Ghent Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & Drink

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

This local Ghent travel guide is based on my experience of living, studying, and growing in the city. Ghent isn’t just a place I visited, it’s a city where I lived, studied, made friends, and built a life.

From 2022 to 2024, I completed my Master’s in Gender and Diversity at UGent while living near Korenmarkt, right in the heart of the city. My everyday life quickly became a mix of university life and all the little things that make Ghent special: coffee runs, brunch dates, walks along the canals, spontaneous drinks, and slow evenings in cosy cafés.

What I love about Ghent is that it feels intimate without ever feeling boring. Medieval streets, student energy, alternative cafés, beautiful canals and hidden local spots all exist within a relatively small city. After a while, these places stopped feeling like things to visit and simply became part of my routine.

Ghent became much more than a study destination for me. It became my home, my rhythm, and the backdrop to two of the most transformative years of my life.

Living here also taught me to appreciate both sides of the city, the chaos of student life and the quiet moments in between. And maybe that’s what I love most about Ghent: sometimes the best memories aren’t made while ticking off the biggest sights, but during a random coffee, a walk by the water, or a night that was never really planned.

So this isn’t just a list of things to do in Ghent. It’s my local guide to the city I called home.

Where To Stay in Ghent: Travel Guide Tips

I lived here, so these recommendations are personal and based on real experience.

  • City Centre – Around Korenmarkt
    This is the best area to stay in Ghent. Historic buildings, canals, and lively terraces are everywhere. Everything is walkable, and especially in the evening, the atmosphere by the water is magical.
  • Around Coupure
    In contrast, this is a quieter canal area with tree-lined streets and historic houses. It feels peaceful while still being close to the city center.
  • Around Ghent Zuid
    This is a convenient neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and great tram connections. Therefore, it’s slightly less touristy but still very central.
  • Around Ghent-Sint-Pieters Station
    This area is ideal if you arrive by train or plan day trips to Bruges or Brussels. Meanwhile, the historic center is only about 10 minutes away by tram.
  • Overpoort Area
    Finally, this is Ghent’s student nightlife street. Expect cheap drinks, packed bars, and a lively party atmosphere every night.

Tip: Try to stay near the water, Ghent feels different at night when the lights reflect on the canals.

I’ve written a separate guide where I go into much more detail about the best areas to stay in Ghent, including specific hotel recommendations for each area.

→ Where to Stay in Ghent: Best Areas & Hotels

Short on time?

Here are my 4 favourite hotels in Ghent:

Getting Around Ghent

Getting around Ghent is really easy, especially once you’re in the city centre. You honestly won’t need a car.

  • By train: Most visitors arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters, Ghent’s main train station. From there, you can take a tram or bus towards the city centre, or walk if you don’t mind a longer stroll.
  • By bike: Ghent is a very bike-friendly city, and you’ll see bikes everywhere. Renting one can be a great option if you’re staying for a few days or want to explore beyond the historic centre.
  • On foot: The historic city centre is compact and very walkable. Most of the main sights, including Gravensteen, Graslei, Korenmarkt and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, are within walking distance of each other.
  • Public transport: Trams and buses are useful if you’re staying further from the centre or arriving at Gent-Sint-Pieters. The tram is particularly handy for getting between the station and the historic centre.
  • On a budget: Some of the best things to do in Ghent are completely free. Walking along the canals, exploring the historic streets, discovering street art and relaxing in the parks won’t cost you anything.

My tip: Once you’re in the historic centre, I’d mostly walk. Ghent is one of those cities where wandering around is part of the experience, and you’ll probably discover some of your favourite spots simply by getting a little lost.

If you’re travelling around Belgium by train, bus or tram, my guide on Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport explains everything you need to know about getting around the country without a car.

Things To Do in Ghent

If you want a more detailed list of the city’s attractions and experiences, check out my 20 Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: Best Places & Experiences.

Historic & Must-See

Gravensteen

  • Medieval castle in the heart of Ghent
  • One of the city’s most iconic landmarks
  • Feels like stepping into a fairytale
  • Great views over the historic centre from the top

Sint-Baafskathedraal

  • Huge and impressive interior
  • Home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece
  • Worth visiting even if you’re not usually into churches

Graslei & Korenlei

  • One of the most beautiful parts of Ghent
  • Historic guild houses along the water
  • Perfect for photos, people-watching and an evening walk
  • Especially beautiful when the buildings light up at night

Korenmarkt

  • One of Ghent’s main central squares
  • Surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and restaurants
  • Great starting point for exploring the old town

Patershol

  • Historic neighbourhood with cobbled streets
  • Full of restaurants and cosy bars
  • One of my favourite areas to wander around in the evening

Local, Creative & Relaxed

Graffitistraat

  • Ever-changing street art
  • Raw, creative urban vibe
  • A quick stop while exploring the city centre

Boat Tour on the Canals

  • Explore Ghent from the water
  • Cruise past historic buildings, Graslei, Korenlei and Gravensteen
  • Guided tours are available with several boat companies
  • Most traditional boat tours start around Graslei/Korenlei, right in the historic centre
  • A relaxed way to see some of Ghent’s highlights without walking
  • Especially lovely on a sunny day
  • My tip: A boat tour is one of the easiest ways to see Ghent from a different perspective. If the weather is good, I’d definitely add one to your itinerary. The historic buildings along the Graslei and Korenlei look particularly beautiful from the water.

→ Check out the Ghent boat tour on GetYourGuide

Wintercircus

  • Beautifully renovated historic building
  • Now used for cultural, creative and technological events
  • Worth checking what’s happening during your visit

Plantentuin Universiteit Gent

  • Quiet botanical garden away from the busy centre
  • Peaceful greenery and a great place for a slower afternoon

Coyendanspark

  • Small and relaxed city park
  • Nice place to sit and take a break
  • Particularly lovely around sunset

Blaarmeersen

  • Popular summer spot for swimming and sunbathing
  • Great if you’re visiting Ghent on a warm day
  • Free-access areas around Strandlaan

Tweedehands Boekenmarkt

  • Secondhand book browsing
  • Relaxed Sunday atmosphere
  • A nice little stop if you like books and local markets

VIERNULVIER

  • Contemporary arts centre
  • Exhibitions, performances, concerts and cultural events
  • Check the programme before your visit

Sphinx Cinema

  • Independent and arthouse films
  • Cosy café atmosphere
  • Great option for a quieter evening

My tip: Don’t try to tick everything off a list. Ghent is one of those cities where wandering around is part of the experience. Give yourself some time to walk along the canals, explore the little streets and stop wherever looks interesting.

Museums & Culture

Museum voor Schone Kunsten (MSK)

  • One of Ghent’s main art museums
  • Large collection ranging from medieval art to modern works
  • Great choice if you enjoy classic European art

→ Check the MSK entry ticket on GetYourGuide

Interior of the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent

S.M.A.K.

  • Contemporary art museum
  • More experimental and modern than the MSK
  • Good option if you’re into contemporary art

STAM

  • Ghent’s city museum
  • Tells the story of Ghent and how the city developed
  • Great if you want to understand more about the city you’re visiting

Huis van Alijn

  • Museum about everyday life and popular culture
  • More quirky and accessible than a traditional art museum
  • A fun option if you’re interested in how people lived in the past

GUM – Gents Universiteitsmuseum

  • Science and university museum
  • Combines science, research and philosophy
  • Located next to the university botanical garden

Industriemuseum

  • Focuses on Belgium’s industrial history
  • Interesting mix of machinery, technology and social history
  • Especially worth considering if you’re interested in how Ghent became an industrial city

Museum tip: If you’re visiting on the first Thursday of the month, check out Late Thursday. Participating Ghent museums stay open until 22:00 and often have extra activities such as talks, concerts or guided tours.

And if you’re visiting during Museumnacht, you can visit participating museums for free for the evening. It takes place on the first Thursday of December each year, in 2026, that’s December 3.

Planning your Ghent trip?

I created a Ghent Google Map with my favourite places and local recommendations from 2 years of living and studying in the city. Find the best things to do, coffee & brunch spots, restaurants, bars, nightlife and more, all saved in one easy-to-use map.
OR
Want to explore more of Belgium?
Get the Complete Belgium Google Map with 540+ saved places across the country.

Ghent Google Map: €2
Complete Belgium Google Map: €5

My Top 3 Paid Experiences in Ghent

Ghent is easy to explore on your own, but if you want to experience the city in a different way, these are three paid experiences I’d consider adding to your itinerary.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Food and drinks

Ghent has an amazing food and café scene, from specialty coffee and slow brunches to Belgian classics, international food and late-night snacks. Here are some of my personal favourites from my time living here.

Best Coffee Spots in Ghent

If you’re looking for good coffee while exploring the city, these are some of my favourites:

  • Full Circle Coffee – Specialty coffee and fully plant-based.
  • WAY Coffee – Great espresso, lattes and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Mokabon – A classic Ghent coffeehouse with a cosy, authentic feel.
  • Peaberry Coffeebar – Specialty coffee near Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.
  • Goya Coffee – Light-filled coffee bar with great cappuccinos.
  • Koffeine – Cosy local coffee spot with good espresso and cakes.
  • Wild Child – Small specialty coffee spot with a creative atmosphere.
  • Barista – Good coffee and desserts.
  • Kultur Bakery – Coffee and pastries, perfect for a quick breakfast stop.

Full Circle, for example, roasts its own coffee and is known for its 100% plant-based concept.

If you’re specifically looking for the best cafés and brunch spots, I’ve put together a separate guide to Best Coffee and Brunch in Ghent: My Favourite Cafés, based on my favourite spots from living here.

Brunch at a café in Ghent, Belgium

Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch

If you want to actually sit down for breakfast or brunch, these are some of the places I’d put on your list:

Alice

One of my favourite options for a proper breakfast or brunch.

  • Traditional recipes with a modern touch
  • Breakfast, brunch and lunch
  • Pancakes and pastries
  • Lovely interior and terrace
  • Great option for a slower morning

Alice is also known for bringing traditional Ghent recipes back to life, and it has a particularly nice setting.

Pain Perdu

A classic Ghent brunch and breakfast spot that is perfect if you want to take your time.

  • Breakfast, brunch and lunch
  • Cosy atmosphere
  • Beautiful covered garden
  • Good option for a relaxed weekend brunch

Pain Perdu is located in the arts district and also has a garden at the back, which makes it especially nice when the weather is good.

Eet- en koffiehuis Cozette

A cosy local café that’s great for a more relaxed breakfast or lunch.

  • Brunch plates
  • Coffee and cakes
  • Local, laid-back atmosphere
  • Good option if you want to get away from the busiest parts of the centre

HUSET

A warm and stylish café that’s good for both breakfast and lunch.

  • Quality coffee
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Cosy interior
  • Relaxed atmosphere

Smørbrød

A good option if you’re more in the mood for lunch than a traditional brunch.

  • Scandinavian-inspired lunch
  • Fresh and simple
  • Relaxed atmosphere

Gust

A popular option for breakfast, brunch or lunch.

  • Creative daytime dishes
  • Good quality food
  • Relaxed atmosphere

Souplounge

Perfect if you want something lighter for lunch.

  • Soups
  • Healthy bowls
  • Quick and casual
  • Good for a relaxed midday break

My tip: Ghent has so many coffee and brunch spots that you don’t need to plan every meal in advance. Pick one area, walk around and see what catches your eye. But if you want a proper brunch, I’d personally look at Alice, Pain Perdu, Cozette or Gust first. Pain Perdu specifically offers breakfast, brunch and lunch, so it works well if you want one place that covers all three.

Food – Grouped by Cuisine

Ghent has a really diverse food scene, from classic Belgian food and cheap student favourites to international restaurants and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. These are some of the places I personally like or would recommend checking out.

If you’re mainly looking for somewhere to eat, check out my Best Restaurants in Ghent: Where to Eat in Ghent for more of my favourite restaurants and food spots around the city.

Belgian & Local Food

If you want to try something more traditionally Belgian, these are some good options:

Pakhuis

A classic Belgian brasserie in a beautiful historic building.

  • Belgian-style dishes
  • Fresh seafood and oysters
  • Meat and traditional options
  • Stylish setting, great for dinner

De Frietketel

One of the places I’d recommend if you want to try a proper Belgian frituur in Ghent.

  • Huge portions
  • Classic Belgian fries and snacks
  • Lots of vegetarian and vegan options
  • Their homemade tartare sauce is worth trying
  • Popular, so you may have to wait in line

It is particularly well known for its large portions and wide range of vegetarian and vegan choices.

Kastart

A real Ghent student classic.

  • Pasta and spaghetti
  • Very generous portions
  • Budget-friendly
  • Casual and no-fuss

Perfect if you’re looking for something filling without spending too much.

If you want to discover more Belgian dishes beyond what you’ll find in Ghent, check out my Belgian Food Guide: 15 Foods You Need to Try for the Belgian classics I think you should try at least once.

Burgers & Comfort Food

Jilles Beer & Burgers

A great option if you’re craving a proper burger.

  • Gourmet burgers
  • Vegetarian and vegan options
  • Belgian beers to match your burger
  • Casual and cosy atmosphere

They actually pair their burgers with different Belgian beers, so it’s a fun option if you want to combine two very Belgian things.

Chapeluur

A casual option in the city centre.

  • Burgers and comfort food
  • Good for a quick and easy meal
  • Particularly popular for late-night food
  • Great after drinks or a night out

Vegan & Vegetarian

Ghent is actually one of the best cities in Belgium for vegetarian and vegan food, so you definitely won’t struggle to find plant-based options.

Le Botaniste

A popular plant-based spot right in the city centre.

  • 100% plant-based
  • Healthy bowls and comfort food
  • Great for lunch or a casual dinner
  • Good option if you’re looking for something lighter

Le Botaniste is also particularly convenient if you’re exploring the historic centre.

Sociaal Eethuis Karoot

A lovely option for plant-based food with a more local feel.

  • Vegetarian and vegan dishes
  • Seasonal ingredients
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Good for a slower lunch or dinner

Dolfijn

A cosy, slightly alternative spot.

  • Known for its vegetarian lasagne
  • Relaxed atmosphere

International / Other

Ghent is also great if you want something other than Belgian food.

Mosquito Coast

A fun option if you’re looking for something a little different.

  • Global/international cuisine
  • Cosy atmosphere
  • Good for dinner or sharing

Taco Santo Uno

Mexican comfort food in a casual setting.

  • Tacos and Mexican-inspired dishes
  • Flavourful and informal
  • Good option for a casual dinner

Bocca

One of my favourite easy options if you’re craving Italian food.

  • Pasta and Italian classics
  • Affordable
  • Takeaway available
  • Perfect for grabbing food and eating by the water

Bocca is on the Recollettenlei, which makes the location especially nice for a casual meal.

My Tannour

Syrian street food that’s great when you want something quick and full of flavour.

  • Fresh Middle Eastern food
  • Casual
  • Great for a quick lunch or dinner

Yalla Yalla Gent

Lebanese and Middle Eastern food.

  • Colourful plates
  • Great for sharing
  • Casual but lively atmosphere

KRAZ

A Breton and Norman-inspired crêperie.

  • Savoury buckwheat galettes
  • Sweet crêpes
  • Cider
  • Cosy and slightly different from the usual Ghent food scene

Steamy Windows

A modern dumpling bar in the heart of Ghent.

  • Steamed dumplings and buns
  • Vegan side dishes
  • Natural wines and craft beers
  • Sake and homemade lemonades
  • Fun option for a more casual dinner

Steamy Windows is a particularly fun choice if you’re tired of the usual pasta/burger/Belgian restaurant options.

Sweet Spots

And obviously, you need something sweet at some point.

Madam Bakster

A vegan bakery and café.

  • Cakes
  • Pastries
  • Desserts
  • Coffee
  • Great if you have a sweet tooth

Juli’s House

Basically cake paradise.

A great little stop if you’re looking for something sweet while exploring the city.

Chocoladebar Mayana

For the chocolate lovers.

  • Chocolate desserts
  • Hot chocolate
  • Sweet treats
  • Perfect for an afternoon break

My tip: Don’t feel like you need to stick to the touristy restaurants around Korenmarkt. Some of Ghent’s best food experiences are a little further away, especially if you explore neighbourhoods outside the immediate historic centre. And honestly, with the amount of good food in this city, you’ll have an excuse to come back anyway.

Drinks

My Personal Favourites

These are the places I actually went to regularly while living in Ghent — the ones that feel most like my Ghent.

  • Hot Club Gent – Jazz, candlelight and packed tables. Always lively and a little chaotic in the best way.
  • Jan van Gent – A relaxed café right by the canal. Especially lovely for daytime drinks in the sun. It was also right next to my dorm, so I spent quite a lot of time here.
  • Bar Bidon – Perfect for drinks by the water.
  • Omgekeerde Wereld – Alternative atmosphere and a very local feel. I spent quite some time here.
  • Elmo – Sitting outside by the water on a sunny day is hard to beat.
  • Marimain – Cosy, social and especially nice when you can sit outside on the terrace.
  • Charlatan – Loud, messy and full of student energy. Definitely a Ghent nightlife classic.

Belgian beer is a big part of going out in Ghent, but there’s much more to Belgian beer culture than just ordering whatever is on tap. Check out my Belgian Beer Culture: Beers You Should Try in Belgium if you want to know which Belgian beers to look out for.

Alternative, Artsy & Bookish

If you want something a little more creative or alternative, these are worth checking out:

  • Le Bal Infernal – Used book café with a cosy, slightly magical atmosphere.
  • Rokko – Feminist and queer book café with a creative and welcoming vibe.
  • Bookz & Booze – Books and drinks in one place. Pretty much the perfect combination.
  • Kapitein Cravate – Alternative bar with plenty of character and a slightly chaotic atmosphere.
  • Afsnis – A more tucked-away spot with a slower, alternative vibe.
  • De Geus – Casual café with a relaxed, local feel.

Cosy & Intimate

For a quieter drink, date night or long conversations, try:

Trendy & Social

Looking for somewhere a little more social or lively?

  • Barrazza – Good for catching up over drinks.
  • Baraoke – Karaoke nights and a little bit of chaos. Always fun.

Going Out in Ghent

Ghent is a student city, so nightlife is a big part of the city’s personality. Where you go really depends on what kind of night you’re looking for.

If you’re specifically looking for the best places to drink and go out, I’ve put together a separate Bars & Nightlife in Ghent: Where to Drink & Go Out guide with more of my favourite bars, nightlife areas and places to go.

Overpoort

Overpoort is the heart of Ghent’s student nightlife.

Think cheap drinks, tiny bars, loud music and a lot of students. It’s definitely not sophisticated — and that’s exactly the point.

My favourite here is ‘t Kofschip.

Vlasmarkt

Vlasmarkt has a different atmosphere.

You’ll find more cafés and smaller bars, and it’s generally a little more relaxed than Overpoort. Many places stay open until around 2–3 AM, making it a great area to continue the night.

Oude Beestenmarkt

The Oude Beestenmarkt tends to attract a slightly older crowd than Overpoort.

It’s a good middle ground if you still want a lively evening but don’t necessarily want a full-on student party.

Charlatan

Charlatan deserves its own mention because it’s such a Ghent institution.

Expect loud music, dancing, sticky floors and plenty of chaos. It’s one of those places that feels like a rite of passage when you’re a student in Ghent.

Gentse Feesten

If you’re visiting in summer, try to experience the Gentse Feesten if you can.

For ten days, the city basically turns into one huge festival with:

  • Live music
  • Theatre
  • Dancing
  • Street performances
  • Food and drinks
  • Events throughout the city

It’s chaotic, crowded and very Ghent.

If you love festivals, check out my Best Festivals in Belgium: The Ultimate Belgian Festival Guide for more Belgian festivals worth planning a trip around.

Pop-ups & Festivals

Ghent also has plenty of smaller pop-ups, outdoor parties and alternative festivals, especially during summer.

Places like Keizerpark often host events with a more local and alternative atmosphere.

My tip: Don’t feel like you need to choose one “best” bar in Ghent. The fun is that the city has so many different vibes within walking distance of each other. Start with a quiet drink by the water, move to a cosy café, and see where the night takes you. That’s honestly how I experienced Ghent most of the time.

Daytrips from Ghent

Ghent is not just a great city to explore on its own, it’s also a perfect base for discovering other parts of Belgium by train.

From medieval Bruges to the Belgian coast, you can reach quite a few places easily in a day. Here are some of my favourite day trips from Ghent, from shortest to longest journey.

Bruges

  • Around 25–30 minutes by train
  • Fairytale-like medieval streets, canals, historic buildings and plenty of chocolate shops. One of Belgium’s most beautiful cities and an easy day trip from Ghent
    → Find my Bruges Travel Guide

Brussels

  • Around 30–40 minutes by train
  • Belgium’s capital with impressive architecture, museums, vintage markets, shopping and plenty of cafés and restaurants. Great if you want a completely different city atmosphere
    → Find my Brussels Travel Guide

Ostend

  • Around 40 minutes by train
  • Head to the Belgian coast for sandy beaches, fresh sea air, seafood and a completely different atmosphere from the inland cities. Especially nice in summer or for a sunset by the sea
    → Find my Ostend Travel Guide

Antwerp

  • Around 50–60 minutes by train
  • A more urban and trendy Belgian city, known for fashion, art, shopping, architecture and great cafés. Perfect if you want something a little different from Ghent’s medieval atmosphere
    → Find my Antwerp Travel Guide

Leuven

  • Around 1 hour by train
  • A lively student city with beautiful historic architecture, cosy cafés, great bars and a relaxed atmosphere. Especially worth visiting if you enjoy Belgian student culture and nightlife
    → Find my Leuven Travel Guide

My tip: If you only have time for one day trip from Ghent, I’d personally choose Bruges for the classic Belgian experience, or Ostend if you’re visiting in summer and want some time by the sea.

Not sure which Belgian cities are worth adding to your itinerary? My Belgium Cities Compared: Which Belgian City Should You Visit? compares the main cities and what each one is best for.

Reflection

Ghent is layered: medieval streets, canals, student chaos, and alternative cafés all exist together.

For example, you can drink coffee at Way Coffee Roasters, walk along the canals, grab pasta at Bocca, and later end the night at Charlatan. Meanwhile, the city constantly shifts between calm and chaos.

Ultimately, this is my Ghent, messy, vibrant, and completely unforgettable.

Only have one day in Ghent? I’ve also put together a 1 Day in Ghent: The Perfect Itinerary with how I’d spend a full day in the city.

Still wondering whether Ghent is worth adding to your Belgium itinerary? I’ve shared my full personal opinion in Is Ghent Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Most Lively City.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

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FAQ – Ghent Travel Guide

Is Ghent worth visiting?

Absolutely. Ghent combines medieval architecture, beautiful canals, student energy, great food and a lively nightlife scene. It’s also more compact and less touristy than some of Belgium’s other major cities.

How many days do you need in Ghent?

I recommend spending 2–3 days in Ghent. This gives you enough time to see the main sights, explore the local cafés and food scene, and experience the city beyond the tourist highlights.

What are the best things to do in Ghent?

Some of the best things to do in Ghent include visiting Gravensteen, exploring Graslei and Korenlei, seeing the Ghent Altarpiece, wandering through Patershol, taking a canal boat tour and exploring Ghent’s museums and alternative cafés.

Is Ghent walkable?

Yes! Ghent is very walkable, especially in the historic centre. Most major attractions are within walking distance of each other, and walking is one of the best ways to discover the city’s smaller streets and hidden spots.

Where should you stay in Ghent?

For first-time visitors, I recommend staying around Korenmarkt or the historic city centre. Coupure is a quieter option, while Overpoort is best suited to travellers who specifically want to be close to Ghent’s student nightlife.

Is Ghent good for nightlife?

Yes. Ghent has a huge student population and a lively nightlife scene. Overpoort is the place to go for student bars and cheap drinks, while Vlasmarkt and the area around Charlatan offer different nightlife vibes.

What is Ghent famous for?

Ghent is famous for its medieval architecture, canals, Gravensteen, the Ghent Altarpiece, student culture and vibrant food and nightlife scene. The city is also known for the annual Gentse Feesten.

Can you visit Ghent as a day trip?

Yes, you can see the main highlights of Ghent in a day. However, I’d recommend staying at least one or two nights if you have the time, as the city is particularly atmospheric in the evening.

What are the best day trips from Ghent?

Popular day trips from Ghent include Bruges, Brussels, Ostend, Antwerp and Leuven. All can be reached relatively easily by train, making Ghent a convenient base for exploring Belgium.

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