Ghent

Day 1: Medieval Ghent, water and warm glow

Ease into Ghent’s lived-in medieval core where canals meet cobbles and locals share the same streets as visitors. Keep your head on a swivel for bicycles and trams; the best moments arrive when you slow down and look up.

• Morning: Start with a coffee at MOK or OR near Vrijdagmarkt, then head to St Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Ghent Altarpiece. Book a timed slot in advance; the AR-led crypt route elevates the experience and keeps queues down.
• Midday: Walk to St Michael’s Bridge for the classic “three towers” view, then descend to Graslei/Korenlei for lunch on the quay (order waterzooi or stoverij). If skies open, swap in the STAM city museum a 15-minute stroll away.
• Afternoon: Tour the Gravensteen; the witty audio guide makes the grim history engaging. Drift through Patershol’s lanes afterwards and slip into ’t Dreupelkot for a tiny jenever to warm the bones.
• Evening: Take a 40–50 minute boat ride at dusk; Ghent’s award-winning Light Plan turns facades to gold. Dine in Patershol (book ahead at cosy spots), then join an evening dark-history walk or simply meander the lit quays with a takeaway apéro like a local.

Day 2: Art, design and the university buzz

Today balances Old Masters and provocative contemporary art, with leafy parkland and student energy in between. Museums in Belgium are usually closed on Mondays—if that’s your day, swap this programme with Day 3.

• Morning: Tram 1 to Citadelpark for a back-to-back of MSK (fine arts) and S.M.A.K. (contemporary); the contrast is the point. Pause for coffee and a pastry between the two and leave time for the sculpture-studded park.
• Walk or tram to De Krook (the striking riverside library) for lunch with a view and a peek inside; it’s a civic showcase. Cross into the Blandijnberg/Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat student quarter for bookshops and inexpensive eats.

By Air

• Brussels Airport (BRU): ~67 km. Direct IC trains to Gent-Sint-Pieters in 55–70 minutes (some services require 1 change in Brussels).
• Brussels South Charleroi (CRL): ~90 km. Shuttle bus to Bruxelles-Midi (55–60 minutes) then IC train to Gent-Sint-Pieters (30–40 minutes). Total 1h45–2h15.
• Antwerp International (ANR): ~65 km. Bus/tram to Antwerpen-Centraal (20–30 minutes), then IC train to Gent-Sint-Pieters (50–60 minutes). Total ~1h30.
• Lille Airport (LIL, France): ~75 km. Shuttle to Lille Flandres/Europe then TER/TGV via Kortrijk or Brussels; 1h45–2h15 total.
• Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS): fast trains to Antwerp/Brussels then IC to Ghent; 2h30–3h.
• Paris CDG (CDG): TGV to Bruxelles-Midi then IC to Ghent; ~2h30–3h.

By Train

• Main station: Gent-Sint-Pieters (long-distance hub). Secondary: Gent-Dampoort.
• Brussels ↔ Ghent: frequent ICs (every 10–15 minutes peak), 30–40 minutes from Bruxelles-Midi/Central/Nord.
• Antwerp ↔ Ghent: direct IC, ~50–60 minutes.
• Bruges ↔ Ghent: direct IC, ~25–30 minutes.
• Lille (FR) ↔ Ghent: TER/TGV to Kortrijk + IC, or via Brussels; ~1h30–1h50.
• Paris ↔ Ghent: Eurostar/TGV to Bruxelles-Midi + IC; ~2h10–2h30.
• London ↔ Ghent: Eurostar to Bruxelles-Midi + IC; ~3h–3h30.

Ghent packs Gothic towers, canals and cutting‑edge culture into a compact, lived‑in city that stays pleasantly crowd‑light and great value for the experience you get.

• Atmosphere: A real city, not a stage set—think the Three Towers from St Michael’s Bridge, the moated Gravensteen, and dusk along the Graslei/Korenlei, all beautifully lit by the award‑winning Light Plan, minus the shoulder‑to‑shoulder queues you’ll find elsewhere.
• Culture & food: A creative university town with bikes, brown cafés and sanctioned street art (Werregarenstraat). Eat like a local with waterzooi or stoverij from a fritkot, sip a Gruut or a jenever, and enjoy Ghent’s veggie cred (Thursday Veggie Day)—all at prices that beat bigger, busier cities.
• Neighbourhoods: Wander the cobbled Patershol for candlelit dinners, the tranquil Prinsenhof and Portus Ganda, or the evolving Oude Dokken; for a quieter slice of canal life, stroll the tree‑lined Coupure or kayak right through the centre.
• Traditions & festivals: Authentic, community‑first energy—Gentse Feesten turns the whole city into a free cultural playground, while locals proudly play the “stroppendrager” (noose‑wearer) card. Expect proper beer‑in‑the‑right‑glass etiquette, easy apéro culture and fewer coach‑tour crowds.

If you love medieval bones with modern buzz, you’ll fall for Ghent. The city blends storybook towers, canals and a castle with a rebellious, university‑fuelled arts, coffee and music scene. Ideal for travellers who prefer authenticity over polish, from weekend city‑breakers to culture grazers, cyclists and couples.

• History lovers: Trace a millennium from the Gravensteen and the Stroppendragers’ saga to St Bavo’s and the Van Eyck Altarpiece—epic stories told in streets, squares and superb museums.
• Architecture buffs: Line up the Three Towers from St Michael’s Bridge by day, then admire the Light Plan and bold contemporary icons (Stadshal, De Krook) by night.
• Scenery seekers & romantics: Shoot golden‑hour reflections on the Graslei/Korenlei and glide canals at dusk—more lived‑in and less stage‑set than Bruges—then linger over candlelit Patershol dinners or a boutique stay like 1898 The Post.
• Foodies & coffee nerds: Feast on waterzooi, stoverij and top veggie spots, then caffeinate at standout roasters (MOK, OR, WAY) and clink tiny jenevers in cosy brown cafés.
• Festival fans & night owls: Time your trip for the 10‑day, mostly free Gentse Feesten or year‑round gigs in this UNESCO Creative City of Music—late nights on Vlasmarkt included.
• Active travellers: Cycle the car‑lite centre, kayak the Leie, and hop trams with ease—compact, greener and calmer than Brussels or Antwerp.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Ghent, distilled from deep local knowledge. Use this quick list to hit the city’s signature sights, scenes and experiences.

• Walk the Graslei and Korenlei quays at dusk as lights shimmer on the Leie and terraces buzz.
• Explore the cobbled lanes of Patershol and the storied battlements of the Gravensteen.
• Visit St Bavo’s Cathedral to marvel at the Ghent Altarpiece, then admire the Three Towers from St Michael’s Bridge.
• Take a boat (or kayak) along the Leie and Lieve to see guildhouses, bridges and the castle from the water.
• Hike the Ghent Light Plan evening route or the leafy Coupure towpath for tranquil, romantic vistas.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Ghent, distilled from deep local knowledge. Use this quick list to hit the city’s signature sights, scenes and experiences.

• Walk the Graslei and Korenlei quays at dusk as lights shimmer on the Leie and terraces buzz.
• Explore the cobbled lanes of Patershol and the storied battlements of the Gravensteen.
• Visit St Bavo’s Cathedral to marvel at the Ghent Altarpiece, then admire the Three Towers from St Michael’s Bridge.
• Take a boat (or kayak) along the Leie and Lieve to see guildhouses, bridges and the castle from the water.
• Hike the Ghent Light Plan evening route or the leafy Coupure towpath for tranquil, romantic vistas.

Ghent’s food scene blends medieval comfort with a modern, veggie‑friendly spirit. Expect hearty stews, canal‑side bistros, buzzing markets and an obsessive respect for beer and craft. It’s as cosy as it is inventive—perfect for grazing your way through the city.

• Waterzooi – Ghent’s signature creamy stew (traditionally fish, now often chicken) with leeks, carrots and potatoes; perfect in a cosy Patershol bistro by candlelight.
• Stoverij met friet – Slow‑cooked Flemish beef‑and‑beer stew, served with a cone of frites and a dab of sharp Tierenteyn mustard; best from a fritkot or in a wood‑panelled brown café.
• Gentse neuzen (cuberdons) – Cone‑shaped raspberry sweets with a gooey centre; try them from rival carts on the Groentenmarkt amid the bustle of market stalls.
• Gruut beer & jenever – Sample hop‑free local Gruut ales, then a warming shot of grain spirit; enjoyed in canal‑side bars or tiny, bottle‑lined jenever houses.

Ghent’s food scene blends medieval comfort with a modern, veggie‑friendly spirit. Expect hearty stews, canal‑side bistros, buzzing markets and an obsessive respect for beer and craft. It’s as cosy as it is inventive—perfect for grazing your way through the city.

• Waterzooi – Ghent’s signature creamy stew (traditionally fish, now often chicken) with leeks, carrots and potatoes; perfect in a cosy Patershol bistro by candlelight.
• Stoverij met friet – Slow‑cooked Flemish beef‑and‑beer stew, served with a cone of frites and a dab of sharp Tierenteyn mustard; best from a fritkot or in a wood‑panelled brown café.
• Gentse neuzen (cuberdons) – Cone‑shaped raspberry sweets with a gooey centre; try them from rival carts on the Groentenmarkt amid the bustle of market stalls.
• Gruut beer & jenever – Sample hop‑free local Gruut ales, then a warming shot of grain spirit; enjoyed in canal‑side bars or tiny, bottle‑lined jenever houses.

Choosing where to stay in Ghent is about picking the vibe, not just the hotel. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct feel—from postcard‑perfect medieval quays to creative student hubs and calm waterside pockets.

• Historic Centre (De Kuip) — Car‑free medieval heart by the Graslei/Korenlei with canal views and the Three Towers; perfect for first‑timers and couples, lively till late during Gentse Feesten.
• Patershol & Prinsenhof — Cobblestoned lanes, brown cafés and intimate restaurants by the Gravensteen; romantic and quiet at night, ideal for foodies and light sleepers.
• Arts Quarter (Kunstenkwartier) — Creative, student‑led area around Vooruit/VIERNULVIER, S.M.A.K. and MSK; best for culture lovers, value eats and tram links to Sint‑Pieters station.
• Portus Ganda & Brabantdam — Quieter marina at the Leie–Scheldt confluence with local shops and riverside paths; suits families, runners and anyone after early‑morning calm, 10–15 minutes’ walk to the centre.

Choosing where to stay in Ghent is about picking the vibe, not just the hotel. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct feel—from postcard‑perfect medieval quays to creative student hubs and calm waterside pockets.

• Historic Centre (De Kuip) — Car‑free medieval heart by the Graslei/Korenlei with canal views and the Three Towers; perfect for first‑timers and couples, lively till late during Gentse Feesten.
• Patershol & Prinsenhof — Cobblestoned lanes, brown cafés and intimate restaurants by the Gravensteen; romantic and quiet at night, ideal for foodies and light sleepers.
• Arts Quarter (Kunstenkwartier) — Creative, student‑led area around Vooruit/VIERNULVIER, S.M.A.K. and MSK; best for culture lovers, value eats and tram links to Sint‑Pieters station.
• Portus Ganda & Brabantdam — Quieter marina at the Leie–Scheldt confluence with local shops and riverside paths; suits families, runners and anyone after early‑morning calm, 10–15 minutes’ walk to the centre.

Travel in Ghent is straightforward: the compact, pedestrian‑ and bike‑friendly centre makes it easy to get around, and public transport fills in the gaps. A few local quirks—like lots of cyclists and car restrictions—are worth knowing ahead of time to make planning smooth.

• Affordability: Cheaper than Brussels or Bruges overall, with beers €3–5, student‑area meals under €15 and coffees €3–4; mid‑range hotels are moderately priced but spike during festivals.
• Transport: The historic core is best on foot or by bike; trams and buses (De Lijn) and Park & Ride cover longer hops, and frequent trains make easy day trips to Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp—driving into the centre isn’t advised.
• Language: Dutch (Flemish) is the local language, but English is widely understood in cafés, museums and hotels thanks to the big student population.
• Safety & comfort: A very safe, relaxed city for families and solo travellers; just mind cycle lanes and silent trams, watch for petty theft in crowds, and lock any rental bike securely.
• Crowds: Peak crowds arrive in mid‑July for Gentse Feesten and during the (triennial) winter Light Festival; spring and autumn are pleasantly busy, while most winter weeks are quiet and cosy.

Travel in Ghent is straightforward: the compact, pedestrian‑ and bike‑friendly centre makes it easy to get around, and public transport fills in the gaps. A few local quirks—like lots of cyclists and car restrictions—are worth knowing ahead of time to make planning smooth.

• Affordability: Cheaper than Brussels or Bruges overall, with beers €3–5, student‑area meals under €15 and coffees €3–4; mid‑range hotels are moderately priced but spike during festivals.
• Transport: The historic core is best on foot or by bike; trams and buses (De Lijn) and Park & Ride cover longer hops, and frequent trains make easy day trips to Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp—driving into the centre isn’t advised.
• Language: Dutch (Flemish) is the local language, but English is widely understood in cafés, museums and hotels thanks to the big student population.
• Safety & comfort: A very safe, relaxed city for families and solo travellers; just mind cycle lanes and silent trams, watch for petty theft in crowds, and lock any rental bike securely.
• Crowds: Peak crowds arrive in mid‑July for Gentse Feesten and during the (triennial) winter Light Festival; spring and autumn are pleasantly busy, while most winter weeks are quiet and cosy.

Ghent has distinct seasons: spring and autumn feel local and leisurely, summer bursts with festivals and late-light canal life, and winter turns inward to candle-lit cafés and moody medieval streets. Expect changeable weather year-round; pack a layer and a brolly.

• Spring (Mar–May): Mild, greening canals and blooming squares; lighter crowds and a relaxed, local vibe with terraces re-opening.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest and busiest; buzzing festival energy (Gentse Feesten in late July), long evenings, lively quays, occasional showers.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Chilly, misty, and atmospheric; cosy brown cafés and Christmas market, generally quiet apart from occasional events like the Light Festival (triennial).

Ghent has distinct seasons: spring and autumn feel local and leisurely, summer bursts with festivals and late-light canal life, and winter turns inward to candle-lit cafés and moody medieval streets. Expect changeable weather year-round; pack a layer and a brolly.

• Spring (Mar–May): Mild, greening canals and blooming squares; lighter crowds and a relaxed, local vibe with terraces re-opening.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest and busiest; buzzing festival energy (Gentse Feesten in late July), long evenings, lively quays, occasional showers.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): Chilly, misty, and atmospheric; cosy brown cafés and Christmas market, generally quiet apart from occasional events like the Light Festival (triennial).

Day 3: Markets, viewpoints and the docks reborn

Sink into local routines—market chatter, tower climbs, and a wander through post‑industrial canalsides turned creative. Pack layers: mornings can be brisk by the water even in summer.

• Morning: If it’s Friday, roam Vrijdagmarkt’s stalls beneath Jacob van Artevelde’s statue; on Sundays, swap for the flower market at Kouter with a mid-morning apéro. Climb the Belfry for the definitive panorama and carillon chimes.
• Midday: Grab a cone of frites with stoverij sauce from a fritkot or a light veggie lunch (Ghent’s proud of its Donderdag Veggiedag ethos most places honour year-round). If rain threatens, dip into the Design Museum Gent (check current access during expansion works).
• Afternoon: Walk or cycle north to Dok Noord/Oude Dokken to see cranes, new parks like Kapitein Zeppospark, and waterside terraces. Loop back via Portus Ganda, the tranquil modern marina at the rejoined rivers’ confluence.
• Evening: Return to the centre for golden-hour photos from St Michael’s Bridge; then supper on Kraanlei or around Patershol. Night owls can sample Vlasmarkt/Charlatan (especially lively during Gentse Feesten in July or on student Thursdays), or settle into The Cobbler bar at 1898 The Post for a polished finale.

Tips threaded through:

• Prebook the Ghent Altarpiece and top restaurants; popular slots fill quickly.
• The historic “kuip” is largely car-lite—walk or tram, and never stand in cycle lanes.
• Mondays: most museums closed; swap museum-heavy plans to another day.
• Winter brings magical lighting and cosy interiors; summer favours terraces, kayaks and long twilights.

By Bus/Coach

• International coaches (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) serve Ghent, typically stopping at Gent Dampoort (and sometimes Gent-Sint-Pieters).
• Typical times: Paris ~4–6 hours; Amsterdam ~3–4.5 hours; Lille ~1.5–2 hours; London usually via Brussels with a change.

By Car

• Motorways: E40 (Brussels/Bruges), E17 (Antwerp/Lille). Approximate drive times: Brussels ~45–60 minutes; Antwerp ~45–60 minutes; Bruges ~45 minutes; Lille ~55–75 minutes.
• The historic centre is car-restricted under the Circulation Plan; use city car parks or Park & Ride (e.g., The Loop, Gentbrugge, Sint-Denijs-Westrem) with tram/bus into the centre.
• Low Emission Zone applies in parts of Ghent; foreign vehicles may need prior online registration. Belgian motorways are toll-free for cars.

Who should go to Ghent?

If you love medieval bones with modern buzz, you’ll fall for Ghent. The city blends storybook towers, canals and a castle with a rebellious, university‑fuelled arts, coffee and music scene. Ideal for travellers who prefer authenticity over polish, from weekend city‑breakers to culture grazers, cyclists and couples.

• History lovers: Trace a millennium from the Gravensteen and the Stroppendragers’ saga to St Bavo’s and the Van Eyck Altarpiece—epic stories told in streets, squares and superb museums.
• Architecture buffs: Line up the Three Towers from St Michael’s Bridge by day, then admire the Light Plan and bold contemporary icons (Stadshal, De Krook) by night.
• Scenery seekers & romantics: Shoot golden‑hour reflections on the Graslei/Korenlei and glide canals at dusk—more lived‑in and less stage‑set than Bruges—then linger over candlelit Patershol dinners or a boutique stay like 1898 The Post.
• Foodies & coffee nerds: Feast on waterzooi, stoverij and top veggie spots, then caffeinate at standout roasters (MOK, OR, WAY) and clink tiny jenevers in cosy brown cafés.
• Festival fans & night owls: Time your trip for the 10‑day, mostly free Gentse Feesten or year‑round gigs in this UNESCO Creative City of Music—late nights on Vlasmarkt included.
• Active travellers: Cycle the car‑lite centre, kayak the Leie, and hop trams with ease—compact, greener and calmer than Brussels or Antwerp.