2025 Ghent Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

🌎In the heart of Europe, Belgium is like a shining pearl, waiting for every traveler to uncover its mystery. Traveling to Belgium by car is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual baptism. Walk through ancient streets, visit medieval churches, taste authentic food, and experience the unique romance and style of Belgium. Let’s embark on this classic self-driving tour of Belgium and experience the beauty of the blend of history and culture. ⭐️Route recommendations 🚩Brussels→Ghent→Antwerp→Brussels 🌼Daily schedule DAY1: Art Mountain-Atomium-St. Hubert Arcade-50th Anniversary Park DAY2: St. Michael's Bridge-Count's Castle-Ghent Art Museum-St. Bavo's Cathedral DAY3-4: Antwerp Grand Place-Rubens House-Riverside Museum-Antwerp Zoo-Royal Antwerp Art Museum-Saint Anne Beach-Plantin-Moretus Museum DAY5: Saint-Michel and Saint-Gudula Cathedral-Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium-Belgian Comics Center 🌸The self-driving mileage is about 170 kilometers. The recommended travel time is 4-5 days. It is suitable for tourists who like humanities and history. 💖Overview of attractions ✔️Mont des Arts: A historical site located in the center of Brussels, it has now become an art district with a strong artistic temperament. Walking around the Mont des Arts, in addition to visiting museums, art galleries and other attractions, the unique viewing position allows you to have a bird's-eye view of the charming city of Brussels. ✔️St. Michael's Bridge: a famous bridge in Ghent. Standing on the bridge and seeing the guild buildings of Ghent across the Les River, including three churches and the castle in the distance, is one of the best places to photograph the city. ✔️Antwerp Grand Square: The city center of Antwerp is located and is one of the important landmarks of Antwerp. There are many Flemish-style buildings around, and the ground floors of some buildings are now used as restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. It is a good choice to sit down and have a rest or buy souvenirs. ✔️St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral: This is a Gothic cathedral. It shows the simple linearity of Gothic architecture and is very grand. The front facade of the church has two symmetrical towers with a height of 69 meters. It adopts the rare flame Gothic style with simple and sharp reliefs. The south tower of the church has 49 bells made by the Royal Bell Factory, and people can enjoy its beautiful bells during Sunday concerts. #trip # Self-driving # Car rental # Self-driving tour

#europetrip Ghent, a picturesque city in Belgium, is renowned for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the Flanders region, it boasts well-preserved historical buildings, including the Gravensteen Castle and the stunning St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece. The city is crisscrossed by scenic canals and features a lively town center with bustling markets, cafes, and shops. Known for its rich history, dynamic arts scene, and annual festivals like the Gentse Feesten, Ghent combines historical charm with modern vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for visitors.

The Gravensteen (Dutch for 'Castle of the Count') is a medieval castle located in the historic city of Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪. It is one of the only remaining castles in the Flanders region with an almost intact defense system, including a moat. The current castle dates back to 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. Visiting the Gravensteen is an absolute must when in Ghent, as it is also the best spot to admire the Ghent skyline. By climbing to the top of the castle's watchtower, you can see the skyline formed by Ghent's famous three tallest ancient buildings. The castle is open daily, with an entrance fee of 13 euros, which includes an audio guide. The visit can take approximately 1.5-2 hours.

#luxuryhotels Charming Fusion: 1898 The Post in Ghent Discover the charming fusion of old-world allure and modern convenience at 1898 The Post. The hotel's cozy rooms and central location offer a delightful retreat in Ghent's historical heart. The rooftop bar, with its panoramic city views, adds a touch of magic to the stay. Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of this unique blend of charm and luxury.

#fallingseason Belgium is located in the west of Europe and it is famous for chocolate, waffles and even beer! I have been this place for many times and I am still love it! One of the favourites place for me is Ghent. This place is such a beautiful city with the river and lots of good architecture buildings. Secondly, Bruges is another place that definitely worth to visit it ! As this place looks like another Venice in Belgium, you can see lots of building across the river and they are stunning. #belgium #travel #tripcom #境外遊

Ghent is well worth a weekend trip. It’s ideal for a last-minute city trip as well. Quirky Ghent offers a fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with trendy, modern urban life. Ghent is a city where people enjoy life: a chilled-out place where anything goes and a city that feels human. Its friendly, welcoming people love the good life. Despite being one of Belgium's oldest cities, Ghent remains small enough to feel cosy but big enough to be a vibrant, relevant centre for trade and culture. #urbanexplorer #epic #tripblazers

Even though you may be short on time, visiting Ghent is absolutely worth just a quick visit. The town is overflowing with charm and character, so it would be a shame to not take advantage of this incredible Belgian place! Ghent is most known for its three towers—the Gothic masterpieces of the Church of St. Nicholas, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Belfry. This remarkable trio of buildings is right in a row on Limburgstraat, and you can pass all three in just five minutes, making them perfect destinations for visitors on even the shortest trip.

The vibrant and colorful graffiti street in Ghent is definitely worth visiting. It offers the chance for young artists to showcase their work in a city that welcomes street art and all they need is a spray can! The art work changes as new ones are painted on top, which means that the street will never look the same. #urbanart #urbanexplorer #art #graffiti #belgium

These very expressive angels is part of the well known Ghent Altarpiece ( The Adoration of Mystic Lamb) at the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. The impressive altarpiece measures 5.2 x 3.75m, and is painted by Hubert and Jan can Eyck in the 15th century. It is considered to be one of the greatest masterpiece in Belgium. As for the gothic cathedral which stands at 89m tall, it is the seat of the Diocese of Ghent, and took nearly 3 centuries to complete. It is free to visit the cathedral but requires separate ticket to see the altarpiece. #cityexplorer #history #art #belgium #ghent

#celebratewithtrip Getting There - Travel to Ghent, Belgium❄️☃️ Attractions - Christmas Markets 🌨️ Hotels - Try Downtown Ghent 🤍 Food & Restaurants - 🥘🫕🧀🥖🍲 Shopping - Explore the Christmas Markets 🎄 #celebratewithtrip by taking a Christmas trip to Ghent in Belgium! 🇧🇪 As one of the less typical European city-break destinations, Ghent and other Belgian cities are the perfect places to visit during the cold, winter months and festive season! With excellent markets and lots to explore, the Christmas markets in Ghent, Belgium are amazing and you can drink mulled wine while listening to Christmas music! Don’t miss a chance to explore Ghent in Belgium this Christmas season! 🎄☃️ #celebratewithtrip #tripblazers #triplocal #belgium #christmaslights #christmastrip

#fallingforfall #tripblazers #urbanexplorer #mytripvlog #awesomepic #bucketlistreboot #belgium Ghent is one of the most important Flemish cities along with Antwerp (just one-hour train trip from Ghent). The city is a perfect spot for fall vacations as its medieval buildings and walls look awesome also during this season. I especially recommend to visit major Ghent churches (including St. Babo Cathedral in the city centre) - their windows incredibly "play" with sun and bright colourfully. Next step of the trip can be also a cruise along the Ghent river as it allows to see the city from different angle. When visit Ghent it's also highly recommended to go to Antwerp and Bruges - two other must sees in the Flanders

Ghent allows everyone to enjoy the historical traces and fashionable hipster style at the same time. It also has the most beautiful and romantic canal view in Europe 😝👀 Because this city is relatively small, you can walk all day long! The first stop is the St. Michel Bridge 😍 Since the bridge spans the banks of the River Rhee, the banks of the Grain and the banks of the Vanilla River, locals and travelers will come to enjoy the beauty from morning to evening🤤 Another stop is the Count of Brabant's Castle 🥰 This castle was once a prison court mint to modern times it has become a museum of torture instruments and guillotines like to see ancient castle architecture and walk the museum Don't miss it!

The Saint Bavo Cathedral is an 89-meter-tall Catholic, Gothic cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. It is the seat of the diocese of Ghent, is named for Saint Bavo of Ghent, and contains the well-known Ghent Altarpiece. The building is built on the site of the former Chapel of St. John the Baptist, primarily of wooden construction that was consecrated in 942 by Transmarus, Bishop of Tournai and Noyon. Traces of a later Romanesque structure can be found in the cathedral's crypt.Construction of the Gothic church began around 1274. In the subsequent period from the 14th through 16th centuries, nearly continuous expansion projects in the Gothic style were executed on the structure. A new choir, radiating chapels, expansions of the transepts, a chapter house, nave aisles and a single-tower western section were all added. In 1539, as a result of the rebellion against Charles V, who was baptized in the church, the old Abbey of St. Bavo was dissolved. Its abbot and monks went on to become canons in a Chapter that was attached to what then became the Church of Saint Bavo. When the Diocese of Ghent was founded in 1559, the church became its cathedral. Construction was considered complete on June 7, 1569. #awesomepic#historicculture#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#culturalattractions

The Gravensteen is a medieval castle at Ghent, East Flanders in Belgium. The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city. The origins of the Gravensteen date to the reign of Arnulf I (890–965). The site, which sat between two branches of the Lys river, was first fortified around 1000, initially in wood and later in stone. This was soon transformed into a motte-and-bailey castle which burnt down in around 1176. The current castle dates to 1180 and was built by Philip of Alsace (1143–1191) on the site of the older fortification. It may have been inspired by crusader castles witnessed by Philip during the Second Crusade. As well a protective citadel, the Gravensteen was intended to intimidate the burghers of Ghent who often challenged the counts' authority. It incorporates a large central donjon, a residence and various smaller buildings. These are surrounded by a fortified, oval-shaped enceinte lined with 24 small échauguettes. It also has a sizeable moat, fed with water from the Lys. #awesomepic#historicculture#beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#culturalattractions

You probably know Bruges and Brussels and may have heard about Antwerp. Ghent offers the best of each of them! It is as cosmopolitan and lively as Antwerp, as quiet as a walk along the canals in Bruges as gastronomical as Brussels. Ghent is one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe but also one of the most romantic. Dynamic and young, Ghent is also a perfect destination for a shopping or cultural city break with its many museums and events throughout the year. Bourgeois and dynamic city, Ghent is a bit like “Bordeaux”. The city is young and proud of its traditions and its past; it is looking to the future, but with its roots firmly anchored in its history. There is too much to see for an overnight stay, so treat yourself to some extra nights and experience a quirky weekend. This city is a delicious cocktail blending trendy city life and rich history. The people of Ghent are probably one of the greatest riches of this city. They are very welcoming and warm and just like them, after your stay you will have this city tattooed in your heart for many years to come. Book your flights to Brussels, your accommodation tours and activities and discover one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. #naturalwonders#culturalattractions#nationalpark

I visited, of course, Brussels and Bruges in Belgium. But I wanted to see a less touristy city, so I spent a weekend in Ghent. This city is small but so cute. The architecture is Flemish, and it's like Amsterdam. I visited the things to see like the St. Nicholas Church, or the belfry. I also took the opportunity to admire the street art because Ghent is very famous for it. There are even bike tours that are offered. I visited the castle of the Counts, and I advise you to take the audio guide because the comments are very original. Otherwise, Ghent is also the most vegan city in Europe, so if you are vegan, you will find what you are looking for. #awesomepic #unforgettableexperiences #couplestrip #scenicspotguide #travelinspiration #instagramworthydestinations #romance

Gravensteen Castle, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval castle located in the center of Ghent, Belgium. Built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders, the castle was intended to showcase his power and defend against enemies. Today, it stands as one of Belgium's most significant historical landmarks and one of Ghent's most popular tourist attractions. Upon entering Gravensteen Castle, you will be captivated by its majestic architecture. The high walls, towers, and moat are typical features of a medieval castle. The design of the castle is both practical and artistic, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of medieval artisans. As you tour the castle, you can explore various rooms and exhibition areas. The interior houses numerous medieval artifacts, including weapons, armor, and instruments of torture, offering visitors a deeper understanding of life and warfare during that era. The dungeon is particularly noteworthy, as it once held prisoners, evoking thoughts of dark historical tales. From the top of the castle's tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful cityscape of Ghent. The red-tiled roofs and winding rivers create a picturesque scene that is perfect for photography, allowing you to capture precious travel memories. In addition to its architecture and historical displays, Gravensteen Castle frequently hosts various events and performances, including medieval knight tournaments and historical reenactments. These activities provide an immersive experience of medieval life and culture, adding to the castle's vibrant atmosphere. A visit to Gravensteen Castle offers not only a rich historical ambiance but also an educational experience, allowing you to learn about medieval life and culture. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, the castle promises a memorable and enriching experience. The city of Ghent is made even more enchanting by the presence of Gravensteen Castle. As you stroll through this medieval city, be sure to visit the castle to personally experience the weight and grandeur of history and discover your own Ghent story.

#newyearnewtrip The Graslei is one of the most picturesque and historic streets in Ghent, Belgium, located along the Leie River. Key landmarks along the Graslei include the Korenlei, the adjacent street across the river, which has similar charming buildings. The Graslei and Korenlei offer one of the best views in Ghent. The street is lined with remarkable historic and colourful buildings. It is nice to enjoy your afternoon tea or meal along the river with the view of the streets.

#newyearnewtrip The Grasbrug Bridge (Grasbrugge) is a historic bridge located in Ghent, Belgium. The Grasbrug is located near the Graslei and Korenlei. The Grasbrug Bridge is one of the older bridges in Ghent. It spans the Leie River, connecting different parts of the city for transportation and trade. The bridge features a mix of traditional stonework and more modern elements. You can take a picture of beautiful, historical buildings along the riverbanks from the Grasbrug. It is a great spot to take pictures.

#newyearnewtrip You should not miss Pita Barouche Republic when you are in Ghent. Pita Barouche Republic is a restaurant in Ghent, Belgium that offers a variety of delicious and creative pita sandwiches with cozy and casual atmosphere. The restaurant also offers a range of pita fillings, such as grilled meats, falafel, fresh vegetables, and various toppings like hummus, tahini, and spicy sauces. You will also get to find a good selection of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Address: Kortemunt 8, 9000 Gent, Belgium

#newyearnewtrip Saint Nicholas' Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk) in Ghent, Belgium, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Sint-Niklaaskerk is centrally located in Ghent, in the heart of the old town. It is one of the city's most iconic landmarks because of it's beautiful medieval architecture with its tall, slender columns, pointed arches, and impressive vaulted ceilings. You should visit inside the Church as the interior of the Church is beautiful stained glass windows, medieval altars, and frescoes.

Riverside city, nice atmosphere, not far from Brussels. You can go on a one-day trip. The atmosphere in the city is very good, comfortable. People come out to sit and enjoy the view by the water. It feels very good. There are many restaurants and Belgian beer shops along the river. You can sit and look at the beautiful buildings by the water. The old town has different designs. There is also a boat trip to see the city. 🚃 Travel between cities by train, only 1 station. To enter Ghent, take the T1 tram and get off at Ghent Zonnestraat station. You will arrive at the central location of the city by the water. 📍Ghent #TravelBelgium #ghent #WinterTravel #TravelEurope #100WaysToTravel

If you want to step into the Middle Ages and see what Europe looked like, you can definitely do it in Ghent😍Ghent was once a prosperous city in Europe after Paris during the Middle Ages. Although it is very different now, it is also very good to be able to preserve the history of the Middle Ages to this day. Not easy. Guide to the classic routes for a one-day trip to Ghent St. Michael's Bridge Sint-Michielsbrug →Saint Bavos Cathedral→St. Nicholas Old Church Sint→Niklaaskerk →Het Belfort van Gent →Gravensteen transportation: Departing from Brussels Central Station to Ghent GENT- SINT- PIETERS station (40 minutes’ drive), you can buy same-day or come-in tickets, the fare is 20.4 euros After arriving at Gent, take tram No. 1 from the train station. When you exit the train station gate, look to the left at the gray building. There will be many people waiting for the tram (fare 3 euros/round trip 6 euros. It used to be free on Sundays, but now I’m not sure. ), get off at 7 stops near Post Square. I'm quite lazy personally, so I signed up for a one-day tour, the kind where you get on and off from point to point😝 #GlobalTravel #BelgiumAttractions #Ghent #ghent#European Free Travel

Gent in the Flemish region of Belgium is the capital of the East Flanders. The old town is full of beautiful buildings and the beautiful Flemish style. The centre of town is pedestrian ionised so it’s a great place just to wander around and admire the mediaeval architecture such as the row of guildhalls on the Riverside. Ghent is a beautiful hidden gem.! #getgoing2025 #ghent #belgium

#getgoing2025 Ghent is such a magical place to see and explore! Here we strolled around leisurely and visit the cathedral, the shopping street, the waffle stalls and even the Christmas Market with a ferris wheel. Be sure to spend some time here to discover this city, it is one of Belgium’s great amazing city to visit, we felt so cozy and welcomes here, people were friendly and it was easy to get around as well. A must visit✨👍 #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo

#getgoing2025 Just some amazing information about Ghent that I looked up✨✨ Ghent, a vibrant city in Belgium, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Founded over 1,000 years ago, it boasts stunning medieval architecture, including the iconic Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century fortress. The city is also home to the famous Altarpiece of the Mystic Lamb, painted by the Van Eyck brothers, which is housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Ghent is unique for its blend of old and new, with a lively student population from the University of Ghent contributing to its dynamic atmosphere. The city’s canals, reminiscent of Venice, offer picturesque walks and boat tours. Additionally, Ghent is known for its culinary delights, particularly the local specialty, Waterzooi, a delicious stew. Every summer, the city hosts the Gentse Feesten, a massive cultural festival celebrating music, theater, and arts, attracting visitors from around the globe. With its charm and vibrancy, Ghent is a hidden gem in Belgium. I am so glad I got to visit this stunning city in Belgium, be sure to set a day to visit this city✨💕 #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo

#getgoing2025 We got to visit this amazing Christmas market in Ghent! The Christmas market here transforms the historic city into a festive wonderland, inviting visitors to experience the magic of the holiday season. Cobblestone streets are adorned with twinkling lights, while charming wooden stalls offer an array of handcrafted gifts, from intricate ornaments to cozy knitwear. The air is filled with the enticing aromas of spiced mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, drawing people in for a warm treat in a joyful atmosphere. Many children delight in merry-go-rounds, the ferris wheel and festive games, their laughter ringing through the crisp winter air. With its blend of tradition and cheer, Gent’s Christmas market captures the essence of the season, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of Christmas. #xmastrip #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip #travel #naturalwonders #couplestrip #thingstodo

#getgoing2025 We visited this amazing stunning cathedral in Ghent. Saint Bavo's Cathedral, or Sint-Baafskathedraal, is a remarkable architectural gem in Ghent, Belgium, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its construction began in the 10th century, evolving over several centuries, with significant additions completed in the 16th century. The cathedral is renowned for housing the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a masterwork by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck, considered one of the most important pieces of Northern Renaissance art. Visitors like us are captivated by the stunning stained-glass windows that narrate biblical stories and the intricate altars adorning its chapels. The cathedral’s bell tower, standing at 91 meters, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking views of the city. Additionally, Saint Bavo's is a center for cultural events and concerts, making it a vibrant hub of both spiritual and artistic significance in Ghent, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Definitely visit this cathedral when in Ghent❤️ #xmastrip #xmas2024 #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip

#magicalxmastrip We stumbled upon a nice little Christmas market in Ghent. Visiting the Christmas market in Ghent is a magical experience that transforms the city into a winter wonderland. As we stroll through the festive stalls, the air is filled with the delightful scents of mulled wine, and freshly baked pastries. The market, typically set against the backdrop of historic buildings, glows with twinkling lights and holiday decorations, creating a cozy atmosphere. You can also find delicious Belgian treats, from sweet waffles to gourmet chocolates, enticing your taste buds at every turn. Live music and performances add to the festive ambiance, drawing both locals and visitors together in celebration. The market is not just a shopping destination; it’s a place to connect with the community, enjoy seasonal delicacies, and soak in the joyous holiday spirit that Ghent so beautifully embodies.they even have rides and this ferris wheel to ride in❤️🎄 #xmastrip #xmas2024 #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip

#magicalxmastrip Indulging in a Belgian waffle in Ghent is an unforgettable culinary experience that captures the essence of Belgian culture. As you wander through the charming streets, the enticing aroma of freshly made waffles wafts through the air, beckoning you to a local café or street vendor. The waffles, known for their light and fluffy texture, are often served warm and can be topped with an array of delicious choices, from whipped cream and fresh strawberries to rich chocolate sauce and powdered sugar. One of the best places to savor this treat is at the the waffle stalls around where you can enjoy traditional styles, like the Brussels waffle, which is crisp and airy. Each bite is a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth, making it a perfect snack any time of day. Whether enjoyed as a simple treat or a lavish dessert, a Belgian waffle in Ghent is a must-try that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds. Definitely a must eat when in Belgium🇧🇪🧇 #xmastrip #xmas2024 #myhiddengems #summervacation #freehotelstay #familytrip #localguides #europe #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #passionpassport #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #belgium #foodie #asiatrip #mustdo #food #trip