Is Ghent Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting

Is Ghent worth visiting? Here’s my honest verdict on whether this Belgian city is worth spending your time in, including who’ll love it, who may prefer somewhere else and how long you really need to see the city to the fullest—from someone who’s visited Ghent twice!

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I’ve visited Ghent twice now. The first time was during a solo trip around Belgium, when I explored the city with no real expectations.

Eight years later, I came back with more time, a much longer bucket list of bits I wanted to see and the chance to see whether Ghent was just as good as I remembered.

Thankfully, it held up.

Ghent is beautiful, but beauty isn’t its only trick.

Beyond the three-tower skyline and River Leie, you’ve got students, trams, street art, independent bookshops, record stores, natural-wine bars and independent restaurants that will make you slowly but surely fall in love with this Belgian city.

With that said, here’s exactly why I think Ghent earns a place on a Belgium itinerary—even if you’re already visiting Brussels or Bruges.

To answer the age-old question, Is Ghent worth visiting?

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: Is Ghent Worth Visiting?

Is Ghent Worth Visiting? My Honest Verdict

Yes. Ghent is worth visiting for tourists who want more than one beautiful square and a list of monuments to photograph.

Its historic centre has the full Belgian-city package: stepped guildhouses, cobbled streets, church towers, canals and an actual medieval castle sitting in the middle of town.

But the reason I’d return again isn’t only the old town. It’s the fact that Ghent never feels entirely arranged for visitors.

Students still sprawl beside the river and row past Graslei. Trams cut through Korenmarkt. Street artists paint over yesterday’s work. A grand art bookshop can sit a few streets from a dumpling bar, while a tiny jazz venue hides down an alley you could easily miss.

Why Visit Ghent? 7 Reasons I Think It’s Worth the Trip

1. The Historic Centre Is Beautiful

Start on St Michael’s Bridge and you’ll understand the whole Ghent appeal fairly quickly.

Below you’ll face the quays of Graslei and Korenlei. Ahead, St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral rise in one very showy row. Turn slightly and Gravensteen Castle appears further along the water, seemingly out of nowhere.

It’s the sort of city view that would be enough on its own, but Ghent’s historic centre is still busy with people going to class, work, lunch and drinks.

P.S. – For a fuller first-visit list, use my best things to do in Ghent guide.

2. The Ghent Altarpiece Is Genuinely Worth Making Time For

Inside St Bavo’s Cathedral you’ll find the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.

The monumental polyptych was created by the Van Eyck brothers, Hubert and Jan, and it’s one of the strongest reasons to visit Ghent if art has even a small place on your travel list.

You don’t need to be particularly religious—or someone who spends every holiday inside museums to appreciate it. Just someone who likes unnecessarily beautiful art.

3. Gravensteen Castle Is More Fun Than It Looks

Gravensteen Castle looks extremely stern from the outside: moat, battlements, thick stone walls, the lot (also known in English as the ‘Castle of the Counts’).

I only admired it from outside on my first trip. When I returned, I finally went in and immediately realised I’d been missing out.

In its interiors you’ll find tower rooms, narrow staircases, rooftop views and a brilliantly funny audio guide that helps keep your visit from becoming an hour of solemn medieval facts.

It’s one of Ghent’s most touristy attractions, but it also happens to be one of its best. My Gravensteen Castle guide has everything to know before you go.

4. Ghent’s Incredibly Easy to Explore on Foot

Ghent’s city centre is small enough to explore on foot, but still not without areas that feel completely different from the next.

Case in point, Huis van Alijn is a short walk from Graffiti Street!

You can move from Sint-Baafsplein to the River Leie, then on to Gravensteen, Patershol, Groentenmarkt and Kraanlei without needing to figure out transport, which is always a bonus for me when it comes to European cities.

It makes Ghent particularly good for a short Europe break, plus you can take a 50-minute guided Ghent boat trip to see more of the city in one go, from its old harbour to medieval buildings—especially nice after you’ve already done a few hours of ‘Ghenting’ on foot.

P.S. – Want more options? Check out my Ghent boat tours guide.

5. Ghent is Full of Independents (that give the city its personality)

Ghent would still be worth seeing if it only had the Altarpiece, castle and waterfront. It just wouldn’t be nearly as easy to like.

My favourite stops were the ones that made the city feel specific to Ghent, in other words, through its independents.

Le Bal Infernal is a used-book café with shelves climbing the walls and books hanging overhead. I sat there with a book, a crisp glass of wine and a slice of apple strudel cake and was very happy with my life choices.

Then there’s Music Mania Records 2 beside Kraanlei, Graffiti Street changing every time local street artists repaint it and independent shops like De Kaft and Copyright Bookshop.

Although they seem like fillers between the famous things, they really are what made the trip for me!

P.S. – Check out my unusual things to do in Ghent guide to see more ‘beyond the obvious’ things to do in the city.

6. Ghent’s Food and Drink Scene Is Strong

Belgian waffles, beer and chocolate are easy enough to find anywhere in Belgium. Ghent gives you those, but it also has a much broader food scene than I expected.

At De Rechters, directly opposite St Bavo’s Cathedral, I ordered Waterzooi with a Belgian beer—a warm creamy lunch made especially with the city in mind.

Elsewhere, you’ve got vegetarian daily specials at De Warempel, filled schiacciata at Panotto and Mi Garba, dumplings at Steamy Windows, natural wine at Edelrot and live jazz at Hot Club Gent.

It’s one of the few city breaks where I’d tell you to plan your meals with as much care as the sights.

Use my best restaurants in Ghent guide, or turn lunch into part of your trip with this 2.5-hour Ghent food tour, led through local flavours, beer and the stories behind them.

7. Ghent Is Even Better After the Day-Trippers Leave

Ghent’s historic centre is lit beautifully at night, but gets even better once everyone with a train deadline heads out.

Once day turns to night (and perhaps an overnight stay at this Ghent hotel), walk back through Sint-Baafsplein as Ghent’s illuminated centre comes to life, stop for live jazz at Hot Club Gent, try another Belgian beer at Café ’t Galgenhuisje, sit beside Graslei and Korenlei, or have a proper meal among the cobbled lanes of Patershol for a local and lovely night in Ghent.

Who Do I Think Would Enjoy Ghent Most?

• Architecture and history lovers: the medieval centre, guildhouses along Graslei and Korenlei, churches such as St Nicholas’ Church and St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry and Gravensteen Castle will give you plenty to gawk at, all within walking distance of one another.
• Art travellers: the Ghent Altarpiece alone justifies your (serious) attention, while the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent adds 600 years of European art.
• Food-first travellers: Ghent has tons of traditional Flemish dishes on offer at places like De Rechters, a strong vegetarian scene led by spots like De Warempel, independent cafés such as Le Bal Infernal, wine bars like Edelrot and excellent Belgian beer at tiny historic pubs like Café ’t Galgenhuisje.
• People who like walkable cities: the main historic sights between St Michael’s Bridge, Korenmarkt, Sint-Baafsplein and Gravensteen sit close together, while Ghent’s easy public transport will always be there when you’re tired of walking.
• Travellers who find very polished destinations a little flat: Ghent has the pretty bits, but it also has noise, students, bikes, changing street art along Graffiti Street and enough edge to feel like a real city.

Who Might Want to Skip Ghent?

I love Ghent, but it won’t automatically be the right Belgian city for every trip. In my opinion, it wouldn’t work for you if:

• You only want a tiny fairytale old town: Bruges will give you that immediately and consistently, whereas like I said, Ghent has more edge.
• You have half a day and hate rushing: Ghent’s main sights fit into one day, but a few hurried hours may leave the city feeling less special than it is for you.
• You want a quiet rural escape: Although Ghent’s compact, it’s still an active Belgian city with trams, nightlife and a large student presence.
• You want a genuinely cheap Europe weekend: there are quite a few free things to do in Ghent, but central hotels, restaurants and major attractions can add up.

Ghent or Bruges: Which Is More Worth Visiting?

If you’re choosing between Ghent and Bruges, I wouldn’t pretend they offer exactly the same trip.

In short, I’d choose Ghent if you want the medieval view and somewhere interesting to eat, drink and wander after you’ve photographed it.

Choose Bruges if the canals, romantic streets and a smaller old town are the main reason you’re visiting Belgium.

For the full decision, read my Bruges or Ghent comparison. If you have enough time for both, my Bruges and Ghent itinerary is your best bet!

Ghent, Brussels or Antwerp?

Decisions, decisions.

• Choose Ghent for the best balance of historic beauty, compact sightseeing, food and a local atmosphere.
• Choose Brussels for a capital-city feel, major museums, grand squares, international food and easy transport connections.
• Choose Antwerp for fashion, shopping, a larger-city feel and a really strong art and architecture scene.

With just four days in Belgium, I’d avoid trying to do Brussels, Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp. Pick two or three and leave enough time to remember something beyond switching train platforms.

Is Ghent Worth Visiting for a Day?

Absolutely. Ghent is well worth visiting for one day, particularly as a day trip from Brussels.

With a full day, you can see the stunning St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei, the Ghent Altarpiece, Ghent Belfry, Gravensteen Castle and part of Patershol without turning your Ghent day into a huge checklist.

Use my one day in Ghent itinerary for the best route if one day is genuinely all you have, or take this full-day Bruges and Ghent tour from Brussels to help avoid all the logistics for the day.

Is Ghent Worth Staying Overnight?

Also yes.

Staying overnight means you can see Ghent illuminated at night, have dinner without watching the clock and use the next morning for Ghent’s museums, cafés, green spaces and independent shops.

I recommend NH Collection Gent as it’ll put you right beside Sint-Baafsplein with the Cathedral, Belfry and Korenmarkt just outside your doorstep.

P.S. – Read my where to stay in Ghent guide for more options.

How Many Days Do You Need in Ghent?

One day is enough for Ghent’s essential sights, but two days is best for a first trip to add on the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent, Ghent University Botanical Garden, bookshops such as De Kaft, Copyright Bookshop and Bookz&Booze, Graffiti Street, the House of Alijn, and a Ghent restaurant or two.

And if you want a really slow weekend, do three days in Ghent!

Is Ghent Expensive?

Ghent isn’t a bargain destination, but I wouldn’t call it prohibitively expensive either.

Your hotel is likely to be your largest cost, alongside sit-down meals in Ghent and any paid attractions you choose, like the Ghent Altarpiece, Gravensteen Castle and the Ghent Belfry.

Of course, you can balance that with free walks along Graslei and Korenlei, churches, Graffiti Street, Citadel Park, the Botanical Garden and time in the historic centre, or better yet, have a look at my favourite free things to do in Ghent…

P.S. – If you plan to visit quite a few attractions in Ghent I’d also consider a CityCard Gent pass, just make sure it makes sense for your trip and the amount you want to see before you purchase.

Is Ghent Safe?

Ghent is generally very safe to visit, including for solo travellers, especially given it’s a student city.

With that said, I’d show the same care you would elsewhere in Europe—keep an eye on your belongings around stations, busy trams and crowded central streets; know your route back at night, always have mobile data on your trip and avoid leaving drinks or valuables about.

Is Ghent Worth Visiting on a Sunday?

Yes, but a Sunday visit needs slightly more checking than a Friday–Saturday visit.

Major sights like Gravensteen Castle and the historic centre are still worthwhile, and Ghent’s Sunday markets will be a well-deserved weekend treat.

The trade-off is that some independent shops and restaurants close or shorten their hours. But alas, we live!

Is Ghent Worth Visiting at Christmas?

Yes—particularly if you like Christmas vibes but still want a proper city trip.

Ghent’s medieval architecture already gives Ghent plenty of atmosphere; mix in seasonal lights, markets and the annual Winter in Ghent programme and that’s your holiday season beautifully sorted.

Is Ghent Worth Visiting with Kids?

I’d say so—Gravensteen Castle is the obvious headline, while a Ghent boat trip will give everyone’s feet a break.

Graffiti Street is great for photos, and museums like STAM are a lovely way for the kiddos to get a bit of background on Ghent’s history (but let’s be honest, their favourite part of the day will definitely be the castle).

Best Time to Visit Ghent

Personally, I’d say spring and early autumn are my favourite for a Ghent trip.

April to June gives you longer days and better odds for sitting beside the river. September is also a strong month when the city is still live with student buzz, minus most of the tourist crowds.

In the height of summer, there’s still plenty of Ghent events to be had—and for Christmas, Winter in Ghent is a gem.

How to Get to Ghent

One of my favourite things about Ghent is how deliriously easy it is to reach by train.

The train from Brussels to Ghent takes just 36 minutes, and Bruges to Ghent takes only 22 minutes.

Get your train tickets here, or use my Brussels to Ghent by train guide to plan your trip.

When you arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters, it’s a bit outside the historic centre, so take a tram if you have luggage (you can pay with your contactless card) or walk 20–30 minutes to the centre or your hotel once you get here.

My Most Important Ghent Travel Tips For Your Visit

And lastly, I’ll love you and leave you with a few travel tips.

Give Ghent a full day: you can make a short stop here just to see the skyline from St Michael’s Bridge, but in my opinion, that’s not why the city is worth visiting. The real appeal comes once you have time for the Ghent Altarpiece, Gravensteen Castle, a proper lunch and a wander beyond the most photographed streets. My one day in Ghent itinerary gives you a route that actually does the city justice.

Book the Altarpiece and Gravensteen in advance: both are among Ghent’s biggest attractions, and fixing your times beforehand will make the rest of your day much easier to plan. You can book the Ghent Altarpiece here and reserve your Gravensteen Castle tickets here.

Check Sunday and Monday opening hours: Ghent’s independent shops and restaurants sometimes have wonky closing days or shorter weekend hours, so be sure to check each before your visit.

Stay central when possible: paying slightly more for location in Ghent will save you time (and money) on repeated tram rides, so it’s best to stay in the historic centre. I recommend NH Collection Gent, with St Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent’s Belfry and Korenmarkt all within a few minutes’ walk. Or read my where to stay in Ghent guide for more options.

Don’t only eat around Korenmarkt: the square is useful for sightseeing, but just a few streets away from the most obvious terraces and you’ll find some of Ghent’s best independent food and drink spots. Try local vegetarian daily specials at De Warempel, filled schiacciata at Panotto or Mi Garba, dumplings at Steamy Windows, natural wine at Edelrot or catch cocktails and live jazz at Hot Club Gent.

Bring comfortable shoes (cue cobbles and castle stairs): Ghent is very walkable, but that walking does include uneven streets, old stone steps and plenty of time on your feet.

Leave one part of the day loose: Ghent is at its best when there’s room for a stop you didn’t plan. That could mean browsing second-hand books at Le Bal Infernal, looking through records at Music Mania Records 2, having wine and sharing plates at Bar Terroir, or simply sitting beside Graslei and Korenlei for longer than intended.

Final Verdict: Is Ghent Worth Visiting?

Ghent is worth visiting because it never asks you to choose between a beautiful historic city and a buzzing one.

In one moment, you’ll get the Van Eyck brothers, the Mystic Lamb, medieval towers and a castle with a moat.

But you’ll also get street art, Belgian beer, vegetarian restaurants, used books, live jazz and students sitting beside the River Leie on a Saturday night.

Overall, my first encounter with Ghent was when it was simply a city I added to my itinerary last minute.

But eight years later, it was the one I returned to deliberately. And I loved every moment of it.

That probably answers ‘Is Ghent worth it?’ better than any ranking ever could.

Have the best trip.

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Is Ghent Worth Visiting?

Is Ghent worth visiting for tourists?

Yes! Ghent is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy medieval architecture, art, Belgian food, walkable cities and destinations that still feel lived in. Its main sights are close together, but the city has enough restaurants, museums, shops and nightlife to justify staying beyond a day trip.

What is Ghent famous for?

Ghent is famous for its three-tower skyline, Graslei and Korenlei waterfront, Gravensteen Castle, Ghent Belfry and the Van Eyck brothers’ Ghent Altarpiece—also called the Mystic Lamb. It’s also known for its university-city atmosphere, street art, Belgian beer and food scene.

Is Ghent worth visiting for one day?

Yes. One full day is enough for Ghent’s main historic sights, including St Michael’s Bridge, the Ghent Altarpiece and Gravensteen Castle. I’d arrive early and spend the full day (and stay to see a bit of Ghent’s nightlife if you can).

Are Bruges and Ghent both worth visiting?

Absolutely, I’d just say they offer different experiences. Bruges is smaller, more romantic and immediately picturesque; Ghent has a larger lived-in centre, stronger nightlife and more variety for a full weekend. As someone who’s been to both, I’d give each city its own day if possible.

Is Ghent better than Bruges?

Ghent is better for travellers who want nightlife, independent food, museums and a city that feels less centred on tourism. Bruges is better for a compact old town, canals and classic romantic atmosphere. Neither is objectively better; they suit different trips. Here’s how to do Ghent & Bruges in one Belgium trip.

Is Ghent safe at night?

Ghent is definitely safe at night (at least in my experience), particularly around the busy centre, but use normal exploring-a-European-city precautions. Keep track of your belongings, always have mobile data and stay centrally if you can.

Is Ghent worth visiting on a Sunday?

Yes, although some independent shops and restaurants close or reduce their hours. Most major sights will still be open, and you’ll get to enjoy Ghent’s Sunday markets too.

Is Ghent worth visiting in December?

Definitely, this is when Winter in Ghent is on, so you’re bound to have a good time. Just expect colder weather, shorter daylight and higher demand around popular holiday weekends like the week before Christmas.

Is Ghent worth visiting with kids?

Yes, you’ve got Gravensteen Castle, Ghent boat tours, Graffiti Street and family-focused museum activities at STAM, so a bit more variety than a ‘churches and architecture’ sightseeing day.

How long should I spend in Ghent?

I’d personally say spend at least one full day in Ghent. But two days in Ghent is better if you want to include museums, independent shops, green spaces and an evening in the city without rushing.

Is Ghent expensive to visit?

I’d say Ghent is moderately expensive rather than especially cheap. Hotels, restaurants and paid attractions are the main costs, but the historic centre, waterfront, churches, parks and street art will give you plenty of free things to do in Ghent too.

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