Ghent, Belgium

Ghent

Medieval guildhalls along the canals, with a young, local feel.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
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Things to do

2 days in Ghent

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit Gravensteen castle and the Ghent Altarpiece in St Bavo's Cathedral.
  2. AfternoonWalk along the Graslei and Korenlei and take a boat on the canals.
  3. EveningCome back to the Graslei after dark, when the guildhalls are lit up.

Day 2

Visit the STAM city museum and the Patershol quarter, or cycle to Bruges.

What to eat

Gentse waterzooi, a creamy chicken or fish stew.

Local tips

Make the most of Ghent

Beat the crowds

Ghent is busier on weekends but never as packed as Bruges. Evenings along the Graslei are lively and local.

Best photo spot

The Graslei and Korenlei from St. Michael's Bridge, especially at blue hour when the buildings are lit.

Getting there

Trams run from the station to the centre. The old centre is mostly car-free.

Don't miss nearby

Bruges is only 30 minutes by train.

Good to know

Don't miss the Ghent Altarpiece in St. Bavo's Cathedral. Climb the Belfry for views over the three towers.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Ghent

Our most hidden places around Ghent: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Ghent to take with you.

25 km away
37 km away
55 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Ghent

Getting there

  • Antwerp Airport (ANR)55 km away
  • Brussels Airport (BRU)55 km away
  • Bruges40 km away
  • Brussels50 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryBelgium

Questions

Ghent: good to know

Is Ghent worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. Medieval guildhalls along the canals, with a young, local feel.

How many days do you need in Ghent?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Ghent?

You can visit all year. Ghent is busier on weekends but never as packed as Bruges. Evenings along the Graslei are lively and local.

How do you get to Ghent?

The nearest airport is Antwerp Airport (ANR), about 55 km away. Trams run from the station to the centre. The old centre is mostly car-free.

What is there to see near Ghent?

Nearby hidden places include Bruges (38 km), Brussels (50 km) and Antwerp (51 km).

Day trips from Ghent: 15 hidden places nearby
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