Is Ghent Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion About Belgium’s Most Lively City

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium and you’re trying to decide which cities are actually worth visiting, you might be wondering:

Is Ghent worth visiting?

My answer is probably going to be a little biased.

Because if you’ve read any of my Belgium content before, you’ll know that I am basically Ghent’s biggest defender.

I studied in Ghent for two years, and those two years gave me a completely different relationship with the city than you get from simply visiting for a weekend.

I didn’t just see the Graslei, take a photo of Gravensteen and leave.

I lived there.

I knew where to get cheap food after class, where to go for coffee, where to have drinks by the water, which bars were actually worth going to, where students hang out, where to find a good brunch and which places I would personally avoid.

And honestly?

I absolutely love Ghent.

So yes, I’m biased.

But that’s also exactly why I wanted to write this article.

Because while my Complete Ghent Travel Guide gives you all the practical information you need for your trip, this article is more about why I think Ghent is worth visiting in the first place, and the little things that make me love the city so much.

And hopefully, by reading this, you can discover some of those less obvious places too.

Because I think that’s where Ghent really shines.

If you’re planning a bigger trip around Belgium, check out my Belgium Complete Travel Guide: Cities, Food, Festivals & Local Tips for more ideas on where to go, what to eat and how to plan your trip.

Picnic by the water in Ghent, Belgium

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So, Is Ghent Worth Visiting?

YES. Absolutely.

Actually, let me put it this way:

If Bruges is the Belgian city I’d recommend to someone who wants the classic fairytale Belgium experience, Ghent is the city I’d recommend to someone who wants to actually experience Belgian city life.

And I think that’s the biggest difference between the two.

Bruges is magical.

It’s medieval, romantic, picturesque and almost ridiculously pretty.

Ghent is alive.

It’s bigger, younger, more alternative, more international and much more energetic.

And while Ghent still has the canals, beautiful historic buildings, bridges and cobblestone streets you probably associate with Bruges, it also has something else:

people actually live here.

Students.

International students.

Young professionals.

Families.

Artists.

People who moved here from other countries and decided to stay.

And that gives Ghent a completely different atmosphere.

You don’t just feel like you’re walking through a beautiful historic city.

You feel like you’re walking through a real, living city.

And that’s exactly what I love about it.

Not sure which Belgian cities are actually worth adding to your trip? My Belgium Cities Compared: Which Belgian City Should You Visit? breaks down what each city is best for and which ones I’d prioritise.

Ghent Is Basically Bruges… But Bigger and More Alive

Okay, I’m probably going to get hate from someone for saying this.

But hear me out.

If you’ve never been to Belgium before, Ghent can sometimes feel a little bit like Bruges, just bigger, busier and more lively.

You still have:

  • canals
  • historic buildings
  • beautiful bridges
  • cobblestone streets
  • medieval architecture
  • boats
  • cosy cafés
  • Belgian beer
  • picturesque views
  • beautiful squares

But there’s more going on around it.

There are students cycling past you.

People sitting outside with drinks.

International residents speaking different languages.

Bars filling up in the evening.

Restaurants and coffee shops everywhere.

And nightlife that doesn’t disappear once the day-trippers go home.

That’s something I really appreciate about Ghent.

It doesn’t feel like a museum.

It’s beautiful, but it’s not frozen in time.

If you’re planning to stay overnight, check out my Where to Stay in Ghent: Best Areas & Hotels for a breakdown of the best areas and my favourite places to stay.

Short on time?

Here are my 4 favourite hotels in Ghent:

Why I Think Ghent Is Worth Visiting

1. Ghent Is Beautiful Without Feeling Too Perfect

Let’s start with the obvious.

Ghent is beautiful.

You have the iconic Graslei and Korenlei, the medieval buildings along the water, Gravensteen, St. Michael’s Bridge, the three towers, little canals and historic streets everywhere.

And yes, there are plenty of places where you’ll stop and think:

“Okay, this is ridiculously pretty.”

But I actually like that Ghent doesn’t feel quite as polished as Bruges.

There are modern buildings mixed with historic ones.

Graffiti.

Students on bikes.

Alternative cafés.

Tiny bars.

People sitting on the pavement with a beer.

It feels a little more imperfect.

A little more real.

And somehow, I think that makes it even more charming.

Historic buildings along the Graslei in Ghent

2. The Canals Are a Huge Part of the Experience

Just like Bruges, Ghent is a city on the water.

And I think you should absolutely make the canals part of your visit.

You can walk along the Graslei and Korenlei, sit beside the water with a drink, cross the bridges or simply wander around the historic centre.

But one thing I definitely recommend?

Take a boat trip.

Seeing Ghent from the water gives you a completely different perspective of the city.

You get to see the historic buildings from another angle, pass underneath bridges and learn more about the history of the city while you’re floating around.

And unlike some activities that feel very “touristy”, I actually think a boat trip makes sense in Ghent.

The water is such a big part of the city’s identity.

So if you’re visiting, get on a boat.

3. Ghent Is Less Tourist-Heavy Than Bruges

Don’t get me wrong.

Ghent is definitely touristy.

You’re not going to have the city completely to yourself in July.

But compared with Bruges, the atmosphere generally feels less dominated by tourism.

And I think that’s partly because Ghent is such a big student and university city.

There are thousands of students living here, as well as international students and people who move to Ghent for work and end up staying.

That means the city has a much stronger local rhythm.

People aren’t just here to visit.

They’re here to live.

And I think you notice that immediately.

You can walk around the historic centre and then suddenly find yourself surrounded by students heading to class, people grabbing coffee before work or locals meeting friends for drinks.

It gives the city a completely different energy.

4. Ghent Has an Amazing Coffee & Brunch Scene

Okay, this is another huge reason why I love Ghent.

The coffee and brunch scene is GOOD.

And because I lived here for two years, I had plenty of time to test it.

You can find specialty coffee, cosy cafés, bakeries, brunch restaurants, vegan options, pancakes, pastries and everything in between.

Some places I’d put on your list include:

  • Full Circle Coffee
  • WAY Coffee
  • Mokabon
  • Peaberry Coffeebar
  • Goya Coffee
  • Koffeine
  • Wild Child
  • Kultur Bakery
  • Alice
  • Pain Perdu
  • Cozette
  • HUSET
  • Gust

And honestly, this is one of my favourite ways to spend a morning in Ghent.

Get brunch → walk around the historic centre → grab another coffee → sit by the water → continue exploring.

You don’t need to rush through ten attractions.

Ghent is a city where taking your time works really well.

I have a whole guide dedicated to this if you’re a fellow brunch person:

→ Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Ghent

Woman having brunch at a café in Ghent, Belgium

5. There Is SO Much to Do in Ghent

Another reason I think Ghent is worth visiting is that you won’t run out of things to do.

You can obviously explore the historic centre and see the famous landmarks, but there’s much more than that.

You can:

  • visit Gravensteen
  • climb the Belfry
  • explore St. Bavo’s Cathedral
  • admire the Ghent Altarpiece
  • walk around Patershol
  • visit museums
  • take a canal boat
  • explore the STAM
  • visit the Museum of Fine Arts
  • go to SMAK
  • discover street art
  • explore local markets
  • go vintage shopping
  • have brunch
  • drink Belgian beer
  • sit beside the water
  • go to concerts
  • explore alternative cafés
  • go out dancing
  • or simply wander around

And one thing I really like about Ghent is that there’s plenty to do even if you’re not a huge museum person.

You can make your day as cultural, social, lazy or chaotic as you want.

Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out my 20 Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: Best Places & Experiences for a more detailed list of attractions, activities and local experiences.

6. Ghent Has Some Great Museums

If you are into museums, you’re definitely not going to be bored.

Ghent has a surprisingly strong cultural scene.

You have museums covering:

  • fine art
  • contemporary art
  • city history
  • design
  • photography
  • culture and heritage

And there’s another little bonus:

Some museums have free admission on certain days or under certain conditions, so it’s worth checking what’s available during your visit rather than automatically assuming every museum is expensive.

That’s also something I like about Ghent.

Culture isn’t treated as something that only tourists should experience.

Interior of the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent

7. Ghent Has an AMAZING Nightlife Scene

And this is where Ghent really starts pulling ahead for me.

The nightlife.

If you’re looking for somewhere to have a quiet drink, Ghent has it.

If you want cocktails, Ghent has it.

If you want a tiny alternative bar, Ghent has it.

If you want student bars, Ghent definitely has it.

If you want to dance until late?

Yep.

There are so many different nightlife areas and types of bars that you can have completely different nights out depending on where you go.

Some of my personal favourites include:

  • Hot Club Gent
  • Jan van Gent
  • Bar Bidon
  • Omgekeerde Wereld
  • Elmo
  • Marimain
  • Charlatan
  • Le Bal Infernal
  • Rokko
  • Bookz & Booze
  • Kapitein Cravate
  • Bar Ventura
  • Win
  • Café Congé

And then you’ve got areas like Overpoort, which is basically student nightlife central.

Cheap drinks.

Loud music.

Tiny bars.

Students everywhere.

It’s chaotic.

But it’s also very Ghent.

If that’s not your vibe, you can head towards places like Vlasmarkt or Oude Beestenmarkt for a different kind of night.

And yes, Ghent also has actual clubs and dance venues.

So you’re not limited to sitting in a bar.

I wrote a whole guide about this too:

→ Best Bars & Nightlife in Ghent

8. And Then There Are the Gentse Feesten…

Okay.

THIS deserves its own category.

If you’re visiting Ghent in July and you happen to be there during the Gentse Feesten, you absolutely need to experience it.

The Gentse Feesten are basically ten days of absolute chaos.

The entire city turns into one giant festival.

There are:

  • concerts
  • DJs
  • theatre
  • street performances
  • dancing
  • food stalls
  • bars
  • outdoor parties
  • markets
  • performances
  • people drinking everywhere

And when I say the entire city, I mean it.

You walk through Ghent and suddenly there’s a stage.

Turn another corner?

Another concert.

Walk towards the centre?

More people.

More music.

More drinks.

It’s honestly on another level.

And it’s very difficult to explain until you’ve actually experienced it.

If you have the opportunity to visit during the Gentse Feesten, DO IT.

Just don’t expect a peaceful city break.

You’re entering ten days of organised chaos.

And I mean that in the best possible way.

9. Ghent Feels Very International

This is something I really noticed while living there.

Ghent is international.

You hear different languages everywhere.

There are international students, expats, Erasmus students, tourists and people who moved to Belgium from all over the world.

And because of the university, that international atmosphere is particularly noticeable.

I personally love that.

It makes the city feel open.

You can walk into a café and hear English, Dutch, French and several other languages around you.

And I think that also contributes to the city’s reputation as a pretty progressive and welcoming place.

10. Ghent Has a Young, Open-Minded Atmosphere

This is probably one of the biggest reasons I personally love Ghent so much.

It feels young.

Open.

Progressive.

Creative.

Alternative.

People generally seem very comfortable being themselves.

You have students, artists, creatives, international residents, young professionals and people who simply don’t fit into one particular box.

And I think that gives Ghent a very distinctive personality.

It’s also a relatively green and sustainable-minded city, particularly compared with many other Belgian cities.

Cycling is everywhere.

There are pedestrianised areas.

Public transport makes it relatively easy to get around without a car.

And the city has a strong reputation for vegetarian and vegan food too.

So if you’re someone who likes cities that feel a little more open-minded and alternative, I think you’ll really like Ghent.

11. The Food Scene Is SO Good

I’ve already mentioned brunch.

But let’s talk about actual food.

Because Ghent is seriously underrated when it comes to eating.

You can eat traditional Belgian food, massive student portions, burgers, pasta, Mexican food, Middle Eastern food, dumplings, vegetarian food and vegan food all within a relatively small area.

And because Ghent is such a student city, you can also find plenty of budget-friendly food.

Some of the places I’d recommend include:

  • Pakhuis
  • De Frietketel
  • Kastart
  • Jilles Beer & Burgers
  • Le Botaniste
  • Karoot
  • Avalon
  • Dolfijn
  • Taco Santo Uno
  • Bocca
  • My Tannour
  • Yalla Yalla
  • Steamy Windows
  • KRAZ

And yes, there is also plenty of cake, chocolate and pastries.

Because obviously.

→ Read my full guide to the Best Restaurants in Ghent

If you also want to try some classic Belgian food while you’re here, check out my Belgian Food Guide: 15 Foods You Need to Try for the Belgian dishes and specialities I’d recommend.

And if you’re specifically looking for the best way to eat Belgian fries like a local, check out my guide to Belgian Fries in Belgium: How to Eat Fries Like a Local.

Italian food at Pane e Vino in Ghent

12. Ghent Is Great for Just Wandering Around

This might sound like a boring reason to visit a city.

But I actually think it’s one of the best.

Just walk.

You don’t always need to know exactly where you’re going.

Walk around the Graslei.

Cross a random bridge.

Walk through Patershol.

Find a tiny café.

Walk along the water.

Look at the historic buildings.

Go into a shop you weren’t planning to visit.

Find a bar.

Get a coffee.

Sit outside.

That’s how I experienced Ghent when I lived there.

And honestly, that’s probably why I know so many of these little places now.

You discover a city by actually living in it, not just by following a Google Maps itinerary.

The Gentse Feesten are one of Belgium’s biggest festival experiences, but they’re definitely not the only festival worth planning a trip around. Check out my Best Festivals in Belgium: The Ultimate Belgian Festival Guide for more events throughout the year.

The Downsides of Ghent

Okay.

I have spent a lot of this article basically declaring my love for Ghent.

So let’s be fair.

There are some downsides.

1. It Isn’t As Fairytale-Like As Bruges

I’m going to admit it.

Bruges wins here.

Sorry, Ghent.

The combination of tiny romantic bridges, canals, medieval buildings and boats in Bruges is just ridiculously magical.

There are certain views in Bruges where you genuinely feel like you’ve walked into a fairytale.

Ghent is beautiful too.

But its beauty is a little different.

It’s bigger.

More urban.

More lived-in.

More chaotic.

And that’s exactly why I prefer it personally.

But if you’re specifically looking for the most romantic and fairytale-like Belgian city, I’d give that title to Bruges.

2. Ghent Is Bigger

This is both a good and bad thing.

There’s more to explore.

More neighbourhoods.

More restaurants.

More nightlife.

More cafés.

But it also means you might have to walk a little further or use public transport depending on where you’re going.

The historic centre itself is still extremely walkable, though.

And you can easily spend a full day exploring it on foot.

A tail overlooking Ghent, Belgium

3. It Can Get Busy

Especially in summer.

The main attractions around Graslei, Korenlei, Korenmarkt and Gravensteen can get pretty crowded.

But again, I think it’s generally easier to escape the tourist crowds in Ghent than in Bruges.

Just walk a little further.

You’ll quickly find quieter streets and neighbourhoods.

Is Ghent Better Than Bruges?

Okay.

This is the question.

And my answer is going to be incredibly biased.

Because I am the biggest Ghent defender you’ll ever meet.

I lived here for two years.

I studied here.

I made friends here.

I went out here.

I had brunch here.

I drank way too many beers here.

I spent sunny afternoons beside the water here.

So of course I’m going to choose Ghent.

But I actually think the two cities are good for different reasons.

Bruges is:

  • more romantic
  • more picturesque
  • more medieval
  • smaller
  • more touristy
  • more fairytale-like
  • perfect for a romantic weekend

Ghent is:

  • bigger
  • younger
  • more international
  • more alternative
  • more lively
  • more student-focused
  • better for nightlife
  • more local-feeling
  • great for food and coffee

So if you’re asking me:

“Which city is more magical?”

Probably Bruges.

But if you’re asking:

“Which city would you rather spend a week in?”

Ghent. Every single time.

And if you’re asking:

“Which city would you rather live in?”

Well…

I already did.

And I loved it.

Still trying to decide between the two? I’ve compared them in detail in Bruges vs Ghent: Which Belgian City Is Better? My Honest Opinion.

Is Ghent Worth Visiting for One Day?

Yes.

You can absolutely visit Ghent as a day trip.

In one day, you could:

Brunch → historic centre → Gravensteen → canals → boat trip → coffee → dinner → drinks.

And that would already be a really good day.

But here’s the thing.

I don’t think one day is enough to properly experience Ghent.

You can see the highlights in one day.

But if you want to experience the city the way I think it’s meant to be experienced, I’d stay at least two nights.

That gives you time to:

  • explore the historic centre
  • visit a museum
  • have brunch
  • take a boat trip
  • try different restaurants
  • explore the nightlife
  • sit beside the water
  • discover some of the less touristy areas
  • and simply slow down

And if you’re visiting during the Gentse Feesten?

Definitely stay longer.

If you’re only visiting Ghent for one day, I’ve put together a 1 Day in Ghent: The Perfect Itinerary with exactly how I’d spend those 24 hours.

Is Ghent Worth Visiting in Summer?

YES.

Summer is one of my favourite times in Ghent.

People are outside.

The terraces are full.

Everyone is sitting beside the water.

Students are everywhere.

Bars stay busy.

And the whole city just feels alive.

And then, obviously, you have the Gentse Feesten.

If you can combine a summer trip with the festival, you’re in for something completely different.

But even outside the festival, summer is a great time to experience Ghent.

If you’re trying to decide when to visit, check out my guide to the Best Time to Visit Belgium: When Should You Go? for a breakdown of the different seasons and what to expect.

Picnic in Ghent, Belgium

Is Ghent Good for Solo Travel?

Definitely.

Ghent is very easy to explore alone.

You can walk almost everywhere in the historic centre, there are loads of cafés where sitting alone doesn’t feel weird, and the city is busy enough that you never feel completely isolated.

And because Ghent is such an international and student-heavy city, I think it can actually be quite easy to meet people too.

You can join a walking tour, sit at a bar, stay in a hostel or simply strike up a conversation.

And honestly?

Even if you don’t meet anyone, there’s nothing wrong with spending an afternoon alone beside the water with a coffee.

I’ve done that plenty of times.

If you’re travelling around Belgium alone, you might also want to read my guide to Solo Female Travel in Belgium: Is Belgium Safe for Women?, where I share more practical tips for travelling solo in Belgium.

So… Is Ghent Worth Visiting?

YES. YES. YES.

Okay.

Maybe I’m biased.

Actually, no.

I definitely am.

But I don’t think that makes my opinion less useful.

It might actually make it more useful.

Because I didn’t just visit Ghent once and decide I liked it.

I lived there for two years.

I experienced the city in different seasons.

I studied there.

I went out there.

I found my favourite coffee shops.

I discovered random little bars.

I ate cheap student food.

I went to restaurants.

I spent afternoons by the water.

I went to the Gentse Feesten.

I met people from all over the world.

And after all that time, I still absolutely love the city.

That’s why when someone asks me:

“Should I visit Ghent?”

My answer is always:

Yes.

My Final Thoughts on Ghent

If you’re looking for the most perfect, romantic, postcard-like Belgian city, go to Bruges.

But if you’re looking for a city that combines beautiful historic architecture with student life, international culture, nightlife, amazing food, coffee, canals, museums and a genuinely lively atmosphere?

Go to Ghent.

And honestly, if you have enough time, don’t choose.

Visit both.

They’re close together and they show you two completely different sides of Belgium.

Bruges gives you the fairytale.

Ghent gives you the life.

And I think that’s why I love it so much.

It’s beautiful without feeling like a museum.

It’s historic without feeling stuck in the past.

It’s international without losing its Belgian identity.

It’s lively without being a huge city.

It’s alternative without trying too hard.

And most importantly…

it feels like a city where people actually live.

So yes.

Ghent is absolutely worth visiting.

And if you use my guides, hopefully you can discover some of the little places that made me fall in love with it too.

Because I don’t just want you to see the Ghent everyone sees on Instagram.

I want you to discover the Ghent I knew when I lived there.

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: Is Ghent Worth Visiting?

Is Ghent worth visiting?

Absolutely! Ghent combines beautiful medieval architecture, canals, museums, restaurants, coffee shops and nightlife with a young and international atmosphere. It’s one of my favourite cities in Belgium, especially because I lived and studied there for two years.

Is Ghent better than Bruges?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Bruges is smaller, more romantic and more fairytale-like, while Ghent is bigger, more lively, international and student-oriented. Personally, I prefer Ghent, but I’d recommend visiting both if you have enough time.

Is Ghent worth visiting for one day?

Yes. You can see many of Ghent’s main highlights in one day, including the historic centre, Gravensteen, the Graslei and Korenlei. However, I’d recommend staying two nights if you want time for museums, brunch, restaurants and nightlife.

Is Ghent touristy?

Yes, but generally less tourist-focused than Bruges. Ghent is a major university and student city, so there are many locals, students and international residents living there year-round.

What is Ghent famous for?

Ghent is famous for its medieval architecture, canals, Gravensteen Castle, the Ghent Altarpiece, its three towers, student population, nightlife and the Gentse Feesten.

Is Ghent a student city?

Very much so. Ghent is home to a large university and student population, which gives the city a young and lively atmosphere. This is also one of the reasons Ghent has such a strong nightlife and affordable food scene.

Does Ghent have good nightlife?

Yes! Ghent has everything from cosy cafés and alternative bars to student bars, live music venues, clubs and dance venues. Overpoort is particularly popular with students, while Vlasmarkt and other areas offer different atmospheres.

Is Ghent good for nightlife compared with Bruges?

Personally, I’d choose Ghent. The large student population means there is much more nightlife throughout the week, with a wider range of bars, clubs and live music venues.

Are there boat tours in Ghent?

Yes. Canal boat tours are one of the best ways to see Ghent from the water. You get a different perspective of the historic buildings and canals and learn more about the city’s history.

How many days do you need in Ghent?

You can see the highlights in one day, but I recommend two to three days if you want to experience more of the food, coffee, museums and nightlife.

Is Ghent good for solo travellers?

Yes. Ghent is walkable, international and full of cafés, restaurants and bars, making it a comfortable city for solo travellers.

Is Ghent expensive?

Ghent can be reasonably affordable, particularly because it’s a student city. There are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants, cafés and bars alongside more expensive options.

Is Ghent vegetarian and vegan friendly?

Very much so. Ghent has an excellent vegetarian and vegan food scene, with numerous plant-based restaurants and options throughout the city.

What should I do in Ghent?

Some of the best things to do include exploring the historic centre, visiting Gravensteen, seeing the Ghent Altarpiece, walking along the Graslei and Korenlei, taking a boat trip, visiting museums, exploring Patershol and experiencing Ghent’s nightlife.

What is the Gentse Feesten?

The Gentse Feesten is a huge ten-day city festival held in Ghent every summer. The city fills with concerts, theatre, street performances, dancing, food, drinks and outdoor events. It’s one of the biggest events on Ghent’s calendar.

Is Ghent worth visiting during the Gentse Feesten?

Absolutely, if you like festivals and busy cities. The Gentse Feesten completely transform Ghent and are an experience in themselves. Just expect crowds, noise and a lot of people partying throughout the city.

Is Ghent romantic?

Yes, although I’d describe Bruges as more traditionally romantic. Ghent has canals, beautiful bridges and historic buildings, but combines them with a much livelier and more urban atmosphere.

Is Ghent a good alternative to Bruges?

Definitely. If you want medieval Belgian architecture and canals but prefer a younger, more international and less tourist-heavy atmosphere, Ghent is an excellent alternative.

What is the best thing about Ghent?

For me, it’s the combination of beauty and real city life. Ghent is historically beautiful, but it also feels young, open, international and lived-in. That’s what makes it different from many other Belgian tourist destinations.

Should I visit Ghent or Bruges?

If you want romantic canals, medieval streets and a fairytale atmosphere, choose Bruges. If you want student life, nightlife, food, coffee, culture and a more local atmosphere, choose Ghent. If possible, visit both.

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