Things to Do in Ghent, België / Belgique / Belgien

Ghent, Belgium's best-kept secret, is a medieval masterpiece that perfectly balances rich history with vibrant contemporary culture. This university city boasts one of Europe's most stunning historic centers, where Gothic architecture lines picturesque canals and ancient castles stand proudly against the skyline. Unlike its more touristy neighbors Brussels and Bruges, Ghent maintains an authentic local atmosphere while offering world-class museums, innovative cuisine, and a thriving arts scene. The city's compact medieval core is easily walkable, centered around the magnificent Saint Bavo's Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen castle. Ghent's youthful energy, fueled by its large student population, creates a dynamic nightlife and cultural scene that extends well beyond typical tourist attractions. From sampling local specialties like waterzooi to exploring cutting-edge street art, Ghent offers an immersive Belgian experience without the crowds.

Top Things to Do in Ghent

Medieval Castle Tour

Explore the imposing Gravensteen, a 12th-century castle that dominates Ghent's skyline with its stone walls and medieval towers. The fortress houses an impressive collection of medieval weapons and torture devices, while offering panoramic views of the city from its ramparts. Audio guides bring the castle's turbulent history to life as you walk through chambers where counts once held court.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around €12 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid school groups. Audio guides are included and available in multiple languages.

Canal Boat Cruise

Glide through Ghent's historic waterways on a scenic boat tour that reveals the city's medieval architecture from a unique perspective. These leisurely cruises pass under ancient bridges and alongside guild houses while guides share stories of the city's golden age as a wealthy trading center. The boat tours offer excellent photo opportunities of landmarks like Saint Nicholas' Church and the Belfry reflected in the calm waters.

Booking Tip: Tours cost €7-10 and run frequently from March to October, with limited winter service. Choose operators near Korenlei for central departure points. Evening cruises offer magical lighting but book ahead during summer.

Historic Cathedral Visit

Saint Bavo's Cathedral houses one of art history's greatest treasures: the Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers, a masterpiece of early Flemish painting. The Gothic cathedral itself is architecturally stunning, with soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stonework that spans several centuries of construction. Beyond the famous altarpiece, the cathedral contains numerous other artworks and offers insight into Ghent's religious heritage.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry is free, but viewing the Ghent Altarpiece costs €4. Purchase timed tickets online during peak season to avoid disappointment. Allow 45 minutes minimum for a thorough visit.

Food Walking Tour

Discover Ghent's culinary traditions on a guided food tour that samples local specialties like waterzooi, cuberdons, and artisanal chocolates. These tours typically visit traditional markets, family-run shops, and local eateries while explaining the history behind Belgian gastronomy. You'll taste regional cheeses, craft beers, and seasonal specialties while learning about Ghent's growing reputation as a foodie destination.

Booking Tip: Tours cost €45-65 per person and last 3-4 hours, including multiple tastings that can substitute for lunch. Book with local operators who focus on family businesses rather than tourist traps. Friday market tours offer the best variety.

Street Art Discovery

Explore Ghent's thriving street art scene through the Werregarenstraatje (Graffiti Alley) and surrounding neighborhoods where colorful murals transform ordinary walls into outdoor galleries. The city actively supports street art, creating legal spaces for artists to showcase their work alongside historic architecture. Self-guided or organized tours reveal hidden gems and explain the stories behind the most impressive pieces.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free using the city's street art map available at tourist offices. Guided tours cost €15-20 and provide artist insights. Visit during daylight hours for best photography and safety.

Getting There

Ghent is easily accessible by train from major Belgian and European cities, with frequent direct connections from Brussels (30 minutes), Antwerp (45 minutes), and Bruges (25 minutes). The main train station, Gent-Sint-Pieters, is about 2km south of the historic center, connected by trams 1 and 4. International travelers typically fly into Brussels Airport (1 hour by train) or Brussels South Charleroi Airport (1.5 hours). For those driving, Ghent is well-connected by highways, though parking in the historic center is limited and expensive.

Getting Around

Ghent's compact historic center is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city operates an efficient public transport system of trams and buses, with day passes costing around €5. Cycling is extremely popular and practical, with numerous bike rental shops offering rates from €10-15 per day. For longer distances, taxis are available but expensive, while ride-sharing services operate throughout the city.

Where to Stay

Historic Center (Graslei/Korenlei)

Patershol Quarter

Vrijdagmarkt Area

University District

Sint-Pieters Station Area

Portus Ganda

Food & Dining

Ghent's dining scene brilliantly combines traditional Flemish cuisine with innovative contemporary cooking, earning recognition as Belgium's vegetarian capital with numerous plant-based restaurants. The city's signature dish, waterzooi, can be found in traditional brown cafés alongside modern interpretations in upscale restaurants. Local markets, particularly the Friday and Saturday markets, offer fresh produce and regional specialties, while the Patershol district concentrates many of the city's finest restaurants in atmospheric medieval buildings. Don't miss trying local sweets like cuberdons and mastel, paired with world-class Belgian beers from local breweries.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Ghent is from April to October when mild weather makes walking and outdoor dining most enjoyable, though the city's indoor attractions make it a year-round destination. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, but also bring the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. Spring and early fall provide excellent weather with fewer tourists, while winter visits reward travelers with atmospheric Christmas markets, cozy café culture, and significantly lower hotel rates, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

Insider Tips

Visit on Fridays for the best market experience at Vrijdagmarkt, where locals shop for fresh produce and flowers since medieval times

Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month for residents, but tourists should check for special discount days

The city becomes much quieter after 6 PM when day-trippers leave, making evening the perfect time for atmospheric photos and intimate dining experiences

Things to Do in Ghent