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Things to Do in Gent, Belgium

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When to visit

NOT BUSYJan3°15d rain
NOT BUSYFeb4°13d rain
MODERATEMar8°15d rain
MODERATEApr11°12d rain
BUSYMay15°14d rainBEST
BUSYJun18°16d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul20°14d rain
VERY BUSYAug20°14d rain
MODERATESep18°12d rainBEST
MODERATEOct13°14d rain
NOT BUSYNov7°15d rain
NOT BUSYDec4°16d rain

When are you going to Gent, Belgium?

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Scroll down for a list of most popular attractions and select them, if you want to include them in the itinerary preparation!

Most popular attractions in Gent, Belgium

Gravensteen Castle

1. Gravensteen Castle

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.6 (34,438)
CastleTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePoint of InterestEstablishment

Explore a fortress full of medieval intrigue and impressive architecture. Experience dungeons, ramparts, and panoramic city views all in one visit.

St. Bavo's Cathedral

2. St. Bavo's Cathedral

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.6 (13,593)
Tourist AttractionChurchPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of Interest

Experience stunning Gothic architecture and the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece. Explore centuries of artistry and spiritual beauty in every corner.

Castle of the Counts

3. Castle of the Counts

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.6 (34,438)
CastleTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePoint of InterestEstablishment

Discover ancient stories within mighty walls. Experience medieval life through eerie dungeons and stunning city vistas.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Gent, Belgium, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Saint Nicholas' Church

4. Saint Nicholas' Church

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.5 (2,786)
ChurchPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of InterestEstablishment

Discover a stunning Gothic marvel with captivating medieval art. Experience awe-inspiring architecture and historic craftsmanship in one inspiring visit.

The Graslei and Korenlei

5. The Graslei and Korenlei

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.8 (427)
Route

Step into a vibrant medieval harbor lined with stunning historic guildhouses. Experience charming waterside views and lively local culture all in one stroll.

Ghent City Museum

6. Ghent City Museum

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.4 (1,952)
Tourist AttractionMuseumPoint of InterestEstablishment

Dive into the living history of a vibrant city. Experience stunning views and a dynamic mix of artifacts and art.

Patershol

7. Patershol

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.4 (379)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Explore charming cobblestones and eclectic eateries. Experience a perfect fusion of history and local flavor around every corner.

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Belgian Waffles

Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles are famous worldwide for their light, crispy texture and deep pockets that hold syrup and toppings.

Speculoos

Speculoos

Speculoos are spiced shortcrust biscuits traditionally baked for St. Nicholas' feast, known for their caramelized flavor and intricate molds.

Cuberdon

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

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

Carbonnade Flamande is a rich beef stew made with Belgian beer, onions, and mustard, slow-cooked to tender perfection.

Stoofvlees

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

Belgian beer is renowned worldwide, with hundreds of unique varieties brewed by Trappist monks and commercial breweries alike.

Jenever

Jenever

Jenever is a traditional juniper-flavored spirit from Belgium, considered the precursor to modern gin, and enjoyed straight or in cocktails.

Chouffe

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

55 km 30m by train

Picturesque medieval town with canals and historic architecture.

Antwerp

60 km 35m by train

Major port city with vibrant fashion and diamond districts.

Brussels

55 km 30m by train

Capital city known for grand squares and EU institutions.

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Getting there

Train stations

Gent-Sint-Pieters

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.

Find flights to Gent, Belgium

Click to get eSim for Gent, Belgium

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Useful information for Gent, Belgium

Shopping locationsVeldstraat, Kouter, Shopping Center Gent Zuid
Nightlife locationsVrijdagmarkt, Overpoortstraat, Dulle Griet
Popular casual restaurantsBalls & Glory, De Graslei, Frituur 't Korhaan
Popular fancy restaurantsRestaurant Vrijmoed, Oak, Publiek
Popular coffee shopsCafé Labu, Mokabon, Bar Bidon
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, TaxiGent, Bolt
Taxi price / km$1.5
Tourists / year3100000
Population262219
Mobile internet speed70 Mbps
Unemployment percentage5.5 %
Poverty percentage15 %
Average income / month$3800
Average cost of living / month$1300
Hotel price / night from$90
Beer price from$3
Coffee price from$2.5
Street food price from$5
Restaurant meal price from$18
Local currencyEuro
Power plug typesC, E
ReligionsChristianity, Islam, Secular
Spoken languagesDutch, French, German, English
EthnicitiesFlemish, Walloon, Other European
Political orientationCenter-left
Population density4979 /km²
Geographical area156 km²
Possible natural disastersFlood
Dangerous animalsNone
Locations for a nice walkGraslei, Korenlei, Citadelpark, Patershol
Public transportationsDe Lijn buses, Trams
AirlinesBrussels Airlines, Ryanair, TUI fly Belgium
Suggested vaccinationsTetanus, Hepatitis A, Influenza
Architecture typeMedieval, Gothic, Renaissance
Average beer consumption per person / year70 l
Average wine consumption per person / year24 l
Tipping cultureTipping appreciated but not mandatory
Coworking / day$25
Airbnb / month$950
1BR rent / month$850
Gym / month$40
Daily budget (backpacker)$45
Daily budget (mid-range)$85

Overview for Gent, Belgium

English proficiencyGood
Traffic safetyAverage
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechGood
Public transportationGood
HealthcareGood
EducationGood
Power grid reliabilityVery good
Crime safetyGood
WalkabilityVery good
NightlifeGood
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood
Startup sceneAverage
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessGood
Nature accessAverage
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