is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium.

St. Bavo's Cathedral is a must-see on any trip to Ghent. A true architectural gem, it has had a rich and eventful history. A church in the 10th century, it was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist in the 12th century before becoming a vast Gothic cathedral in the 15th and 16th centuries. 
It became the cathedral of the diocese of Ghent in 1559 and houses several masterpieces: "The Entry of Saint Bavo into the Cloister" by Rubens, "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Hubert and Jan van Eyck, and the triptych of Calvary by Juste de Gand.

Would you like to travel back in time and discover the life of 12th century knights? Then head to the Castle of the Counts for an original and instructive journey into the past. A visit to this castle will delight history lovers as well as younger visitors who will play at being scared in the torture room.

The 91-metre high belfry, built in the 14th century, is one of the most famous and most visited monuments in Ghent. The most courageous will climb the dozens of steps (we assure you, there is also a lift!) to enjoy the spectacular view from the top. 
With its 53 bells, its gargoyles and its gilded copper dragon, the Ghent Belfry is a strikingly beautiful building.

While tourists visiting Ghent will obviously rush to visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, they would be wrong to pass up a visit to the beautiful St. Nicholas' Church. This building in Tournai blue stone is one of the most beautiful examples of Scaldian Gothic, typical of the old county of Flanders.

Finally, the Ghent Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful in Belgium, and one of the oldest. It houses remarkable and varied collections from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. 
You can admire the works of the great Flemish masters, from Bosch to Rubens, but also discover the masterpieces of Magritte and many modern artists. The museum also offers a rich programme of activities and workshops for children.

Of course, there are many other monuments and things to discover in Ghent. It is an ideal city for families, so don't hesitate. 

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Ghent

How to get to Ghent?

The city of Ghent is easily accessible from the capital Brussels by train (about 30min). 
You can of course also drive there, depending on where you are coming from. 

What language is spoken in Ghent?

In Ghent, the majority (and official) language is Dutch, but also Flemish (a kind of dialect). 
However, some inhabitants also speak French. 

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