Wondering where to stay in Ghent?

I lived in Ghent, so I know the city beyond the usual tourist centre. While Ghent is compact enough that you can reach most sights relatively easily, where you stay can make a big difference depending on whether you want to be surrounded by medieval buildings, stay somewhere quiet, have easy train connections or be close to nightlife.

For most first-time visitors, I would recommend staying in or around the historic city centre, especially near Korenmarkt or the Graslei.

But that isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Ghent, what each neighbourhood is like, who it’s best for and which hotels I’d consider in each area.

→ If you’re planning your whole trip, check out my Ghent Travel Guide: Local Tips & Things to Do.

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Where to Stay in Ghent at a Glance

If you don’t want to read the entire guide, here’s my quick overview:

Area	Best for	Atmosphere
City Centre / Korenmarkt	First-time visitors & sightseeing	Historic & lively
Coupure	Quiet stays & couples	Peaceful & charming
Ghent Zuid	Convenience & shopping	Central & practical
Ghent-Sint-Pieters	Train travel & day trips	Residential & convenient
Overpoort	Nightlife & students	Young & lively

My top picks

Best area overall: City Centre / Korenmarkt
Best for first-time visitors: City Centre
Best for a quiet stay: Coupure
Best for transport: Ghent-Sint-Pieters
Best for nightlife: Overpoort
Best for a more local atmosphere: Ghent Zuid

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1. City Centre – Around Korenmarkt

Best area to stay in Ghent for first-time visitors

If you’re visiting Ghent for the first time, this is the area I would choose.

Korenmarkt sits right in the historic heart of Ghent, surrounded by medieval architecture, restaurants, cafés and some of the city’s most famous sights.

From here, you can easily walk to:

• Graslei and Korenlei
• Saint Michael’s Bridge
• Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
• The Belfry
• Gravensteen Castle
• Vrijdagmarkt
• Veldstraat shopping street

The biggest advantage is simply location.

You can leave your hotel and immediately be in the middle of Ghent’s historic centre. You also don’t have to worry much about public transport because most major attractions are within walking distance.

And honestly, Ghent is particularly beautiful here in the evening.

If you’re staying in the city centre, you’re also perfectly placed to experience Ghent after dark. Check out my guide to Bars & Nightlife in Ghent: Where to Drink & Go Out if you want to know where to go in the evening.

The historic buildings are illuminated, the canals reflect the lights and the centre becomes much quieter once many day-trippers have left.

What I like about staying here

• Everything is walkable
• Best location for sightseeing
• Beautiful historic surroundings
• Lots of restaurants and cafés
• Great atmosphere at night
• Easy access to nightlife

Downsides

The centre is also the busiest and most touristy area.

Depending on where exactly you stay, streets can be noisy at night, particularly around busy bars and restaurants.

And hotels here can be more expensive than accommodation further outside the centre.

Hotels around Korenmarkt

1898 The Post & Porter’s House

This probably one of the most special places you can stay in Ghent. The hotel occupies a beautifully restored former post office on Graslei, right between the Korenmarkt and the historic canals. The location is hard to beat: you’re surrounded by Ghent’s medieval architecture and can walk to the Belfry, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Saint Michael’s Bridge and Gravensteen Castle in just a few minutes.

The hotel itself is much more than just a convenient place to sleep. Its 38 rooms and suites combine the building’s historic character with modern comforts, and many rooms have city or landmark views. There’s also The Cobbler, the hotel’s cocktail bar, and The Kitchen, where breakfast is served in a cosy setting overlooking the city. If you’re looking for a romantic or more luxurious stay and don’t mind paying more for the location and atmosphere, this would be one of my top choices in Ghent. Booking.com currently gives it an impressive 9.5/10 overall rating and 9.9/10 for location based on more than 1,200 reviews.

Book Here: 1898 The Post & Porter’s House

Hotel Gravensteen

This is a great alternative if you want to stay right in the historic centre but prefer a more traditional hotel. It’s located directly opposite Gravensteen Castle, in a 19th-century building, and you’re less than a five-minute walk from Korenmarkt, the Belfry and Ghent’s main shopping streets.

The hotel has 49 rooms, a breakfast buffet, a fitness centre and a sauna, while the on-site Donjon Bar is a nice place to finish the evening with a Belgian beer. There’s also private parking, including charging facilities for electric cars, although it’s worth checking the hotel’s parking arrangements before arriving because of Ghent’s pedestrianised city centre and traffic restrictions.

Booking.com currently rates the hotel 8.3/10 overall and 9.6/10 for location, with guests particularly praising how easy it is to walk to Ghent’s main sights.

Book Here: Hotel Gravensteen

My pick: Stay here if you’re visiting Ghent for the first time.

2. Around Coupure

Best area to stay in Ghent for a quieter experience

If the centre sounds a little too busy, I’d look around Coupure.

Coupure is one of my favourite areas if you want to be close to the centre without actually sleeping in the middle of the tourist crowds.

The canal runs through the area and is surrounded by trees, historic houses and quieter streets.

You can still walk into the historic centre, but the atmosphere feels much more residential.

This makes it particularly nice for:

• Couples
• Longer stays
• People who prefer quiet evenings
• Travellers who don’t need to be directly beside the main attractions

It’s also close to some of the more atmospheric streets around the western side of the historic centre.

What I like about Coupure

• Much quieter than Korenmarkt
• Beautiful canal
• Residential atmosphere
• Still walkable to the centre
• Good option for couples
• Less touristy

Downsides

You’re not directly beside the main sights.

You’ll have to walk a little further to reach Korenmarkt and the main tourist attractions.

Hotels around Coupure

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel

One of the best choices if you want a more luxurious and relaxing stay in Ghent without giving up a central location. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored historic building and is only around 500 metres from Ghent’s historic city centre, so you can easily walk to Korenmarkt and the main sights while staying in a quieter part of the city.

What makes this hotel stand out is the wellness area. There’s a spa pool, Finnish sauna, treatment rooms and fitness centre, making it a particularly good option for a romantic weekend or if you want your hotel to be part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep. The hotel also has a beautiful historic courtyard garden, a bar and two restaurants, including LOF, which combines Flemish influences with contemporary cuisine.

The rooms have high ceilings, large windows and original artwork, while still offering modern comforts such as air conditioning, a Nespresso machine and smart TVs. Booking.com currently gives the hotel a 9.3/10 overall rating and 9.6/10 for location, with particularly strong scores for cleanliness and comfort.

I’d choose Pillows Reylof if: you want a stylish, high-end hotel, you’re visiting Ghent for a romantic weekend or you like having a spa and good restaurants directly at your accommodation.

Book Here: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel

Hotel Monasterium PoortAckere Ghent

A completely different experience and probably one of the most unique hotels in Ghent. The hotel occupies a former Neo-Gothic monastery in the historic centre, so staying here feels much more atmospheric than staying in a standard modern hotel.

The building has retained plenty of its historic character, including old monastery corridors and a striking Neo-Gothic chapel. At the same time, the rooms have been updated with modern comforts, including free WiFi, coffee and tea facilities and private bathrooms. Some rooms have a more classic style, while others have been renovated with a more modern-classic interior.

One of my favourite things about this option is the green courtyard garden. It gives you a surprisingly peaceful place to sit with a drink or have breakfast, even though you’re right in the middle of Ghent. There’s also an on-site bar, private parking and a buffet breakfast served in the historic Kappitelzaal.

The location is excellent too. Booking.com currently gives it a 9.4/10 location score, and the historic centre, restaurants and major sights are all within easy walking distance.

I’d choose Monasterium PoortAckere if: you want somewhere with character and history, prefer a quieter atmosphere and would rather stay somewhere memorable than in a typical chain-style hotel.

Book Here: Hotel Monasterium PoortAckere Ghent

My pick: Coupure if you want the location of the centre without the constant buzz.

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3. Around Ghent Zuid

Best area to stay in Ghent for convenience

Ghent Zuid is another practical option.

This area is slightly less touristy than the immediate historic centre but remains very central.

You’ll find:

• Shops
• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Shopping streets
• Public transport
• Easy connections towards other parts of Ghent

One of the biggest advantages is the tram network.

You can easily use public transport to reach the historic centre, while several attractions are also within walking distance.

It’s a particularly useful area if you want to combine sightseeing with shopping.

What I like about Ghent Zuid

• Central
• Good public transport
• Shopping nearby
• Less touristy
• Lots of restaurants
• Easy to reach the historic centre

Downsides

The surroundings aren’t as picturesque as staying directly beside the canals.

If you’re dreaming of opening your hotel window to medieval buildings and canals, Korenmarkt is the better choice.

Hotels around Ghent Zuid

For this area, I’d look at:

Maison Gand

Maison Gand is a charming boutique B&B in a quieter residential area near Ghent-Sint-Pieters Station. It’s a good choice if you want a more peaceful stay away from the busy historic centre, while still having easy public transport connections into the city.

The property has stylish, individually decorated rooms and a garden with a bar, giving it a relaxed and personal atmosphere. It’s also particularly convenient if you’re arriving by car, with private parking available.

I’d recommend Maison Gand if you prefer a quiet, boutique-style stay and don’t mind being a little outside the historic centre.

Book Here: Maison Gand

Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent

A more stylish option. Located on Brabantdam, it has a modern boutique-hotel atmosphere with a restaurant, two bars, a fitness centre and a rooftop bar. The hotel is also only around a five-minute walk from sights such as Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the Belfry, so you’re still very close to the historic centre.

Yalo is especially nice if you want your hotel to be part of the experience, rather than simply somewhere to sleep. The combination of its design, bar and central location makes it a good fit for couples, weekend trips and travellers who enjoy a more modern city atmosphere.

When booking, I’d check the exact location on the map rather than relying only on the hotel name, as the boundaries of the neighbourhood aren’t particularly strict.

Book Here: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent

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4. Around Ghent-Sint-Pieters Station

Best area to stay in Ghent for trains and day trips

If you’re arriving by train, staying near Ghent-Sint-Pieters Station can make your trip significantly easier.

This is especially useful if you’re planning day trips to:

• Bruges
• Brussels
• Antwerp
• Other Belgian cities

Instead of dragging your suitcase through the historic centre, you can walk straight from the station to your hotel.

The historic centre is also easy to reach by tram.

This area feels more residential than the old town, so it doesn’t have quite the same medieval atmosphere.

But if convenience is your priority, it’s a very sensible choice.

What I like about Sint-Pieters

• Excellent train connections
• Easy day trips
• Convenient if arriving by train
• More residential
• Plenty of practical accommodation
• Good tram connections to the centre

Downsides

You’re not staying in the heart of historic Ghent.

You’ll need public transport or a longer walk to reach Korenmarkt.

Hotels near Ghent-Sint-Pieters

Hotel Carlton Ghent

A particularly good choice if you want to stay close to the station while still having a comfortable and quieter hotel. It’s only about a two- to three-minute walk from Ghent-Sint-Pieters, making it especially convenient if you arrive with luggage or have an early train the next morning.

The hotel has just 22 rooms, giving it a more personal boutique-hotel feel rather than the atmosphere of a large chain. Rooms are spacious, there’s a bar, and breakfast includes a buffet as well as hot dishes prepared to order. There’s also private parking, which can be useful if you’re travelling around Belgium by car.

Another advantage is that trams 1 and 3 stop near the hotel, making it easy to get into the historic centre. You can also walk there in roughly 20–25 minutes if you’d rather explore Ghent on foot.

My pick: Hotel Carlton would be my choice if you want a slightly more charming and comfortable hotel near the station, particularly for a weekend in Ghent or a trip where you’re also visiting other Belgian cities by train.

Book Here: Hotel Carlton Ghent

Hotel Castel Ghent

An even more convenient option if your main priority is being as close to the train station as possible. The family-run hotel is directly opposite Ghent-Sint-Pieters, so you can essentially walk from the station to your hotel within minutes.

Hotel Castel has a more traditional, cosy feel and includes a beer house, terrace and sauna, making it a practical place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Breakfast is also available, with the option to arrange takeaway breakfast if you have an early departure.

The trade-off is that you’re further from the atmospheric canals and medieval streets of central Ghent than you would be if you stayed around Korenmarkt. However, the historic centre is easy to reach by public transport, and the location is particularly useful if Ghent is part of a larger Belgium itinerary.

My pick: Stay here if you’re planning several Belgian day trips.

Book Here: Hotel Castel Ghent

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5. Overpoort

Best area to stay in Ghent for nightlife

If you’re coming to Ghent mainly to party, look around Overpoort.

Overpoort is Ghent’s famous student nightlife street.

This is where you’ll find a huge concentration of:

• Student bars
• Cheap drinks
• Clubs
• Late-night food
• Student parties
• Young travellers

The atmosphere is completely different from the historic centre.

It’s young, loud and chaotic, especially on busy student nights.

And that’s exactly why some people love it.

Who should stay in Overpoort?

I’d recommend it if:

• You’re young and want nightlife
• You’re visiting with friends
• You’re coming specifically to party
• You don’t mind noise
• You want cheaper drinks and a student atmosphere

Who shouldn’t stay here?

If you’re looking for a romantic weekend in Ghent, I’d definitely choose somewhere else.

The same goes for families or anyone who values a quiet night’s sleep.

Hotels around Overpoort

B&B Achilles

A great option if you want to be close to Overpoort while still staying somewhere that feels more like a proper boutique B&B. It’s only around 300 metres from Overpoort, so you can easily walk back after a night out without needing public transport. The property has a terrace and luggage storage, and its 9.2/10 guest rating is particularly impressive.

The location also gives you easy access to the university area and the rest of central Ghent. I’d especially consider B&B Achilles if you’re visiting Ghent for a nightlife-focused weekend, travelling with friends or simply want to stay somewhere with a more personal feel than a large hotel.

Book Here: B&B Achilles

The Hide

This another interesting option, especially if you want more space and independence. It’s around 900 metres from Overpoort, so you’re still close enough to walk to the nightlife but far enough away to escape some of the busiest atmosphere.

The Hide offers apartments and studios rather than traditional hotel rooms, making it a good choice if you prefer having your own space. Some options include a kitchen, which can be particularly useful for longer stays or if you want to save money by preparing some of your own meals. The property also has a garden and terrace, giving it a much quieter feel than the streets around Overpoort itself.

With a 9.0/10 guest rating and a location score of 9.4, it’s a strong option if you want to combine access to Ghent’s student nightlife with a more relaxed place to stay.

Book Here: The Hide

My pick: Overpoort only if nightlife is one of the main reasons you’re visiting Ghent.

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Where Should You Stay in Ghent?

Still not sure which neighbourhood is right for you?

Here’s what I’d recommend.

First time in Ghent

Stay around Korenmarkt.

You’ll be within walking distance of almost everything and won’t waste time travelling back and forth.

Romantic weekend

Stay around Coupure or the historic centre.

Coupure gives you a quieter atmosphere, while the centre puts you right beside Ghent’s beautiful canals.

Visiting by train

Stay near Ghent-Sint-Pieters.

Especially useful if you’re planning day trips to Bruges or Brussels.

Coming for nightlife

Stay around Overpoort.

You’ll be close to the student bars and nightlife.

Want shopping + convenience

Stay around Ghent Zuid.

You’ll have easy access to shops, restaurants and public transport.

Want somewhere quieter

Choose Coupure.

It’s close enough to walk into the centre but feels much more peaceful.

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Is It Better to Stay in Ghent City Centre?

For most visitors, yes.

Ghent’s historic centre is compact enough that staying centrally makes sightseeing incredibly easy.

You can walk between many of the city’s highlights rather than constantly checking tram timetables.

It’s also worth staying in the centre for the evening.

One of my favourite things about Ghent is that the city feels completely different once the sun goes down.

The canals around Graslei and Korenlei light up, the medieval buildings are reflected in the water and the atmosphere becomes much more atmospheric.

That’s one reason I would personally prioritise location over having a slightly cheaper hotel further outside the centre if you’re only staying for one or two nights.

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How Many Nights Should You Stay in Ghent?

I recommend 2 nights in Ghent for most first-time visitors.

This gives you:

Day 1: Explore the historic centre, Gravensteen, Korenmarkt, Graslei and Korenlei.

Day 2: Explore some of the less touristy parts of the city, visit museums or attractions and enjoy Ghent in the evening.

If you’re using Ghent as a base for exploring Belgium, you could easily stay 3–4 nights and take day trips to nearby cities.

→ Wondering how long you need for the whole city? My Ghent Travel Guide covers what to see and do.

If you’re only visiting Ghent for one day, check out my 1 Day in Ghent: The Perfect Itinerary for exactly how I’d spend those 24 hours.

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My Personal Recommendation

Because I lived in Ghent, I wouldn’t automatically tell everyone to stay directly on Korenmarkt.

For a first visit of only one or two nights, though, the historic centre is definitely my number-one choice.

You’ll get the full Ghent experience without spending time commuting.

If you’re staying longer, I’d seriously consider Coupure.

It’s quieter, beautiful and still close enough to walk into the centre.

And if nightlife is your priority?

Go for Overpoort, just don’t expect an early bedtime.

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

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Tips for Booking a Hotel in Ghent

Before booking your accommodation, there are a few things I’d check.

1. Look at the location, not just the hotel

Two hotels can both be advertised as being “in Ghent” while being very different in terms of location.

For a short city break, I’d prioritise walking distance to the historic centre.

2. Check the noise level

Especially around:

• Korenmarkt
• Vrijdagmarkt
• Overpoort
• Busy nightlife streets

If you’re a light sleeper, read recent reviews mentioning noise.

3. Check transport connections

If you’re arriving by train or taking day trips, being near a tram stop or Sint-Pieters Station can save you a lot of hassle.

4. Book early for busy weekends

Ghent can get busy during weekends, festivals, events and summer.

Hotel prices can also vary significantly depending on your dates.

5. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest hotel

If you’re only staying two nights, paying a little more for a central location can be worth it.

You can spend that saved hour walking around Ghent instead of travelling to and from your accommodation.

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Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Ghent

So, where should you stay in Ghent?

For most travellers, I’d choose the historic city centre around Korenmarkt.

It’s the easiest area for sightseeing, the atmosphere is incredible and most of Ghent’s highlights are within walking distance.

But every area has something different to offer:

Korenmarkt: Best overall and best for first-time visitors
Coupure: Best for a quiet and charming stay
Ghent Zuid: Best for convenience and shopping
Sint-Pieters: Best for trains and day trips
Overpoort: Best for nightlife

And because I actually lived in Ghent, these aren’t just recommendations based on a quick weekend visit. They’re the areas I’d actually consider depending on what kind of trip you’re planning.

→ Ready to explore the city? Start with my Ghent Travel Guide: Local Tips & Things to Do.

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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

What is the best area to stay in Ghent?

The historic city centre around Korenmarkt is the best area to stay in Ghent for most first-time visitors. You’ll be within walking distance of the canals, Gravensteen, the Belfry, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and many restaurants and bars.

Where should I stay in Ghent for the first time?

I recommend staying in Ghent’s historic centre, especially around Korenmarkt, Graslei or Korenlei. This gives you the easiest access to the city’s main attractions.

Is Ghent city centre walkable?

Yes. Ghent’s historic centre is very walkable, which is one of the reasons I recommend staying centrally.

Is it better to stay near Ghent-Sint-Pieters Station or the city centre?

For sightseeing, I’d choose the city centre. If you’re planning several day trips by train, staying near Ghent-Sint-Pieters can be more convenient.

Where should I stay in Ghent for nightlife?

Overpoort is the best area if nightlife is your priority. It’s Ghent’s famous student nightlife district with lots of bars and late-night venues.

Where should I stay in Ghent for a quiet weekend?

I’d choose Coupure. It’s close to the historic centre but has a quieter, more residential atmosphere.

How many nights should I stay in Ghent?

For most visitors, 2 nights is ideal. You can see the main highlights in a couple of days while still having time to experience Ghent in the evening.

Is Ghent expensive to stay in?

Hotel prices vary significantly depending on the season, day of the week and events happening in the city. Staying slightly outside the historic centre can sometimes give you better value.