Things to do in Ghent: castle, canals and a famous altarpiece
Ghent is a medieval city of canals, guild houses and towers with a large university, so it feels lived in rather than preserved. The center is compact and mostly flat, and two days cover it. The one thing to know: it gets far fewer visitors than Bruges, so the main sights are easy at almost any hour.
The short answer
- First trip
- Walk the Graslei and Korenlei, see the Altarpiece, climb the Belfry or tour the Gravensteen, and finish in Patershol.
- Where to stay
- Near the Korenmarkt for the sights, in Patershol for quiet evenings, or by Sint-Pieters station for a lower price.
- How many days
- Two days is enough. One long day works as a trip from Brussels or Bruges.
- Best time to go
- April to June and September. July for the Gentse Feesten, December for the lights.
- Book ahead
- The Altarpiece, weekend hotels, and Gentse Feesten rooms. Check whether the Gravensteen sells timed entry.
- From the airport
- Direct train from Brussels Airport in under an hour, then tram 1 or 3 from Sint-Pieters.
Where to stay in Ghent, in brief
Graslei and Korenmarkt
being in the middle
The canal, the guild houses and most sights within five minutes' walk. It is lively into the evening, so ask for a back room.
Patershol
quiet evenings
Cobbled lanes behind the Gravensteen, with many of the city's restaurants. Narrow streets mean few big hotels.
Sint-Pieters
trains and a lower price
Around the main station and Citadelpark, with the larger hotels. About 35 minutes on foot to the Korenmarkt, or a short tram ride.
Dampoort and the docks
a local feel
East and north of the old center, with a second station and converted docks. Quieter and cheaper, 15 to 25 minutes on foot.
Things to do in Ghent
Graslei and Korenlei
The two quays on either side of the canal, lined with old guild houses. The view from the St Michael's Bridge at dusk is the one people photograph.
The Gravensteen
A 12th-century castle of the Counts of Flanders, moat and all. Climb to the roof for the view over the old town.
check for timed tickets in season
St Bavo's Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece
Van Eyck's Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, one of the best-known paintings in Europe, is shown in a dedicated space inside the cathedral. Allow an hour.
a few days ahead, more in summer
The Belfry
The tower beside the cathedral, with a lift to the top and a view across three towers and the rooftops.
Patershol
A small quarter of cobbled lanes and low houses behind the castle, now full of restaurants. Walk it in the late afternoon.
A canal boat tour
Small boats leave from the quays near the Graslei and the Korenlei and take about 40 minutes. It is the easiest way to see the old merchant houses from below.
The Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) and S.M.A.K.
Two museums on the edge of Citadelpark: old masters and Flemish painting at the MSK, and contemporary art at S.M.A.K. Good for a wet afternoon.
Werregarenstraat, the graffiti alley
A short lane where street artists are allowed to paint, so the walls change all the time. It takes ten minutes and costs nothing.
STAM, the city museum
The history of Ghent from medieval times, in a former abbey. Useful before you walk the old center.
Tierenteyn-Verlent mustard shop
A small shop on the Groentenmarkt where mustard has been made on site since 1840. Buy a jar from the barrel.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Ghent can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Ghent, and which to pick- The Ghent Altarpiecea few days ahead
Entry is by timed slot, and summer and weekend slots go first.
- Gentse Feesten rooms3 to 6 months ahead
The city's ten-day street festival in July fills hotels across the center.
- Weekend hotels1 to 2 months ahead
Friday and Saturday nights fill first, and there are fewer rooms in the old center than the size of the city suggests.
- A table in Patershol1 to 2 weeks ahead
The small rooms on the cobbled lanes are full at weekends.
What to skip in Ghent
- Eating on the Graslei terraces
The tables facing the water charge for the view. Walk five minutes into Patershol or the streets behind the Vrijdagmarkt.
- Driving into the center
Much of the center is car-free or restricted, and there is a low emission zone. Leave the car at a park-and-ride and take the tram.
- A rushed half day after Bruges
Ghent works better at an easy pace with a night's stay. If you only have a few hours, do the Graslei, the cathedral and one meal.
Best time to visit Ghent
April to June and September are the best months: mild, long days and moderate crowds. Summer is warm rather than hot, and showers can come in any month.
July brings the Gentse Feesten, ten days of concerts and street events across the center. It is lively and loud, and rooms are dear. December has Christmas lights and a market in the center. January and February are quiet, gray and cheaper.
- From Brussels AirportThe airport station is under the terminal, and direct trains run to Ghent in about 45 to 55 minutes. Get off at Gent-Sint-Pieters, then take tram 1 or 3 to the center.
- From Brussels South Charleroi airportFlibco runs a coach to Gent-Sint-Pieters station in about 70 minutes, around a dozen times a day. Check the timetable before you land.
- From the station to the centerGent-Sint-Pieters is about two kilometers south of the Korenmarkt. Tram 1 takes five to ten minutes, and walking takes around 35 minutes.
- On foot and by bikeThe old center is flat and compact, and most sights are within fifteen minutes of the Korenmarkt. Cyclists are everywhere, so watch for bike lanes before you step off the curb.
Ghent in two days
- Day 1
Start with the Altarpiece and the Belfry, walk the Graslei and Korenlei, then a canal boat. Dinner in Patershol.
- Day 2
Tour the Gravensteen in the morning, buy mustard on the Groentenmarkt, then spend the afternoon at the MSK and Citadelpark. End at a beer cafe.
Day trips from Ghent
- BrugesAbout 25 to 30 minutes by direct train. A smaller, prettier and more crowded medieval center.
- BrusselsAbout 35 to 45 minutes by direct train. Museums, the Grand-Place and a bigger city feel.
- AntwerpUnder an hour by train. A port city with fashion, a grand station and the Rubens house.
Ghent: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Ghent?
Two days is enough to see the center without rushing. One day works if you start early and keep to the Graslei, the Altarpiece and the castle. A third day is useful if you add Bruges or Antwerp.
Is Ghent worth visiting?
Yes. It has the medieval look of Bruges with fewer visitors and more local life, thanks to its university. It suits people who like walking and cafes more than long museum visits.
Ghent or Bruges: which is better?
Bruges is the more polished postcard and the more crowded. Ghent is bigger, livelier and easier to enjoy at midday. Many people do both, since the train takes under half an hour.
What is the best time to visit Ghent?
April to June and September for the weather. July for the Gentse Feesten, if you like crowds and music. December for the lights.
Can you visit Ghent as a day trip from Brussels?
Yes. Direct trains take around 35 to 45 minutes. You will see the main sights, but not the quieter evening city.
How do you get to Ghent from the airport?
From Brussels Airport take a direct train to Gent-Sint-Pieters in around 45 to 55 minutes, then tram 1 or 3 to the center. From Brussels South Charleroi take the Flibco coach, about 70 minutes.