Ghent Travel Guide (East Flanders/Flanders/Belgium/Benelux/Europe)

Introduction to Ghent

Nestled in East Flanders, Ghent is a charming city in Flanders, Belgium. The city is a hidden gem, compared to Brussels and Bruges, but offers an authentic Belgian experience with its historic architecture, quaint canals, and vibrant cultural scene. It has a rising food and drink scene, splendid museums, and natural wonders. With an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, exploring Ghent is an adventure that every traveler must have on their bucket list.

List of Places to Visit in Ghent

No matter what your interests are, Ghent offers a diverse blend of attractions, from culture and food to outdoor recreation activities.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ghent is known for its cultural landmarks, including its medieval architecture. It offers a plethora of museums and historical buildings for you to explore. The list includes:

Castle of the Counts: A stunning landmark that dates back to the 12th century. The castle offers panoramic views of the city skyline.
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral: An architectural beauty that houses the renowned masterpiece, Ghent Altarpiece.
Huis van Alijn: It’s the museum where you can explore Belgian culture and traditions.

Natural Attractions of Ghent: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ghent isn’t all about its landmarks and cultural scene. It offers some breathtaking natural attractions that will leave you in awe. Check out these must-visit destinations:

Citadel Park: It’s a peaceful refuge in the city, with gorgeous gardens and a picturesque lake.
Blaarmeersen: This local recreation area has watersports facilities, a beach, and cycling trails around the lake.
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen: It’s the perfect place to enjoy bird watching, and the hiking trails are your path to discovering Ghent’s wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ghent

Ghent is a city surrounded by nature. It’s no secret that this city has some of the best biking and hiking trails. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, Ghent has it all. Here are our recommended trails:

Scheldt Trail: This trail is perfect for sightseeing and relaxing. It runs along the river and passes many of the city’s sites, including the Graslei and Korenlei docks.
Blaarmeersen Trail: It’s an ideal option for beginners and those looking for an easy ride or walk. The trail passes through the park and along the lake.
Flemish Ardennes Trail: It’s a challenging route for experienced cyclists and boasts stunning views of the rural terrain.

Best Things to Do in Ghent: Activities and Tours

From biking tours to food and drink-focused tours, to cultural exploration for discovering hidden gems, Ghent offers something for everyone. Here are some of our must-do activities and tours:

Ghent Boat Tour: This 40-minute boat tour gives you a unique perspective of the city through its water network. It’s an excellent option for sightseeing.
Ghent Food Walk: This tour is perfect for foodies. You can taste authentic Belgian dishes, chocolates, and local beer during your walk.
Ghent Street Art Walk: For art lovers, this tour will take you through Ghent’s street art scene and introduce you to local artists and their works.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ghent

Are you planning a week-long trip to Ghent? Here is an itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Explore Ghent’s historical center and landmarks, including Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and Castle of the Counts. Take a boat tour for a unique view of the city.
Day 2	Visit Ghent’s museums and cultural attractions, such as the Design Museum Ghent
Day 3	Go for a scenic hike at Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen and then relax at Citadel Park
Day 4	Take a food walk-through Ghent’s culinary scene and indulge in authentic Belgian dishes.
Day 5	Explore the city’s street art scene and meet local artists
Day 6	Cycle to the Flemish Ardennes and enjoy scenic views of rural Ghent
Day 7	Take a day trip to Bruges and explore its UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Food and Drink Scene of Ghent

Ghent is heaven for foodies, offering authentic Belgian cuisine and a rising food scene. From waffles and chocolate to seafood and Belgian fries, here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Waterzooi: A delicious stew made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and cream.
Stoofvlees: It’s a Flemish beef stew made with beer, onions, and spices.
Gruut Beer: A locally brewed beer with a unique flavor.

Local Beverages

Jenever: It’s a popular Dutch and Belgian gin-like spirit.
Belgian beer: Belgians are proud of their beer, and there are hundreds of Belgian beers that you can sample during your visit.

Where to Stay in Ghent: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ghent offers some fantastic accommodations options that cater to every budget and taste. Here are some of our preferred options:

Marriott Ghent: If you’re looking for luxurious accommodations, then the Marriott is your best bet. It’s located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of Ghent’s skyline.
Hostel Uppelink: This hostel is situated in a historic building and is perfect for budget travelers. It offers clean and comfortable rooms and easy access to the city’s attractions.
Bed & Breakfast De Waterzooi: It’s a charming guesthouse that’s perfect for a romantic getaway.

What to Buy in Ghent: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ghent is known for its local products, including chocolates, beers, and delicacies. Here are some items you buy as souvenirs or gifts:

Belgian chocolates: Ghent has plenty of local chocolatiers that offer unique and delicious chocolates.
Gruut Beer: It’s unique and the perfect example of the city’s pride in brewing.
Jacquemart: It’s a traditional delicacy made from caramelized sugar and chocolate and can be found in Ghent’s bakeries.

Local Culture and Customs of Ghent

When visiting Ghent, it’s essential to understand the local culture and customs, including how to greet residents and behave in public places. Belgians are hospitable and friendly; it’s customary to greet your neighbors and locals with a simple “Bonjour.”

Best Time to Visit Ghent

The best time to visit Ghent is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, and the festivals and events are in full swing. However, fall and winter also have their charm with the winter Christmas market in mid-November until the end of December.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ghent

Do:

Try the local cuisine and beer.
Explore the city’s museums and landmarks.
Use public transportation to get around the city.

Don’t:

Litter or smoke in public places.
Be too loud or disruptive in public places.
Forget to check the weather forecast before going outdoors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ghent

Ghent is a safe city for travel; however, it’s always advisable to take necessary precautions when exploring the city’s tourist spots, especially at night.

Health in Ghent

Belgium offers healthcare for tourists. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to carry travel insurance for emergency medical assistance during your trip.

Getting to Ghent: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ghent is easily accessible from most European cities. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Ghent

Brussels Airport: The largest and closest airport to Ghent, with frequent trains and buses that run to Ghent.
Antwerp Airport: A small airport that’s 45 minutes away from Ghent by car.

Bus Stations Near Ghent

Ghent St-Pieters Station: It connects to most of the towns in Europe, including Amsterdam and Paris.

Other Options

Train: Ghent has two train stations, connecting to most of the cities in Belgium and Europe.
Car: If you’re renting a car, you can drive to Ghent from most European cities.

How to Get Around in Ghent

The best way to explore Ghent is by foot or bike. Nonetheless, it’s easy to access most parts of the city using public transportation such as trams and buses. You can purchase a day pass or a multi-day pass depending on how long you plan to stay in Ghent.

Where to Go Next from Ghent: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time after exploring Ghent, here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth checking out:

Bruges: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its picturesque canals and medieval architecture.
Antwerp: It’s a stunning city that’s home to some of Ruben’s most famous works of art.
Brussels: The lively capital of Belgium, famous for its chocolate, beer, and waffles.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to visit Belgium, Ghent is a city you shouldn’t miss, offering an authentic Belgian experience. With its stunning cultural and natural attractions, activities, local cuisine, and accommodations, Ghent is the perfect destination for both budget and luxury travelers. We hope this comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit to this magical city.