My Ghent Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City

Planning a Ghent 2 day itinerary? Here’s how I’d spend 48 hours in the city—from Ghent’s towers, Van Eyck masterpiece and medieval castle on day one, to botanical gardens, bookshops, street art, local food and more on day two. From someone who’s been to Ghent twice!

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On my first trip to Ghent, two Canadian girls showed me a few photos and I changed my Belgium plans to join them.

Ghent in 2018!

On my second trip, I arrived with eight years of hindsight, a few more pounds to spend and far more of Ghent to enjoy.

Both trips confirmed the same thing: Ghent’s famous sights are worth your time, but they’re only half the reason to come.

The three-tower skyline, Ghent Altarpiece and Gravensteen Castle give you the grand introduction.

But then comes the used bookshop that double as the city’s coolest café (I’m talking to you, Le Bal Infernal,) street artists repainting Ghent alleyways, record shops beside the water and wine bars that make you want to stay overnight in Ghent without a second thought.

On that note, here’s how to spend a fabulous weekend in Ghent, from the best sightseeing bits to all the local gems in between.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Overview: My Ghent 2 Day Itinerary

No time for a full read? Here’s your Ghent weekend at a glance.

Is 2 Days in Ghent Enough?

Definitely. Two days in Ghent is enough to see its main historic sights and still have time for the more local places that you’d inevitably skip on a rushed day-trip plan.

In one day, you’d probably spend most of your time around the three towers, waterfront and castle (not a bad place to be).

But with 48 hours in Ghent, you can take in neighbourhoods, check out Ghent’s green spaces, independent shops, a museum, and a cosy dinner or jazz night in the city.

With that said, if your schedule’s a bit tight you can use my one day in Ghent itinerary which’ll still give you a lovely route for the day!

Day 1 in Ghent: The Three Towers, Van Eyck and Gravensteen

Morning: Start with Ghent’s Historic Centre

Begin on St Michael’s Bridge

For the best of Ghent in one go, start on St Michael’s Bridge.

Here you can gawk at the steep guildhouses of Graslei and Korenlei, and, looking ahead, see St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral all in a quite stunning row.

I’d come early enough to enjoy the view before it gets too crowded, and of course, steal a photo or two…

Walk Both Sides of Graslei and Korenlei

Next, take the steps down from St Michael’s Bridge to Graslei and Korenlei, two beautiful historic quays facing each other across the River Leie.

This was once Ghent’s medieval harbour, but today it’s more well-known as the city’s best waterfront—filled with terraces, passing boats and lots of people sitting along its stone edge whenever the weather allows.

P.S. – If you’d like to join them, grab a sandwich nearby from Mi Garba and plop down for lunch here later…

Follow Korenmarkt to Sint-Baafsplein

From the waterfront, continue into Korenmarkt, the busy central square connecting St Michael’s Bridge with Ghent’s three-tower route, along with an eyeful of the lovely St Nicholas’ Church.

Which is gorgeous inside if you’d like to pop in.

A lot of the terrace restaurants near Korenmarkt are a bit touristy and poorly rated, so more of an area to walk around than have a full sit-down, but there is some saving grace in the form of cool cocktails if you grab a drink at Piu di Piu nearby after.

Once you’ve finished with both, carry on to Sint-Baafsplein, a broad square at the other end of the three-tower route for some final views before seeing more of Ghent’s most iconic sights.

See the Ghent Altarpiece

In the square you’ll find St Bavo’s Cathedral and most importantly, the Ghent Altarpiece, aka Jan and Hubert van Eyck’s The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting.

It’s a rare masterpiece that draws in art lovers from across the world, even if you’re not into religious art, it’s worth considering seeing this one!

Sunday note: The Mystic Lamb Visitor Centre opens at 1pm on Sundays. So if you’re coming then, I’d suggest visiting Gravensteen first, having lunch, then returning to the cathedral afterwards.

But on the bright side, it means you can visit Ghent’s Sunday markets!

Climb the Belfry—or Swap It for a Boat Trip

If the weather is clear, you can also climb the Ghent Belfry, the medieval civic tower standing between St Nicholas’ Church and St Bavo’s Cathedral.

Its bells, watchtower history and gilded dragon are a symbol of Ghent’s old independence—but the main reward is the rooftop views.

If you’re not fussed about another viewpoint you can also see the city from below on this 50-minute guided Ghent boat trip.

It’s a small sightseeing boat travelling along the River Leie, fitted with views of the old harbour, guildhouses and the city’s castle from below street level, a really lovely thing to do for your first day in Ghent.

P.S. – You can see more options for your trip with my Ghent boat tours guide.

Afternoon: Flemish Lunch, Gravensteen and Patershol

Have Lunch Opposite the Cathedral

Time for lunch! I had mine at De Rechters, a cosy Flemish brasserie directly opposite St Bavo’s Cathedral (so a really easy add to your itinerary).

I’d go for the Ghent waterzooi—a creamy local stew—with a Belgian beer here personally, but there’s also tons of restaurants in Ghent to choose from.

For something faster, you could also grab a bite from Mi Garba—a small Italian-inspired lunch stop on Botermarkt serving generously filled schiacciata, coffee and desserts (take yours back towards St Michael’s Bridge and Graslei and Korenlei and enjoy the views).

Explore Gravensteen Castle

After lunch, walk to Gravensteen Castle, an imposing medieval fortress on the northern edge of Ghent’s historic centre.

With its moat, battlements and thick stone walls, it feels less like a museum building and more like an actual castle in the middle of daily Ghent life.

I only admired the outside on my first trip. But coming back and doing the full visit was one of the best decisions I made that trip—plus the audio guide is hilarious.

P.S. – I’d spend around 90 minutes here, and wear comfortable shoes! And don’t forget to read my Gravensteen Castle guide before you go.

Walk Through the Patershol Neighbourhood

Next, leave the castle and wander into Patershol, the compact historic quarter directly behind it.

With cobbled lanes, old brick houses and closely packed restaurants, there’s a much more intimate feeling here than the squares and waterfront you’ll have just explored.

Evening: Dinner and Ghent After Dark

Now it’s time to settle into a cosy dinner in Ghent. My recommendations?

For something hip, choose Steamy Windows, a cool, lively dumpling bar on Hoogpoort, Ghent’s main medieval street; Mosquito Coast, for a travel-themed restaurant filled with photographs, timber and collected objects; or Café ’t Galgenhuisje, a famously tiny historic café squeezed beside the old Butchers’ Hall on Groentenmarkt for a final drink.

Day 2 in Ghent: Greenhouses, Books, Street Art and Local Ghent

Morning: Start Beyond the Medieval Centre

Wander Citadel Park and the Botanical Garden or the Museum of Fine Arts

I’d begin day two at Citadel Park, a large green space beside Ghent’s museum quarter, easy to reach from Gent-Sint-Pieters station.

But even better, it sits right beside Ghent University Botanical Garden, a great place to wander (you may even see some students too!) with nearly 10,000 plant species, plus it’s free to visit…

Not keen on gardens? You could start day two at the equally impressive Museum of Fine Arts Ghent instead, right beside Citadel Park, with over 40 stunning Flemish galleries to explore.

P.S. – If you’re skipping hotel breakfast, you can also visit one of my cafés in Ghent guide recommendations before you head off to the park, garden or museum.

Follow the Bookshops Back Towards Central Ghent

From the park, I recommend walking north towards the historic centre through a less monumental side of Ghent, before turning the journey into a mini independent-bookshop route.

Start with De Kaft on Nederkouter, filled to the brim with new, preloved and vintage books, chosen one by one. It’s filled with character and may or may not get some of your wallet.

Continue to Copyright Bookshop for art, architecture, design, photography and glorious oversized books.

Later, near Hoogpoort, add in Bookz&Booze, where books are paired with wines and spirits as ready-made gifts. It’s a very good (and dangerous) place to pick up a souvenir or two, or three…

P.S – Copyright normally opens Tuesday to Saturday, while Bookz&Booze has limited Sunday opening. Move the bookshop stops to day one if your local day falls on Sunday, and always check each for their most updated hours!

Afternoon: Lunch, Street Art and Kraanlei

Have a Local Lunch in Ghent

It is Ghent after all, so you’ll be spoilt for choice for lunch at some fantastic independents.

Some options… De Warempel, a cosy vegetarian and flexitarian restaurant tucked onto the quieter Zandberg square. Its dishes change daily and it’s a hugely loved local spot.

You can also have a delicious filled schiacciata at Panotto, small plates and an apéro at De Parkiet, or use my Ghent restaurant guide for some more hits.

Walk Through Graffiti Street

Next, cut through Werregarenstraatje, better known as Graffiti Street. It’s a narrow, car-free alley in the historic centre where street artists are allowed to paint directly over the walls—in other words, over each other’s work.

Don’t worry, this actually leads to quite a cool outcome. Since the walls are repainted constantly, visiting here is more like seeing a canvas for Ghent’s local artists than a permanent outdoor gallery. And it’s very cool to see for yourself!

You can also pop into Giftshop while you’re here, or if you’re feeling extra quirky, check out my unusual things to do in Ghent guide.

Spend the Rest of the Afternoon Around Kraanlei

From the centre, make your way to Kraanlei, a very attractive waterside street on the northern side of the historic centre. Here you’ll find the House of Alijn, a museum devoted to ordinary Flemish life and a very good counterweight to yesterday’s cathedral and castle.

Then browse Music Mania Records 2, the second branch of Belgium’s largest independent record shop with lots of cool in-store events, or take a respite at the friendly Ludo Kafe near Kraanlei.

P.S. – De Parkiet and their fabulous terrace bar + Panotto are here too if you haven’t visited them yet!

Prefer a Foodie Afternoon in Ghent?

Ghent food tour!

There’s no shame in the fact that you could swap De Warempel, the bookshops and part of the Kraanlei route for this 2.5-hour Ghent food tour if you’d rather have someone connect the Flemish dishes, Belgian beer and local history for you.

I wouldn’t add it on top of a fully self-guided afternoon, but it’s a really lovely way to see the city through the eyes (and stomach) of a local vs. planning it all yourself.

A Final Evening in Ghent

Now that evening has settled in Ghent, it’s time to have some fun.

For live jazz, go to Hot Club Gent, a small music venue hidden down a narrow passage near Groentenmarkt.

For natural wine, choose Edelrot, a bottle shop and very hip bar specialising in low-intervention wines, ciders and wild beers.

For wine with cheese and sharing plates, go to Bar Terroir, part delicatessen and part neighbourhood dining room.

Or for a bit of a mix between a café, wine bar and all-day local hangout, ’t Kanon is a gem.

P.S. – Given it’s a student city, there’s also loads of events on throughout the year too, check what’s on here!

Where to Stay for 2 Days in Ghent

For a Ghent weekend, I’d absolutely recommend staying in the historic centre.

NH Collection Gent is always my top pick, sitting right beside Sint-Baafsplein, with St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry and Korenmarkt basically outside your door (I’ve stayed at their sister hotel, NH Collection Brussels, and really loved it).

P.S. – For more picks read my where to stay in Ghent guide.

How to Get to Ghent for a Weekend

Ghent is by far the easiest to reach by train.

The train from Brussels to Gent-Sint-Pieters takes around 36 minutes, so perfect for a Friday-evening arrival or Saturday-morning start in the city.

Get your Brussels to Ghent train tickets here or read my Brussels to Ghent by train guide for all my tips for your journey.

Keep in mind the station’s a 20–30-minute walk from the historic centre, so be sure to check (and take) the tram if you don’t feel like hauling luggage.

You can pay with your contactless card and have a peek at the tram schedule here!

Adding Bruges to your trip? Use my Bruges and Ghent itinerary to plan both, or my Bruges or Ghent comparison if you only have time for one city.

Getting Around Ghent

Honestly you shouldn’t have to think about public transit too much outside of taking the tram once you get to Ghent.

The historic centre is super walkable, and my two-day itinerary is perfect to do solely on foot.

Day one stays almost entirely around the waterfront, three towers, Gravensteen and Patershol.

And though day two begins near the station and Citadel Park, it’s walkable too (without luggage), including if you circle back through central Ghent and Kraanlei.

With that said, Ghent’s public transport is super handy, and they accept contactless too if your feet need a break.

What to Book Before Your Ghent 2 Day Itinerary

• Ghent Altarpiece tickets, especially for a fixed weekend slot.
• Gravensteen Castle tickets so your main afternoon attraction is sorted.
• The 50-minute Ghent boat trip if you’re swapping it for the Belfry.
• The 2.5-hour Ghent food tour if you want a guided local tour your second afternoon.
• Your Ghent hotel, particularly for busy spring, summer and festival weekends.
• Your train journey to Ghent

What to Do in Ghent When It Rains

Belgium (much like the UK) isn’t known for its incredible weather. But a rainy day in Ghent definitely shouldn’t ruin your itinerary.

If it’s a bit drizzly I’d keep the Ghent Altarpiece, Gravensteen, House of Alijn, the Botanical Garden greenhouses, bookshops and any food tour you’ve booked.

But maybe take longer over lunch, move Graffiti Street up to when it’s sunny, or at least not raining again, and leave climbing up the Belfry and a boat trip for another time.

P.S. – A rainy day is also a fine time to take up some free things to do in Ghent…

Final Thoughts on Spending 2 Days in Ghent

What I loved about spending two days in Ghent is that it lets you meet both versions of the city.

There’s the Ghent of Van Eyck, bell towers, guildhouses and a castle that looks far too serious for its own audio guide.

Then there’s the Ghent of plant-filled glasshouses, vintage books, street art, records, dumplings, natural wine and student-filled buzz that makes this Belgian city feel almost too cool to explore.

Lucky for you, even just two days in Ghent gives you a chance to enjoy them both. The Ghent way!

Have the best trip.

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Ghent 2 Day Itinerary

Is 2 days enough for Ghent?

Yes. Two days is enough to see Ghent’s historic centre, Ghent Altarpiece, Belfry, Gravensteen Castle, Patershol, Botanical Garden, street art and several lovely local food, bookshop and nightlife stops without rushing.

How many days should I spend in Ghent?

I’d recommend two days for a first visit. One day covers the major sights; three days is best if you want a slower pace or to combine your trip with Bruges.

Is Ghent worth visiting for a weekend?

Yes! Ghent works especially well for a weekend since the historic centre is compact, but its museums, independent shops, restaurants, bars and green spaces give you enough variety for a genuinely different second day in the city (in my opinion).

What should I do on my first day in Ghent?

I’d begin with the riverfront and three-tower route, then see the Ghent Altarpiece, climb the Belfry, have a Flemish lunch and spend the afternoon between Gravensteen Castle and Patershol.

What should I do on my second day in Ghent?

Spend day two around Citadel Park and the Botanical Garden or the Museum of Fine Arts, then browse De Kaft, Copyright and Bookz&Booze if they’re open. Continue through Graffiti Street, House of Alijn and Kraanlei before finishing with live jazz, wine or theatre.

Is one or two days better in Ghent?

Two days in Ghent is better if your schedule allows it. A day trip gives you Ghent’s skyline and main attractions; staying overnight adds the illuminated centre, local businesses and a second day that feels less like solely sightseeing. With that said, use my one-day Ghent itinerary if time is genuinely tight!

Can you visit Ghent from Brussels for two days?

Absolutely. Brussels to Gent-Sint-Pieters is only 36 minutes by train (sometimes less!), so it’s a very easy journey. Get your tickets here in advance, or use my Brussels to Ghent train guide for all my tips before your journey. Here’s how to spend two days in Brussels before too.

Can you visit Bruges and Ghent in the same weekend?

Yes, with the caveat that I really would give each city its own day (you can use my Bruges and Ghent itinerary to organise your route).

But if one day is truly all you have for both, then I’d take a full-day Bruges and Ghent tour from Brussels instead to save on time and logistics.

Is Ghent walkable?

Do apples go divine with almond butter? Yes. Ghent’s historic centre is compact and super walkable, especially so on this itinerary, and the stops I visited and recommend.

With that said, Ghent’s public transport is very straightforward to use, you can pay with your contactless on board and easily get a tram for longer journeys like from Gent-Sint-Pieters to your hotel (otherwise it’s a 20–30-minute walk).

What is Ghent famous for?

Ghent’s famous for its three-tower skyline, the Van Eyck brothers’ Ghent Altarpiece, Gravensteen Castle, Graslei and Korenlei waterfront, medieval history and its lively university-city culture. Here’s the best things to do in Ghent guide for more recommendations!

(And if you get a Flemish sweet tooth, there’s nothing wrong with a little Belgian chocolate…here’s my Ghent chocolate shops guide too, if you need…).

Plan the rest of your Ghent trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Ghent guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.

Before you book

• Is Ghent Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting
• Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both

Ghent itineraries

• One Day in Ghent: My Perfect Ghent Day Trip Itinerary
• My Ghent Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City
• Brussels to Ghent by Train: My Experience, Ticket Tips & Day Trip Guide
• Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Where to stay and what to book

• The Best Places to Stay in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip
• Gravensteen Castle Ghent: Tickets, Tips & What to Expect
• Best Boat Tours in Ghent, Belgium: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best One for Your Trip

What to do and where to eat

• The Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• Unusual Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Finds
• Free Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Sights & Local Finds
• 5 of the Best Restaurants in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Places to Eat
• Ghent Cafés: My Favourite 7 from My Trip
• 5 Best Chocolate Shops in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Finds