Ghent

Ghent Travel Guide

A university city where medieval architecture meets modern culture, famed for the Ghent Altarpiece. Van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece, the medieval might of Gravensteen Castle, and the enchanting night views of Graslei canal leave deep impressions. Less touristy and more local than Bruges, with the July Gentse Feesten ranking among Europe's largest city festivals.

Essential Ghent Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Ghent

★ 4.6

St. Bavo's Cathedral

Begun in the 12th century, Ghent's cathedral church houses the Van Eyck brothers' masterpiece 'The Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb).' This multi-panel work is one of the most important paintings in Western art history; its 20 intricately oil-painted panels heralded the start of Renaissance art. The altarpiece has been looted and recovered multiple times — by Napoleon and the Nazis — and is featured in the film 'The Monuments Men.' The Baroque interior décor and works by Rubens are also worth seeing. Cathedral free; Ghent Altarpiece about EUR 12.50. 3-minute walk from Tram 1 Korenmarkt stop.

Hours08:30-17:00 (Sun 13:00-17:00).

LocationSint-Baafsplein, Ghent

TipsViewing the Ghent Altarpiece requires a separate ticket. An audio guide helps you appreciate the work's significance.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Gravensteen Castle

Built in 1180 by Philip, Count of Flanders, this medieval castle sits over the Leie River in the heart of Ghent. Modeled on Crusader castles in Syria, it features the thick walls and moat of a classic medieval fortress. Inside you'll find displays of medieval weapons and torture instruments, and the ramparts offer a panorama of the city's spires and canals. Admission about EUR 12. 1-minute walk from Tram 1 Gravensteen stop.

Hours10:00-18:00 (closed Jan 1, Dec 24-25, and Dec 31).

LocationCity Center, Ghent

TipsWalk the ramparts for sweeping views of Ghent. Across from the castle, the patate frites shop is a great spot to try Belgian fries.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Graslei

Set along the Leie River, Graslei is Ghent's most beautiful street, lined with guild houses built between the 12th and 17th centuries. Het Spijker (the grain weighing house), the Free Boatmen's Guild Hall, and the Stonemasons' Guild Hall each represent Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, and together with Korenlei across the river they form Ghent's most iconic view. Sipping a beer on a riverside terrace as the buildings light up is a highlight of any Ghent visit.

HoursOpen 24 hours.

LocationGraslei, Ghent

TipsSt. Michael's Bridge offers the best photo spot to capture Graslei and Korenlei together. The lighting in the evening is especially beautiful.

View Details→

★ 4.5

St Michael's Bridge

St. Michael's Bridge spans the Leie River between Graslei and Korenlei and is Ghent's most famous photo spot. Looking east from the bridge, you can see the three towers of St. Bavo's Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry, and St. Nicholas' Church aligned in a single view. This 'Three Towers View' is the defining image of Ghent and appears in every travel guide. The scene becomes even more magical when the buildings are illuminated in the evening.

HoursOpen 24 hours.

LocationCity Center, Ghent

TipsTo capture all three towers in one frame, shoot from the middle of the bridge facing east. The blue hour just after sunset gives the best photos.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Belfry of Ghent

The Belfry of Ghent is a 91m-tall tower built in the 14th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Middle Ages it symbolized the city's freedom and autonomy, and the charter of civil liberties was stored inside. Unlike the Bruges belfry, an elevator takes you comfortably to the observation deck for panoramic views of Ghent. The golden dragon sculpture at the top is striking, and 54 carillon bells play beautiful melodies. Admission about EUR 10. 2-minute walk from Tram 1 Korenmarkt stop.

HoursDaily 10:00-18:00.

LocationSint-Baafsplein, Ghent

TipsThe elevator makes this much easier to climb than the Bruges belfry. It's a 2-minute walk from St. Bavo's Cathedral, so combine the two.

View Details→

★ 4.3

St. Nicholas' Church

St. Nicholas' Church is a 13th-century Scheldt Gothic church and one of Ghent's oldest. Built from distinctive blue-grey Tournai limestone, its central tower is a key part of Ghent's three-tower skyline. Inside, soaring Gothic ceilings and stained glass impress, along with ornate decorations that reflect the wealth of medieval merchants. The Korenmarkt square in front of the church is a central tram stop and the city's main meeting point.

HoursMon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-15:30 (Sun: Mass times only).

LocationKorenmarkt, Ghent

TipsEnter directly from Korenmarkt. Admission is free, so step inside without hesitation. During Ghent's Light Festival, beautiful projections illuminate the church exterior.

View Details→

★ 4.3

Patershol

Patershol is one of Ghent's oldest residential quarters, located just behind Gravensteen Castle, with narrow cobblestone lanes and medieval buildings beautifully preserved. Once home to leather workers, it has reinvented itself as Ghent's most charming dining quarter, with hidden restaurants, bistros, and wine bars tucked into every alley. It's more frequented by locals than tourists, offering an authentic taste of Ghent.

HoursOpen 24 hours.

LocationPatershol, Ghent

TipsWalk behind Gravensteen Castle to reach Patershol. Dining here in the evening is far more satisfying than eating at tourist-facing restaurants.

View Details→

★ 4.3

Design Museum Gent

Design Museum Gent is Belgium's only dedicated design museum, housed in the 18th-century Hotel de Coninck mansion. Its collection spans Art Nouveau furniture to contemporary industrial design and Belgian fashion. The Victor Horta Art Nouveau furniture collection is particularly impressive, and the contrast between the modern extension and the 18th-century mansion is architecturally interesting. Annual special exhibitions are internationally acclaimed. Admission about EUR 10. 3-minute walk from Gravensteen Castle.

HoursMon-Tue/Thu-Fri 09:30-17:30, Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00 (closed Wed).

LocationCity Center, Ghent

TipsA must-visit for Art Nouveau design fans. Combine with Gravensteen Castle and Patershol for an efficient route.

View Details→

★ 4.3

STAM - Ghent City Museum

STAM occupies a unique building combining a 14th-century abbey, a 17th-century convent, and a 21st-century extension. It tells Ghent's history from the Middle Ages to today through interactive multimedia, with a highlight being a giant aerial photograph of Ghent spread across the floor that visitors can walk through. Ghent CityCard holders get free entry, useful if you're planning to visit several sights. Admission about EUR 14. About 10 minutes by tram from the city centre.

HoursTue-Sun 10:00-18:00 (closed Mon).

LocationBijloke, Ghent

TipsDon't miss walking across the giant floor aerial photo of Ghent. Free entry with the Ghent CityCard.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK)

MSK, located in Citadelpark, is one of Belgium's largest art museums, housing works by Flemish masters like Hieronymus Bosch and Jan van Eyck, spanning the 15th to early 20th centuries. It also hosts exhibits related to the restoration project of St. Bavo's Cathedral's Ghent Altarpiece, offering an inside look at the restoration process. Pair with SMAK, the contemporary art museum right across the way, for a compare-and-contrast of classic and modern art. Admission about EUR 15. About 10 minutes from the city centre on tram 1.

HoursTue-Sun 10:00-18:00 (closed Mon).

LocationCitadelpark, Ghent

TipsDon't miss the Ghent Altarpiece restoration exhibit. A combined ticket with SMAK across the way is convenient.

View Details→

★ 4.2

S.M.A.K. (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art)

Opened in 1999, S.M.A.K. is Ghent's municipal contemporary art museum, housed in a former casino building in Citadelpark. It holds a broad collection of post-WWII international contemporary art — pop art, conceptual art, neo-expressionism — alongside Belgian contemporary artists, known for bold installations and experimental temporary exhibitions. Discounts apply for Ghent residents on the first Sunday of the month and Late Thursday evenings. Admission about EUR 15-20 depending on the exhibition. Directly across from MSK, making them easy to combine.

HoursTue-Sun 10:00-18:00 (closed Mon). Details may change; please verify before visiting.

LocationCitadelpark, Ghent

TipsRight across from MSK, so easy to visit together. Admission varies by exhibition, so check the website before visiting.

View Details→

★ 4.1

Vrijdagmarkt Square & Dulle Griet Cannon

Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market) has hosted markets since 1199 and is Ghent's oldest and most iconic square, with a statue of guild leader Jacob van Artevelde at its center. On the small Grootkanonplein square to the west sits Dulle Griet ('Mad Meg'), a massive 15th-century bronze cannon once capable of firing a 320kg stone ball. The beer bar of the same name next to the cannon serves some 250 Belgian beers, making it a great stop to combine. Free to visit. 5-minute walk from Gravensteen Castle.

HoursOpen 24 hours.

LocationVrijdagmarkt, Ghent

TipsTry one of 250 Belgian beers at the Dulle Griet bar of the same name. Flea markets take over the square on Fridays and Saturdays.

View Details→

★ 4.3

St. Peter's Abbey (Sint-Pietersabdij)

St. Peter's Abbey, founded in the 7th century, is one of Ghent's oldest Benedictine abbeys. Closed after the French Revolution, it has since been restored as an exhibition space and garden. The ground-floor corridors, courtyard, and gardens — which still hold a former vineyard — are free to visit and great for a stroll, while the exhibition rooms charge admission for special shows. The hilltop garden offers skyline views of Ghent, making it a popular photo spot. Corridors and gardens free; exhibitions about EUR 11-15. Located on Sint-Pietersplein.

HoursTue-Sun 10:00-18:00 (garden closes 17:00 in winter; closed Mon).

LocationSint-Pietersplein, Ghent

TipsThe ground-floor corridors and gardens are free to visit. Snap photos of the Ghent skyline from the hilltop garden.

View Details→

★ 4.3

House of Alijn

House of Alijn occupies Ghent's only surviving almshouse and spotlights the daily life of ordinary 20th-century Belgians. Drawing on the former Folklore Museum's collection, it displays thousands of household objects, photographs, and films tracing how everyday life changed across generations. Afterward, unwind at the museum's traditional pub. It's compact enough to see thoroughly in 1-2 hours. Admission about EUR 6. 5-minute walk from Gravensteen Castle.

HoursTue-Fri 10:30-17:00, Sat-Sun 10:30-17:30 (closed Mon). Details may change; please verify before visiting.

LocationKraanlei, Ghent

TipsUnwind at the museum's traditional pub after your visit. Small enough to combine with Gravensteen Castle and Patershol.

View Details→

★ 4.2

Ghent University Botanical Garden

Ghent University's Botanical Garden began as a research and teaching garden and offers free access to its outdoor gardens and greenhouses — a quiet, little-known retreat in the city. Visitors can wander through sections for tropical plants, succulents, and cacti, and the garden doubles as a relaxation spot for students since it sits in the middle of campus. On the first Thursday evening of each month, it stays open later for 'Late Thursday.' Free entry. 5-minute walk from St. Peter's Abbey.

HoursMon/Tue/Thu/Fri 09:30-17:30, Sat/Sun/holidays 10:00-18:00 (greenhouses close 16:30).

LocationLedeganck, Ghent

TipsThe greenhouses close at 16:30 daily, so plan accordingly. The garden stays open on Wednesdays even though the GUM museum is closed.

View Details→

★ 4.2

Klein Begijnhof (Small Beguinage)

The Small Beguinage (Our Lady ter Hoyen) was founded in 1235 by a Countess of Flanders as a home for beguines — lay religious women — and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 100 red-roofed cottages, rebuilt in the 17th century, ring a lawn that was once a cemetery, each house bearing a carved patron saint on its facade. Since the last beguine left in 2004, the cottages are now home to ordinary residents, giving visitors a quiet glimpse into a still-lived-in historic community. Free entry. 15-minute walk from the city centre.

HoursOpen 24 hours (garden access may be time-restricted).

LocationLange Violettestraat, Ghent

TipsPeople still live here, so keep noise down. Fewer tourists means you can take photos at your own pace.

View Details→

★ 4.4

Citadelpark

Citadelpark, created in 1875 on the site of a massive military citadel built between 1819 and 1831, is Ghent's oldest and largest park. Its wide lawns hold some 780 tree species and ponds, along with an ornate 1885 wrought-iron music kiosk, and the park is also home to both MSK (fine arts) and SMAK (contemporary art) museums, blending art and nature. A playground and lawns keep it lively with families and picnickers. Free entry. About 10 minutes from the city centre on tram 1.

HoursDaily, dawn to dusk.

LocationCitadelpark, Ghent

TipsMSK and SMAK museums are inside the park, so plan a museum visit and a stroll together. Great for a picnic on a nice day.

View Details→

★ 4

Rabot

Rabot is a fortified sluice gate built in 1489-1491 after Emperor Maximilian exploited a weak point in the Lieve canal's defenses to capture Ghent in 1488. Its two massive round towers with conical roofs exemplify late-15th-century military architecture, once able to flood the surrounding countryside for defense by operating the sluice. It can't be entered today, but can be admired from outside or seen from Ghent's canal boat tours as they pass by. Free (exterior viewing). Near the Prinsenhof district and Gravensteen Castle.

HoursOpen 24 hours (exterior only).

LocationPrinsenhof, Ghent

TipsInterior visits aren't possible, so admire it from outside or catch it on a canal boat tour. Easy to combine with a walk to Gravensteen Castle.

View Details→

Things to Do in Ghent

Tour

Ghent Canal Boat Tour

A 40-minute boat tour along the Leie River past Graslei, Korenlei, and Gravensteen Castle. Guides narrate in Dutch, French, and English.

Price About EUR 10Duration About 40 minutes

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Culture

Ghent Altarpiece Experience

View the Van Eyck brothers' masterpiece 'The Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb)' at St. Bavo's Cathedral with an audio guide, for a deep appreciation of one of Western art's most important works.

Price About EUR 12.50 (audio guide included)Duration About 1-1.5 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Tour

Ghent Beer Tasting Tour

A guided tour of Ghent's local beer bars and breweries, sampling Flemish traditional beers. Learn about the history of gruit (beer spice) and Ghent's unique beer culture.

Price About EUR 35-55 (tastings included)Duration About 2.5 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Culture

Gravensteen Castle Medieval Experience

Explore the 1180 Castle of the Counts, viewing medieval weapons, armor, and torture devices, then enjoy panoramic city views from the ramparts. The humorous audio guide is a favorite.

Price About EUR 12Duration About 1-2 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Nightlife

Ghent Light Festival Night Walk

Every three years in January, the Ghent Light Festival transforms the city into an outdoor gallery of light art. Walk the route and admire free light installations by international artists. Even outside festival times, permanent night illuminations are beautiful.

Price FreeDuration About 2-3 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Tour

Patershol Food Tour

A guided walking food tour through Patershol, Ghent's most charming dining quarter, sampling waterzooi, Belgian beer, artisan chocolate, and cheese at hidden restaurants and bistros known only to locals.

Price About EUR 50-70 (tastings included)Duration About 3 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

Affiliate link — RoadMento may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Must-Try Food in Ghent

Gentse Waterzooi

🍱 Traditional

A traditional Ghent stew of chicken and vegetables simmered in a creamy broth. About EUR 18-25. Enjoy it with the evening view at a Graslei riverside restaurant.

Speculoos

🍰 Dessert

A traditional Belgian spiced cookie flavored with cinnamon and warm spices.

Gentse Neuzen

🍰 Dessert

Nose-shaped Ghent candy in purple, flavored with raspberry. About EUR 3-5 per bag. Buy them at city candy shops as a uniquely Ghent souvenir.

Stoverij (Stoofvlees)

🍱 Traditional

Ghent-style beer beef stew enriched with mustard and herbs — a hearty Flemish comfort food served with frites. EUR 16-22. Try local bistros in the Patershol district.

Ghent Mustard (Tierenteyn)

🍱 Traditional

Tierenteyn mustard has been made with the same recipe since 1790 — a Ghent exclusive, hand-filled into jars at the shop. EUR 5-10. Visit the original Tierenteyn-Verlent shop near Graslei.

Belgian Frites

🍢 Street Food

Twice-fried crispy Belgian fries served with mayonnaise or Andalouse sauce. EUR 3-5. The frituur across from Gravensteen Castle is a local favorite.

Ghent Veggie Day Cuisine

🍱 Traditional

Ghent pioneered 'Thursday Veggie Day,' the world's first city-endorsed vegetarian day, so veggie restaurants abound. EUR 14-22. Try Komkommertijd or Le Botaniste in the city center.

Ghent Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Ghent?

April-October is the best time to visit. The Gentse Feesten in July is one of Europe's largest city festivals.

How much does it cost to travel in Ghent?

Daily budget around $70-145 (accommodation $45-85; food $20-35; transport and admissions $7-20).

How do I get around in Ghent?

About 35 minutes from Brussels by train. Trams and walking are enough to get around the city. Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport (Proximus, Orange, etc., about EUR 10-15/week). Card payments are widely accepted. Service is included in restaurant bills; leaving small change is appreciated but not required.

Do I need a visa to visit Ghent?

Korean passport holders can enter the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is Ghent safe for tourists?

A very safe university city. Just take basic care of your belongings.

Explore other cities