The Graslei in Ghent, a row of old gabled guild houses along the canal
Ghent · Where to stay

Staying around Sint-Baafs and the Belfry

Plan walks here as a loop rather than returning to the same square after each visit. From Sint-Baafsplein, continue through the Belfry area toward the town hall, then return along the streets east of the cathedral. Accommodation entrances can sit on narrower streets behind the main frontage. Ask for arrival directions and check whether church bells are audible from your room if you are sensitive to sound.

At a glance

Best for
Sights, shopping
At night
Quiet after shops close
Getting around
On foot; trams on Korenmarkt
Price level
€€€
Our verdict

The cathedral, the Belfry and the main shopping streets, a few minutes east of the Korenmarkt.

Good for

  • The Altarpiece and the Belfry first thing in the morning
  • Shopping on foot
  • A hotel with a lift, in the middle of town

Think twice if

  • You want a quiet evening with restaurants: the streets are emptier after closing
  • You want a canal outside your window

How Sint-Baafs and the Belfry compares with the rest of Ghent

Nearby

What is near Sint-Baafs and the Belfry

  1. Ghent town hall

    About four minutes from Sint-Baafsplein. Walk toward Botermarkt to compare the different exterior sections of the building.

  2. Werregarenstraat

    About six minutes on foot from the cathedral square, making a short outdoor stop between longer indoor visits.

  3. Korenmarkt

    About six minutes from Sint-Baafsplein via the central squares, useful for finding tram connections or continuing toward the quays.

Eating

Eating in Sint-Baafs and the Belfry

Look beyond the main squares for bakeries, sandwich shops and small lunch rooms. Check food service times before planning a late lunch between visits. If you want a longer sit-down meal, Korenmarkt is a short walk away, with Du Progrès among the named options.

Getting around

Getting around from Sint-Baafs and the Belfry

The central squares are best linked on foot. Walk to Korenmarkt to check tram 1 toward Gent-Sint-Pieters, confirming the current route before traveling. For a taxi arrival, ask your accommodation which nearby street permits a drop-off and how far you must carry luggage.

Where to book

Hotels in Sint-Baafs and the Belfry

Search the area on the booking sites, where the prices are. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Other areas

Other areas of Ghent

Questions

Staying around Sint-Baafs and the Belfry

Can I fit the cathedral and Belfry into one morning?

Yes, if you leave enough time between visits. Book any altarpiece slot first, then arrange the Belfry visit around that fixed appointment.

What should I check about my room?

Ask about bells, street-facing windows and lift access. These details are more useful than judging the room solely by its distance from the cathedral.

Is there a simple walk toward the water?

Walk west through the central squares to Korenmarkt, then continue to St Michael's Bridge. Allow extra time if you stop around the churches.

Plan the rest

More for Ghent