The Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems

Looking for the best things to do in Ghent, Belgium? From Gravensteen Castle to the city’s iconic three towers, cool book cafés, waterside lunches and live jazz—here’s everything I’d prioritise for your first trip to Ghent. From someone who’s been twice!

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Ghent won me over, twice.

I first visited in 2018 as part of a longer Belgium trip, and recently returned with more time to pay attention to the places between the obvious landmarks—from its bookshops, natural wine bars, old lanes and all the everyday corners of this effortlessly cool student city.

A visit Ghent will absolutely give you the grand Belgium checklist. There’s a medieval castle in the middle of town, a world-famous Van Eyck masterpiece, rows of old guildhouses beside the water and three church towers lined up across the skyline.

But it’s what sits around them that makes the city good in my opinion.

University students cycle through streets that have existed for centuries. A tiny historic pub faces a contemporary wine bar. And record shops, street art and jazz venues keep the centre from feeling frozen in its very photogenic past.

Compared with Bruges, Ghent feels looser around the edges and much more like a city people genuinely live in (so if you’re deciding between the two, be sure to read my Bruges or Ghent comparison next!).

But for now, here’s the best things to do in Ghent, Belgium, including the major sights I’d prioritise, the Ghent food stops I enjoyed the most and all the smaller bits to the city that make me want to plan a third 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.

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: The Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium

Short on time? No offence taken. Here’s the quick version!

17 Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium

1. Start With the View From St Michael’s Bridge

For a first trip, this is where my one-day Ghent itinerary begins! And if you only take one photograph in Ghent, make it here…

From St Michael’s Bridge, the city seems to quite literally line itself up for you, with stepped façades of Graslei and Korenlei beside the River Leie, and St Nicholas’ Church, Ghent Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral rising one after another.

It’s the best possible introduction to Ghent because you can see so much of the city’s structure in a single view.

2. Walk Along Graslei and Korenlei

Below the bridge, you’ll see Graslei and Korenlei.

This was once Ghent’s medieval harbour, but luckily, it doesn’t feel like an architectural display you’re expected to admire from a respectful distance.

Boats pass through the middle, terraces fill the ground floors and people sit along the stone edge with drinks, lunch or no particular plan at all.

In other words, it’s very Ghent and one of my favourite free things to do in Ghent too.

P.S. – For the full experience, grab some picky bits from Mi Garba (their sandwiches are heavenly) and eat along the river at Graseli and Korenlei—trust, you’ll thank me later.

3. See Ghent From the Water on a Boat Tour

50-minute guided Ghent boat trip

Ghent is easy to walk, but the city has a whole new life from the water.

This boat tour will take you below Ghent’s street line, past the lower levels of old buildings and beneath bridges you’d otherwise cross without much thought.

P.S. – Most traditional cruises here take around 40 to 50 minutes and leave several times a day from the historic centre. Personally, I’d book this 50-minute guided Ghent boat trip, especially for a first visit or a sunny weekend in Ghent.

For more options be sure to read my best boat tours in Ghent guide!

4. See the Ghent Altarpiece Inside St Bavo’s Cathedral

St Bavo’s Cathedral would be worth entering for its scale, chapels and quiet stone interior alone. But the reason people travel across the world to stand inside it is the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.

Created by Hubert and Jan van Eyck and completed in the 15th century, it’s one of the defining works of early Flemish painting.

Its long history includes theft, war, fire, dismantling and journeys across Europe before the panels found their way back to Ghent. (Fun fact: One panel, The Just Judges, remains missing….).

Even if religious art isn’t normally the reason you book a trip, this is definitely worth the visit. If you only pay for one art experience in Ghent, I’d choose this one!

5. Go Up Ghent Belfry

Next up, Ghent Belfry which stands nice and lovely in the middle point of the city’s famous three-tower skyline.

For centuries, the tower represented Ghent’s civic freedom and independence, while a gilded dragon has watched over the city from its summit. Today, the reason most visitors go up is simpler: the view.

From the top, the rooftops of the historic centre gather around you, with St Nicholas’ Church, St Bavo’s Cathedral, old guildhouses and the waterways all visible from above.

But there’s also spectacular sights to see from Gravensteen Castle too (coming up next) so if you’re choosing between the two I’d say choose the Belfry for the clearest city panoramas and Gravensteen to combine your sights with a castle visit.

Or do both if you have two days in Ghent and an enthusiastic relationship with stairs…

P.S. – The Belfry is also included with your CityCard Gent, if you’re keen to visit a few paid museums and attractions on your trip.

6. Walk Through Korenmarkt and Visit St Nicholas’ Church

Korenmarkt is one of those places you’ll probably cross several times on your Ghent trip without even trying.

Trams run through the square, terraces spill towards the pavement, and St Nicholas’ Church rises above the city in dark Tournai stone.

Speaking of, it’s one of the oldest and most important landmarks in the centre, as well as the first of the three towers you’ll see when you look east from St Michael’s Bridge.

Pop inside St Nicholas’ Church if it’s open, then indulge in some Korenmarkt cocktails and people-watching at Piu du Piu.

P.S. – If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you can also catch Ghent’s Sunday markets around here too!

7. Go Inside Gravensteen Castle

One of my favourite things about Ghent is how there’s quite unashamedly a medieval fortress in the centre of town. And a visit here is a must.

Gravensteen, or the Castle of the Counts rooms will take you through the castle’s political history, while the upper levels give you mouthwatering views over Ghent.

There’s also a (really funny) audio tour you’ll get with your ticket that makes the castle considerably entertaining.

If your day is already packed, you can simply walk around the exterior and continue towards Patershol. But for a first trip, I’d really make room for the full visit.

P.S. – For more tips for your visit be sure to read my Gravensteen Castle Ghent guide.

8. Wander Through Patershol

Behind the castle, Patershol trades Ghent’s broad squares for idyllic narrow cobbled lanes, and one of my favourite things to do in Ghent is simply wandering around this area.

Restaurants fill old brick buildings, small doorways open onto candlelit dining rooms, and the neighbourhood becomes especially atmospheric as evening in Ghent approaches.

This is also one of the best areas I’d consider if you’re deciding where to stay in Ghent, particularly if you want dinner and evening walks within a few minutes of your hotel.

9. Follow Kraanlei for Cafés, Records and the House of Alijn

Now for your afternoon to be solved, it’s time to head to Kraanlei.

The waterside route runs past my favourite Ghent hits like House of Alijn, lunch spots including De Parkiet and Panotto, plus the second branch of Music Mania Records.

Worth having a potter around!

10. Speaking of…Visit the House of Alijn

I do love a quirky museum when I travel, and thankfully—The House of Alijn delivers.

It’s a ‘museum’ of ordinary life, which may not sound as urgent as seeing a castle or a Van Eyck masterpiece in Ghent, but hear me out.

Set inside a former almshouse, its collection looks at domestic routines, childhood, celebrations, traditions and the small objects people use to build a life. Instead of kings, battles and official portraits, the focus lands on memories and everyday habits of local Ghent people, which to me at least I found incredibly interesting.

The old courtyard also adds to its appeal. It’s quiet, enclosed and home to a café, making the museum feel less like another major attraction and more like somewhere you happened to find while wandering, which in my case, I did!

11. Make a Quick Detour Through Graffiti Street

For a quick but cool stop in Ghent, I suggest saving some time to pop into Werregarenstraatje—better known as Graffiti Street.

It’s a narrow alley where all the walls are essentially a constantly changing canvas. Since the artwork gets covered, replaced and layered over near, your photographs may look completely different from someone else’s taken a few months earlier.

It’s worth seeing, especially for the contrast from the more ‘historic fairytale’ bits of Ghent, but you’ll only need 15 minutes or so here, in my opinion (with a camera, of course).

You can also grab a local souvenir or coffee at GIFTSHOP here, right in the alleyway!

P.S. – For more places beyond the obvious sights, be sure to check out my guide to unusual things to do in Ghent.

12. Have a Proper Flemish Lunch at De Rechters

I loved my lunch at De Rechters in Ghent, and I think you will too.

It’s a brasserie directly on Sint-Baafsplein with St Bavo’s Cathedral outside and some of the best central people-watching in the city.

The menu leans into Belgian and Flemish cooking, making it an easy place to try local food without travelling too away from the main sightseeing route.

Go for the Waterzooi of Ghent (a creamy Belgian stew) and a local beer!

A few other places from my list:

• De Warempel for vegetarian and flexitarian food in a quiet and quaint Ghent restaurant
• Bar Terroir for wine, cheese, house-made Belgian dishes and delicatessen shopping.
• Steamy Windows for dumplings in a cool contemporary Ghent restaurant
• Mosquito Coast for global flavours in the heart of Ghent and charming travel-filled interiors

Or better yet, read my guide to the best restaurants in Ghent, Belgium.

P.S. – For a more intimate introduction to the city’s food scene, you can also check out this 2.5-hour Ghent food tour for your trip.

13. Explore Ghent’s Best Cafés

If there’s one thing not far from a student city, it’s trendy coffee shops. And Ghent, has plenty.

I tried tons on this trip and really liked Lloyd Coffee Eatery for brunch, Ludo Kafe for their interiors and total neighbourhood feel, and Le Bal Infernal—where I indulged in a second-hand read, a crisp wine and apple strudel cake, all in one glorious sitting.

There’s also:

• Boekjes En Koekjes for another bookish café stop.
• Panotto for filled schiacciata and an Italian-style lunch.
• De Parkiet for coffee, lunch or an apéro on Kraanlei.
• ’t Kanon for when your coffee’s ready to turn into wine and small plates…

Head to my guide on the best cafés in Ghent for my full recommendations and if you’re craving something sweet after, check out my favourite chocolate shops in Ghent…

14. Browse Ghent’s Bookshops and Record Stores

Some cities become less interesting the moment you step away from their monuments.

But when it comes to Ghent, it gets better.

Music Mania Records 2 sits on Kraanlei, with vinyl, merchandise and events (worth seeing if anything’s on during your trip!).

For books, De Kaft specialises in gorgeous preloved and vintage titles, and Copyright Bookshop on art, photography, architecture, typography and design.

Then there’s Bookz&Booze, which pairs books with wine and spirits as ready-made gifts. Two excellent interests if you ask me…

None of these needs to dominate your itinerary, but I do think they’re a nice break from Ghent’s ‘church, castle, square’ loop.

15. Spend the Evening With Jazz, Wine and Walking Through Ghent at Night

I wouldn’t say this about all European cities, but when it comes to Ghent, you really do need to spend an evening here.

Given its student buzz, there’s so many nightlife gems here. A few I’d recommend—start at Hot Club Gent, a local gem near Groentenmarkt with intimate tables, live jazz and a small courtyard.

For wine, Edelrot does amazing natural and sustainable bottles alongside cider, beer and more some lovely alcohol-free choices too.

Bar Terroir is a good one for more of a small plates dinner, while Café ’t Galgenhuisje is great for a historic Ghent stop to end the evening.

But I take it back, don’t end the evening!

Afterwards, walk.

Ghent has a permanent lighting plan that illuminates its monuments, streets and waterside buildings after dark, making it a dream for a late-night evening stroll.

16. Visit Ghent University Botanical Garden

If medieval stone and busy squares start competing for your attention, head towards Ghent University Botanical Garden.

Its outdoor collections house an impressive arboretum, rock garden and Mediterranean garden—with more than 4,000 square metres of greenhouses.

If you don’t mind going a little out of the city centre it’s well worth the trip, and one of the best free things to do in Ghent.

17. Museum of Fine Arts

If you have more time, you should definitely add the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent to your itinerary.

Its permanent collection moves from the Middle Ages into the 20th century, bringing Flemish masters and European art into one quite stunning, light-filled building.

I saved it for last as it also makes a good send-off to the city, perhaps with plans for a second visit…

How I’d Spend One Day in Ghent

If you only have one day in Ghent, you won’t get through all the best things to do in the city (but alas, we live…), so this is how I’d spend it instead:

Morning

Start at St Michael’s Bridge, walk along Graslei and Korenlei, then continue through Korenmarkt towards St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral.

Choose either:

• The Ghent Altarpiece, if art and cultural history matter most.
• The Belfry, if you’re more interested in city views.
• A boat tour in Ghent, for a broader introduction the city

Lunch

Eat at De Rechters for a central Belgian meal, Lloyd Coffee Eatery for brunch or Panotto if you want something quicker. You can find more options in my guides to the best restaurants in Ghent and best cafés in Ghent.

Afternoon

Visit Gravensteen Castle, then wander through Patershol and Kraanlei. I’d add House of Alijn if you still have time and energy!

Evening

Finish with Hot Club Gent, Edelrot, Bar Terroir or a walk through the lovely and illuminated city centre before calling it a day.

Here’s my full one-day Ghent itinerary!

How I’d Spend Two Days in Ghent

If you have two days in Ghent, even better (this is my favourite amount of time to visit). With a weekend in Ghent, you could also add in:

• Visiting Ghent’s Museum of Fine Art and the Botanical Garden.
• Spending longer in the House of Alijn/including the café
• Take a Ghent boat trip if you skipped it on day one.
• Browse Music Mania, De Kaft and Copyright Bookshop.
• Have a proper brunch in Ghent
• Explore Patershol a bit more
• Stay for wine, jazz and dinner in Ghent

Here’s my two-day Ghent itinerary for your trip!

How to Get to Ghent

The cool thing about Ghent is that it works really well with a wider Belgian trip. I should know, I’ve done it twice!

From Brussels, direct trains normally run to Gent-Sint-Pieters, just keep in mind the station isn’t in the historic centre, so once you arrive, take tram 1 or 3 towards the centre, use a local bus or walk if you have time and light luggage.

If you’re combining your Ghent trip with Brussels, be sure to check out my Brussels to Ghent by train guide.

And if you’re extremely short on time and want to combine Belgium’s two famous Flemish cities, I suggest taking a full-day Bruges and Ghent tour from Brussels to have all the transport and logistics bits handled for you.

And then, of course, we have to talk about Bruges. Ghent’s rival fairytale city.

Bruges

Although ‘Bruges or Ghent‘ is a much-debated topic, I really would just try to see them both. Here’s my Bruges and Ghent itinerary for when you do!

Where to Stay in Ghent

For a first visit, I’d stay at NH Collection Gent. It’s sillily close to the historic centre, putting you right next to St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei, the Belfry, Gravensteen, Patershol and most of my Ghent recommendations in a short and easy walk.

I’ve stayed at their partner hotel, bruss and loved it, they’re a really lovely hotel brand.

P.S. – For more options, read my guide to the best places to stay in Ghent.

What to Book Before Visiting Ghent

• Your Ghent hotel, especially if you want to stay in the historic centre.
• The Ghent Altarpiece visitor experience if seeing it is a priority.
• Gravensteen Castle tickets if you want to visit for a specific time.
• Your Ghent boat trip.
• Your Ghent food tour if you want do some local tastings while you’re here!
• Your Bruges and Ghent day tour from Brussels if you’re attempting both cities in one day.
• Dinner reservations for smaller restaurants and wine bars (like a few from my Ghent restaurants guide)

I’d also look at getting a CityCard Gent if you plan to visit a few attractions on your trip!

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Ghent

In truth, my favourite thing Ghent isn’t in any single attraction or ‘best thing to do’, it’s the fact that it’s a city that gives you so much more than beautiful European sights.

I first visited Ghent in 2018, came back years later and still couldn’t get over how one minute you’re inside a castle or standing beneath the city’s three towers; and the next, having Belgian apple cake with a glass of wine, reading in a used bookshop or listening to live jazz down a hidden side street.

There’s a real student-city energy here too, with busy cafés, natural wine bars, record shops and people actually living around the places visitors have travelled to see—which in my opinion, keeps the city feeling current, even when so much of its history is right in front of you.

For a first trip, see the main sights. But leave room for the smaller stops as well, the side of Ghent that’s made me come back—and will probably (definitely) bring me back again.

Have the best trip.

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium

What are the best things to do in Ghent, Belgium?

The best things to do in Ghent in my opinion are seeing the view from St Michael’s Bridge, walking Graslei and Korenlei, visiting the Ghent Altarpiece inside St Bavo’s Cathedral, going up the Belfry, exploring Gravensteen Castle and wandering through Patershol. I’d also make time for a boat tour, local Ghent cafés, bookshops and Ghent’s jazz and wine-bar scene.

Is one day enough for Ghent?

One day is enough to see Ghent’s main sights if you keep your route a bit focused. Start at St Michael’s Bridge, follow the three-tower route, choose the Altarpiece or Belfry, visit Gravensteen and finish in Patershol. Read my one-day Ghent itinerary for all my recommendations!

How many days do you need in Ghent?

I’d spend two days in Ghent. One day to cover the historic centre and major sights, and the second gives for museums, the Botanical Garden, cafés, shops and nightlife without rushing your trip.

Is Ghent worth visiting?

Yes. Ghent is definitely worth visiting for its medieval architecture, Gravensteen Castle, Ghent Altarpiece, waterfront, museums and strong food and cultural scene. But read my honest guide to whether Ghent is worth visiting to see who I think would enjoy it most.

What can you do in Ghent for free?

Some of the best free things to do in Ghent include St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei, Korenmarkt, Graffiti Street, Patershol, the historic centre and Ghent University Botanical Garden. Here’s all my favourite free things to do in Ghent.

What can you do in Ghent at night?

I’d walk through the illuminated historic centre, listen to live jazz at Hot Club Gent, drink natural wine at Edelrot, visit Café ’t Galgenhuisje or have wine and food at Bar Terroir.

What are some unusual things to do in Ghent?

For less obvious ideas, visit House of Alijn, browse Music Mania Records and De Kaft, walk through Graffiti Street, have a drink inside a tiny historic café or explore the Botanical Garden and museum quarter (here’s some more unusual things to do in Ghent).

Is Ghent good for children?

Ghent can work well with children. A boat trip offers a nice break from walking, and Gravensteen has castle towers and a really engaging audio experience, House of Alijn and the café here would also be lovely to pop into and the Botanical Garden should be a nice distraction for the kiddos too.

Is Ghent or Bruges better?

I’d choose Bruges for a smaller, more polished city with especially romantic canals and postcard views. Choose Ghent if you want a larger, more lived-in city with stronger nightlife, more restaurants, a student atmosphere and a medieval castle. Here’s my full Bruges or Ghent comparison to help you decide.

Is Ghent walkable?

The historic centre is very walkable, with most major attractions super close together. Just important to note that Gent-Sint-Pieters station is outside the old centre, so take a tram or bus after arriving unless you want a longer walk to the historic bit (around 20 minutes).

What should I book in advance in Ghent?

I’d book the Ghent Altarpiece, Gravensteen Castle, your hotel and any guided tours you particularly want for your trip. Boat-trip availability and reservations at some Ghent restaurants can also tighten on a bit on sunny weekends in Ghent—so book beforehand to avoid disappointment!

Where should you stay in Ghent?

For a first trip, I’d stay near the historic centre, Korenmarkt, Sint-Baafsplein or Patershol to keep most major sights, restaurants and evening spots within walking distance. Here’s the best places to stay in Ghent.

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