The 12 essential things to do in Ghent

Visit Ghent: Discover our selection of the best things to do and see in the historical heart of Flanders!

Located at the junction between the river of Lys and the river of Escaut, the beautiful of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking city, is much too often blocked by visitors in favor of Bruges or Antwerp. I'm wrong! For if you leave the time of a weekend in Belgium, Ghent is an ideal destination to get out of the beaten paths and avoid mass tourism of its famous neighbors. Young, alive, cultural, the other northern Venice will delight travellers in search of change. Evade in this postcard decor... Through the channels and paved alleys, you are transported in time, in a medieval and lively atmosphere.

Are you organizing your escapade in the dish country and wondering what to do in Ghent? Find in this article the must-sees of the pleasant city of Ghent, between history and modernity.

1. The Beffroi

If you come to visit Ghent, you will not be able to pass next to the uncontourable historic centre of the city. Start your escapade in the Flemish city with the majestic Beffroi de Gand Gothic style. Classified at UNESCO World Heritage, this ancient watch tower built in the 14th century is a symbol of the city of Ghent. We advise you to climb its steps to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding area. Take height and hold your ear to listen to the sound of one of the fifty-three bells of the belfry... You will succumb to the gantish charm from the first melodies.

2. Saint-Bavon Cathedral

When we look for what to do in Ghent, impossible to miss the famous Saint-Bavon Cathedral . Faced with the Ghent Beffroi, this iconic building will delight art and architecture lovers. Paintings, sculptures and stained-glass windows, find masterpieces, including the famous Rosco chair of Rubens or the well-known Mystical Lamb of Jan van Eyk.

3. The church of Saint-Nicolas

Continue exploring the historic centre of Ghent with the sumptuous Saint-Nicolas church . Alongside the Beffroi de Gand and the Cathedral of Saint-Bavon, it is the third iconic tower of the city. In Gothic style, its great feature is the use of the blue stone of Tournai for its construction.

4. The Château des Comtes

It is essential to discover the Château des Comtes during your visit to Ghent. Main tourist attraction of the city, Gravensteen — the name of the castle in Dutch — has a collection of torture instruments worth the visit. Walk through this impressive medieval fortress to see a part of Ghent's rich cultural heritage.

5. The Patershol district

Fans of old stones and gastronomy will go absolutely into the Patershol neighborhood . Lose yourself in this maze of picturesque streets dating from the 17th to the 19th century and let yourself be charmed by the medieval charm of this unique place. This quarter of Ghent is both historical and trendy: many bistros, bars and trendy cafes have been created in these narrow streets. Patershol is therefore an immanquable if you want to visit Ghent.

6. The Saint-Michel Bridge

Located near the belfry, the Saint-Michel bridge offers a panoramic view of the docks and major tourist monuments of Ghent. This is the ideal place to take your most beautiful pictures of the city! When the last lights of the day disappear, contemplate the sunset, camera in hand, and enjoy this magical atmosphere in the heart of Ghent.

7. Graslei and Korenlei

Direction the canals and the old port. This is where we find the emblematic facades of the city of Ghent. Very appreciated by the Gantois as tourists, the docks of the Graslei and Korenlei lend themselves to nice walks along the Lys. Admire the suite of period houses bordering the river... A real playground for herbal photographers at nightfall, the lights of the buildings are reflected in the water and offer a spectacle of rare poetry. It makes a good stroll in this young and lively corner of Ghent where bar terraces and restaurants are legion.

8. Lys by boat

What to do in Ghent for an unforgettable stay? Embark at any cost on a boat and discover the city through the water. On board a boat, a gondola or a private boat, you can be carried at the soft pace of the boat Lys River . Install comfortably and open your eyes: this romantic water trip will allow you to observe Ghent from another angle! This is a mandatory stage for a successful citytrip in Ghent.

9. Museums of Ghent

Coming to visit Ghent can be the perfect opportunity to discover its museums. Passionate about design or history? The city of Ghent has a wide selection of museums that should fill you:

• The SMAK, one of the main contemporary art museums in Belgium
• The STAM, which retraces the history of the city of the Middle Ages today with interactive collections
• Maison d’Alijn or Huis van Alijn, shed light on everyday objects and the life of old in Ghent
• The Museum of Fine Arts, where international and Flemish artists are gathered

10. La Grande Boucherie

Are you looking for a trip out of the ordinary? For an atypical visit of Ghent, you will necessarily go through La Grande Boucherie - Het Groot Vleeshuis Dutch. A former meat hall, this covered market located on the banks of the Lys, impresses by its imposing charpente and its gothic style of the Middle Ages. On the menu in this original restaurant: local products, artisanal beers and regional dishes. It’s a must if you’re wondering what to do in Ghent.

11. Street art

Getting out of the beaten paths in Ghent is possible. Did you know that the city is full of street art? On foot or by bike, explore further areas, away from the tourist hustle. Don't miss any work thanks to the Concrete Canvas Tour. Download this guide on the internet or visit the Tourist Office to find it in hard copy. This route in the city will allow you to discover fifty-four frescoes of urban art. An unusual and high-color visit of Ghent!

12. The cuberdons

You have a little time before your trip to Ghent ends and you just know what to do? Do not leave without having tasted a speciality of the city: the cuberdons . Candy of conical shape, traditionally with raspberry, they are also nicknamed neuzekes , to translate into small nose. If the Belgians sometimes dispute the origin of these sweets, it is no less essential to taste them. Find the tablespoons on the markets or push the Temmerman Confiserie door to savour these authentic gantoise treats.

How to go to Ghent?

To visit Ghent, several alternatives are available to you. You can fly from Paris or many provincial cities to Brussels International Airport (Zaventem Airport). Only 55 kilometers from Brussels, Ghent is connected to the Belgian capital by several train connections. From the airport, take the direct line to the main train station of Gent-Sint-Pieters for approximately 30 minutes.

Don’t hesitate to book your flight tickets in advance via an online flight comparison to make good deals. According to your departure dates, our partner Ulysses Denial for you tickets at unbeatable rates.

Do you prefer to prefer the train to go to Ghent? Good news: thanks to the high speed line of Thalys, joining Ghent from France has never been so fast. From the Gare du Nord de Paris, the Thalys takes you to Ghent in an hour and a half only!

Once on site, Ghent city centre is easily accessible via bus and tram lines.

Where to stay in Ghent?

Ghent has the advantage of having a wide choice of accommodation for all types of budget. Apartments Airbnb whole, hotel rooms with view or sober dorms in hostels: you will undoubtedly find the accommodation that corresponds to you in this young and dynamic city. For the cheapest options, don’t forget to look at the offers on this Compare hotels .

But what neighborhood to choose to visit Ghent? Where to sleep in the Flemish city? As a couple or for a first stay in Ghent, we advise you to stay in the historic centre. If you need rest, opt for the Wondelgem residential area, ideal for families. Take a look at our special article to find out in which district to house in Ghent .