Ghent

Belgium, Europe

Ghent is a vibrant city blending medieval charm with contemporary culture. Its stunning medieval architecture, exemplified by the Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral, captivates visitors. The picturesque canals and lively streets are perfect for exploration. Ghent is well-known for its dynamic arts scene, beer culture, and festivals, offering a unique taste of Belgian life. The presence of numerous museums and the fascinating contrast of old and new truly make it a must-visit destination.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Wevelgem

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

12 Best Things to Do in Ghent

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Gravensteen Castle

Visit this medieval castle for an epic history lesson.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei

Enjoy picturesque views of Ghent's canals and architecture.

No booking required
3

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral

Home of the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece.

No booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Sample local cuisine at Vrijdagmarkt

Taste authentic Belgian dishes at this lively square.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour the Museum of Fine Arts

Experience a rich collection of Flemish art and more.

No booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Discover the STAM Ghent City Museum

Learn about Ghent's history in an interactive way.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Take a boat tour on the canals

Experience Ghent from the water on a scenic tour.

Booking required
8

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Design Museum Ghent

Explore contemporary design in a historical setting.

No booking required
9

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Check out the Belfry of Ghent

Climb for panoramic views of the city skyline.

No booking required
10

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax at the Citadel Park

Unwind in Ghent's largest park filled with art.

No booking required
11

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Patershol neighborhood

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets and eateries.

No booking required
12

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Experience local festivals like Gentse Feesten

Join this vibrant festival celebrating music and arts.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Included in bill

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

8 (#21 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Euro

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Dutch

(50-80% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Moules-Frite

Mussels served with fries. (National dish)

Belgian Waffles

V

Sweet, fluffy waffles, often topped.

Stoofvlees

Beef stew, slow-cooked in beer.

Speculoos

V

Spiced shortcrust biscuit, often caramelized.

Waterzooi

Creamy chicken or fish stew with vegetables.

Phrases to learn

English

Dutch

Hello

Hallo

(Hah-loh)

Yes/No

Ja / Nee

(Yah / Nay)

Thank you

Dank je

(Dank yuh)

Excuse me

Pardon

(Par-don)

How much?

Hoeveel?

(Hoo-vel)