The Best Places Stay in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip

Wondering where to stay in Ghent? Here’s the five hotels I would actually recommend for a first trip, plus the best areas for old-town atmosphere or nightlife—from someone who’s been twice…

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Choosing where to stay in Ghent is less about finding the single “best” hotel and more about deciding what you want outside your door when you wake up.

Like being steps away from Ghent’s historic centre at this hotel.

I first visited Ghent alone in 2018, when I was travelling around Belgium, and returned eight years later with more time and a better grasp of what there is to see.

Which, more often than not, means it’s best to stay in the old town.

For a first visit, this is why I recommend staying near Korenmarkt, Sint-Baafsplein, Graslei and Korenlei or Gravensteen Castle.

From here, you’ll be within walking distance of all the best bits of Ghent, including most of the sights on my one-day Ghent itinerary and two-day Ghent itinerary.

My top pick is the stylish and central NH Collection Gent for its incredible location and very lovely rooms.

But I would choose Hotel Harmony if you’re looking for an old-Ghent atmosphere, Pillows Reylof for a slower luxury weekend in the city, Yalo for its drinks, design and interiors, and Hotel Orion for the best value.

Here’s how to choose the best one for your trip.

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.

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Quick Overview: Where to Stay in Ghent

NH Collection Gent

Hotel	Best for	Area	Know before booking
NH Collection Gent	Best overall, especially if it’s your first visit to Ghent	Historic centre	It’s a larger city hotel rather than an intimate boutique stay
Hotel Harmony	Old-Ghent atmosphere and canal views	Kraanlei / Patershol	Room views vary, so be sure to select the category marked “With View” if you want to be canalside
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof	Luxury, spa time or a special-occasion Ghent visit	Western edge of Ghent’s city centre	Pricier and slightly removed from the busiest squares
Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel	Design, drinks and a social hotel	Zuid / SoGo	Their rooftop is only open seasonally (and is weather-dependent)
Hotel Orion	Better value and train access	Miljoenenkwartier / station side	You’ll need to walk or take a tram into the old town from here

Book Your Ghent Trip

Where I recommend staying: For your trip, I’d stay at the stylish and central NH Collection Gent (Ghent), right next to the historic centre. You can also compare more hotels in Ghent here.

Getting to Ghent: Compare train times and prices for Brussels to Ghent, Bruges to Ghent and Antwerp to Ghent, plus Eurostar and onward train connections from London, Paris and Amsterdam.

The tour I’d book for a first trip: I’d choose this 50-minute guided boat trip. It’s scenic, packed with history and short enough that you’ll still have most of the day to explore on foot.

Visiting from Brussels and want to see Bruges too? I’d choose this full-day Bruges and Ghent tour, which includes a guided walk and free time in both cities, plus the option of a canal cruise in Ghent. It’s a packed day, but a useful one when your Belgium itinerary is tight and you’d rather leave the transport, timings and city introductions to someone else.

For food lovers: I’d book this 2.5-hour Ghent food tour. It pairs five local tastings at independent food stops with a walk through the city, so you’ll get plenty of Ghent history along the way too.

Stay connected: Set up your Europe eSIM before your trip. It takes less than five minutes, and you’ll have mobile data ready to use when you arrive.

For extra peace of mind: I personally recommend using VisitorsCoverage to compare travel insurance options before your trip—it’s my go-to for finding the right cover whenever I travel.

Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Ghent?

For most first-time visitors, I’d say the best area to stay in Ghent is the historic centre. More specifically, I’d look at the streets between Korenmarkt, Sint-Baafsplein, Graslei and Gravensteen.

Here, you’ll have the city’s three-tower skyline, riverfront, restaurants and main sights all within an easy walk.

It’ll also give you the part of Ghent that makes an overnight stay worthwhile.

You can cross St Michael’s Bridge before the city gets busy, wander beside Graslei and Korenlei after dinner, see Ghent’s illuminated city centre and return to your room whenever your feet get a bit tired of cobbles.

Historic Centre: Best for First-Time Visitors

Choose the historic centre if you’re visiting Ghent for one or two nights, want to walk almost everywhere, with main hits here including St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry, St Nicholas’ Church, Korenmarkt and the charming riverside.

Be sure to check out my guide to the best things to do in Ghent for what to see, and my one-day Ghent itinerary to make the most of your day.

The trade-off here is price, but it’s worth it for the location, in my opinion.

Patershol and Kraanlei: Best for Old-Ghent Atmosphere

Patershol is the part of Ghent I would choose if you’re looking for character beyond the city’s busiest square.

Think brick houses, narrow streets and a cluster of restaurants that make you feel like you’re part of a Ghent neighbourhood on your trip.

The good news is you’ll still be close to Gravensteen, Kraanlei and the House of Alijn, with the historic centre only a few minutes away.

I highly recommend it if you’re a couple coming to Ghent, want a slower weekend in the city or simply want a slightly more local stay than the historic centre.

Zuid and SoGo: Best for Design, Shops and Drinks

Au Bon Marché

On the southern side of the centre, SoGo runs through streets like Brabantdam and Vlaanderenstraat, with Zuid just beyond it, with lots of lovely independent shops and bars.

It’s not as instantly postcard-like as the Graslei, but it is still walkable to Sint-Baafsplein and the medieval centre.

I’d choose this area for a friends’ trip, a livelier weekend or a stay where the hotel bar is part of the plan rather than a place to call it a night.

Gent-Sint-Pieters and the Museum Quarter: Best for Trains and Value

Staying near the main train station (Gent-Sint-Pieters) is practical if you have an early train or several day trips planned in Belgium. It can also mean a much better hotel rate than staying in the centre.

Not to mention, it puts you closer to the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent, Citadelpark and Ghent University Botanical Garden.

I wouldn’t choose it for a one-night first visit if you want to be near the best bits of Ghent, but it is extremely practical and offers some of the best value for your trip.

1. NH Collection Gent: Best Overall Hotel in Ghent

Best for: first-time visitors, short stays and anyone who wants the easiest possible base.

NH Collection Gent is the hotel I would recommend to most people visiting Ghent for the first time.

It sits on Hoogpoort beside Ghent City Hall, with St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry, Korenmarkt and Graffiti Street all waiting for you as soon as you leave the lobby.

The hotel itself is contemporary and full-service, with a restaurant, bar, terrace, fitness room, sauna and underground parking. It’ll also make food easy, with some of my favourite spots nearby, like De Rechters—order the Ghent waterzooi with a Belgian beer!—or some of the picks from my best restaurants in Ghent guide.

Overall, I’d book this one for the best balance of a great Ghent location, stylish rooms and an easy base for exploring.

Check prices & availability: NH Collection Gent

2. Hotel Harmony: Best Boutique Hotel in Ghent if You Care About Atmosphere

Best for: couples, Patershol evenings and “old Ghent”.

Hotel Harmony is the one I’d choose for atmosphere. It occupies not one, but three historic buildings on Kraanlei—beside the River Leie and immediately next to Patershol.

Only a few minutes away, you’ll find the quirky House of Alijn along the same waterside stretch and Patershol’s best restaurants right at your feet.

It’s also a beautiful place to be in the evening. You can have dinner nearby at one of my Ghent restaurant recommendations, like dumplings at Steamy Windows, or walk to Bar Terroir for wine and sharing plates before heading back along Kraanlei.

Not to mention, you can cross the centre just a smidge from here for a jazz night at Hot Club Gent and enjoy walking home through Ghent after the day-trippers have left.

Rooms are individually designed here, with some looking lovingly towards the canal, rooftops or castle—so be sure to check your room category carefully when booking.

There’s also a lounge, courtyard, waterside terrace and a heated outdoor pool in the warmer months.

In other words, I’d book this one for a great boutique stay in Ghent!

Check prices & availability: Hotel Harmony

3. Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof: Best Luxury and Spa Stay

Best for: birthdays, anniversaries, spa time and weekends where the hotel is part of the trip.

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof is the one to book when your hotel is 100% part of your Ghent experience.

Set in a monumental former mansion on Hoogstraat, it sits just west of the historic centre: close enough to walk to St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei and Gravensteen Castle, but far enough from the busiest squares to feel slightly removed from the city-centre rush.

On offer, you’ll have polished rooms and communal spaces, a stunning courtyard and, most impressively, a spa occupying a former carriage house with a wellness pool, Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, gym and treatments.

There’s also two restaurants on-site: LOF Restaurant for a more occasion-led dinner and Olivier Le Petit Bistro for something more casual.

You could spend the morning following my two-day Ghent itinerary, take a boat tour through the historic centre, then come back for the spa.

Overall, I’d book this one for a special and quite unforgettable weekend in Ghent.

Check prices & availability: Pillows Reylof

4. Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel: Best for Design, Drinks and Nightlife

Best for: friends’ trips, solo travellers who like a social hotel and anyone planning to use the bar downstairs.

Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel is the least sleepy hotel on this list—and I mean that as a compliment.

It sits on Brabantdam in Ghent’s SoGo area, on the southern side of the centre, with shops, local restaurants and Sint-Baafsplein all within easy reach.

Inside, you’ll be treated to design-led rooms, a busy cocktail and wine bar, a restaurant, fitness room and a sixth-floor rooftop with city views. The rooftop is the obvious headline, but treat it as a seasonal extra rather than the entire reason to book, as opening depends on the weather and time of year.

Overall, I’d book this one for a hotel that doesn’t feel as though the evening has ended the moment you walk through reception.

Check prices & availability: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel

P.S. – Pair it with my unusual things to do in Ghent guide for a truly funky trip.

5. Hotel Orion: Best-Value Stay Near Gent-Sint-Pieters

Best for: budget-conscious travellers, early trains, longer stays and a day-trip-heavy Ghent itinerary.

Hotel Orion is the most practical of the bunch, especially as an alternative to historic-centre prices.

The hotel occupies a renovated Art Deco villa dating from 1928 on the edge of the Miljoenenkwartier, south of the old town and within easier reach of Gent-Sint-Pieters station.

This part of Ghent is better for the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent, Citadelpark and the Ghent University Botanical Garden than it is for stepping straight onto Korenmarkt.

But lucky for you, the building does have more character than a generic station hotel.

In short, I’d book this hotel when you want more room for your money, want the station nearby—it’s otherwise a 20–30-minute walk to the historic centre—or if you’re mainly using Ghent as a base for other Belgian cities.

Check prices & availability: Hotel Orion

P.S. – If you are combining a few Belgian destinations, be sure to read my Brussels-to-Ghent train guide and my Bruges and Ghent itinerary before your trip.

Should You Stay Near Gent-Sint-Pieters Station?

At least there’s a sauna at this hotel near the station…

Honestly, I’d say only if train access is a genuine priority.

Gent-Sint-Pieters is roughly a 20–30-minute walk from the historic centre, with trams connecting the station to central Ghent. (Ghent’s public transport is very straightforward).

A station-area hotel like Hotel Orion makes sense if you have an early departure, planned several day trips to Bruges, Brussels or Antwerp, or want a slightly cheaper room. But for one night in Ghent, I think it’s best to stay in the centre.

P.S. – If your Belgian itinerary is still undecided, my Bruges or Ghent comparison explains how the two cities differ, and my honest guide to whether Ghent is worth visiting will help you decide how much time to give each city.

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Ghent?

Honestly, two nights in Ghent is ideal for most people.

That’ll give you time to see the main historic sights, have a proper dinner, take a boat trip and enjoy at least one—or two—local jaunts.

One night in Ghent can still work if your hotel is central and you arrive early. A day trip is possible too, but you’ll lose the pleasure of seeing Ghent’s city centre after dark.

And three nights would definitely make sense if you want a slower pace and plan to explore more of Ghent’s cafés and independent shops.

Read More: One Day in Ghent: My Perfect Ghent Day Trip Itinerary

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

For the rest of your planning, use my best cafés in Ghent guide, free things to do in Ghent and Ghent chocolate shop guide.

Tips for Booking a Hotel in Ghent

For rooms with a view, be sure to select it in advance: especially at properties like Hotel Harmony.
Remember Gent-Sint-Pieters isn’t in the city centre: You’ll need to take a short tram from the station (see Ghent public transport options), a 20–30-minute walk, or a taxi/Uber).
Ghent hotel rooftops and pools are seasonal: specifically Hotel Harmony’s pool and Yalo’s rooftop. I’d come in summer if making use of them is important to you!
Book early for busy dates: because Ghent Festivities and Winter in Ghent can absolutely push up central hotel rates.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Ghent

This hotel is my top recommendation for Ghent!

For the easiest first visit, I’d book NH Collection Gent—for stylish rooms and the historic centre within incredibly easy walking distance.

Stay at Hotel Harmony if you’re more keen on a boutique hotel and atmosphere, Pillows Reylof for a celebratory weekend in Ghent, Yalo for a cool and trendy stay or Hotel Orion for the best value and to be close to the train.

And above all, have the best trip in Ghent!

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Where to Stay in Ghent

Ghent views and houses from Gravensteen Castle

Where is the best place to stay in Ghent, Belgium?

For most first-time visitors, I’d say the best place to stay in Ghent is the historic centre near Korenmarkt, Sint-Baafsplein, Graslei and Gravensteen. It makes it super easy to walk to the main sights, restaurants and enjoy an evening in Ghent without relying on public transport.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Ghent?

If you’re a first-time visitor, I’d stay in or immediately beside the historic centre. NH Collection Gent is my best overall pick because it’s so close to the Belfry, St Bavo’s Cathedral, Korenmarkt and Gravensteen.

What is the most atmospheric area to stay in Ghent?

Patershol and Kraanlei are my picks for atmosphere. The area has narrow historic streets, restaurants, waterside walks and easy access to Gravensteen. Hotel Harmony is the strongest hotel option there.

What are the best-value places to stay in Ghent?

For better value, I’d widen your search towards Gent-Sint-Pieters and the museum quarter. Hotel Orion is one of my top picks: practical with a near-station location, but also very charming in a characterful Art Deco villa—worth the stay.

Is it better to stay near Ghent train station or the city centre?

I’d stay in the city centre for a short sightseeing trip. Stay near Gent-Sint-Pieters if you have an early train.

How many nights do you need in Ghent?

Two nights is best for a first visit. One night is enough for the main sights if you arrive early, while three nights works well for a slower trip or for using Ghent as a base for other Belgian cities, like on a Bruges and Ghent trip.

Does it make sense to base yourself in Ghent for day trips?

Yes. Ghent works super well for train trips to Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp. I’d stay near Gent-Sint-Pieters if you’ll be taking several trains over the course of your trip, or stay centrally if you’re visiting Ghent on its own or have at least a day or two in the city.

Is central Ghent safe at night?

I visited Ghent solo on my first trip and felt very comfortable walking around the central areas, including in the evening. I would just use normal European-city precautions, like keeping valuables secure, staying aware of your surroundings and choosing well-lit routes at night—funnily enough, that won’t be a problem in Ghent, as the streets are illuminated!

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.