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Things to Do in Gent, Belgium
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Gent, Belgium
One of the best activities to do in Gent, Belgium, is to visit the medieval Gravensteen Castle, a strong 12th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of the city. Also, stop by St. Bavo's Cathedral, which houses the renowned Van Eyck altarpiece. Be sure to see the Belfry of Ghent, a 91-meter-high tower that provides a unique insight into the city's history.
1. Gravensteen Castle
Explore a fortress packed with medieval mystery and remarkable architecture. Discover dungeons, ramparts, and sweeping city views all in one trip.
Quick facts: The castle features thick stone walls and towering forts that once held courtrooms and harsh dungeons during medieval times. Original torture devices remain inside, offering a raw glimpse into medieval justice and power dynamics.
Highlights: An underground tunnel once linked the castle to the old city walls, enabling secret movements during sieges. Visitors can climb the rugged battlements for sweeping views where the echoes of knights and medieval life seem almost audible.
2. St. Bavo's Cathedral
Admire magnificent Gothic architecture and the world-renowned Ghent Altarpiece. Uncover centuries of artistry and spiritual beauty at every turn.
Quick facts: A grand Gothic cathedral rises above the city, showcasing elaborate stone carvings and lofty spires. It is home to the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece, celebrated for its vivid colors and intricate religious depictions.
Highlights: Step inside to see the Ghent Altarpiece, created by the Van Eyck brothers. It consists of 12 panels displaying over 200 lifelike figures that appear to come alive in the natural light. Be sure to admire the finely carved choir stalls and the captivating soundpipe organ that fills the vast nave with powerful music.
3. Castle of the Counts
Uncover ancient tales within strong walls. Experience medieval life through haunting dungeons and breathtaking city views.
Quick facts: The fortress dominates the skyline with its vast stone walls and towering forts, providing panoramic views from its battlements. It was a crucial military stronghold and home to powerful medieval counts.
Highlights: Enter the dungeon where prisoners once awaited their fate and imagine the whispers of history in the stone corridors. Climb the narrow spiral staircases to the lookout towers and soak in breathtaking views of the old city roofs and the river below.
4. Saint Nicholas' Church
Discover a stunning Gothic masterpiece with captivating medieval art. Witness impressive architecture and traditional craftsmanship in a single inspiring visit.
Quick facts: Its distinctive blue-gray stone creates a unique Gothic outline against the city skyline. Inside, the grand wooden altar and medieval artworks narrate fascinating stories from the past.
Highlights: Look up to see the intricately carved wooden choir stalls depicting detailed biblical scenes often overlooked by visitors. The church's large, weathered organ pipes still fill the space with hauntingly beautiful music during special concerts.
5. The Graslei and Korenlei
Step into a lively medieval harbor lined with beautiful historic guildhouses. Enjoy charming waterside views and vibrant local culture in every step.
Quick facts: The Graslei and Korenlei feature charming medieval buildings lining a canal, displaying an impressive blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Many buildings were former guild houses bustling with merchants trading barley, wheat, and other goods centuries ago.
Highlights: Rows of historic guild houses glow warmly at night, reflecting on the canal water to create a fairy-tale ambiance. Watching traditional boats navigate the canal offers a genuine sense of living local history, as this area remains vibrant with cultural events.
6. Ghent City Museum
Immerse yourself in the living history of a lively city. Take in stunning views and a rich mix of artifacts and artwork.
Quick facts: Step inside to explore Gent's story through over 6000 items, ranging from historic relics to modern art. Engage with vivid multimedia displays that bring the city's history and present to life in immersive ways.
Highlights: Discover the Glass Cube, a striking contemporary addition where history blends with impressive architecture. Enjoy sweeping views of Gent from the rooftop terrace while absorbing centuries of local culture inside.
7. Patershol
Wander charming cobblestones and diverse eateries. Enjoy a perfect blend of history and local flavor at every corner.
Quick facts: Cobblestone streets weave through a lively tapestry of colorful medieval houses paired with trendy boutiques and inviting eateries. This vibrant area blends centuries-old charm with the energy of contemporary local life.
Highlights: Dining here means enjoying dishes that combine traditional Flemish recipes with modern twists in atmospheric ancient buildings. The scent of fresh bread and brewed coffee fills the narrow streets early in the morning, creating a unique and cozy atmosphere.
8. Citadelpark
A sprawling urban park where Art Nouveau pavilions, a secret grotto, and a castle hide among century-old trees. Wander past open-air sculptures, catch a summer concert, or picnic by the pond with the locals.
Quick facts: Sprawling across 19 acres, this former World's Fair grounds from 1913 still has two original pavilions standing. Over 1,500 trees create a green canopy that shelters outdoor concerts, sculpture exhibitions, and a small castle-like structure from the 1880s.
Highlights: Tucked behind the main pathways, the 60-meter long Grotto van de Citadel is a man-made cave system built for the 1913 exposition, complete with artificial stalactites and a small waterfall. On summer evenings, the cave's entrance glows with colored lights during concerts, transforming the stone into something almost geological.
9. Korenmarkt
Gent's oldest square serves up medieval towers, canal views, and the city's best people-watching. Grab a chair at a terrace and let the 54-bell carillon set the soundtrack.
Quick facts: For nearly 1,000 years, this square has been Gent's commercial heartbeat, where traders once sold grain, fish, and cloth. Today, its cobblestones are flanked by over 25 restaurants and cafes, making it the city's largest outdoor dining hub.
Highlights: Three medieval towers rise around the square, but the real magic happens at twilight when the 91-meter belfry glows amber against a deep blue sky. Wait for the hourly carillon concert: 54 bells cascade over the square, a sound that has marked Gent's time since the 14th century.
10. Radnica v Gent
Step into a building where centuries of political drama unfolded under towering Gothic arches. You'll wander halls lined with massive oil paintings and stand where medieval aldermen once passed judgment.
Quick facts: The city hall boasts one of the finest Gothic facades in all of Belgium, decorated with intricate statues of biblical figures and medieval rulers. Its construction stretched across nearly three centuries, so you'll spot a wild mix of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance to Baroque.
Highlights: Look closely at the facade during the day and then come back at night: the statues are lit individually, casting dramatic shadows that make the stone carvings look like they're moving. Locals say the building has a hidden spiral staircase where the stone steps are worn down a full inch from centuries of footsteps.
Where to Stay in Gent, Belgium
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Belgian Waffles
Belgian waffles are famous worldwide for their light, crispy texture and deep pockets that hold syrup and toppings.
Speculoos
Speculoos are spiced shortcrust biscuits traditionally baked for St. Nicholas' feast, known for their caramelized flavor and intricate molds.
Cuberdon
Cuberdon, also called 'neuzeke,' is a cone-shaped sweet with a soft, jelly-like interior, a unique treat from Belgium.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Moules-Frites
Moules-Frites is the national dish of Belgium, combining fresh mussels cooked in white wine with crispy fries on the side.
Carbonnade Flamande
Carbonnade Flamande is a rich beef stew made with Belgian beer, onions, and mustard, slow-cooked to tender perfection.
Stoofvlees
Stoofvlees is a traditional Flemish beef stew that is sweetened with brown beer and mustard, often served with fries.
Traditional Beverages
Belgian Beer
Belgian beer is renowned worldwide, with hundreds of unique varieties brewed by Trappist monks and commercial breweries alike.
Jenever
Jenever is a traditional juniper-flavored spirit from Belgium, considered the precursor to modern gin, and enjoyed straight or in cocktails.
Chouffe
Chouffe is a popular Belgian strong golden ale known for its fruity aroma and spicy notes, brewed by the Brasserie d'Achouffe.
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Most popular day trips
Bruges
Picturesque medieval town with canals and historic architecture.
Brussels
Capital city known for grand squares and EU institutions.
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Intercity trains and regional lines to major Belgian cities
From Brussels Airport, take a direct train to Gent-Sint-Pieters station; journey takes about 1 hour.
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Comments (8)
Buy your day tram pass early morning, it's way cheaper than single trips if you plan to move around a lot in the city.
Really liked how cycling was so easy here. Made exploring the streets and hidden spots super fun. Could use better signage though.
Weather was a bit unpredictable, but that just added to the cozy feel of cafes we spent time in. Not too touristy, which was a relief.
Skip the popular sandwich shops near the main square. Walk 5 minutes to get better quality and half the price from local bakeries.
The architecture blew me away, but the crowds at the Graslei can get a bit overwhelming midday. Early mornings are the best!