Looking to spend one day in the magical city of Ghent? Look no further! Here’s my personalized guide to Belgium’s most beautiful hideaway.
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If you want a magical European experience, one day in Ghent is calling your name. Known as Europe’s best-kept secret Ghent is a hidden gem for many Americans like myself. Today I’m sharing my one day in Ghent Itinerary (plus maps!), if you’re keen to explore this medieval wonder – read on!
Halfway through my Belgium trip, I had met two Canadian girls. Some small talk later they told me they were heading to a town that looked magical.
I saw the pictures. Instantly fell in love. And with that, I hopped along and headed to Ghent. If you’re spending any time at all in this charming gothic paradise of a city, here’s everything you should get up to in Ghent.
Feel free to follow my itinerary or adjust depending on your travel style, interests, and time frame.
Why Visit Ghent
Brussels’s charming lesser-known cousin, Ghent, is the biggest city in Flanders. With a history reaching back to the Middle-ages it’s one of the oldest and richest cities in Northern Europe.
Present-day it stands as a university hub and beautifully gothic city European travelers (and me) have come to know and love.
Spared from destruction in World War 2, Ghent feels untouched. Almost like you’re stepping into medieval times for a day.
Mix that with endless cobbled streets, rich history, and stunning architecture and Ghent is well worth the visit. Even for a little while.
Languages Spoken:
The official language of Ghent is Dutch (with a Flemish dialect) but English is widely spoken. A simple and similar “Dank u” should be be enough 🙂
Best Time to Visit:
A weekend in Autumn. The city is beautifully covered in leaves, with tempered weather and fewer crowds. But, seeing pictures of Ghent in Springtime is definitely a close second. The weekend is also the best time to go to catch the local markets.
Is One Day in Ghent Enough?
If you’re spending 1 day in Ghent you’ll have plenty to do. I argue that Ghent is the kind of place you explore at leisure. You certainly could tick off all the things to do and places to see in Ghent in one day (I did).
But if you fall in love with the city (which I also did) you may end up wanting to stay overnight or for a weekend.
If that’s the case you can jump to the end for places to stay in Ghent. But whether you’re visiting Ghent in one day or more this itinerary should serve you well 🙂
How do I Get to Ghent?
If you’re spending one day in Ghent you’ll want to catch the train. Easily accessible from Brussels there are plenty of trains running all day that’ll get you to Ghent in around 30 minutes.
The tickets start at 11€. But be sure to book in advance as tickets tend to be cheaper!
Otherwise, here are your best travel options by…
How to Get Around in Ghent
Ghent is a very walkable city. Packed with a super-efficient bus and tram system, you’ll have no worries taking public transit.
But I find walking the best way to see Ghent in its full glory. air warning, you may double pass some attractions by doing so. But backtracking is a great way to catch the nooks and crannies of the city, so I would highly suggest it.
Ghent in One Day: Morning
Exit off your transportation and into the world of Ghent. I normally don’t promote this much sugar in the morning but…in indulgent travel fashion, you may want to grab a waffle (or two).
I embraced the 30-minute walk, but you may want to take the tram to get to the city center.
Take Photos on Saint Michael’s Bridge
After you’ve scarfed down a Belgian favorite, my first suggestion is to take in the morning glory of St. Michael’s Bridge.
St. Michael’s Bridge is a breathtaking cityscape and the perfect starting point to take in the beauty of Ghent. I honestly had to hold off on taking out my phone for a bit as I was a bit in shock. I felt like I had stepped off into a fairytale.
Thinking about the fact that people live and breathe here, casually, with medieval architecture, towers and cobbled streets as their hometown still baffles me. A beautifully different world.
Anyways, back to the three towers. From the perched viewpoint you’ll be able to see Saint Nicholas church, the Belfry Tower, and St. Bavo Cathedral (which we’ll get to later).
You’ll probably want to take out your camera at this point, so get to snapping! Done? Amazing. Let’s head down and explore some more, shall we?
View the Castle of Counts
After you’ve taken in the viewpoint, best to head to the Gravensteen aka Castle of Counts.
Housing the social and political turmoil of the city, the Castle of Counts is gothically medieval. If you go inside you’ll be met with displays of heraldic relics, including judicial torture equipment. Ironically, it’s where also where many locals say “I do’s”.
For time’s sake, I opted to enjoy the view from the outside. But if you’re keen to learn the sometimes twisted and fascinating history of the city you can book your tickets here.
Explore St. Bavo’s Cathedral
Next, you’ll want to head to the majestical St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
Commanding gothic architecture and rich history, St. Bavo dates back to the 15th century. If you can sneak your way into the basement (just kidding, totally allowed) the real treat lies in the crypts beneath the cathedral.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, exploring art treasures and taking in the eery history of dark medieval times. Even if you aren’t a history buff this is a must-see in my opinion.
Climb to the top of Belfry Tower
Exiting St.Bavo’s Cathedral you’ll be hit with the beauty of Belfry Tower. Locally known as Het Belfort van Gent.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Belfry Tower is a boasting medieval tower with hundreds of years of history. Known as the city treasure keeper this former watchtower was used to keep an eye out for danger, including rampant fires known to strike Ghent.
You can climb up the stairs and listen to the hum of the city, all while feeling like you’ve sunken back in time. Once you’ve reached the top, take in the vibrant soul the city. And remember to book your tickets in advance.
Head to the Local Square for Lunch
You’ve wandered magical bridges and churches. Now it’s time for a bite.
Although I didn’t get to pop into all the eateries Ghent had to offer (although that would’ve been lovely) here are some recommendations from locals to try for yourself 🙂
Ghent in One Day: Afternoon
Sit Along Graslei & Korenlei
Now it’s time to really take in the town.
Located on the banks of Leie river lies the silky quays of Graslei & KorenleiIt. A beautiful mirror to the city, this town square is a Ghent source of pride. Here you’ll find tourists and residents sprawled across this scenic area throughout the day. And what are they doing exactly?
If they’re lovers, perhaps holding hands with dangled legs across the quay. Families enjoying a bite. Children happily pointing out at the ships docked. Solo travelers reflecting on a new journey to a fairytale town, diaries in hand. Or like me, with newfound travel partners. Chatting away on our past adventures.
Take a Boat Tour at Korenlei
If you feel like you’ve seen the area by foot, perhaps it’s time for sea (or quay that is).
The biggest regret of my trip was not taking a boat tour. So please take it for me! Setting you back a modest 8€, you can take a 50 minute historic waterside tour of the city, including Castle of the Counts, leaving straight from KorenleiIt.
Peruse the Street Markets & Roam the City
Once you’ve hopped off there’s mindless wandering to be had.
Ghent has the kind of streets you get lost it happily without an end destination, and I highly suggest you do. If it’s a weekend you’re in luck! Ghent is full of quaint street markets perfect for lazily strolling and finding souvenir gems.
Prondelmarkt Flea Market – Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday Prondelmarkt flea market is a local favorite, a great place to for thrifting and traditional Belgian finds
Kouter – Perfect for a Sunday morning Kouter is a local market dedicated to all things flowery, accompanied by the occasional local band
Book Market Ajuinlei- Another Sunday favorite you can feed your inner bookworm here with second-hand finds along the Leie River
Vrijdagmarkt – Saved for Friday Vrijdagmarkt is the perfect place to find a little bit of everything – cheese, fruits, stocking & lobsters included
Visit Graffiti Street
After persuing the markets we headed to Graffiti street. A quirky accompaniment to the traditionalness of Ghent it’s well worth adding to your one-day itinerary.
Despite graffiti being banned in Ghent, the artsy tourist stop shows no signs of closing and is, of course, the perfect photo op.
Ghent in One Day: Evening
Hot Chocolate at Huize Colette
To end the day we retreated to Huize Colette, one of the best chocolate shops in the city. Winding down with thick chocolate and milky whipped cream I was in heaven.
If you’re in the taste for local brew, Dok Brewing Company, Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant, Dulle Griet come highly recommend.
We found our way amongst chatty strangers. Everyone from a little bit of everywhere, taking in the magic of Ghent for the day.
Pass the Ghent Belfry One Last Time
As the evening settled we closed the night with a stroll around the city.
If you have time to circle back around I would definitely see the tower at night. It hits different with the evening lights and is definitely worth the sight.
Tip: If you extend your stay and are looking for more places to visit, Ghent’s amazing tourism site is your one-stop-shop for more museums, historical sites, and photo spots to fill your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Ghent
If you slowly fall in love with Ghent over the day, you may want to make it a weekend trip to properly meander the city. And I don’t blame you!
If you’re staying overnight Hotel Harmony, NH Belfort, and Hotel Gravensteen come highly recommended.
Ghent 1 Day Itinerary Summary
Here’s a quick summary of things to see for one day in Ghent. Feel free to screenshot.
MORNING
Take Photos on Saint Michael’s Bridge
View the Castle of Counts
Explore St. Bavo’s Cathedral
Climb to the top of Belfry of Bruges
Head to the Local Square for a Bite
AFTERNOON
Sit Along Graslei & KorenleiIt
Take a Boat Tour at Korenlei
Peruse the Street Markets & Roam the City
Visit Graffiti Street
EVENING
Hot Chocolate at Huize Colette
Pass the Ghent Belfry One Last Time
Have a magical time!
Read more on Europe travel here!
Loved getting another person’s take on Ghent! I visited the city earlier this year for the first time for the Van Eyck exhibit and adored it. I’ll definitely go back when the weather is better. (Ghent in the first weekend of February isn’t the best.)
I missed that exhibit and I so regret it! So happy you had a great time 🙂