‌

Plan your visit to Ghent in Belgium

Organising your visit

Visiting Ghent

Ghent is a compact medieval city where canals, guild houses, and towering churches sit within easy walking distance of one another. Unlike sprawling regions, Ghent works beautifully as a focused day trip, especially from Brussels or Bruges. The key to a smooth visit is smart timing, prioritising major sights like Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and leaving space to simply wander the centre.

Travel logistics

Most visitors arrive by train at Gent-Sint-Pieters station, then take a tram into the historic centre. Driving is possible, but access to the city centre is limited due to Ghent’s low-emission zone and pedestrian areas. One of the most convenient options is booking a guided day trip from Brussels, which includes transport by comfortable coach or bus. These tours simplify logistics and timing, especially during peak season.

Plan your day

  • Quick visit (2 to 3 hrs): Explore Gravensteen Castle from the outside for views, visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and walk along Graslei and Korenlei.
  • Half day (4 to 5 hrs): Take time inside Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Ghent Altarpiece, then hop on a canal boat tour and stop for lunch in the Patershol neighbourhood.
  • Full day (6+ hrs): Start with Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, climb the Belfry for panoramic views, enjoy a canal cruise, explore Patershol and Vrijdagmarkt, and end with sunset views from St. Michael’s Bridge.

Handy tips

  • Tickets: If you plan to visit Gravensteen Castle or see the Ghent Altarpiece, pre-book tickets at least two weeks in advance during weekends and summer months.
  • Best times: Arrive before 9:30 am for major sights. Stay until sunset for canal views.
  • Rules: Watch for low-emission zone regulations when driving. Cobbled streets may limit wheelchair access in some areas.
  • Pro tip: Start with indoor attractions in the morning. Save canal walks and viewpoints for later when the light is softer.
  • Respect: Ghent’s historic centre is residential. Keep noise low at night and follow photography rules inside churches.

Must-see places in Ghent

Gravensteen Castle

Step inside this 12th-century fortress right in the middle of the city and explore rooms that once held counts and knights. Climb to the rooftop and take in panoramic views from one of the best lookout points in the town.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral

Walk through the soaring Gothic interior and uncover layers of history tucked into side chapels and quiet corners. Then stand in front of the legendary Ghent Altarpiece and take a moment to admire the masterpiece.

Graslei and Korenlei

Stroll along these historic canal-side quays and soak in the ornate guild houses reflected in the water. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even realising it.

Belfry of Ghent

Make your way up this UNESCO-listed medieval tower and uncover views over church spires and winding canals. From the top, Ghent feels compact, dramatic, and completely unforgettable all at once.

Patershol

Wander through cobbled lanes and uncover one of the most atmospheric corners of the city. It’s perfect for getting a little lost, then rewarding yourself with a cosy meal in one of the tucked-away restaurants.

Vrijdagmarkt

Step into this historic square and imagine the political speeches and markets that once shaped the city’s story. Today, you can explore its cafés and stalls, then sit back and watch local life unfold around you.

St. Michael’s Bridge

Walk across this stone bridge and stop halfway to soak in one of Ghent’s most famous skyline views. From here, the Belfry and surrounding towers line up beautifully, making it one of the city’s most rewarding photo spots.

Citadelpark

Take a breather in this green park near the museum quarter and enjoy a quieter side of Ghent. Whether you’re wandering tree-lined paths or stretching out on the grass, it’s a welcome pause from the medieval bustle.

Things to know before booking Ghent day trips

  • Decision factor: When planning a day trip to Ghent, the first decision is whether to book a guided tour or travel independently. Ghent is easy to reach by train from Brussels, so DIY travel is straightforward. A guided day trip, however, removes the need to coordinate local transport, which can make a big difference if you are short on time.
  • Round-trip transfers: Most guided day trips include round-trip transport from Brussels by coach. If convenience and direct access matter to you, a tour saves that extra layer of planning.
  • Inclusions vary: Most tours include only transport and a guided walking tour, with sights of famous sites, such as Gravensteen Castle, from the outside. If visiting interiors is important to you, know that you will need to pay for it separately.
  • Duration: Day trips typically last a full day, typically starting in the morning around 8 am. This allows you to explore Ghent, and sometimes additional cities, depending on your ticket, without feeling rushed.
  • Multi-city combinations: Many travellers choose tours that cover Bruges and Ghent in one day. While this is efficient, it reduces the amount of free time you will have in each city. If Ghent is your main priority, a Ghent day trip allows for a more in-depth experience.

Getting to Ghent from Brussels

Coach for Antwerp and Ghent full-day guided tour parked on a tree-lined road.

Guided tours offer a straightforward way to visit Ghent in a single day from Brussels. They include round-trip transfers and a planned itinerary covering the key highlights, so you don’t have to manage transport or schedule your time independently.

  • Time: 8–10 hours round trip
  • Pros: Direct transfers, guided commentary, efficient routing
  • Cons: Fixed schedule, less flexibility than DIY

Trains are one of the fastest and most frequent ways to travel from Brussels to Ghent. They run regularly throughout the day and are reliable, making them the most popular option for independent travellers.

  • Time: 35–40 minutes, departures every 15–20 minutes
  • Best for: Flexible, budget-conscious travellers
  • Cons: Peak-hour crowding, additional tram or 25–30 minute walk required

Buses are a lower-cost alternative, though departures are less frequent. Intercity services connect Brussels and Ghent in about an hour, depending on traffic. While budget-friendly, they run less often than trains and may not arrive as centrally.

  • Time: Around 1 hour
  • Best for: Budget travellers with flexible timing
  • Cons: Traffic delays, limited daily departures

Cars and taxis offer flexibility, especially if you plan to combine Ghent with other stops. Driving via the E40 motorway takes under an hour in normal traffic. However, parking in central Ghent is restricted.

  • Time: 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic
  • Best for: Groups or multi-stop itineraries
  • Cons: Parking restrictions, weekend traffic, low-emission zone rules

How to get around in Ghent

Walking around

Ghent’s historic centre is compact and largely pedestrianised. Most major sights sit within a 10- to 15-minute walk of each other, especially around Graslei, Korenmarkt, and the Belfry area.

  • Time: 5–15 minutes between major highlights
  • Cost: Free
  • Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, relaxed exploration
  • Cons: Cobblestones, uneven surfaces, weather exposure

Trams and buses (De Lijn)

Trams and buses are a practical way to travel between the station and outer neighbourhoods. Tram Line 1 connects Gent-Sint-Pieters station directly to the city centre, making it the most useful route for visitors.

  • Time: 10–20 minutes from the station to the centre
  • Cost: Approximately €2.50–€3 per ride
  • Pros: Affordable, good coverage beyond the centre
  • Cons: Can be crowded, not needed within the historic core

Bicycles

Bicycles are a fast way to move beyond the centre. Ghent is bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and flat terrain. Renting a bike makes sense if you plan to explore neighbourhoods or areas along the canals.

  • Time: 5–15 minutes between districts
  • Cost: Approximately €12–€18 per day rental
  • Best for: Active travellers, longer stays
  • Cons: Less practical in heavy rain or busy pedestrian zones

Taxis and rideshares

Taxis are convenient for short, direct trips. They are available throughout the city and useful for station transfers or late-night returns.

  • Time: 5–15 minutes per ride
  • Cost: Around €10–€20 depending on distance
  • Best for: Luggage transfers, mobility concerns
  • Cons: More expensive than trams, limited need in the centre

More things to do in Ghent (if you have the time)

Boat tour on a canal in Bruges city center, Belgium, with historic buildings and church tower.
Graffiti-covered alley with two people walking, Ghent, Belgium.
Cured meats displayed at a market stall in Ghent.
People enjoying Belgian waffles in front of a historic building in Ghent.
Autumn leaves in Citadel Park, Ghent, Belgium, with a bench under a large tree.
People relaxing by the canals in Korenlei, Ghent, Belgium, with historic buildings in the background.
Bartender pouring beer from tap into a plastic cup.
Assorted Belgian chocolates in copper bowls at a Brussels Christmas market.
Boating on the Leie River in Ghent with historic buildings and clock tower in view.
1/9

Boat tour on the canals

Glide through Ghent’s canals and see the city from a completely different angle, right at water level. It’s an easy, relaxed way to take in the medieval façades without adding more steps to your day.

Graffiti street wander (Werregarenstraat)

Slip into this ever-changing street art alley and watch how modern creativity collides with old stone walls. It’s a refreshing contrast to churches and guild houses.

Friday market at Vrijdagmarkt

Stop by this historic square on market day and browse flowers, produce, and local treats. It’s less about ticking off sights and more about soaking up everyday Ghent life.

Patershol food evening

Come back to this cobbled neighbourhood after sunset when the restaurants glow and the crowds thin out. It’s one of the best places to settle in for Flemish comfort food or something a little more experimental.

Citadelpark stroll

Head toward the museum quarter and unwind in this spacious green park. It’s perfect when you need a quiet reset between sightseeing stops.

Portus Ganda sunset walk

Wander to this peaceful marina where the rivers meet, and the mood feels noticeably calmer. It’s especially lovely in the evening when the water reflects the fading light.

Belgian beer tasting session

Join a small tasting or visit a speciality beer bar and learn why Belgium takes its brewing so seriously. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to explore regional flavours beyond just ordering at random.

Chocolate workshop experience

Spend an hour learning how Belgian pralines are made, then try crafting your own. It’s hands-on, surprisingly fun, and you leave with something sweet to show for it.

Cycling along the Lys River

Rent a bike and follow the riverside paths just beyond the centre. Within minutes, the medieval skyline gives way to quieter residential streets and open views.

Where to eat in Ghent

Du Progres

Classic brasserie serving Belgian comfort food in a lively, central setting.

  • Where it is: On Korenmarkt in the heart of the old town.
  • Cuisine: Belgian / Flemish classics.
  • Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 
  • Must-try: Beef stew (stoofvlees) with fries.

Pakhuis

Atmospheric restaurant set inside a former warehouse with a striking glass ceiling.

  • Where it is: Near the central canals, a short walk from Korenmarkt.
  • Cuisine: Belgian-French cuisine.
  • Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5
  • Must-try: North Sea fish dishes.

Amadeus Ghent

Casual favourite known for generous, all-you-can-eat ribs.

  • Where it is: In the Patershol district.
  • Cuisine: Belgian grill.
  • Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5 
  • Must-try: Slow-cooked pork ribs with house sauce.

Julie’s House

Cosy bakery café loved for its homemade cakes and relaxed vibe.

  • Where it is: Near Vrijdagmarkt square.
  • Cuisine: Café/bakery.
  • Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
  • Must-try: Carrot cake or red velvet cake.

Where to shop in Ghent

Veldstraat

Main shopping street lined with fashion brands and local stores, perfect for a convenient stop between attractions.

What to look out for: Belgian fashion labels and chocolate shops.

Onderstraat

A street filled with independent boutiques and specialty food stores, offering a more local and curated feel.

What to look out for: Handmade goods and gourmet products.

Groentenmarkt

A small historic square known for traditional food stalls and regional specialties near the city centre.

What to look out for: Cuberdons, Ghent’s cone-shaped local candy.

Tierenteyn-Verlent

Historic mustard shop operating since the 18th century, famous for its strong, freshly scooped mustard.

What to look out for: Traditional Tierenteyn mustard as a uniquely local food souvenir.

Tips from locals

  • Start early at Gravensteen: Doors usually open around 10 am, and arriving right at opening time helps you avoid tour groups. You’ll get clearer photos and a quieter experience exploring the castle walls.
  • Climb the Belfry before noon: Morning light gives you the best panoramic views over the city’s three towers, and queues tend to build from late morning onward.
  • Use Tram Line 1 from Gent-Sint-Pieters station: It’s the simplest and fastest way to reach the historic centre without worrying about traffic or parking restrictions.
  • Avoid driving into the old town: Ghent operates a low-emission zone, and central parking is limited. Walking and trams are usually quicker and far less stressful.
  • Buy cuberdons at Groentenmarkt: Fresh cuberdons have a soft centre and a richer flavour than packaged versions, making them worth trying on the spot.
  • Visit Patershol in the evening: This medieval neighbourhood feels more atmospheric after 6 pm, when day visitors leave, and the restaurants begin to fill with locals.
  • Walk along Graslei and Korenlei at sunset: The canal façades glow in warm light, making it one of the most photogenic and peaceful moments of the day.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Ghent

Ghent is about 55 km from Brussels. Direct trains run frequently and take around 30 to 40 minutes, making it one of the easiest and most convenient day trips.

More reads

About

Timings

Directions