Ghent

Welcome to Ghent

Ghent, the captivating medieval city in East Flanders, Belgium, emerges like a storybook illustration from the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors Brussels and Bruges, Ghent possesses an authentic, lived-in charm that feels both historic and vibrantly contemporary. Its skyline is a stunning tapestry of soaring church spires, formidable castle towers, and the iconic guild houses lining ancient canals. This is a city of contrasts, where centuries-old cobblestone streets buzz with a youthful energy fueled by a large student population. As a major cultural hub, Ghent offers world-class museums, cutting-edge street art, and a legendary festival scene. With a welcoming atmosphere and a compact, walkable center, it's a city designed for discovery. Visitors will find a range of accommodations to suit any style, with 49 hotels offering an average nightly rate that makes an immersive stay surprisingly accessible. Whether you're here for a day or longer, Ghent promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Flemish art, history, and joie de vivre.

Overview

Ghent's history is one of wealth, rebellion, and resilience. In the Middle Ages, it was one of Europe's largest and richest cities, thanks to a booming cloth trade. This prosperity funded the construction of its magnificent architectural landmarks, like the imposing Gravensteen Castle and the stunning Saint Bavo's Cathedral, home to the revolutionary Ghent Altarpiece by Van Eyck. The city famously resisted central authority, a spirit still palpable in its independent character. Today, Ghent is the capital of East Flanders and a thriving university town, injecting the historic core with a dynamic, creative, and slightly alternative vibe. The city is famous for its perfectly preserved medieval center, a pedestrian-friendly maze centered around the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei quays. These former guildhouses, reflected in the tranquil water, are the postcard image of the city. Beyond the canals, Ghent is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, pioneering vegetarian cuisine, and its role as a festival city, most notably during the 10-day Ghent Festivities in July. The main districts for visitors include the historic Patershol neighborhood with its cozy restaurants, the trendy Dok Noord area showcasing modern architecture, and the bustling Korenmarkt square, the city's central hub.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ghent is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September), when the weather is mild, days are long, and tourist crowds are manageable. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures ideal for canal tours and outdoor cafe sitting. Summer (July-August) is peak season, with warmer weather and a fantastic atmosphere, especially during the massive Ghent Festivities in mid-July. However, this also means higher prices and more visitors. The Christmas market in December transforms the city into a magical winter wonderland, perfect for festive cheer despite the cold, short days. Winter (January-March) is the off-peak season; it's cold and often gray, but you'll find the lowest hotel rates and have the museums largely to yourself. Spring (April) can be unpredictable with occasional rain showers. Major events include the Ghent Festival of Flanders (classical music) in September/October and the Ghent Light Festival every three years (next in 2025), which illuminates the city's architecture spectacularly.

🌤️ Weather & Climate

Ghent has a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and precipitation distributed throughout the year. There are no extreme temperatures, but weather can be changeable, with a chance of rain on any given day.

Seasons

Monthly Weather Details

🎒 What to Pack

🚗 Getting Around

Ghent's historic center is compact and largely pedestrianized, making walking the best and most enjoyable way to explore. For longer distances, the city has an excellent public transportation system run by De Lijn, featuring trams and buses. A single ticket is valid for one hour. The CityCard Gent offers unlimited public transport along with museum entry. Biking is hugely popular, with extensive bike lanes and rental shops everywhere; it's a quintessential local experience. Taxis are available at stands (like Korenmarkt) or via apps like Uber, but they are not usually necessary within the center. For airport transfers, Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is about an hour away by direct train to Ghent-Sint-Pieters station, followed by a short tram ride (Line 1) to the city center. Brussels South Charleroi Airport requires a bus to Brussels Midi station, then a train to Ghent. Costs: Tram/bus single ticket ~€2.50, 24-hour pass ~€7.50; bike rental ~€12-15/day; taxi from station to center ~€10-15.

🎯 Top Attractions

🏘️ Neighborhoods

🍽️ Local Cuisine

Ghent is a paradise for food lovers, boasting a mix of traditional Flemish fare and innovative, sustainable cuisine. Must-try dishes include 'Gentse waterzooi', a creamy chicken or fish stew originating in the city; 'stoverij' or 'carbonade flamande', a rich beer-based beef stew; and of course, crispy 'frites' served with mayonnaise. The city is also the birthplace of the 'cuberdon', a cone-shaped purple raspberry candy with a hard shell and liquid center, sold by street vendors. Ghent proudly champions vegetarian food, with many restaurants offering extensive meat-free menus. For a sweet treat, try a 'waffle' (Liege-style is denser, Brussels-style is lighter) or speculoos cookies. Dining culture is relaxed; lunch is typically from 12-2 PM, dinner from 7 PM onwards. Popular food areas are the Patershol district for intimate, traditional restaurants and the Graslei for scenic terraces. Price ranges: budget meal (fries/snack) €5-10, mid-range restaurant €20-40/person, fine dining €50+. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary for good service.

💡 Local Tips

🚗 Day Trip Ideas

🛡️ Safety Tips

Ghent is an exceptionally safe city for travelers, even at night. Violent crime is rare. The main concerns are petty theft like pickpocketing, which can occur in crowded tourist areas, on public transport, or in busy bars. Stay vigilant in the Korenmarkt and around the train station. Keep valuables secure and out of sight. Bike theft is common, so always use a sturdy lock. There are no specific areas to avoid, but standard precautions apply after dark in quieter streets. Emergency number for police, ambulance, or fire is 112. For non-emergency police assistance, call 101. Tap water is safe to drink. Healthcare is excellent; EU citizens should carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For minor ailments, pharmacies ('apotheek') are widely available. Overall, use common sense and you will find Ghent a very welcoming and secure destination.

💰 Budget Guide

Ghent can be enjoyed on various budgets. A budget traveler can manage on €50-70 per day: stay in a hostel dorm (€25-35), eat street food or supermarket meals (€15), use walking/biking for transport (€5 for occasional tram), and enjoy free sights like the city views and architecture (€5 for a treat). Mid-range travelers should budget €100-150 per day: a private room in a hotel or B&B (€80-110), meals at casual restaurants (€30-40), a museum pass or canal tour (€15), and tram/bike rental (€10). Luxury spending starts at €200+ per day: boutique/historic hotel (€150+), fine dining (€60+), private tours, and taxis. Money-saving tips: purchase the Ghent CityCard for free museum entry and transport; enjoy a picnic from the Friday market (Vrijdagmarkt); visit many churches for free (small fee for altarpiece); drink local beer in pubs instead of tourist terraces; visit during off-peak seasons for lower accommodation rates.