Bars & Nightlife in Ghent: Best Bars & Where to Go Out

If you’re looking for the best bars and nightlife in Ghent, you’re in the right place.

Ghent is one of my favourite cities in Belgium for going out. It’s a student city, which means there are always people around, but the nightlife isn’t limited to student bars. You can spend an evening drinking cocktails by the water, discover a tiny alternative café, listen to jazz, go dancing or end up in a chaotic student bar at 3 AM.

And because I lived in Ghent for two years, I got to experience the city’s nightlife as more than just a visitor.

I went out for casual drinks, spent evenings sitting by the canals, discovered alternative bars with friends and definitely had my fair share of nights in Overpoort.

So rather than giving you a generic list of highly rated bars, I’ve divided this guide by different types of nightlife in Ghent. That way, you can easily find somewhere that actually fits the kind of evening you’re looking for.

If you’re planning a full trip to the city, you can also check out my Complete Ghent Travel Guide, where I cover the best things to do, where to stay, food, day trips and all my local tips from living here.

But if you’re mainly looking for where to drink and go out in Ghent, keep reading.

If you’re planning to explore more of the country while you’re here, check out my Belgium Complete Travel Guide: Cities, Food, Festivals & Local Tips for everything you need to know about travelling around Belgium.

Best Bars in Ghent

One of the things I love about Ghent is that there isn’t really one single nightlife district.

Instead, you’ll find bars scattered throughout the historic centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. Some are right along the canals, others are hidden down small streets, and some are surrounded by students.

Here are some of the bars I’d recommend depending on the kind of night you’re looking for.

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My Favourite Bars in Ghent

These are the places I actually went to regularly while living in Ghent. They are the bars that feel most like my Ghent rather than places I simply visited once.

Hot Club Gent

Hot Club Gent is one of those places that feels completely different from a typical tourist bar.

Think jazz, candlelight, packed tables and a slightly chaotic atmosphere.

It’s small, atmospheric and usually lively, making it a great choice if you want somewhere with a bit more personality than a standard café.

Why I like it:

Live jazz
Cosy atmosphere
Candlelit interior
Lively without feeling like a nightclub
Great for drinks with friends

If you’re into music and want something a little different, I’d definitely put this one on your list.

Jan van Gent

Jan van Gent is one of those cafés that has a really relaxed, slightly quirky Ghent atmosphere that I love.

It’s located close to the Coupure, but it’s not directly on the water. Instead, you’ll find a cute little indoor courtyard terrace at the back, as well as tables outside along the street.

What I particularly like about Jan van Gent is the crowd and atmosphere. It has that effortlessly cool, local feel, a mix of students, creatives, locals and people just coming for a drink. The interior is a little quirky and old-school, which gives it plenty of character.

I also have a bit of a personal connection to this one because it was right next to my dorm, so I spent quite a lot of time here while living in Ghent.

It’s not necessarily somewhere I’d send you for a wild night out. It’s more the kind of place where you grab a drink, sit around for a while, chat with friends and let the evening happen.

Best for: relaxed drinks, a local atmosphere, students, daytime drinks and casual evenings.

My tip: If the weather is nice, try to get a spot on the little courtyard terrace at the back. That’s probably my favourite part of the café.

Bar Bidon

Bar Bidon is another great option if you want to have drinks by the water.

It’s casual, social and has that typical Ghent feeling where you can easily sit down for one drink and somehow stay for several.

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My tip: Go when the weather is good and try to grab a seat outside.

Omgekeerde Wereld

Omgekeerde Wereld has a more alternative and local atmosphere.

It’s exactly the kind of bar I’d recommend if you want to get away from the more polished or touristy places in the city centre.

I spent quite a bit of time here myself, and it’s one of those places that feels very connected to the alternative side of Ghent.

Best for: alternative vibes, casual drinks and a more local atmosphere.

Elmo

Elmo is particularly nice when you can sit outside.

There is something about sitting by the water with a drink on a sunny evening that makes Ghent feel completely different.

It’s a good choice for a relaxed start to the night before moving somewhere livelier later.

Marimain

Marimain is cosy, social and particularly nice when you can sit outside on the terrace.

It’s a good middle ground if you want somewhere that’s lively enough to feel social without immediately committing to a full night out.

Charlatan

Charlatan is one of the most iconic nightlife spots in Ghent.

And honestly, it’s chaotic.

Expect loud music, dancing, sticky floors and plenty of student energy.

But that’s exactly why it’s fun.

Charlatan is one of those places that feels like a Ghent nightlife rite of passage, especially if you’re a student or travelling with friends.

Best for: dancing, late nights and embracing the chaos.

Alternative, Artsy & Bookish Bars

One of my favourite things about Ghent is its alternative side.

If you’re not looking for a standard cocktail bar or nightclub, there are plenty of places where you can combine drinks with books, art, music or a more unconventional atmosphere.

Le Bal Infernal

Le Bal Infernal is a used book café with a cosy and slightly magical atmosphere.

It’s a lovely place to have a drink while surrounded by books, and it feels very different from your typical bar.

Best for: book lovers, dates and quiet drinks.

Rokko

Rokko is a feminist and queer book café with a creative and welcoming atmosphere.

It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend an entire evening chatting over drinks.

Best for: alternative nightlife, books and a welcoming atmosphere.

Bookz & Booze

Bookz & Booze combines two things that go together surprisingly well: books and drinks.

If you’re looking for somewhere with a bit more personality than a standard bar, this is definitely worth checking out.

Kapitein Cravate

Kapitein Cravate is an alternative bar with plenty of character.

Expect a slightly chaotic atmosphere and somewhere that feels distinctly different from the more mainstream nightlife options.

Afsnis

Afsnis is a more tucked-away spot with a slower, alternative atmosphere.

It’s a good choice when you want to have a drink somewhere that feels a little more hidden and local.

De Geus

De Geus is a casual café with a relaxed, local feel.

It’s a good option for a low-key drink rather than a big night out.

Want to know where to stay?

If you’re staying overnight, check out my Where to Stay in Ghent: Best Areas & Hotels for a breakdown of the best neighbourhoods and my favourite hotels in the city.

Short on time?

Here are my 4 favourite hotels in Ghent:

City Centre / Korenmarkt: 1898 The Post & Porter’s House
Coupure: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel
Ghent Zuid: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent
Overpoort: B&B Achilles

Cosy & Intimate Bars in Ghent

Not every night needs to turn into a party.

If you’re looking for somewhere for a date, quiet drink, wine or a long conversation, these are better options.

Bar Ventura

Bar Ventura is small, cosy and intimate.

It’s the kind of place I’d choose for a slower evening rather than a night of dancing.

Win

Win is a cute wine bar with a relaxed atmosphere.

A good option if you’re more interested in good drinks and conversation than loud music.

Café Congé

Café Congé is small and intimate, making it particularly nice for a slower evening.

Café Backdoor

Café Backdoor is an easy-going place for drinks and conversations.

It’s a good choice if you don’t necessarily want to dress up or plan your evening too much.

Café De Redding

Café De Redding has that proper local café atmosphere I love about Ghent.

It’s a good place to experience a more everyday side of the city’s drinking culture.

Café ChopinChopin

Café ChopinChopin has relaxed wine-bar vibes and works well for a more laid-back evening.

Het Spijker

Het Spijker is a great choice if you want a more traditional Flemish atmosphere.

Its location right by the water makes it particularly nice for a drink while exploring the historic centre.

Trendy & Social Bars

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more social and lively, these are worth checking out.

Barrazza

Barrazza is a good option for catching up with friends over drinks.

It’s more about having a social evening than going out dancing.

Baraoke

Baraoke is exactly what the name suggests: bar + karaoke.

Expect karaoke nights, drinks and a little bit of chaos.

Honestly, if you’re travelling with a group of friends, this can be a lot of fun.

Where to Go Out in Ghent

Ghent nightlife isn’t just about individual bars. Where you go makes a big difference.

The city has a few different areas, and each has its own atmosphere.

Overpoort: Ghent’s Student Nightlife

If you’re looking for student nightlife in Ghent, head to Overpoort.

Overpoort is the heart of Ghent’s student party scene.

Think:

Cheap drinks
Tiny bars
Loud music
Packed streets
Lots of students
Very late nights

It’s definitely not sophisticated, but that’s completely beside the point.

Overpoort is about going out with friends, drinking cheaply and seeing where the night takes you.

If you’re a student or in your early twenties, you absolutely have to experience it at least once.

‘t Kofschip

My personal favourite in Overpoort is ‘t Kofschip.

It’s a classic student bar and fits the Overpoort atmosphere perfectly.

Night out at 't Kofschip in Overpoort Ghent

My tip: If you’re looking for a proper student night, don’t overthink it. Start in Overpoort and simply walk around. There are so many bars close together that you can easily move from one to another.

Vlasmarkt

Vlasmarkt has a completely different atmosphere from Overpoort.

Instead of tiny student bars, you’ll find more cafés, smaller bars and alternative nightlife.

It’s generally a little more relaxed, although it can still get very lively late at night.

Many places stay open until around 2–3 AM, making Vlasmarkt a great area if you want to continue your night after having drinks elsewhere.

It’s also one of my favourite areas if you don’t necessarily want a full student night.

Oude Beestenmarkt

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

I’d describe it as a bit of a middle ground.

You still get a lively evening and plenty of places to drink, but it doesn’t have quite the same intense student-party atmosphere as Overpoort.

Best for: a lively night out without going full student chaos.

Charlatan: One of Ghent’s Nightlife Classics

I’ve already mentioned Charlatan as one of my favourite bars, but it deserves its own section.

Charlatan is such a Ghent institution that it’s difficult to talk about nightlife in Ghent without mentioning it. Located on Vlasmarkt, it’s one of the city’s best-known places for dancing, concerts and late-night partying.

Expect:

Dancing
Loud music
A packed crowd
Sticky floors
Student energy
Plenty of chaos

It’s not polished, and that’s exactly why people love it.

If you want a proper night out rather than just sitting down for drinks, Charlatan is one of the places I’d consider. The venue regularly hosts concerts and themed nightlife events, so the atmosphere can vary quite a bit depending on what’s happening that night.

My tip: If there’s a big event or popular party happening, go early. Charlatan can get very busy and you don’t want to spend half your night standing in a long queue outside. I’ve definitely found that it’s worth arriving before the main crowd. Their own event listings also show that many nightlife events start around 23:00, so arriving a little earlier can make a difference.

If there isn’t a particular event you’re interested in, you can also just check what’s happening that night before heading over. Charlatan isn’t necessarily the same experience every night, which is part of what makes it fun.

Best for: dancing, student nightlife, live music, late nights and a little bit of chaos.

Gentse Feesten

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

For ten days, the entire city basically turns into one giant festival.

You’ll find:

Live music
Theatre
Dancing
Street performances
Food stalls
Outdoor bars
Events throughout the city

The atmosphere is chaotic, crowded and incredibly fun.

And honestly, it’s very Ghent.

If you happen to be in the city during the Gentse Feesten, you don’t really need to plan your nightlife. Just walk around the centre and see what’s happening.

The Gentse Feesten are one of the biggest festival experiences in Belgium, but they’re definitely not the only one worth checking out. I’ve also put together a guide to the Best Festivals in Belgium: The Ultimate Belgian Festival Guide if you’re planning your trip around a festival.

Pop-Ups, Outdoor Parties & Festivals

Ghent also has plenty of pop-ups, outdoor parties and alternative festivals, particularly during the warmer months.

These can be a great way to experience a different side of Ghent nightlife because they’re often more local and less focused on traditional bars.

Keizerpark, for example, regularly becomes a place for outdoor events and summer activities.

Because these events change from year to year, I’d recommend checking what’s happening in Ghent during your visit rather than relying on an old event calendar.

Best Area for Nightlife in Ghent?

It really depends on what kind of night you’re looking for.

Area	Best for
Overpoort	Student nightlife & cheap drinks
Vlasmarkt	Alternative bars & late-night drinks
Oude Beestenmarkt	Slightly older crowd
Historic Centre	Cosy bars & drinks by the water
Keizerpark	Outdoor events & summer parties

If you’re visiting Ghent for the first time, I’d personally start around the historic centre or Vlasmarkt, then decide where you want the night to go.

What Is Nightlife in Ghent Like?

The best thing about nightlife in Ghent is the variety.

You can start your evening with a quiet drink beside the canals, move to a cosy café, discover an alternative bar and eventually end up dancing until the early hours.

And because so many places are relatively close together, you don’t necessarily need to plan your entire night in advance.

That’s actually how I experienced Ghent most of the time.

Start somewhere you like, have a drink, and see where the night takes you.

And if you want to make the most of Belgium’s famous beer culture while you’re here, check out my guide to Belgian Beer Culture: Beers You Should Try in Belgium.

Still wondering whether Ghent is actually worth adding to your Belgium trip? I share my honest opinion in Is Ghent Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Most Lively City.

My Tips for Going Out in Ghent

Don’t stick to one area

Ghent is compact enough that you can easily move between different areas.

You could have a drink around the historic centre, walk towards Vlasmarkt and then decide whether you want to continue somewhere more lively.

Choose your area based on your crowd

If you’re travelling with students or want cheap drinks, Overpoort is probably your best bet.

For something more alternative, try Vlasmarkt.

For a quieter evening, stick to the smaller bars around the centre.

Check what’s happening during your visit

Ghent has a lot of temporary events, concerts, outdoor parties and festivals.

Especially during summer, you may find something happening that isn’t necessarily listed in standard tourist guides.

Don’t expect every night to be a club night

One of the things I love about Ghent is that going out doesn’t always mean going to a nightclub.

Sometimes the best evening is simply sitting outside with friends, drinking by the water and talking until it gets dark.

My Favourite Way to Spend an Evening in Ghent

If I had to create my perfect Ghent night out, I’d keep it simple.

Start with a drink somewhere by the water, like Jan van Gent, Bar Bidon or Elmo.

Then head towards the historic centre and find a cosy or alternative bar, depending on your mood.

If you’re still going later, make your way towards Vlasmarkt or Charlatan.

And if you’re a student and actually want to experience the classic Ghent student nightlife?

Just go straight to Overpoort and embrace the chaos.

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, move somewhere livelier and see where the night takes you.

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

Ghent Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & Drink
Is Ghent Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Most Lively City
1 Day in Ghent: The Perfect Itinerary
Where to Stay in Ghent: Best Areas & Hotels
20 Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: Best Places & Experiences
Best Coffee and Brunch in Ghent: My Favourite Cafés
Best Restaurants in Ghent: Where to Eat in Ghent
Bruges vs Ghent: Which Belgian City Is Better? My Honest Opinion

FAQ

Is Ghent good for nightlife?

Yes! Ghent has a lively nightlife scene thanks to its large student population. You’ll find everything from cheap student bars and busy clubs to cosy cafés, wine bars, alternative venues and live music spots.

Where is the best area for nightlife in Ghent?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Overpoort is best for student nightlife and cheap drinks, while Vlasmarkt has a more varied mix of cafés and bars. Oude Beestenmarkt is a good option if you want something lively but slightly less student-focused.

Is Ghent good for a night out as a tourist?

Absolutely. Ghent’s nightlife is easy to explore because many bars and nightlife areas are within walking distance of the historic centre. You can start with drinks by the water and move between different cafés and bars throughout the evening.

Where should I go for student nightlife in Ghent?

Head to Overpoort. It’s the city’s main student nightlife area, with small bars, cheap drinks, loud music and plenty of students. It’s particularly busy on weekday evenings during the academic year.

What is the best bar in Ghent?

There isn’t really one best bar in Ghent — it depends on the atmosphere you’re after. For jazz and a lively atmosphere, try Hot Club Gent. For drinks by the water, Jan van Gent, Bar Bidon or Elmo are good choices. If you want something more alternative, check out places like Omgekeerde Wereld or Kapitein Cravate.

Where can I find alternative bars in Ghent?

Ghent has a great alternative bar scene. Omgekeerde Wereld, Le Bal Infernal, Rokko, Bookz & Booze, Kapitein Cravate and Afsnis are all worth checking out if you prefer creative, quirky or less traditional places.

Where can I go for a quiet drink in Ghent?

For a more relaxed evening, look at Bar Ventura, Win, Café Congé, Café Backdoor, Café De Redding, Café ChopinChopin or Het Spijker. These are better suited to conversation and a slower evening than the busy student bars.

Where can I go dancing in Ghent?

Charlatan is one of the city’s classic nightlife venues and is a good choice if you want dancing and a lively night out. Ghent also has plenty of smaller venues and temporary parties, so it’s worth checking what’s happening during your visit.

What time do bars close in Ghent?

Opening hours vary considerably between venues. Some cafés close relatively early, while nightlife spots can stay open until the early morning. Always check the current opening hours before going, especially on weekdays or outside the student season.

Is Ghent nightlife expensive?

It doesn’t have to be. Overpoort is particularly known for cheap student drinks, while smaller cafés and wine bars can be more expensive. One of the nice things about Ghent is that you can easily mix budget-friendly bars with more atmospheric spots.

What is the Gentse Feesten?

The Gentse Feesten is a huge ten-day cultural festival held in Ghent every summer. The city fills with live music, theatre, street performances, dancing, food stalls and outdoor events. It’s one of the best times to experience Ghent’s nightlife and atmosphere.

Can you walk between bars in Ghent?

Yes. One of the best things about going out in Ghent is that many bars and nightlife areas are relatively close together. You can easily walk between different spots rather than relying on taxis or public transport.