IS GHENT WORTH VISITING? HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN GHENT

If you’re wondering if Ghent is worth visiting and what are some of the things you must do during your one day in Ghent, this post is for you!

To this day, Ghent is still a hidden gem in Europe, which is quite shocking since this city is a perfect blend of medieval history and modern, vibrant culture. Not to say that Ghent doesn’t get a lot of tourists, but it definitely less than its neighbor, Bruges, gets. Read this blog post to find out more about Ghent, and how to spend your time in this magical city.

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WHERE IS GHENT

Ghent is a city in the Flanders region of Belgium, located in the northwest part of the country. It is about 55 km from Brussels, between the capital and Bruges, another popular tourist destination. While it is a popular city in Belgium, it’s not one of the most popular in Europe, although it’s prettier than many well-visited cities.

Ghent is not complicated to reach, especially if you’re already in Belgium. If you’re flying in, you need to fly into Brussels. From Brussels, you can either rent a car and drive to Ghent, or go by train. If you’re planning on visiting multiple cities and you’re sure you’re renting a car, a drive to Ghent will take you around 45-60 minutes. If you don’t need a car and only plan to visit Ghent, take a train. The train is 45 minutes and it’s 15 euros one way.

STAYING LONGER THAN ONE DAY? WHERE TO STAY IN GHENT

If you’re coming the night before, or you’re planning on staying longer, here’s where to stay. Ghent is not a big city, so staying anywhere in the city center allows you to see the whole city on foot. We really enjoyed staying at B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum. This modern hotel is situated in the city center, only a few minutes from St. Nicholas Church. It was clean and comfortable, and above all absolutely decently priced. If you’re searching for a great affordable hotel, definitely check out this one.

IS GHENT WORTH VISITING? WHY VISIT GHENT

Ghent is one of the most charming cities in Europe, and it’s absolutely worth visiting. I would actually say it’s should be one of the must-visit cities in Europe for everyone. Ghent is known for its medieval charm, and while the neighboring Bruges is just as charming, Ghent is less crowded and infinitely more magical. Ghent is a city which offers everything, from historic architecture, picturesque canals, and impressive art to modern lively cafes, trendy boutiques, and a buzzing student vibe.

This city has something for absolutely anyone, so if you’re sold on visiting, here’s how to spend one day in Ghent.

read more >>> 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN GHENT, BELGIUM

HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN GHENT

ONE DAY IN GHENT: MORNING

Start your day as early as possible, because you’ll avoid the tourists that come later in the day. The shops, cafes, and restaurants in Ghent all open after 10 a.m., so if you start your walk earlier, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the empty city.

WALK AROUND THE MEDIEVAL OLD TOWN OF GHENT

Ghent Old Town is one of the most magical old towns in Europe. The canals, incredible architecture, and lovely scenery need to be enjoyed through long walks. Make sure you walk along the many canals, go over stunning bridges, and explore the charming stores along the way. Ghent is an incredibly unique town, a real life fairytale town, so your long walks will feel like minutes.

VISIT THE GRAVENSTEEN CASTLE

After strolling through the town, go visit Gravensteen, or the “Castle of the Counts”. It’s a stunning medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century, and one of the best-preserved castles I’ve ever seen. The ticket for the castle is 13 euros, and trust me it’s definitely worth it. Once you’re in, walk along the castle’s walls for gorgeous panoramic views of the city, and explore the fascinating displays including medieval weaponry and torture instruments.

Definitely get the audio tour, it’s one of the most fun audio tours you could listen to, and it will make your visit even more exciting. Here’s a detailed guide on the Gravensteen visit!

TRY BELGIAN FOOD FOR LUNCH

Ghent is an excellent place to dive into Belgian cuisine, so if you like exploring local cuisines on your trips, you’re in luck! Some of the most famous dishes you should try in Ghent are Belgian Fries, waffles, Belgian beer, mussels, Stoverij, and more!

ONE DAY IN GHENT: AFTERNOON

WALK ALONG GRASLEI AND KORENLEI

The two of the most picturesque streets in Ghent, Graslei and Korenlei, are the main attractions in the city, and the reason for Ghent’s popularity. They both run along the banks of the Leie River, one on each side.

These streets are lined with beautiful old guild houses, cafes, and shops. I would highly recommend taking a leisurely stroll here, or even sitting down at the banks of the river and admiring the architecture and the serene view of boats gliding along the canal. If you’re in search for great photos, this is where you’ll capture some of the best shots of the city.

TAKE A BOAT TOUR

The absolute best activity you can do in Ghent is to hop on a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective. There are many companies along the river banks which offer 40-60 minute boat trips through the canals. The tours include guides providing insights into the city’s history while giving you a relaxing break. The views from the boat are stunning, and the guides are usually very witty and interesting. The tours cost around €8-€12 per person (ours was 9 euros) and it’s absolutely worth it.

CLIMB THE BELFRY OF GHENT

If you want more gorgeous views of the city, make your way to the Belfry of Ghent. The Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and after climbing the belfry’s 91 meters you’ll get breathtaking views of St. Nicholas Church, as well as Ghent’s rooftops, towers, and canals at sunset. The entrance fee for the tower is 8 euros per person.

VISIT THE MSK

If you’re a big art person and have the time, it might be worth taking a short tram ride from the center to MSK (Museum of Fine Arts), one of Belgium’s oldest museums. The museum houses an impressive collection of Flemish masterpieces, from Van Dyck to Rubens, as well as modern art. If you’re an art lover, this is the perfect place to spend a peaceful afternoon. The entrance fee for the museum is 8 euros.

WALK THROUGH GRAFFITI STREET

Another quick and fun thing you can do is to take a walk down Graffiti Street. This narrow alley is covered in ever-changing street art and graffiti, offering a colorful and contrasting experience to Ghent’s medieval architecture. It’s a great spot to snap some vibrant photos and appreciate the city’s modern, youthful energy.

This is a perfect one day in Ghent and if you’re thinking of visiting I could not encourage you more. Ghent is one of my favorites in Europe and it deserves more love than it gets!