11+ Stunning Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium
Despite being one of Belgium’s most picturesque and walkable medieval sites, the city of Ghent is often overlooked for more popular Bruges or the capital city, Brussels.
But having been to all three cities multiple times, I can confidently say that Ghent is my favourite Belgian city to visit. There are so many things to do in Ghent to fill a day or weekend trip – it would be a big mistake to skip this city!
You’ll have your pick of what to do in Ghent, from museums and royal residences to delicious dining and boat tours. Of course, no Ghent visit is complete without a trip to Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts.
But don’t just check the Ghent castle off your list and leave – stick around to see what else this charming city has to offer. I promise that you’re going to fall just in love with Ghent as I have.
Read on to see the awesome things you can do in Ghent, plus my tips for where to stay and if you should visit Bruges or Ghent!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support! And thanks to Visit Gent for supporting our Ghent visit. As always, all opinions are my own.
First things first: Is the city called Ghent, Gent or Gand?
It’s all three! Like most places in Belgium (and across the world), Ghent is referred to by different names depending on what language you’re speaking. Ghent is the common English spelling, Gent is the Dutch/Flemish and German spelling, and Gand is the French version.
Ghent and Gent are the most common spellings you’ll come across as Ghent works for English-speaking tourists (like me!) and Belgian Dutch/Flemish is the native language in the region, which gives us Gent.
What’s Ghent famous for?
Ghent is most famous as the home of Gravensteen, a 12th Century castle that was home to the Count of Flanders. Today the castle can be toured by visitors, complete with an awesome audio guide (more on that below).
Ghent is also famous for its medieval centre with the beautiful Graslei and Korenlei quays that flank the Leie River; the Ghent Altarpiece, a famous religious painting that’s housed at St Bavo’s Cathedral; and the Belfry of Ghent, a 14th Century bell tower with views over the city.
11 stunning things to do in Ghent, Belgium
1. Visit Gravensteen Castle
One of the top things to do in Ghent is tour Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts. Your visit begins by picking up an audio guide where Flemish comedian Wouter Deprez will lead you through the castle. Expect to regularly hear people bursting out laughing because Wouter has jokes!
With Wouter, you’ll follow the story of Count Philip and his wife, Elizabeth. You’ll see where one of the first fireplaces and latrines in Belgium were used, learn about the founding of Flanders thanks to a man who slept his way to the top, and discover various torture methods that were used in medieval Ghent.
Wouter even recounts his top five favourite executions, which are depicted on banners, and way funnier than stories about death should be. Colin and I (along with everyone else in the room) were cackling!
Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views not just of the castle and moat, but over all of Ghent. By the end of your visit, you will have thoroughly explored the inside and outside of the castle and will likely be calling Wouter your new best friend.
As of Dec 2023: Tickets are €13/adult and the castle is open from 10am-6pm daily (last admission at 4:40pm). You can book tickets online here or entrance is included with a CityCard Gent.
2. Eat lunch at Otomat
After touring Gravensteen, you’ll probably be pretty hungry. It’s time for a bite just next door at Otomat, a cool eatery serving delicious pizzas and homemade ice tea. Of course, being Belgium, their pizza dough is made with Belgian beer and there are plenty of beer pairings to go along with your pizza.
I really enjoyed my pizza and opted for homemade ice tea, instead of beer, which was also delicious!
If you get to Otomat early, you might be able to snag one of their coveted outdoor or window tables overlooking the Leie River. Or, if you happen to be coming by kayak, you can actually pick up pizza from their riverside dock!
3. Sample the famous Ghent nose candy
Gentse Neusjes, Gentse Neus or Cuberdon are cone-shaped candy and a local delicacy in Ghent. Gentse Neus actually translates to “Ghent nose” in Dutch, because the candy pieces look like noses.
Legend has it that a Ghent pharmacist stubbled upon the recipe in 1873 when trying to extend the shelf-life of liquid medicine. He learned that a hard crust could be formed around the liquid, which sort of describes the candy today!
You’ll see a couple of cuberdon carts in Ghent’s main city squares. Unfortunately, the sellers know that these bright sweets are popular with tourists, and so they are priced accordingly.
When we visited in September 2022, a bag of 10 pieces cost €10, and you had to buy a minimum of 10. I’m glad we tried them, but I definitely don’t think they were worth €10. My advice? Split a bag with a few friends!
4. Marvel at an 18th Century aristocrat’s home: Hotel d’Hane Steenhuyse
Step into Hotel d’Hane Steenhuyse and be transported back to 18th Century Ghent where ballrooms and ballgowns reigned supreme. In fact, King Louis XVIII stayed here in 1815 when he was expelled from France!
On a self-guided tour, you can walk around the stately home, checking out ballrooms, sitting rooms and dining rooms on the main floor, bedrooms and offices on the upper floor, and kitchens and wine cellars in the basement. Best of all, visiting is one of the best free things to do in Ghent!
I was pretty wowed by how many rooms there were to discover and how beautifully decorated they were. Most of the rooms didn’t have barriers up, meaning you could walk right in and get up close to the furniture and decor.
And because this royal home in Ghent isn’t as popular as say, Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, we had most of the rooms completely to ourselves.
You can also visit Arnold Vander Haeghen House, another stately home right across the street. This house seemed slightly more modern and not as ornately decorated, but still had a few beautiful rooms to check out. The second floor was closed when we visited, so there wasn’t as much to discover.
As of Dec 2023: Both homes are open from 2-6pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sundays. Entrance is free or join a €7 guided tour on Sundays at 11am or free with CityCard Gent.
5. Walk down Graffiti Street in Ghent
A walk down Graffiti Street is one of the top things to do in Ghent and a cool way to discover a more modern part of this medieval city.
It reminded me a lot of the Lennon Wall in Prague – a colourful collaboration that lots of artists have contributed to over the years. An alley of street art is probably my favourite art gallery to visit!
Love street art? Stop by the Visit Gent Inquiry Desk and pick up a free map of all of the street art spots in the city. Or join a Ghent off the beaten track bike tour to see more street art spots by bike!
6. Admire Ghent City Hall
Stadhuis Gent or Ghent City Hall might be one of the most beautiful city hall buildings I have ever seen. Dating back to the 14th Century, this historic building stands proudly amongst some of Ghent’s heavy hitters, like the cathedral and belfort.
On our recent Ghent visit, we only had time to check out the outside of Stadhuis, but I’d love to make time to tour the inside on a future trip. The rooms look beautiful, especially the wedding chapel. For more information on guided tours, click here.
7. Appreciate the beauty of Saint Nicholas’ Church and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
Saint Nicholas’ Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk) and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) are two of the giants towering over Ghent’s medieval city centre.
Both churches are absolutely beautiful from the outside and the inside (and from above!). Marvel at the architecture as you circle the buildings and pop in for a visit if there’s not a service going on.
Check out the highlights of Ghent city centre with a local on a guided tour!
8. View the Ghent Altarpiece at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral isn’t just beautiful from the outside, it’s also home to the famous painting: The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb also known as the Ghent Altarpiece. The painting was done by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck in the 15th Century and is considered a masterpiece in the European art world.
The altarpiece depicts many famous characters from the Bible such as John The Baptist, Virgin Mary, Adam and Eve, and, of course, the namesake mystic lamb.
There are also portraits of the couple who commissioned the painting included in the altarpiece; because if you’re paying for it, you might as well get yourself painted standing next to God, right?
I have to admit that the significance of the altarpiece was pretty lost on me. But I still appreciated seeing the giant work of art up close, learning about the stories told in each panel, and having a chance to see more of the inside of St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
In fact, I probably liked the architecture and stained glass in the cathedral more than the actual painting!
But if you are really into religious art, there are also augmented reality options you can add on to your ticket to learn and experience more from the altarpiece.
As of Dec 2023: Tickets are €12.50/person for a 25 minute viewing slot and can be booked online here. Note that there is a €10 discount with the Gent City Card.
9. Climb the Belfry of Ghent
The Belfry of Ghent (or Belfort van Gent) is the tallest belfry in Belgium at almost 300 feet tall and the third of Ghent’s giants (St Nicholas and St Bavo’s are the other two). It’s also the home of Ghent’s mascot, a fiery dragon who sits atop the Belfry tower.
Construction began on the Belfry of Ghent in 1313 with new designs and extensions being added into the 1900s. Originally used as a bell tower, bells would ring to warn citizens of danger and to announce victories. But today, most people head to the Ghent Belfry to take in the views.
On your way up to the viewpoint, you’ll have the opportunity to see original sculptures and learn more about the history and construction of the belfry. Once up top, you’ll circle the building on an outer half-walled balcony to take in the view from all angles.
As expected, this is not a fun activity if you are afraid of heights!
I was shaking (especially when a group of girls in front of me wouldn’t stop taking pictures of each other, leaving me on a tight ledge behind them for far too long) and my husband, who is much more afraid of heights than I am, decided he’d be happier on the ground.
This activity is also not accessible to all mobility levels. While an elevator takes you most of the way up, there is still a set of stairs before you reach the elevator. There’s also a very narrow stairwell and spiral staircase with a rope that you’ll have to use on the way down.
While I didn’t love the heights or the stairs, the views were absolutely worth it to me!
As of Dec 2023: The Belfry of Ghent is open daily from 10am-6pm. Adult tickets start at €11 or are free with the Ghent City Card; you can buy tickets online here.
10. Take a boat tour along Ghent’s canals
The Lys (Leie) and Scheldt (Schelde) rivers run through Ghent producing picturesque waterfronts. So what better way to explore them then on a boat tour through the rivers and canals?
It’s a great way to see Ghent’s beautiful architecture and learn more about the city. You’ll also get new views of Gravensteen and the famous churches.
On our boat tour, we learned that Ghent used to be a top producer back in the industrial age. We saw the old cotton mill as well as old buildings that produced wine and beer, and ones that sold meat and fish.
We passed under bridges, checked out different neighbourhoods, and learned more about the history and culture of Ghent.
Our guide did an excellent job keeping everyone engaged in both French and English (he would’ve spoken Dutch too but there were no Dutch speakers on board). It was the perfect balance of information, humour and time to just enjoy the views as we peacefully cruised down the river.
As of Dec 2023: A number of boat companies leave from Kraanlei, Graslei and Korenlei in Ghent City Centre with tickets around €9.50 per person or included with your CityCard Ghent. Opening times are generally 10am-6pm with boats departing regularly.
11. Walk around Patershol, Graslei and Korenlei
Patershol is a neighbourhood in the city of Ghent known for its beautiful cobblestone streets and foodie scene. There are also a number of museums and galleries in the area. We ended up walking through Patershol before deciding on the restaurant Gado Gado for an Indonesian dinner.
After Patershol, end your night with a stroll along Graslei and Korenlei quays. Busy during the day, these quays come to life at night with beautiful lights reflecting off the bridges, buildings and water.
Grab a seat at one of the riverside restaurants for a late night drink or simply sit by the water’s edge and reflect on your awesome Ghent visit. If you’re wondering what to do in Ghent at night, nothing beats sitting by the water and taking it all in!
Check out even more things to do in Ghent!
Looking for even more things to do in Ghent? I’ve got you covered!
Visit St Peter’s Abbey (or Sint-Pietersabdij)
Just south of Ghent city centre is St. Peter’s Abbey, an abbey founded in the 7th Century that became the epicentre of a vibrant village. This beautiful building is also home to a garden that is a must-see.
Go museum hopping in Ghent
If you’re looking to visit more museums and galleries in Ghent, check out the Museum of Fine Arts, SMAK Contemporary Art Museum, STAM Ghent City Museum, The House of Alijn (a museum depicting ordinary life in 20th Century Ghent), Dr Guislain Museum (a museum showcasing the history of psychiatry), and the Ghent University Museum.
Best of all, most of these museums are free with the Ghent City Card!
Enjoy Ghent cuisine
While we only had time for a few meals in Ghent, here are a few other restaurants I would love to try on my next Ghent visit: t’ Klaverblad (French food), De Superette (bakery & restaurant), In Choc Gent (dessert and crazy milkshakes), and Steaming Windows (popular dumplings eatery).
Or if you want to discover more of Ghent’s cuisine join this walking food tour, sip brews on a beer-focused walking tour or tour Belgian chocolate shops with a local guide!
Explore more of Ghent & Belgium
If you want to explore more of Ghent, I highly encourage you to check out the CityCard Gent. Not only does this card include access to the city’s top sights, it also includes free public transportation, bike rental, guided boat tour and hop-on-hop-off water tram.
If you’ve got more time in Belgium, I highly recommend a day trip to Brussels, Antwerp or Bruges! They’re all close to Ghent, beautiful, historic and full of lots of things to see, do and eat. With even more time, you could travel from Ghent to Amsterdam or Paris!
Is Ghent worth visiting?
Absolutely! As you can see from my list above, the city of Ghent is absolutely worth visiting during your time in Belgium. In my opinion, there is more to do in Ghent than in nearby Bruges and Ghent is more picturesque than nearby Brussels. It’s the type of city that will transport you back in time, offering lots to see, do, eat and drink.
Is Ghent walkable?
Ghent is extremely walkable! If arriving at Gent-Sint-Peters, Ghent’s main train station, you can take a quick tram ride into Ghent city centre. From there, you’ll be able to walk to all of Ghent’s main sites, like Gravensteen and the Belfry of Ghent. Plus, with the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, it’s a beautiful place to walk around.
How many days is enough for Ghent?
Most people visit on a Ghent day trip. But I think there are enough things to do in Ghent for 2-3 days. It would be nice to enjoy the city after the day trippers leave, have more time to discover the hidden gems, and sample more of Ghent’s restaurant scene. With Ghent being such a beautiful city, it wouldn’t be hard to spend a couple of days visiting.
Find your perfect accommodation in Ghent:
Bruges vs Ghent: Should you visit Bruges or Ghent?
In the great battle of Bruges vs Ghent, my vote is for Ghent. Of course, if you have time and don’t have to decide between Bruges or Ghent, visit both. They’re only 30 minutes from one another on the train so you could easily squeeze both into a weekend or busy day trip. But if you only have time for one, I’d suggest you visit Ghent.
In my opinion, Ghent makes for a better trip than Bruges for a number of reasons. Since Bruges can easily become overcrowded thanks to the famous movie In Bruges, Ghent is often less busy and more low-key.
Despite being less touristed, I actually think there’s more to do in the city of Ghent. It’s more beautiful, more historic and closer to Brussels, if you’re looking for an easier day trip.
Visit both Bruges and Ghent on a day trip from Brussels!
How do you get from Brussels to Ghent?
Going from Brussels to Ghent is very easy, which is what makes Ghent a great day or weekend trip option. In fact, you could even base in Ghent and visit Brussels on a day trip!
The Brussels to Ghent train is straight-forward and leaves frequently. From Brussels Midi to Gent-Sint-Peters (the main stations in both cities), it’s about a 30 minute direct train ride. Trains usually leave hourly, but double check train schedules for your day of travel.
Once you arrive at Gent-Sint-Peter, you can take Tram #1 directly to the medieval city centre. From the train station, you’ll arrive at Ghent castle in less than 15 minutes on the tram. If you’re not sure where to catch the tram, just follow the crowds or ask one of the station attendants for directions.
Pro tip: When taking the Brussels to Ghent train, we bought a special weekend ticket. For just €20, we got return fare for two people. If you’ll be travelling on the weekend, look out for this deal or similar deals that suite your group. They’ll be available at the kiosk in the station where you purchase your tickets.
Don’t want to take the train? Take a guided day tour to Ghent from Brussels!
Final thoughts: Enjoy all the things to do in Ghent, Belgium
Now that you know what to do in Ghent, I hope I’ve inspired you to plan a visit there soon!
On both of my trips to Ghent, I’ve been completely blown away by how charming and lively this small city is. It’s stunning and offers so much to do, see and eat without the crowds of more popular cities nearby.
I’d love to know, have you been to Ghent, Belgium before? If not, is it on your travel bucket list now?
For more Belgium trip planning, check out these posts:
- 7 Day Paris, Brussels & Amsterdam Itinerary
- The 16 Best Rainy Day Activities in Brussels, Belgium
- How to Explore All of Europe While Visiting Brussels
- A Manneken Pis Brussels Day Trip Itinerary
- 35 Photos that Will Convince You to Visit Antwerp, Belgium
Excellent travelogue of Ghent! Your photos are outstanding, and I felt like I was right there with you!
Thank you so much, Kellye!
Oh, fantastic post, we have been to Bruges, although we went in the Winter and some attractions were closed, we loved it, Ghent looks amazing, so maybe we should pop this on the ever-growing list!
Thanks so much, Jason! Hope you get to visit Ghent soon!
Ghent is like the new Hogwarts, so magical. Love Otomat and that their pizza is more NY style, there’s also a branch in Brussels and Antwerp. With Cuberdons, I can advise travellers not to buy them from the random stalls in the streets. A couple of Candy Shops e.g. The Candy Corner sell them individually or in a smaller quantity and I’ve also seen them at Albert Heijn supermarket (a box roughly 4-5€).
Aw I love the comparison to Hogwarts. And thanks for the tip on the candies!