20 Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Ghent is definitely one of the most fairytale cities I’ve visited, and I must admit I was surprised by its beauty and the whole vibe. If you’ve finally decided to visit Belgium and want to know what to do in Ghent, you’re in the right place. I’d leave enough time for the main sights, a boat trip and an evening by the river. Especially that last one.

I landed at Brussels Charleroi and took a bus straight to Ghent. After checking in, I headed out to explore, grabbed a sandwich and ate by the river. A very good start to a Belgium trip, if you ask me.

The city of Ghent has a castle, impressive churches, canal views and plenty of places to stop for food. Its medieval architecture and lively city center make it a great place for a weekend away. The walkable historic center feels manageable, even though Ghent isn’t really a small city. But you don’t need to turn the whole visit into a sightseeing marathon. Below are 20 of the best things to do in Ghent, plus food stops and practical tips to help you choose what to include in your trip.

if you have more days for Belgium check my 👉 5-day Belgium itinerary that includes Bruges and Brussels too.

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Where to stay in Ghent

For a first visit, I’d choose the city centre or somewhere close to it. Being able to walk back after dinner or an evening by the river makes the whole trip easier. Public transport is useful for arriving with luggage or staying farther out, and De Lijn buses and trams accept contactless payment with a bank card or compatible phone.

Here are three places to consider, depending on what you want from your stay. You can compare availability for your dates and choose the room that fits your budget.

Hotels to check

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum – This was the Ghent base in my trip plan. It’s on Voldersstraat, which puts you in the centre for sightseeing and food stops. I’d consider it if location matters more to you than having a spa or a grand hotel interior. Check whether breakfast is included in the rate you choose, especially if you already have cafés saved for the morning.

1898 The Post – If you want a boutique hotel in one of Ghent’s most recognisable buildings, look at 1898 The Post. It occupies the former post office by the waterfront, close to Saint Michael’s Bridge. The Cobbler cocktail bar is inside, so you can also visit for a drink without staying overnight. Compare room categories carefully instead of assuming every room has the same outlook.

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof – Pillows Reylof is another option if you want a more luxurious stay with a spa. Its wellness facilities are in the former carriage house of Baron Reylof. I’d look at this one if hotel time is part of your holiday, rather than somewhere you only return to sleep. Check the spa arrangements and what’s included in your particular booking.

Whichever hotel you choose, compare the full price, cancellation terms and location. A cheaper room farther away may be less useful if you’re only visiting for a short break.

Where to eat in Ghent

These are the food stops I included in my Ghent trip plan.

Place	Where it fits
Le Pain Quotidien	Breakfast or coffee before sightseeing
House of Waffles	A waffle stop at Graslei
Alice	Lunch or a tearoom stop in Onderbergen
Pakhuis	A planned dinner in the centre
The Cobbler	Optional evening cocktails at 1898 The Post
Meat Factory Ghent	Dinner in the centre, at Hoogpoort 3
Frites Atelier	A casual fries stop at Groentenmarkt 20
Chocolaterie Vandenbouhede	Chocolate shopping near the cathedral, at Mageleinstraat 46
A riverside terrace	An Aperol break while exploring Graslei and Korenlei

For Alice, check whether you’re booking the lunch restaurant or visiting the tearoom. For Pakhuis, book ahead if dinner there is a firm part of your plan.

How to get to Ghent from Brussels Charleroi

I flew into Brussels Charleroi and took a bus directly to Ghent. Flibco operates the connection and currently lists an average journey of around one hour and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Check the departure time and exact Ghent stop when booking. Your airport transfer gets you to Ghent, but you still need to plan the final journey to your hotel.

Also check which Brussels airport your flight uses. Brussels Charleroi and Brussels Airport are different airports, so the transfer advice is not interchangeable.

Arriving at Gent-Sint-Pieters station

If you arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters by train or Flibco bus, I’d take the tram into the centre. The station is quite far from the main sights, and getting on the tram was super easy when we visited. Especially with luggage, this would be my choice.

Take tram T1 towards Zuid or Gentbrugge Stelplaats. Koophandelsplein is a useful stop for the historic centre, with a short walk from there to Korenmarkt and the waterfront. Check your hotel’s address first to see which stop works best for you.

Before travelling, check the De Lijn journey planner for your date, as construction work can change routes and stops. For contactless payment, tap your bank card or compatible phone at the white payment terminal when boarding. If you transfer within your ticket’s valid period, tap the same card or device again.

20 best things to do in Ghent

1. See the skyline from Saint Michael’s Bridge

St. Michael’s Bridge is that postcard view you’ve probably seen on social media. Some places look better on screen, but this one lived up to it for me. It’s absolutely gorgeous, especially in the early morning or evening, and one of my favourite places I visited this year.

It’s the perfect place to start if you want that classic Ghent view. You can see the city’s three medieval towers together, with the waterfront nearby. It’s also one of the best places to photograph the towers of Ghent without needing an entrance ticket.

It’s a useful first stop for getting your bearings in the heart of Ghent, and I’d return in the evening too. For me, the best time for this view is around sunset and as the city lights come on. If you’re staying overnight, leave room in your plans for a second visit after the lights come on.

2. Spend time at Graslei

Graslei is one of the waterfront areas you’ll probably keep finding your way back to. There are historic guild houses, boats passing and plenty to look at without buying an entrance ticket. The Leie River, also called the Lys, helped make this a busy trading area in the Middle Ages. Look out for the old grain storehouse, with a stepped gable dating from the 13th century. Walking here is one of the best free things to do in Ghent.

This is where I’d slow down. Grab something to eat, find a place by the river and enjoy the view. My first meal in Ghent was a sandwich by the water, and it was a lovely way to start exploring.

Before sitting down, take a walk along the riverbank so you can see the different façades. Then choose where you want to pause. This area deserves more than a quick photo from the bridge, especially if the weather is good. Bring your rubbish away with you, and leave the steps and walkways clear for other people.

3. Walk along Korenlei

Korenlei is across the river from Graslei, so visit both during the same walk. They’re separate sides of the waterfront, not two outings you need to schedule hours apart.

Cross over and look back towards the buildings on Graslei. The change of angle is worth it, especially if you’re taking photos of the beautiful buildings. For the best view of the Graslei façades, I’d try this side of the river too. You can combine both banks with Saint Michael’s Bridge in one easy waterfront walk.

For photos, try a wider frame that includes the river as well as the buildings. Boats can make the scene more interesting, so there’s no need to rush the shot. If you’re travelling with someone, this is also a useful place to take turns photographing each other with the waterfront behind you.

4. Take a canal cruise

We took a canal cruise, and I’d include one when visiting Ghent. A boat tour is a great way to see the medieval buildings from the water and give your feet a break. If you’re choosing between fun things to do outdoors, this boat ride fits easily into an afternoon in the centre. 

One operator, Gent-Watertoerist, runs a roughly 40-minute sightseeing trip departing from Graslei. Check your chosen operator’s departure point and schedule before booking. I’d fit the cruise around your time at the waterfront rather than coming back across town just for it. There are several operators to choose from.

When comparing trips, check more than the price. Look at the length, commentary language and departure arrangements. If hearing the history is important to you, make sure the tour suits your language. I’d also keep the weather in mind: a dry, comfortable boat trip is much more appealing than sitting outside in the rain just because you booked the first option you saw.\

5. Visit Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts

The imposing Gravensteen Castle is one of Ghent’s famous landmarks, built in 1180 during the 12th century. Its strategic location and thick walls make it easy to picture the city in medieval times. Gravensteen, also called the Castle of the Counts, has a moat, towers and defensive walls, with parts of the castle open to visitors.

If you want to go inside, give it a proper slot in your itinerary. Looking at the entrance and visiting the castle are very different plans. I’d pair it with a walk through nearby Patershol. A self-guided audio tour helps explain the medieval history as you explore; check the available tour options when booking.  If you prefer a guide-led city walk, local guides offer tours in different languages.

Choose comfortable shoes for this visit, particularly if you want to explore the stairs and ramparts. If your main interest is the view, remember you also have the Belfry as another paid option. You can visit both, but on a short trip I’d choose based on whether you’re more interested in the castle itself or seeing the city from above.

6. Explore Patershol

Patershol is a historic neighbourhood with cobblestone streets and plenty of restaurants. Turn down a narrow street and take a short walk around before choosing somewhere to eat. It fits well after the castle, before heading back towards the waterfront.

You don’t need a long checklist here. Walk around, look at the buildings and see whether somewhere catches your eye for food. If you already have a particular restaurant in mind, book rather than relying on finding a table when you arrive.

7. Go inside Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

St. Bavo’s Cathedral is one of the top things to see in the heart of the city, even if you aren’t planning to see the Ghent Altarpiece. This Gothic cathedral stands on the site of an earlier church from the 10th century, so there’s a lot of history behind the building you see today.

General cathedral entry is free. The visitors’ centre and Altarpiece experience come at an additional cost. You can visit St Bavo’s Cathedral without paying that extra cost if you only want to see the main church.

It’s close to the Belfry, which makes the two easy to combine.

8. See the Ghent Altarpiece

The Ghent Altarpiece, also called The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is the famous work associated with Hubert van Eyck and Jan van Eyck, completed in 1432 and displayed at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.

Book ahead if this is a priority. The official tourism website currently lists an Altarpiece-only ticket and a ticket including an augmented-reality tour.

Before you book: some upper inner panels are currently undergoing restoration at the Museum of Fine Arts. Check the current display information so you know what will be on view during your visit.

I’d decide on this visit before arriving, rather than trying to book it while standing outside the cathedral. It’s a better choice for someone interested in art and history than someone simply looking for a quick photo stop. Read what your ticket includes, choose a time you can reach comfortably and give yourself space to look at the work without rushing straight to the next attraction.

9. Go up the Belfry of Ghent

For an elevated view, add the Ghent Belfry to your itinerary. This 14th century bell tower is part of the Belfries of Belgium and France UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the central tower in the famous row between Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and Saint Nicholas’ Church.

There’s a lift from the first floor, but you still need to use stairs to reach it. Keep that in mind when deciding whether the visit suits you.

I’d group the Belfry with the two churches rather than spreading these neighbouring sights across different days.

You don’t need to pay for a tower view to appreciate Ghent, but it can help you understand the layout after walking around at street level. Try to plan it for clear weather if the panorama is your main reason for going. If the forecast is poor, you may prefer to spend that money on another indoor visit instead.

10. Visit Saint Nicholas’ Church

St. Nicholas’ Church is another stop to include while exploring the central sights. Established in the 13th century, it’s a good example of Scheldt Gothic architecture, with a tower above the crossing rather than the entrance. Combine it with the cathedral and Belfry, then continue towards your next food stop or walk.

Not every visit needs to take up half a day. Check access for your travel date, step inside if it’s open, and leave yourself time to appreciate the building from outside too.

11. Walk through Graffiti Street

Werregarenstraat, better known as Graffiti Street, adds something different to a route full of churches and historic buildings.

It’s a short stop, so I’d fit it between the central sights and lunch. Street artists keep changing the walls, so you shouldn’t expect every piece you’ve seen in someone else’s photos to still be there. It’s a fun place for a quick change of scenery between the older sights.

12. Take a break at Emile Braunplein

For a break between sights, stop at Emile Braunplein, the small grassy park beside Saint Nicholas’ Church. You get a lovely view of the church, and it’s an easy place to sit down with a coffee or something to eat.

It’s right in the historic centre, close to the Belfry and Korenmarkt, so you can fit it into your walk without taking a detour. If the weather is good, grab a spot on the grass and give your feet a break. Sightseeing can wait a few minutes.

13. Have Belgian waffles at House of Waffles

House of Waffles is at Graslei 8, so you can combine it with your waterfront walk or canal cruise. They offer both Brussels and Liège waffles, with sweet and savoury options. That gives you a choice depending on whether you want a snack or something more substantial. I’d stop here while you’re already by the river.

Check the menu before choosing toppings, especially if you’re after a quick snack rather than a full meal. You can keep it simple or make it a proper dessert stop. If you’re travelling with someone and already have dinner plans, sharing can also leave room for the other food stops you’ve saved.

14. Try Belgian fries at Frites Atelier

Leave room for a portion of fries during your Ghent visit. They’re an easy food stop between attractions, especially when you don’t want another sit-down meal. Choose a frituur that fits your route, pick your sauce and take a proper food break. You don’t need a restaurant reservation for every meal.

One place to save is Frites Atelier at Groentenmarkt 20. It’s close to the castle and the waterfront, so it’s easy to fit into your walk. Choose your fries and sauce from the menu and take a food break before the next stop. The name is Frites Atelier, so that’s what to search on your map.

15. Have cocktails at The Cobbler

The Cobbler is the cocktail bar inside 1898 The Post, the hotel in Ghent’s former post office building.

It’s a good option if you want to finish your waterfront evening with a drink. The building is close to Saint Michael’s Bridge and Graslei, so it fits the route without adding another journey across the city.

Keep it optional. You can also end the day with a walk by the water.

16. Have breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

If you want a sit-down breakfast before exploring, add Le Pain Quotidien to your list. Coffee, bread and something to eat before a morning of walking? A very sensible start.

There are two central branches: Kalandeberg 10 and Korenmarkt 16. Choose whichever fits your route. Korenmarkt is handy for Saint Nicholas’ Church and the waterfront, while Kalandeberg works well before visiting the cathedral area. Check the opening hours for the branch you choose, especially if you want an early start.

17. Stop for lunch or cake at Alice

Alice, at Onderbergen 6, is another food stop to save. It’s a short walk from the main waterfront area, so you can fit it in without going far out of your way.

There’s a lunch restaurant and a tearoom, so decide whether you want a proper lunch or a coffee-and-cake break. Check the booking arrangements if you’re planning lunch here. I’d rather have a table sorted than spend the afternoon looking for somewhere to eat when I’m already hungry.

18. Have dinner at Meat Factory

For a dinner built around meat, fries and sauces, look at Meat Factory Ghent, at Hoogpoort 3. Make sure you save the Ghent location, since there’s also a restaurant in Antwerp.

It’s in the centre, which makes it easy to combine dinner with an evening walk by the river. Check the current menu and book ahead if this is somewhere you really want to eat. You can keep Pakhuis as another dinner option rather than trying to squeeze every restaurant into one trip.

19. Shop for Belgian chocolate

You can’t talk about food in Belgium and leave out chocolate. One central shop to consider is Chocolaterie Vandenbouhede, at Mageleinstraat 46, near the cathedral area.

They make chocolates by hand, and you can see the workshop from the street. Pick a few pieces to try or a box to take home. If you’re visiting in warm weather, I’d leave this stop until later so your chocolate isn’t sitting in your bag all afternoon.

20. Have an Aperol by the river

We also stopped for an Aperol by the river, and I’d leave time for that kind of break. After walking around the churches and castle, sitting down with a drink and a waterfront view was very welcome.

You can fit it in while exploring Graslei and Korenlei, before dinner or before the evening lights come on. Check the drinks menu before choosing a terrace, then enjoy having nowhere else to be for a little while.

More places to consider if you have extra time

Choose from these additional stops if you have extra time or want to explore more of Ghent.

Friday Market and Belgian beer at Dulle Griet

Vrijdagmarkt means Friday Market. If you’re in Ghent on a Friday morning, check the weekly market schedule and add it to your walk. Otherwise, the square is still worth a look for its historic setting.

For Belgian beer, consider Dulle Griet at Vrijdagmarkt 50. The pub has a large selection of local and international beers. Fun fact: ordering the Max beer comes with an unusual deposit. You hand over a shoe for the special glass. Add it as an optional stop if you’re exploring this part of town.

Ghent City Hall and Korenmarkt

Ghent City Hall, also called the Town Hall, is close to the central sights. Compare the Late Gothic side on Hoogpoort with the Renaissance side on Botermarkt. The figures of the Counts of Flanders on the façade were added in the early 20th century. Interior visits require a guided tour.

Nearby Korenmarkt, whose name refers to the old grain or wheat market, is an easy square to include while exploring the center of Ghent. Its cafés and busy terraces make it a useful food or coffee stop.

House of Alijn

House of Alijn, also known as Huis van Alijn, focuses on everyday life, traditions and memories of the 20th century. Choose it if you’d like a change from castles and church interiors. Its Kraanlei location makes it practical to combine with the castle and Patershol area.

STAM, Ghent City Museum

The Ghent City Museum, STAM, explores the city’s rich history from the Middle Ages to the present. It combines a 14th-century abbey, a later convent and a modern building. This is a separate outing near the Bijloke site, rather than a quick stop between the three towers.

Design Museum Gent

The Design Museum gives you a different side of this historic city. Visit Gent lists its reopening on 3 October 2026, after my April trip. Check the exhibitions and opening days for your dates, and consider it as an alternative to the garden on a rainy afternoon.

Museum of Fine Arts: Hieronymus Bosch and more

For more art, consider the Museum of Fine Arts, known as MSK. Its collection includes works by Hieronymus Bosch and other major artists. It’s also involved in the Ghent Altarpiece restoration. This is a separate museum visit, so allow extra time rather than adding it between lunch and your next central sight.

Castle of Gerald the Devil

The Castle of Gerald the Devil is another historic building to look out for near the cathedral area. This 13th-century fortress has had many uses over the centuries. Add an exterior stop if you’re nearby, and check current visitor access before planning to go inside.

Best free things to do in Ghent

Walk across Saint Michael’s Bridge, explore both riverbanks, see the street art and visit the main cathedral and St. Nicholas’ Church. These give you a mix of architecture, city views and places to pause without filling the day with entrance fees.

Sitting by the river and seeing the city after dark are among my favorite things to include in the plan. For paid attractions, choose the experiences you actually want rather than treating every ticket as essential.

Practical tips for your Ghent visit

• Check opening days. Don’t assume every museum or attraction is open daily; use the official calendar for your dates.
• Allow time between stops. A ten-minute walk on a map can take longer when you stop for photos or food.
• Choose your indoor visits. The castle, Altarpiece and museums each need time. Pick your priorities before booking.
• Leave the evening flexible. The waterfront is easy to revisit after dinner.

Is one day in Ghent enough?

A day trip works for a first look. I’d focus on Saint Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei, then choose one main ticketed experience: the castle, Belfry or Altarpiece.

Two days gives you more room for a boat trip, the other sights and food stops. My reason for staying overnight is simple: you get to see the waterfront after dark without rushing back for an early train.

Official information for planning your visit

Check current visitor information through Visit Gent, including Gravensteen, the Belfry, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece. For the airport transfer, use Flibco’s Ghent–Charleroi route.