12 Very Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium

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A quaint little city in the middle of the country, Ghent is a beautiful place to visit in Belgium that people often overlook. This is a shame because there are many amazing things to do in Ghent!

When it comes to visiting places in Belgium, people tend to head to Brussels and then make the day trip to Bruges, the gorgeous city in the north of the country. However, Ghent is almost perfectly located between these two cities and makes for a great little stop.

We did exactly this and spent a day wandering the streets of Ghent. Despite being seriously underappreciated, we loved it. It’s a city that has a lot to give.

So if you’re planning a trip to Belgium, be sure to add Ghent to your itinerary!

12 Amazing Things to Do in Ghent

One of the best things about Ghent is its rich history. There’s plenty to keep you occupied and lots to see Here are some of our top picks for what you should see and do during your one day in Ghent.

1. Explore Gravensteen Castle

This castle is one of the oldest and most famous in Belgium and one of Ghent’s oldest and most iconic attractions. Also known as the ‘Castle of the Counts’, this 12th-century castle is known for its stunning medieval architecture, which showcases a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles. 

The castle was the home of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. After this, it was initially repurposed for its initial use as a courthouse, before the building went on to serve as a prison, mint, and even a cotton factory.

Gravensteen Castle is one of the best places to travel back in time and get a taste of what Ghent was like hundreds of years ago.

For adults, the entrance fee is €13.00, plus, it’s just a 15-minute walk from the centre of the city!

2. Visit St Bavo’s Cathedral

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is another must-see in Ghent. Also known as Sint-Baafs Cathedral, the gothic exterior of this majestic building is a sight to behold and its 89-meter-high spire pierces the skyline of the city.

Plus, it’s not just the outside of the cathedral that’s worth mentioning. Inside, you will find amazing artwork such as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.

This altarpiece was created by Jan van Eyck and his brother Hubert Van Eyck in 1432. The stunning Ghent alterpiece is one of the medieval city’s most prized treasures.

3. See Stadhuis

Remember when I said that Ghent was full of stunning architecture? Well, this is a prime example of it. The City Hall (Stadhuis) is one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in the city and dates back to 1321.

The building was heavily influenced by Flemish Renaissance architecture, which gives it its unique look. It’s definitely worth a visit if you want to admire some of Belgium’s finest architecture.

Located in the city centre, it’s easy to access and you can even take a guided tour inside the building.

4. Wander around Graslei & Korenlei

Graslei & Korenlei are two of Ghent’s most iconic spots. They are both quays and are located on either side of the Leie River. The quays have been around since medieval times and are now a place full of culture and very popular with tourists.

This area is also known as the “Gentleman’s Quarter” because it is home to some of the oldest and most remarkable buildings in the city.

These days, the area is thriving. The two streets are filled with cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries making it one of the best attractions in Ghent.

This area is the perfect place to wander around, take photos or simply watch the boats passing by.

5. Climb the Belfry of Ghent

I’m a huge fan of city panoramas, and this is no different in Ghent. One of the best things to do in Ghent is to climb the 432 steps of the Ghent Belfry.

This bell tower was opened in 1313 and is one of the oldest towers in Belgium. In fact, it is one of three medieval towers situated in the old city centre of Ghent overlooking the beauty below.

You’ll have some of the best views of Ghent from the top. Take in the city skyline from 91 meters above, with its cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. It’s definitely worth the climb!

6. Visit St Peter’s Abbey

St Peter’s Abbey is another popular attraction in Ghent. This former Benedictine Abbey was founded by the Bishop of Ghent in the 7th century and is one of the oldest monasteries in the city.

It’s now been turned into a museum and exhibition centre, containing a large collection of religious artefacts, including artefacts from the Middle Ages.

The abbey is located in the city centre, and it’s relatively easy to find. It also features an impressive interior courtyard full of sculptures and fountains. The abbey also offers guided tours which will give you an insight into its fascinating history.

7. See the MSK Art Gallery

One of Belgium’s most impressive art galleries is located in Ghent. The MSK Gallery houses a huge collection of Flemish artwork, ranging from contemporary pieces to Renaissance works.

The gallery is worth visiting for its architectural beauty alone, with its intricate carvings and stunning stained-glass windows.

Inside, you can explore the permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions which are regularly updated. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Ghent if you’re an art lover!

8. Take a Boat Trip on the Leie River

Ghent is home to many rivers and canals, and one of the best things to do in Ghent is to take a boat trip on the River Leie. This river runs through the city and is one of the most beautiful spots in Ghent.

The river is lined with historic buildings, charming pubs and cafes, making it a great place to explore by boat. There are plenty of companies offering boat trips on the Leie River, ranging from short exciting cruises to longer trips which take you through some of Ghent’s hidden gems.

It’s a great way to explore the city and its beauty from another perspective.

9. Explore the Old Town

Just like many of the most beautiful old towns in Europe, The Belgian city is full of cobblestones and narrow alleyways. I personally think the best way to explore the city is by taking a walk around the old town. You’ll come across quaint shops, cafes and some of Ghent’s most iconic buildings.

This area is also home to many street performers, making it even more interesting to explore.

10. Eat the Cuisine

You cannot go to Belgium and not sample its delicious cuisine! The city of Ghent is renowned for its traditional dishes, such as stoverij (beef stew), waterzooi (fish stew) and of course the famous Belgian fries.

There are plenty of restaurants serving up these classic dishes throughout Ghent, so make sure you leave enough time to enjoy a meal or two during your stay.

There’s nothing better than sitting outside in the sun, or snuggling inside a cosy cafe if you visit in the winter months, and enjoying a delicious traditional meal! Don’t forget to wash it down with a few of Belgian beers.

If you’re looking for something sweet, make sure to sample some of Ghent’s famous waffles. These are served with an array of toppings, including fruit and ice cream, or my personal favourite, caramel sauce!

11. Marvel at St Nicholas Church

I’ve arguably saved the best ’til last! Saint Nicholas Church is one of Ghent’s most eye-catching buildings. This Gothic UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 13th century, and its awe-inspiring architecture will leave you speechless.

Inside the church, there are several large stained glass windows which illuminate the interior with a rainbow of colours. It’s definitely worth taking some time to admire the beauty of this incredible building and all the intricate details that it has to offer.

12. Take a day trip

Last but not least, if you have a longer time in Ghent, it’s definitely worth taking a day trip outside the city. Both Bruges and Brussels (Belgium’s two most famous cities) are just a short train ride from Ghent, and it’s a great way to explore some more of Belgium.

Whilst each city is unique in its own way, I would recommend Bruges for its impressive architecture and cobbled streets. It’s definitely worth taking an afternoon out of your Ghent trip to visit this beautiful town!

If you do decide to visit Brussels too, I recommend staying there for a few days to really explore everything that the capital has to offer.

How many days do you need in Ghent?

We managed to visit most of the sites we wanted to see in Ghent in just a single day. However, if you want to dig a little deeper into the city’s history, then you might want to stay for a couple of days. The more time you have, the more experiences you can have in Ghent.

The best way to get to Ghent

Since public transportation is so good across Western Europe, Ghent is easily accessible from all major cities in Belgium. There are frequent trains from Brussels and Antwerp. It’s quite a small city, so it’s then pretty easy to walk from the main train station to the centre of Ghent.

You can also access Ghent easily from other cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Cologne in Germany. Basically, anywhere that has a high-speed connection to Brussels, you will be able to travel to Ghent by train.

Ghent doesn’t have its own airport, however, the nearest airports are Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris. If you fancy hiring a car, you can also drive to Ghent from other parts of Europe.

Final Thoughts on the Top Things to Do in Ghent

So, these are some of the best things to do in Ghent. Whether you’re after art, culture, food or sightseeing, Ghent has something for everyone. With only one day in this gorgeous city, make sure you make the most of your time and explore as much of what Ghent has to offer as you can.

If you have some extra time, why not take a day trip out of the city and visit more of Belgium? One thing is for sure – Ghent won’t disappoint!

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