Ghent City Guide

This Ghent City Guide explores medieval architecture along the Graslei and Korenlei. Tour Gravensteen castle and enjoy a guided chocolate and beer tasting.

Ghent effortlessly blends medieval grandeur with a vibrant, modern soul. Start at the historic core along the Graslei and Korenlei, where guildhouses reflect off the Leie river. This area serves as the city’s social heart, perfect for a slow stroll or a boat tour. Just a stone's throw away stands the Gravensteen, a formidable 12th-century castle complete with a moat and battlements that offer panoramic views. For a deeper dive into local history, St. Michael’s Bridge provides the iconic "three towers" view, encompassing St. Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the latter home to the world-renowned Ghent Altarpiece.

Beyond the architectural landmarks, Ghent is best experienced through its culinary and craft traditions. Indulge in a dedicated chocolate workshop or a guided beer walk to discover the city's hidden breweries and artisanal boutiques. For a different perspective, hop on a bicycle to explore off-the-beaten-track neighborhoods like the Patershol district, or wait until dusk for a guided evening tour that delves into the city’s darker legends and mysteries. Whether sampling local waffles or exploring the illuminated streets at night, the city reveals a charm that is both intimate and grand.

While the medieval towers of the city center are breathtaking, locals often find their rhythm in the creative corners of Ghent. Start at Werregarenstraatje, an ever-changing alley dedicated to street art where the city's rebellious spirit is sprayed on every brick. It provides a colorful contrast to the Gothic stone found elsewhere in the city.

For a taste of modern Ghent, head to Dok Noord. This repurposed industrial site in the old harbor district is where residents gather for boutique shopping, craft beer, and community events. It perfectly reflects the city's successful blend of industrial heritage and contemporary urban lifestyle.

Escape the main thoroughfares in the Prinsenhof neighborhood. This tranquil cluster of cobblestone streets was the birthplace of Charles V and remains one of Ghent’s best-kept secrets. It offers a peaceful glimpse into local life, complete with hidden canals and charming small bridges that feel worlds away from the busy center.

Ghent’s compact, medieval heart is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as much of the city center is a dedicated car-free zone. For longer distances, the De Lijn network provides an integrated system of buses and frequent trams that connect the Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent-Dampoort railway stations to the historic core. Taxis and Uber are available for late-night travel or door-to-door convenience, though they are notably more expensive than the highly efficient public transit system.

Travelers arriving from Brussels Airport (BRU) will find the train to be the most practical option, costing approximately €21 for a one-way ticket and taking roughly an hour. Within the city, a single tram or bus fare purchased via the De Lijn app or contactless payment is about €2.50. For those preferring private transport, a taxi from Brussels Airport to central Ghent typically ranges between €110 and €130, while a short taxi ride within the city limits generally costs between €15 and €25.

Ghent offers a delightful shopping experience that caters to every budget within its walkable, historic center. High-end shoppers should head to Brabantdam and Henegouwenstraat, where chic boutiques and luxury designer labels reside in elegant surroundings. For a mix of sophisticated fashion and high-quality footwear, the Koestraat is another essential stop for those looking for premium Belgian and international brands.

For mainstream retail and familiar high-street names, Veldstraat serves as the city's primary commercial artery, filled with popular international chains. Those hunting for unique finds or more affordable treasures will enjoy the eclectic vibe of the Patershol neighborhood, where independent shops and vintage boutiques tucked away in medieval alleys offer one-of-the-kind souvenirs and local crafts.

No shopping trip is complete without sampling Ghent's culinary exports. Belgian chocolate remains a top priority, with numerous artisanal shops offering handcrafted pralines. Be sure to visit a traditional grocer for the famous Tierenteyn-Verlent mustard or pick up a bag of Cuberdons—the iconic purple, cone-shaped candies known as 'Ghent noses'—which are a sweet staple of the local culture.

The ideal time to explore Ghent is during the late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September), when the weather is pleasant and the city’s medieval canals are framed by seasonal greenery. These shoulder months provide the best balance of mild temperatures and moderate crowd levels, making it easier to enjoy the city's historic architecture and vibrant cafe culture without the intensity of the peak summer season.

For travelers who enjoy a high-energy atmosphere, July features the Gentse Feesten, a massive ten-day street festival that is a local highlight, though it brings the highest prices and largest crowds of the year. Conversely, winter visitors can enjoy the festive charm of the Christmas markets in December. While the weather is often damp and grey, the city feels more intimate, and accommodation rates are generally more affordable outside of the holiday peak.

Language: Dutch (Flemish)

• Hallo — Hello
• Goedemorgen — Good Morning
• Goedenavond — Good Evening
• Tot ziens — Goodbye
• Dank u wel — Thank You
• Waar is ______? — Where is ______?
• Alstublieft — Please
• Waar is het toilet? — Where is the bathroom?
• Vree wijs! — Very cool! (A quintessential Ghent expression used for anything excellent)