Visit Ghent, a city where medieval towers, quiet canals, and bold modern art live side by side in perfect harmony. Full of warmth and personality, Ghent charms you with its lively squares, centuries-old guild houses, and a creative spirit that you feel the moment you arrive.
Ghent, founded in the early Middle Ages, grew into one of Europe’s great trading cities, flourishing on its textile wealth and developing the vibrant, characterful charm that still fills its streets today.
Here’s why Ghent should be at the top of your travel list:
Our advice: Better with an overnight stay
Travel time from Amsterdam: about 2 hours 30 minutes each way.
Ghent is around two and a half hours each way, too far for a comfortable day trip. It is best visited while staying in Belgium, and our Ghent tour starts in the city itself.
Gravensteen is Ghent’s sturdy medieval castle, built in the 1100s by Count Philip of Alsace, and it still looks impressively tough today. With its chunky stone walls, narrow staircases, and towers made for keeping an eye on the city, it’s easy to picture the everyday life of the counts who once lived here. Over the centuries it’s been a home, a court, even a factory, a real all-rounder. Now it’s one of Ghent’s most fun spots to wander through, full of stories but very much part of the lively city around it.
St Bavo’s Cathedral is one of Ghent’s real treasures, a grand but welcoming space that’s been growing and changing since the Middle Ages. Its mix of Gothic arches, quiet chapels, and warm light gives it a calm, almost cosy feel, even though it’s packed with history. The real gem of the cathedral is the world-famous altarpiece. Painted by the Van Eyck brothers in the 1430s, it’s packed with tiny details you keep spotting long after you think you’ve seen it all. Standing in front of it, you can almost imagine the buzz it caused when it was first revealed and despite its long, dramatic journey through wars and thefts, it still shines brightly in the heart of Ghent.
The Belfry is Ghent’s proud landmark, built in the 14th century to show off the city’s wealth and independence. Its golden dragon has watched over Ghent for centuries, and climbing the tower today gives you cracking views over the rooftops and winding streets.
St Michael’s Bridge is one of the best spots in Ghent for soaking up the city’s beauty and taking a selfie, of course. Built in the early 20th century to replace an older wooden bridge, it offers a brilliant view of all the famous towers lined up together. People love to pause here to take photos, watch boats drift along the river, or simply enjoy the buzz of the city’s glorious past.
Waterzooi is Ghent’s most famous dish – a rich, creamy stew made with chicken or fresh fish, root vegetables, and a flavourful broth. ‘t Klokhuys, near Gravensteen castle, serves a particularly good version in a genuinely local setting. Order it with crusty bread alongside and take your time.
The Graslei and Korenlei are the perfect places for a riverside wander. Once busy medieval trading docks, they’re now lined with cafés, historic guild houses, and plenty of people enjoying the view. It’s a perfect place to stop for a drink or just to stroll along the waterfront as this stretch of the river feels cosy, lively, and full of character.
Graffiti Alley is Ghent is a colourful, ever-changing outdoor gallery. What started as a simple shortcut has become a place where artists leave their mark, sometimes bold, sometimes quirky, always full of personality. This is a must-see nook of this diverse city.
The Ai Nati Oggi streetlights add a warm, touching bit of magic to Ghent. Each time a baby is born in the city, these lights glow softly for a moment to celebrate the new arrival. It’s a simple idea but a lovely one, a quiet reminder that even on an ordinary street, life’s biggest moments can shine through.
Most visitors arrive by train from Brussels, Antwerp or Bruges. Ghent Sint Pieters Station is the main hub, followed by a short tram ride into the centre. Driving is possible but parking is limited in the old town.
Yes, the centre is pedestrian friendly and easy to explore on foot. The historic areas are lively day and night with many cafés and student filled streets. Normal awareness is enough for a comfortable visit.
Ghent is known for dishes like waterzooi, local beers and classic Belgian waffles. The city also has a strong vegetarian scene with many plant based restaurants.
