Are you planning to go on a Belgium adventure from the UK? Looking for places beyond the Brussels and Bruges? Then, here is an amazing that that you can consider visiting – Ghent. But, is Ghent worth visiting?
For starters, Ghent is a medieval masterpiece that has some incredible attractions. Right from the cobblestone streets to the stunning canals and the architectural wonders. Than, there are the fewer tourists than the popular tourist destinations!
The best part is, you can explore the highlight attractions of Ghent in just 48 hours. With a 2-day itinerary for Ghent, you can easily experience the magical fusion of history, art and gastronomy!
Read on to know all about why Ghent deserves a spot on your Belgium itinerary!
Absolutely! Ghent is worth visiting and deserves more attention on any Belgium itinerary. This captivating city strikes the perfect balance between the tourist-friendly amenities and the authentic local experiences.
Unlike the overcrowding Bruges, Ghent offers the similar medieval charm with more of the breathing room. You can conveniently wander through the picturesque streets alongside the locals rather than the tourist groups.
The city is popular for its impressive concentration of the well-preserved historic architecture. These usually span several of the centuries. Whether it is the Gothic cathedrals or the Renaissance guild houses, Ghent has it all!
Then, there is the vibrant student population. It keeps the ambience lively and contemporary. This youthful energy wonderfully combines with the historic setting of the city!
Another highlight attraction of Ghent are the canal networks. These give you a gorgeous perspective of the city. The water reflects the medieval buildings creating the post-card worthy views throughout the historic center.
So, if you are thinking about “Why Visit Ghent?”, this should answer your question. However, there are some more reasons that will compel you to add Ghent to your Belgium vacation itinerary!
Ghent is one place in the Belgium that successfully marries its medieval past with the contemporary living. This is evident by the historic centre of the city which remains intact while buzzing with the modern energy!
When you walk through the Ghent for the very first time, you will feel as if you are navigating different centuries within minutes!
Ghent preserves its architecture well. But, it doesn’t feel like a museum when you explore it. Instead, the historic buildings house the vibrant restaurants, cultural spaces and the businesses. All you need to do is secure your Belgium visa appointment from UK to get started!
One of the unexpected culinary hotspots of the Belgium is the Ghent. This city features the innovative dining experiences alongside the traditional Flemish cuisine.
Did you know? In Ghent, locals consider Thursday as the “Veggie Day” from 2009. Ghent leads the vegetarian movement of Europe with many plant-based dining options!
As you may know, Belgium is famous for its chocolates, sweet dishes and food. So, you will find many of the artisanal chocolate shops, where you can grab authentic chocolates. Then, there are the waffle stands and the cuberdon candies – local cone-shape treats!
Even beer lovers will find heaven in the Ghent. This is thanks to the historic breweries and the beer cafés where you can relish lip-smacking beers. In fact, you can try out local varieties that you will not find anywhere else!
One standout thing that clearly answers the question, “Is Ghent worth visiting?”, in favour of “YES”, are the fewer people.
In fact, Ghent offers all the charm of the Bruges, but, with significantly lesser tourists. You can easily experience the beauty of Belgium without battling the crowds at every turn.
You will be surprised to click pictures without anyone photobombing you in Ghent. Make sure to capture the stunning architectural shots without waiting for crowds to clear.
Securing reservations at the restaurants are quite easy. In addition to that, you can naturally interact with the locals in the Ghent. Shop keepers and the café owners have time for engaging in the genuine conversations!
One of the unique ways to see the Ghent is from its historic waterways. In fact, this city developed around its river network for many centuries!
During the boat ride, the guides may share the fantastic stories about the riverside buildings. Get insights about the medieval trade, the guild history and the architectural details.
The gentle pace of the boat tour in Ghent gives you the perfect photo opportunities of the waterside façades. Make sure to capture the gabled houses that reflect in the calm waters.
Many of the boat tours last for about 40 minutes. This timeframe provides the comprehensive views of the Ghent without consuming your entire day!
Take a step back in the time at the Gravensteen Castle. It is essentially the imposing medieval fortress of the Ghent.
Did you know? The locals call this castle as the “Castle of Counts” and it dates all the way back to 1180!
This castle is a remarkably preserved structure that offers insights into the medieval military design. You can check out some of the aspects of the structure like:
These showcase the defensive architecture of the castle. Try to climb the battlements of this place to enjoy panoramic views of the Ghent. In fact, you will notice that the historic spires of the city create a breathtaking skyline.
Other incredible attractions include:
So Ghent is worth visiting from UK, when are you applying for Belgium visa from UK? Ghent awaits your arrival!
Ghent features many of the museums that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Belgium.
Beside the Gravensteen Castle Museum, you can also check out the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK). This place houses the works from the Middle Ages to the modern times, including the Flemish masterpieces.
The, there is the STAM Ghent City Museum. Here, you can indulge in the interactive experiences that help you learn about the history and development of Ghent .
These museums provide a deep dive into the artistic and historical legacy of the Ghent!
The Saint Bavo’s Cathedral houses the most important artistic treasure of the Belgium. It is the Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb). This singular attraction draws thousands of the visitors from across the world each year. It is essentially a large and complex 15th century polyptych which the Early Netherlandish painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck created and complted in 1432. It is considered to be a masterpiece of the European art and a defining monument of the North Renaissance art!
Apart from this, there is the Gothic cathedral that combines the architectural styles spanning many centuries. Dating all the way back to the 10th century, this place features other attractions like the:
You should also check out the crypt where you will find traces of an earlier Romanesque structure. This reflects the long architectural history of the cathedral.
Then, there is the main pipe organ that was installed in the 1935 and has over 6,000 pipes and five manuals that are housed in an 18th century organ case!
Pro Tip – Try visiting In the morning to soak in the lights from the colour stain glass window. Also, the crowds will be fewer leading to a more authentic experience!
These places are essentially the picturesque and historic quays that you will find along the River Lys’ banks.
Here, you will find some historical buildings that the medieval guilds constructed. These are essentially the associations of the merchants and the craftsmen who controlled the trade and the industry in the city. Each ornate façade of these guildhalls reflects the Renaissance and the Baroque architectural styles.
Today, this area serves as a social centre of the Ghent. You can enjoy a delightful time at the cafés and restaurants with the waterside terraces.
This place is also popular for the boat tours where you can enjoy seeing Ghent from a different perspective!
One of the most picturesque spots in the Ghent is the Saint Michael’s Bridge or Sint-Michielsbrug. This place offers the stunning views over the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers!
When you go to this stone arch bridge, you can admire the iconic medieval skyline featuring three popular towers:
The bridge is a popular photospot and also acts as a gateway to explore some interesting attractions. These include the captivating canals and the historic streets that are nearby.
The accessibility and the scenic beauty of the place make it perfect for enjoying the leisurely strolls or going on a boat tour along the waterways of Ghent!
Still thinking is Ghent worth visiting? Well, these places will certainly make your trip worthwhile!
Start your adventure in Ghent by visiting the St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Follow it up with a stroll through the historic centre. Observe the beautiful fusion of the Gothic and Renaissance architecture here.
Later, go to the Belfry to enjoy scenic views of the city. Stop for a morning coffee at one of the café near the Friday market!
In the afternoon, you can relish a lunch at one of the restaurants near the Graslei and Korenlei. You can then head out for a boat tour along the canals of Ghent
Then, check out some other Things to do in Ghent and attractions like:
By the evening, you can visit a Flemish restaurant in the Patershol neighbourhood. This medieval quarter offers the authentic dining experiences. Later on, you can relish some delightful beers to cap off your day!
Start your second day in the Ghent by visiting the bustling Kouter Flower Market. It is open only on Sundays and features, flowers, plants and performances from brass and concert bands.
Then, head over to the St. Nichol’s Church which is one of the oldest buildings in the Ghent. Follow it up with a visit to the Great Butchers’ Hall to relish some sample regional specialties.
Try to go on a guided tour to know more about the rebellious history of Ghent. It will also give you insights into why the locals call themselves “stroppendragers” (noose-bearers).
In the afternoon, you can relish a lunch at any of the local restaurants. Then, head out to see some more attractions like:
In the evening, relish a scrumptious dinner at any of the innovative restaurants in the Ghent. Then, you can either go on a historical walking tour or cap off your vacation with some Belgian beers at the historic Dulle Griet pub!
This 48 hour Ghent travel guide will ensure that you have an incredible time with your loved ones while experiencing the best of the Ghent!
The best time to travel to the Ghent for your Belgium vacation is during the shoulder seasons:
These are the months when the Ghent experiences comfortably mild weather. In addition to this, the gardens and trees are in the full bloom. Then, there are the many cultural events and the festivals that Ghent hosts.
However, if you do not mind the crowds, you can visit during the summer. This is essentially the peak tourist season of the Ghent. The temperatures are warm, hovering around 20–22°C (68–72°F).
Then, there is winter which is the coldest with temperatures around 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F). Crowds will be very less and the accommodations prices will be power. However, some museums and attractions may close for the renovations.
After exploring the medieval streets, relishing delicious foods or soaking in the unique ambience, the question, “Is Ghent worth visiting”, deserves a resounding yes!
This gem in the Belgium offers the authentic experiences without any of the overwhelming crowds. From the magnificent architecture to the innovative dining, Ghent delivers the unexpected delights at every turn.
So, what are you waiting for? Apply for Belgium Tourist Visa now. Head over to the Ghent for a memorable Belgium vacation with your near and dear!
Ghent offers the similar medieval charm of the Bruges but with the fewer tourists. You will experience a more authentic local culture and generally the lower prices in Ghent. While both are beautiful, Ghent feels like living in a city rather than just another tourist destination!
The easiest route is the Eurostar to the Brussels, takes about 2 hours. Then, a quick 30-minute train ride will take you to the Ghent. There are direct flights to the Brussels from various UK airports followed by easy connection via train to the Ghent. You can also take the Ferry via Zeebrugge or Ostend followed by train travel.
Yes, English is widely spoken through the Ghent. While Dutch (Flemish) is the official language, you will have no problem communication with hotel staff, restaurant servers, museum employees and most of the locals!
Ghent is worth visiting the moderately price when you compare to the other Western European destinations. Accommodations range from budget hostels (€25/night) to luxury hotels (€150+/night). Meals cost around €15-25 for dinner at mid-range restaurants and Museum entry tickets average close to €8-12.
Yes, Ghent makes for an excellent day trip destination from the Brussels. You can easily catch a train (runs every 30 minutes) . But, staying overnight allows you to experience the beautiful evening illuminations and the morning tranquility along with the ambience of the city and its historical attractions.
May 27, 2025
