Is Ghent worth visiting? 16 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ghent
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If you’re asking yourself “Is Ghent worth visiting”, you’ve come to the right place!
I live about 45 minutes away from the city and have been there countless times.
Ghent is often the little brother of the three major Belgian destinations: Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp. That means that fewer tourists make their way to the capital of East Flanders, but there’s no reason to skip it!
However, if I tell you that Ghent is one of my favourite cities of all time you might have an inkling what my answer will be to the original question of whether or not Ghent is worth visiting.
I’ll explain 16 reasons why exactly you should put Ghent on your Belgium itinerary, and then I’ll also add some practical details like what tours to take, where to stay, and the best time to visit.
Is Ghent worth visiting?
The short answer to this is “Yes”. (You didn’t see that one coming, right?)
No, truly, Ghent, Belgium has so much to offer to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Brussels can be a bit bland compared to the other major destinations in Belgium and Bruges is usually seriously overcrowded, but Ghent? Ghent has it all.
✔️ A fairytale historic centre
✔️ Canals with boat rides
✔️ More locals than tourists
✔️ A young and eco-minded vibe
✔️ A castle IN the city centre
You can see all the sights in a single day, but if you have more time to experience Ghent, I’d totally recommend you do so. It’s also a great base for further explorations in Belgium.
What is Ghent famous for?
Ghent is famous for its “Three Towers”. The towers of the Belfry, the Saint Nicholas Church, and the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral can be seen from everywhere in the city and make the city unique.
Besides that, Ghent is well known as the vegetarian capital of Belgium and is often seen as the most eco-friendly city in Belgium.
Oh and don’t forget the Medieval city centre with its many canals, obviously.
Is Ghent Belgium safe?
Taking rank one in the list of the top 10 safest places to visit in Belgium, Ghent is certainly a safe place for tourists but with a low crime index of 26.51 in 2022, Ghent is also a very safe place for locals.
I’ve never felt unsafe walking the streets in Ghent, not even at night.
Reasons why you should visit Ghent
1. Less touristy atmosphere
Belgium is often disregarded as a travel destination (many people are even wondering whether Belgium is situated in Germany or even whether Belgium is a country or not!). When people do come to visit, they usually limit their time to Brussels and/or Bruges.
So it doesn’t come as a surprise that Ghent receives a lot less tourists.
The fewer tourists around, the more you’ll be able to explore the city freely and go to tourist destinations with ease.
2. Medieval architecture and canals
Although not as famous as Bruges, the historical centre of Ghent is just as fairytale-like. You’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, Medieval architecture and plenty of charm.
Ghent is a fairly small city and especially the historic centre is easily walkable. Use your legs to discover all these history-oozing places!
Make sure to visit The Castle of the Counts – it’s pretty unique to find a Medieval fortress in the middle of a city! Other Medieval sights include The Great Butcher’s Hall and The Belfry.
Hop on a boat tour to admire the city from a different perspective or – if you’re feeling a little more adventurous – book yourself a kayak and paddle around Ghent’s canals yourself! I highly recommend this fun activity!
Among the most visited destinations in the area are the Graslei and Korenlei, where ships used to dock in the 11th century. Now, it’s one of the most popular spots for locals, especially when the sun is out!
Grab a coffee and watch the tourist boats go by while enjoying the hustle and bustle of a mid-sized city.
3. Incredible art scene and museums
Art is another factor that makes Ghent a great place to visit.
In a small city like Ghent, you will certainly find grand displays of galleries from world-renowned artists who visit the city for special art festivities.
Among the top five museums in the city are the following:
🖼️ Ghent City Museum (STAM)
This museum is located at the Bijloke Site – a cultural haven in the city – and is easily recognised because of its modern exterior surrounded by historical buildings.
At STAM, you can discover the story of Ghent and all its layers.
🖼️ Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK)
With an international reputation, this museum showcases galleries that feature global artists. Unlike other traditional museums in the city, SMAK is known for its rebellious streak.
Instead of sticking to the usual art displays that traditional museums are known for, SMAK is not afraid to go unconventional.
Rebellious presentations that are often controversial make SMAK one of the most visited museums in Ghent and is recommended for art enthusiasts who want to see and experience something different.
🖼️ Design Museum Ghent
The Design Museum in Ghent is the place to be if you’re interested in design in all its forms. Other than exhibits that showcase the evolution of design from the 15th Century until now.
It also puts attention to Belgian design specifically and to how strongly design is interwoven with daily life.
💡 Good to know: Right now, the Design Museum is undergoing reconstruction and is set to reopen in 2026.
🏭 Industriemuseum
At the Ghent Industrial Museum – located in a former cotton fabric – you can learn more about the industrial history of Ghent and the rest of Europe.
The museum houses quite an impressive collection of textile and printing machines.
🖼️ Museum of Fine Arts (MSK Gent)
Known as the oldest museum in Belgium (dating back to 1798, that’s older than Belgium itself!), the MSK Gent has an enormous collection of more than 15.000 paintings and sculptures and also houses its own library with art on paper.
On top of that, it’s an expertise and learning centre for 19th and 20th Century art.
4. Colourful Street Arts
It’s more of a museum out in the open; the colourful street arts of Ghent showcase the exceptional art of local artists.
Most visitors will only pass by the well-known Graffiti Alley, but follow the Sorry, Not Sorry street art walk for a full experience.
5. Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen)
How often can you find a full-blown Medieval castle in a major city? Guess what, Ghent has it!
The Castle of the Counts is an impressive building that is reason enough on its own to visit Ghent.
Admire the outside during a boat tour, but make sure to go in as well. They have a pretty impressive torture equipment collection.
6. The Three Towers
As I’ve mentioned before, there are three towers that make up Ghent’s picturesque skyline: The Church of Saint Nicholas, St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Belfry.
⛪ Church of St. Nicholas
The impressive church is a major site in the city – located in the heart of the city at the Korenmarkt. It has a unique tower that is not situated above the entrance but instead was built on top of the cross between the transepts and nave.
⛪ St. Bavo’s Cathedral
St. Bavo’s Cathedral is home to one of the most famous art pieces in Belgium: The Mystic Lamb, an altarpiece painted by the famous Flemish Master Jan Van Eyck.
Its history is one of theft and intrigue (the panel of the Just Judges is still missing to this day!) and you can learn all about it in a 40 or 60-minute Augmented Reality tour.
The altarpiece is under restoration at this moment (a delicate task that you can see in real-time at MSK Gent) and the panels have been replaced by high-quality photos.
🕒 Belfry
The third tower is Ghent’s Belfry. Together with 55 other Belfries in Belgium and Northern France, it is a Unesco World Heritage site.
Climb the tower for glorious views over the city and look up from the ground to spot the fiery dragon – Ghent’s mascot and protector that has been guarding the city since 1377.
7. St. Michael’s Bridge
The St. Michael’s Bridge is one of Ghent’s most well-known sights and well worth a visit when you’re in the city. It’s a popular selfie spot as you can take wonderful pics with views of the Gras and Korenlei with the Castle of the Counts in the background.
The bridge itself is a stunning work of art and adds a romantic touch if you’re planning a couple’s trip to Ghent.
It’s also the only spot in the city where you can photograph the Three Towers all at once. However, you’ll have to find the right spot as there’s a tram track and quite a lot of traffic passing by.
8. Beautiful neighbourhoods
Besides its art, history and culture, Ghent is known for its charming neighbourhoods.
Patershol
If you love to explore the culinary corner of the city, Patershol, Ghent is the best place for you to visit. From traditional to world cuisine, everything in Patershol is worth tasting and exploring for gastronomic adventurers.
But don’t forget to stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys either. There’s a lot of charm packed in this area!
Prinsenhof
Known as one of Ghent’s hidden gems, the Prinsenhof was originally a walled manor with 300 bedrooms, a zoo and a sensory garden and it was here that King Charles was born in 1500.
💡 Good to know: Nowadays, the only remaining part is the Dark Gate (De Donkere Poort) but the neighbourhood is well worth a visit regardless.
It’s also the best place to learn about the nickname of the Ghentians (De Stroppendragers – the Noose Bearers), something you can do during a boat trip in Ghent.
💡 Good to know: Visit during the first weekend of September when the Prinsenhof Festivities are held.
9. Vibrant nightlife
Ghent is first and foremost a student city, so you’ll find no shortage of places for a drink or dancing.
💡 Good to know: Belgian students go home on Friday afternoon only to return on Sunday evening, so the main party night is Thursday evening.
The student hotspot is the Overpoort, but you’ll find plenty of nightlife in the Oude Beestenmarkt and the Vlasmarkt, a paradise for those who want to explore the city while also embracing its beauty at night.
Recommended cafes are Hot Club Gent (Jazz), Missy Sippy (blues) and Abacho 2K18 (silent disco).
10. Festivals
Ghent has a young and alternative vibe – which is something you’ll notice in the number of festivals that are held each year.
🎉 Gentse Feesten
De Gentse Feesten is the number one event for every Ghentian. Don’t miss these 10 days of (mostly free) culture, street theatre, music, food and more.
Except if crowds are not your thing – in that case, you might want to avoid Ghent during the Gentse Feesten.
💡 Good to know: The festival usually starts on the 3rd Friday of July. In 2025, the Gentse Feesten are held from Friday, July 18 until Sunday, July 27.
📽️ Film Fest Gent
Film Fest Gent is Belgium’s largest international film festival and is held yearly in October. During this festival, you can watch the (Belgian) avant-première of more than 100 movies and film music concerts.
There’s a large focus on film music and films outside of the regular offer.
🎷 Gent Jazz Festival
If Jazz is your thing, plan your visit to Ghent in July. The city’s cultural plaza, The Bijloke site, forms the décor of the Gent Jazz Festival.
Both international stars and new talent is featured during the 10 days of the festival.
11. A vegetarian capital
Ghent calls itself proudly “the vegan capital of Europe”. The city invented a weekly vegetarian day (no schools in Ghent offer meat or fish on that day for lunch) and you’ll find an abundance of vegetarian and vegan restaurants throughout the city.
Head over to Le Botaniste (vegan), Epiphany’s Kitchen (vegan), BOON (vegetarian), De Panda (vegetarian) and De Frietketel (friterie with lots of vegetarian/vegan options).
12. Large pedestrian shopping district
Ghent is also well-known for its pedestrian shopping district. The Veldstraat is Ghent’s premier shopping and it offers a wide range of international brands.
13. More affordable than other cities in Belgium
Compared to other cities in Belgium, Ghent is one of the most affordable destinations to visit.
So, if you are on a budget and you simply want to embrace the magic of Europe, do not forget to add Ghent to your itinerary.
14. Typical products from Ghent
🍬 Neuzekes (purple candy)
A nose-shaped candy, Neuzekes are also known as Cuberdons or Ghent’s Purple Noses.
This original Ghentian candy is sold on the Groentenmarkt (nowadays only by one stall after a year-long dispute between the two salesmen ended in a conviction for one of the two), but you can also find the candy in many shops throughout Belgium.
The original candy is purple with a thin crust and a syrup-like raspberry filling. However, nowadays you can find them in all colours and flavours. But for the Belgians, the purple one remains the only real Cuberdon.
💡 Side note: Neuzekes are not your average candy. You either love them or hate them. They’re mostly enjoyed by adults, so don’t buy a big bag for your kids without letting them try it. As much as we love candy, both me, my wife and our daughter don’t like them at all.
🍲 Gentse Waterzooi
Gentse Waterzooi is a traditional Flemish Stew that has two unique variants; one is made with chicken and the other is made with fish.
The soup is made with carrots, leeks, potatoes, and heavy cream, giving you a rich, creamy taste. The broth and egg make the sauce thick.
We recommend stopping for a chicken or fish stew meal at ‘t Klokhuys, located at the heart of Ghent.
The restaurant is famous among locals and tourists for its Gentse Waterzooi, but it’s also the best spot for tasting that other Belgian favourite dish: beef stew (Stoofvlees/Carbonade à la Flamande).
15. Easy to get around
Not only does Ghent have reliable and easy public transport, but the centre of the city is totally walkable. You won’t need to rely on anything but your legs if you want to see the main sights.
Other easy ways to make your way to the other side of the city are bicycles and steps.
16. Just a short train ride away from the other major cities
Ghent may be small, but because it is close to other major Belgian cities like Brussels and Bruges, I actually recommend making it your base to explore Belgium.
From one of the two train stations (Gent Sint Pieters and Gent-Dampoort), you can make your way to Bruges, Ostend, Antwerp, or Bruges within 30 to 40 minutes.
Things to do in Ghent
We’ve already covered the main sights in Ghent, but if you’re looking for some fun things to do, let me suggest some really cool tours. Wandering around is a great way to get a feel for a new city, but it’s not until you book a tour that you’ll discover hidden stories and fun details.
👉 Go on a walking tour
Take a historical walking tour that focuses on the Legends of Gent. This experience gives you a closer look into the city’s past while also giving you access to some of the most interesting destinations in the area on foot.
👉 Discover Ghent through a boat trip
In a city full of canals, you really can’t go home without booking a guided boat trip. I can totally recommend these 40-minute trips – we sure loved ours! They’re short, fun and full of historical anecdotes.
👉 Indulge in Belgian chocolates
Love chocolates? Belgian chocolates are not only exceptional in taste; they are also created through a unique and delicate process.
Join a Small-Group Chocolate Tour with a Local Guide. To learn more about Belgium’s most popular export product!
💡 Good to know: if you’re looking for hands-on experience making chocolate art rather than just tasting it, book a chocolate-making workshop in Bruges or Brussels.
👉 Enjoy beer-tasting with the locals
More interested in that other Belgium treat? When in Ghent, book one of the beer tastings led by a local and learn more about the 2000+ different Belgian beers.
👉 Ride a bike around Ghent
If you’re looking for a more active pass-time, book an off-the-beaten-track bike tour through Ghent and combine a workout with some of Ghent’s best-hidden gems.
Where is Ghent located in Belgium?
Ghent is the capital of the province East Flanders and is located in the middle of the line Brussels – Bruges.
Ghent Belgium map
How to get to Ghent
The easiest way to travel between cities in Belgium is by train. You can reach Ghent from Bruges in 30 minutes and from Brussels, Antwerp or Ostend within 40 minutes.
You may also use your private car to get to the city, but make sure to book a hotel with private parking as parking spots are scarce and expensive in the city.
💡 Good to know: booking door-to-door private transport is always the most convenient option and when travelling as a family or in a group might even turn out cheaper than any of the other options.
How to get around Ghent
🚶 Walking
If you want to soak yourself in the beauty and grandeur of Ghent, walking is the best way to get around the city.
You can choose to either walk around on your own or book a local walking tour in Ghent that will let you explore the city with the help of a local guide.
The advantage of going on a walking tour is that you not only get to enjoy Ghent at your own pace, but you will also get the chance to know the people and experience their culture on a more personal level.
Getting great pictures is also easy because you can stop anytime you want at any spot that catches your attention for a quick photo op.
🚴♂️ Biking
If you are a bike enthusiast, Ghent offers several bike tours that you can sign up for. If you want to do it on your own, you may also rent a bike and be on your way to explore the city on wheels (Blue Bikes).
Like most Belgian cities, Ghent offers a bicycle-sharing platform that allows you to rent a bicycle for 30 minutes and drop it off at one of the many stations around the city (Trapido).
💡 Good to know: Just remember that if you are on your own, you need to be mindful of all the traffic regulations in the city to avoid any problems during your visit.
🚌 Public transportation
Even the destinations that are a bit further away from the historical centre can be reached within a 30-minute walk (with the exception of the Blaarmeersen). But you can choose to use trans or buses to get there too.
Where to Stay in Ghent
There are several comfortable and affordable accommodations around Ghent. Here are my top choices for every type of traveller:
🛏️ (€) Hostel: Hostel Uppelink
Hostel Uppelink is a solid choice when visiting Ghent as a backpacker. Located just across the wonderful St Michaels bridge, you’re staying in the very heart of the historic centre and you even get to enjoy the view of the Three Towers right from your bedroom window!
On top of the cheap breakfast buffet (€7.50pp), you’re also able to rent kayaks or tag along with a free walking tour. A kitchen, washer & dryer and free wifi, make this hostel stay complete.
🛏️ (€) Budget hotel: Rodelijv
Rodelijv is a recent small hotel that is definitely one of your best options if you’re looking to stay in Ghent on a budget. With bright, airy rooms and a friendly owner, you’ll be sure to have a solid base to explore the city.
The hotel is located just outside of the neighbourhood ‘t Patershol and it’s a mere 9 minutes on foot to the Gras and Korenlei.
🛏️ (€€) Midrange hotel: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel
The Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel is one of the funkiest accommodations you’ll find in Ghent. With beautifully decorated rooms, amazing roof terras that offer spectacular views over the city and a tasty breakfast buffet, there’s no reason not to choose this hotel for your stay.
🛏️ (€€€) Luxury hotel: 1898 The Post
1898 The Post is a spectacular small hotel located in the old post building (hence the name). This unique hotel in Ghent was voted one of the top 500 hotels in the world by Travel+Leisure, so you know a stay here will make a lasting impression.
The rooms have a cosy and warm design and each room has received a unique touch.
The cocktail bar downstairs, The Cobbler, is the perfect place to finish up a day of exploring the city.
When is the best time to visit Ghent?
Ghent is charming all throughout the year. During the summer months, you’ll be able to enjoy better weather, more daylight (the sun sets around 10 PM in Belgium!) and plenty of summer bars and festivals.
The city will be calmer though as the students have gone home for summer and many locals will be travelling abroad.
💡 Good to know: Visit Ghent in December or January for a fairytale-like feeling thanks to the winter festival and the light festival.
How many days in Ghent is enough?
If you don’t have much time, one day is enough to see the highlights of Ghent and get a good feel of the city.
But if you have at least two to three days, you can add some cool museums to your itinerary and explore a couple of the hidden gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
🌃 IS GHENT SAFE TO WALK AT NIGHT?
Yes, overall Ghent is safe to walk around at night, especially in the historic centre. However, there are some areas that you might want to avoid at night if you’re a solo female traveller.
The Citadel Park for one and lately, there have been drug rapes mentioned at student party the neighbourhood of Overpoort.
🏰 WHAT IS THE PRETTIEST PART OF GHENT?
Ghent has a lot of pretty locations to discover. I particularly love the hidden gems Het Prinsenhof and ‘t Patershol. But obviously don’t miss the historic centre either with the main sights such as the Castle of the Counts, the St Michaels Bridge and the Belfry.
🍲 WHAT FOOD IS GHENT FAMOUS FOR?
Ghent is well-known for 2 things: Gentse Waterzooi, a creamy soup with vegetables, herbs and chicken or fish, and Cuberdons, also known as Neuzekes (noses) because of their cone shape. This purple candy has a thin crust and a syrup-like raspberry filling that you either hate or love.
💸 IS GHENT EXPENSIVE?
Western Europe isn’t cheap and Belgium isn’t any different. However, Ghent isn’t on the main tourist trail and therefore, you’ll be able to enjoy the city without having to splurge.
A hotel stay will cost you between €120-250 per night; eating out in a restaurant will be about €25-30 per person while take-out will set you back about €10. Entry tickets to museums and other sights are €10-15 on average.
🛏️ WHAT PART OF GHENT SHOULD I STAY IN?
I’d recommend staying in the calmer parts of the historic centre: around Het Prinsenhof or in ‘t Patershol. These areas are only a couple of minutes away from the main sights but come with calm streets and fewer crowds.
If you are looking for the most budget-friendly options, you can opt to stay a bit out of the centre and use public transport or a bicycle to explore the city.
🌞 IS GHENT WORTH A DAY TRIP?
Yes. A day in Ghent is enough to see the major sights and get a good feel of the city. You can easily go on a day trip to Ghent from Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp or even Amsterdam or Paris.
However, if you stay for a couple of days, you’ll get the chance to explore more of this beautiful city including impressive museums and hidden gems.
🏰 WHICH IS BETTER BRUGES OR GHENT?
Both Bruges and Ghent are very similar: a charming Medieval city with lots of narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, a beguinage and canals. However, Bruges attracts much more tourists and it’s more difficult to find calm and peaceful spots.
I’d choose Ghent over Bruges a million times. But only if you don’t have the time to visit both, because Bruges is wonderful too.
⛄WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT GHENT?
For someone who loves the sunshine and nice atmosphere, June to August would be the best time to visit Ghent. For someone who wants fair but not hot weather, April to May or September to October would be great.
For those who want to explore the city in a fairytale-like setting, opt for December or January when there are plenty of Christmas lights, a winter festival and a light festival.
🏙️ CAN YOU VISIT BRUGES AND GHENT ON THE SAME DAY?
I wouldn’t recommend visiting Bruges and Ghent on a single day. If you’re really short on time and want to see both cities without question, I’d recommend you book a day trip to Bruges and Ghent from Brussels.
However, both cities deserve at least a day to take in the major sights and get a good feel for the city. And although both cities are easy to reach by train, I wouldn’t try to combine independent train trips and visits to both Bruges and Ghent.
Final Thoughts: Is Ghent worth visiting?
Yes, definitely! Ghent is one of the most interesting and inspiring cities in Belgium and perhaps even in Europe.
Not only is it easy to reach from just about any destination in Belgium and even from Amsterdam, Paris or London, but it also offers exceptional sights that will bring you back to The Middle Ages.
But Ghent is the perfect mix of history and modernity and that shows through its alternative mindset, its nickname as the vegan capital of Europe and the street art that you can find all around the city.
I really hope I convinced you to pay a visit to Ghent – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Drop a comment below with any questions you have or let me know if you loved Ghent as much as I do!
BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES
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! 😉
