Top 4 Budget Friendly Hostels in Ghent
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Budget Friendly Hostels in Ghent for Backpackers, Family, and Groups
The largest city in the Eastern Flanders province is known for its vast public squares, bustling marketplaces, a mix of industrial and medieval architecture, and the home of the famous Gruut Beer!
With fantastic nightlife and affordable and delectable local food, Ghent is genuinely a tourist magnet. Stay at charming yet budget friendly hostels in Ghent and save more for your adventures in Belgium.
Where to Stay in Ghent: the Best Neighbourhoods
Like other cities in Belgium, most of the sights to see in Ghent are within walking distance, and you may want to stay or take a rest near those. But if you love meeting locals or even consider immersing in their everyday life, we suggest booking Ghent hostels in the most popular neighbourhoods in the city.
Het Patershol
If you love the exciting city vibe and talking to the locals, we suggest staying in this historical neighbourhood.
Patershol takes you back to the 19th and 20th century with its small brick houses once used by leather workers and criminals and gangs. But do not fret. After its renovation in the 1980s, it has become a home for trendy galleries and world food businesses.
The narrow streets are home to some of the best bars in Ghent where tourists and locals mingle with good beer and food. The old quarter is filled with colourful medieval alleys with flags and tables on the streets and people enjoying a good laugh and drinks with their family and friends.
You may want to stay at or near Patershol in August (by the way, that is a great time to visit Belgium in general) for the Patershol Festival Ghent. You’ll be guaranteed a great time with wonderful food and amazing music. If you don’t have the time to stay-over, it’s a must-visit stop, even if you’re Ghent for just one day.
Dok Noord
If you want a mix of art galleries, industrial architecture, and good nightlife, Dok Noord is one of the best places to stay in Ghent.
The abandoned dock now attracts both tourists and locals with its modern shops and hip restaurants. If you are looking for fitness activities, shops, and good food, say no more! Dok Noord has it all.
When it Ghent, you may not want to miss out on how Dok Noord is slowly turning into an urban quarter. That also means there are not as many people here as in other parts of the city.
The city transforms the old quays and urban beach into entertainment districts, like art and film screenings and rock concerts!
It is also home to unique activities like outdoor dance classes, art workshops, and roller-blade parades that you may want to join.
AaDok Noord oozes an authentic summer vibe with new buildings and people moving into this part of Ghent.
Experience the Youthful Vibe in Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat
For student travellers, you may want to visit the centre of urban life in Ghent: Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat. Located near St. Peter’s Square, student pubs are everywhere, as are the best backpacker hostels in Ghent. If you are on a tight budget but want to mingle with students your age, we suggest staying at these Ghent (youth) hostels..
We suggest visiting the well-known arts centre De Vooruit (which has recently changed its name to VIERNULVIER (404)). Dine at their beautiful and open café during the morning or evening. The cultural temple also offers locals and tourists like you art programs such as film screenings, concerts, and other classes. Be sure to sign up for one of them to complete your stay at Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat!
Walk Along the Fancy Mansions in Miljoenenkwartier
When talking about a luxurious stay, Miljoenenkwartier or Millionaires’ Quarter tells you that you are in Ghent’s most lush neighbourhood. The residential area is a plethora of prestige and grand mansions built during the interwar period.
Are you a fan of historical architecture? It is one of the things Belgium is famous for! If you are in Miljoenenkwartier, you are in for a treat. The residential area is a smorgasbord for Neoclassicist, cottage-style villas, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco architectures. The place is almost like an advertisement for the architects’ skills, making it a true destination for architects and art enthusiasts.
Besides mansions, it also has spacious outdoor spaces with an elegant view of the Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park. You can have a sweet picnic with your family and friends after a long scenic walk through the neighbourhood.
Budget Friendly Hostels in Ghent
Do you want to explore Ghent and experience the city as much as possible? Book your stay at one of the cheap hostels in Ghent. Cheap doesn’t mean bad. No, staying at these best hostels in Ghent, Belgium does not mean giving up on comfort and other conveniences.
Hostel Uppelink
The Hostel Uppelink is a favourite hostel Ghent has to offer. Both tourists and locals recommend the place.
Located next to the Saint Michael’s Bridge you’re in the heart of the city the minute you step out of the hostel’s door. Guests can enjoy (free) walking tours, museums, local markets, and churches nearby. The Ghent Christmas Market is close too, if you’re visiting Belgium during the winter.
The hostel offers a bed in a mixed dorm or private rooms from 3 to 14 persons. It’s a great place if you’re travelling with a group of friends! The linen is included but towels aren’t. The shared bathrooms are spotless. Of course, wifi is included as well.
You can also sign up for other outdoor activities like cycling, canoeing or kayaking. If you want to go on a romantic weekend in Ghent, sign up for a boat tour too.
Besides booking fun activities, there is much more to do at Hostel Uppelink. One of the known amenities is the shared kitchen with an open view of Ghent. You also do not want to miss out on beer tasting Thursdays or the daily buffet breakfast while looking out over the river Leie (€6,90 pp).
Are you in Ghent with no itinerary? The hostel also offers a complimentary map of the city to help you plan your tour. You can rent a small private room for 3 persons for only € 61. If you are travelling with your buddies or family of 3, it offers the best budget. They also have a private room for 4 and dormitory rooms with 6 to 10 person capacity, all under € 90 per room or person.
KaBa Hostel
If you want to stay at the city’s heart, there is no need to look further! Stay at KaBa Hostel located near Vrijdagmarkt Square, Ghent’s City Council, Korenmarkt Square, Koning Albert Park, and more. The Ghent hostel is also near the Gent-Sint-Pieters Train Station, letting you instantly visit other major destinations in Belgium.
In just a few steps, you can go to cafes, bars and the Belfry of Ghent. Are you travelling by car? One of the best amenities offered by one of the best kid friendly hostels is its paid parking space, which costs € 6 per day.
Besides their fantastic terrace, the walls in each room offer different colours, shapes, and characters, making every room appealing to art lovers. They also provide a delicious continental breakfast for € 4 per person a day.
Dormitory rooms all have lockers and clean shared bathrooms. The shared kitchen, dining area, and nearby supermarkets make it easy for people who want to cook their own meals. The garden is also a great space for travellers to make friends with others.
For groups of 2, you can stay in their standard twin room with a private bath at € 65 a night. Guests praised the space for its cosiness and wall paintings! Likewise, the hostel Ghent, Belgium also offer accommodations for the whole family, backpackers, and a budget twin room without a private bath.
Treck Hostel
Looking for a sustainable property to stay in Ghent? Treck Hostel is part of Booking.com’s sustainable property program, ensuring that your stay will not cause so much harm to the environment.
Though one of the best family friendly hostels is a bit away from the city’s centre, you can find it in the Brugse Poort-Rooigem district surrounded by hidden gems.
Some of the pros of staying in this hostel are being surrounded by the best restaurants in Ghent, cafes, and bars, making it a perfect spot for socialization. When staying here, you may want to visit some of the local spots you can’t see in most travel blogs like Ghent’s Rabot Towers, Sint-Elisabeth Beguinage (or the Holy Corner), Dr Guislain Museum, or the shops at the Glass Alley.
However, being away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre let you rest well or maybe, enjoy a table tennis match or meet with other tourists at the shared lounge. Couples love their barbecue facilities and the terrace for a quick relaxing break. If you love the outdoors, the hostel also offers rental bicycles for the guests!
They also offer other rooms suitable for 3 and 4 people. For the dormitory types, you only need to pay as low as € 28. But they only provide a shared bathroom, so if you prefer the toilet and shower all by yourself and your family, staying here could be challenging. Treck Hostel’s rooms bring outdoor camping indoors, and guests loved the experience despite the shared bathroom.
Treck Hostel offers a few twists to their accommodations, and those are their caravan rooms good for two. Experienced a caravan and summer stay at their small but spacious Hawaii Caravan for only € 76 with free and the best breakfast in Ghent. Find board games, puzzles, and other items for children inside the caravan. To complete the Hawaii experience in one of the best child friendly hostels, you can also use the free hammock.
De Draecke Hostel Ghent
Another sustainable property we recommend is the De Draecke Hostel. If you want to be away from the city but not too far to make it back to Het Gravensteen and other destinations, we recommend staying here. The top attractions are just under 1 km away, but the Hostel De Draecke Ghent is also close to hidden gems like the Trek Hostel.
We recommend walking into the 20th-century life at The House of Alijn or dining at the Great Butchers’ Hall when staying here. You can also view the old port of Ghen by taking a walking tour of the streets of Graslei and Korenlei Ghent. Besides the Christmas Market, we also recommend visiting the Design Museum Ghent while staying at the hostel.
Guests love how they can easily socialize with others at the on-site bar. It is the top favourite amenity among guests. Likewise, the shared lounge allows guests to relax or meet other travellers. If you are a smoker, the property is not for you.
For € 76, you can stay in one of their twin room with a private bath and complimentary continental breakfast. The room and other items are hypoallergenic, making it safe for most guests. For groups of 4, stay in their quadruple room with a private bathroom. Backpackers also can stay in a dormitory room for as low as € 33.
Other Affordable Stay
Hostels are not the only properties offering a relaxing yet affordable stay. You can also find other places and cheap hotels in Ghent under € 90 with a private bath, cosy space, and nearby sights you should never miss out on.
Casa Blanca Ghent
If you want a relaxing hotel stay just within your budget, Casa Blanca Ghent ticks all the boxes. You can find the property in the city centre, particularly in one of the historic neighbourhoods and nearby the train station. It is the best area to stay in Ghent for a day or more.
Booking a room at Casa Blanca Ghent also gets you closer to the Christmas market, bars in Ghent, cafés, SMAK Museum, Opera house, Event Venue Vooruit, the best restaurants Ghent has to offer, and a supermarket for a night snack or meal. There is also a metro line near the accommodation in Ghent, allowing you to get into the city centre within minutes., if you are too tired to walk.
Their deluxe double studio suitable for two persons also costs € 86 a night. It also comes with a private bath, kitchen, and other electronics to make your stay convenient. Unlike our recommended hostels, the room may not offer creative flair, but it has everything you need for a private room. They also have paid parking for € 6 a day.
B&B Martijn Dewulf Ghent
If you want to be away from the bustling city centre, we recommend staying at the cosy B&B Martijn Dewulf Ghent. It is one of the best apartments in Ghent, perfect for travellers using a car for its free parking in Ghent. However, staying away from the centre also means being away from other Ghent sights.
Nonetheless, the privacy and homey feeling of B&B Martijn Dewulf Ghent make it an ideal accommodation than cheap hotels in Ghent Belgium for solo or group travellers. You can always get fresh air on the balcony surrounded by a garden or even meet other tourists at the bed and breakfast in Ghent Belgium. Guests recommended going for a bike ride nearby and enjoying the peaceful location.
For only € 85, you can stay at their studio with a terrace packed with home necessities such as a washing machine, private kitchen, and bath. Despite being more than 1 km away from sights, most guests gave around high reviews, mentioning the lovely owners, continental breakfast, and the neatness of the space.
Frequently Asked Questions Â
What part of Ghent should I stay in?
The best part of Ghent to stay in is the City Centre. This city area is close to the famous attractions of Ghent, and staying here means accessing all Ghent offers and enjoying its vibrant atmosphere.
Is Ghent is safe to walk at night?
Yes, Ghent is safe to walk around at night. But though it’s safe, tourists should always be vigilant wherever they go.
Is half day enough in Ghent?
No, if you visit Ghent for half day, you will be able to see only a few of the attractions in Ghent.
Is Ghent cheaper than Bruges?
Yes, Ghent is cheaper than Bruges. While both cities offer a variety of attractions and sights, Ghent tends to be more affordable regarding food, lodging, and transportation costs. And there are more budget-friendly accommodation options available in Ghent compared to Bruges.
Is Ghent a nice city?
Yes, Ghent is a very nice city. It has beautiful historical sites, great affordable restaurants and cafes, friendly locals, and plenty of romantic attractions.
Final Thoughts
Are you heading to the city of Ghent? Ensure you have already signed up for our 4 recommended budget friendly hostels in Ghent. Whether backpacking or travelling with a group, it can be tough looking for pet friendly hostels. You can also prefer budget hostels and properties within your budget away or right at the heart of the city. For the best places to stay Ghent places, you may want to consider the spaces among famous neighbourhoods or the hotels in Ghent, Belgium.
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCESÂ
Getting to Belgium: Fly into one of the main international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.
Getting Around: For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here. If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars, they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.
Accommodation: Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.
Guided tours: Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.
If this helped you plan your adventure, a coffee would go a long way in fueling my next guide! 😉
