Ghent travel guide for first-time visitors
Planning a trip to Ghent? This vibrant Flemish city is the perfect destination for a weekend filled with medieval charm, creative energy, and incredible food. From fairytale canals and historic towers to trendy cafés and buzzing terraces, Ghent effortlessly blends old and new. Whether you’re here for the iconic landmarks, the laid-back atmosphere, or the thriving food scene, this guide will help you make the most of your time. Discover the top attractions, local favorites, and delicious spots that turn a weekend in Ghent into a memorable getaway.
| Quick mini guide to Ghent Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Ghent to help plan your adventure!Where to stay:
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How to go to Ghent?
You will see that there are two airports in Brussels: Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. The latter airport is often used by low-cost airlines and is not located in Brussels.
From Brussels Airport, it’s easy to get a train to Ghent. You can buy tickets at the train station at Brussels Airport, which is located on the lowest level.
From Brussels South Charleroi Airport, there are different options for getting to Ghent. There is a Flibco bus that goes to Ghent directly (it doesn’t run very often). Another option is to take the bus to Charleroi train station and then take the train to Ghent.
You can find the best flight tickets through Skyscanner.
Don’t forget to also explore other Belgian cities such as Brussels, Bruges, or Mechelen.
How to get around Ghent?
From the Ghent train station, you can take tram T1 to the city center. You can buy tickets at the stop or pay contactless with your card. All main attractions are in the center of the city, so it is very walkable. Some museums are closer to the train station and can be reached on foot, or it will take about a 30min walk from the center.
Where to stay in Ghent?
In Ghent, you will find accommodation in all price ranges: from cheap hostels to very luxurious hotels overlooking the river. Because everything is within walking distance (or only a tram ride away), you can also book hotels a little bit out of the center to save some money.
What to do in Ghent?
The main attractions of Ghent are located in the center of the city. Some of the museums are located between the center and the train station, but can be easily reached on foot.
See the Ghent Altarpiece at St Bavo’s Cathedral
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is an absolute must-visit. It is here that you will find the famous Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, painted by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432. This masterpiece is considered one of the most important paintings in Western art history. It consists of 12 panels that are organised in 2 vertical registers, each with a double set of foldable wings containing inner and outer panel paintings. Every morning around 10:15 AM, the panels are opened, and you can see both the inside and outside paintings. In the evening, they are closed again. The painting is also famous because one of the paintings (“The Just Judges”) was stolen in 1934 and is still missing.
So if you are planning on visiting the Ghent Altarpiece, make sure to come around 10:15-10:30 AM, not only to admire the open pieces, but also to beat the crowds. We were there around 10:45 on a Saturday, and there weren’t a lot of people, but when we left, there was a queue waiting to go in.
Part of the painting is currently (in 2026) still being restored at the MSK museum, but those paintings are replaced by pictures.
Tickets are €12.5 per person for only the Altarpiece. If you also want to visit the crypt with augmented reality glasses, it’s €16 per person. Visiting the Cathedral itself is free.
After admiring the artpiece by the Van Eijck painting, you can also visit the rest of the Cathedral, which was built between the 13th and 16th centuries.
Admire the medieval beauty of the center
Ghent is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, and its historic center is perfect for just strolling around. Unlike its neighbor Bruges, Ghent has managed to retain an authentic, lived-in atmosphere because of the large student population. Standing on the Sint-Michielsbrug bridge, you get the most stunning view of all three at once.
Strolling along the Graslei and Korenlei, the two quays bordering the old harbor, is perhaps the most iconic thing you can do in Ghent. The rows of medieval guild houses reflected in the water of the Leie River make for an unforgettable sight. Take your time here, soak it all in, and don’t rush.
Walk through graffiti street
If you like street art, you will need to walk through the graffiti street. Graffiti artists can showcase their talent on the walls of this little street. If you want to admire more street art, you can always do a street art tour through the city.
Visit the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)
Right in the heart of the city, the Gravensteen (also called the Castle of the Counts) rises like something straight out of a fairy tale. This remarkably well-preserved medieval castle, built in 1180, is one of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks and an absolute must-see. From the castle walls, you get a stunning view over the city’s rooftops. Curious about what to expect inside? Read our complete guide to visiting Gravensteen.
Visit one of the museums
Art lovers will love visiting the MSK (Museum of Fine Arts), one of the oldest museums in Belgium. It’s located on the East side of the Citadelpark, close to the train station. The museum has a collection of about 9000 artworks, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. There are over 600 works on display permanently, with a strong focus on Flemish Art. Next to the permanent collection, there are frequent temporary exhibitions. Tickets can be bought online for easy and quick access.
If you enjoy modern art, you will love visiting the SMAK museum (City Museum for Contemporary Art). It’s located next to MSK, and it’s known for its provocative and modern exhibitions. There are different artists showing their work during temporary exhibitions. On the website, you can see which exhibitions are currently on, and you can also buy your tickets.
Enjoy Cuberdons
You can’t leave Ghent without buying and trying a cuberdon. It’s a cone-shaped candy that is local to Ghent and made with a semi-hard shell filled with a soft raspberry-flavored filling. Because they have a limited preservability (max 3 weeks), it’s best to eat them while you are there. But of course, you can also take some home with you.
Climb the steps to the top of the belfry
Together with St Bavo’s Cathedral and Saint Nicholas Church, the belfry dominates the skyline of Ghent. It’s the tallest belfry in Belgium, with its 91 metres, and throughout its history, it served not only as a bell tower to announce the time and warnings, but also as a watchtower and the place where the municipal privilege documents were held.
It takes you 254 steps to get to the top of the belfry. On every floor, there is a little exhibition where you will learn more about the history of the city and the belfry. From the top, you have an amazing view of the city of Ghent.
The Belfry is located right next to the Cloth Hall on Sint-Baafsplein, making it easy to combine with a visit to Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. Given its popularity, it is a good idea to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak season.
Do a boat tour
A great way to explore the city from a different perspective is by doing a boat tour. While you admire all the beautiful buildings, you will learn more about the city. A perfect way to let your feet rest for a bit.
1-day itinerary for Ghent
Start your morning at Sint-Baafsplein, where you can visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and admire the famous Ghent Altarpiece. Right next door, the Belfry is worth a climb for the best views over the city. Head to the Graslei and Korenlei for a stroll along the waterfront for a well-deserved coffee and some people watching. After lunch, make your way to the Gravensteen for some medieval history. End your day with a walk through the Patershol neighborhood, Ghent’s oldest and most charming quarter, where you’ll find plenty of cozy restaurants for dinner.
A weekend in Ghent
Day 1 follows the same itinerary as above, so you will have experienced all the must-see places of Ghent.
On Day 2, you can explore a different side of Ghent. Start with a visit to the SMAK or the Museum of Fine Arts for a morning filled with art. Afterwards, go to the city center and browse the vintage shops and independent boutiques along Vrijdagmarkt and Walpoortstraat. In the afternoon, you can do a boat tour and discover the city from the water for a totally different perspective. Round off your trip with a Belgian dinner in one of the many restaurants Ghent has to offer.
Plan your trip to Belgium like a pro
✈️ Book your cheap flights to Brussels on Skyscanner
🏨 Reserve a hotel, apartment, or holiday home at Booking.com
🚕 Need a transfer from the airport? Use Welcome Pickups or download the Bolt or Uber app
🛜 Use Airalo eSIM to avoid roaming fees. Use SHARON9895 to get €3
📺 Use NordVPN to keep watching your favorite programs or movies on the go
🚗 Need to rent a car? Use DiscoverCars or Local Rent
🚆 Buy train tickets from Omio or RailEurope
💳 Use Wise to pay in Belgium at the real exchange rate and avoid expensive foreign card fees
🎟️ Pre-book tours, entrance tickets, and activities via Viator or GetYourGuide
🏥 Get travel insurance at World Nomads or Safety Wing
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