CityBuddy
Castle of the Counts
Best time to visit
Late morning or early afternoon on weekdays offers fewer crowds and clearer light for photos. Spring and early autumn provide pleasant weather for walking the ramparts.
Budget tips
Entry fee is modest with discounts for students and seniors; check for free entry days during cultural festivals. A city pass often includes admission and can save money if visiting multiple sites.
Recommended for
History buffs, Architecture lovers, Families with children, Photography enthusiasts
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: The fortress dominates the skyline with its massive stone walls and imposing towers, offering panoramic views from its battlements. It served as a strategic military stronghold and a residence for powerful medieval counts.
Highlights: Step inside the dungeon where prisoners once awaited fate and imagine the echoes of history in the stone corridors. Climb the narrow spiral staircases to the lookout towers and catch breathtaking views of the old city rooftops and the river flowing below.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as cobblestone paths and stairs can be uneven and slippery.
- Bring a camera for excellent photo ops from the top of the towers, especially at sunset.
- Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter visit, as it gets busier then.
- Skip the audio guide if short on time; informational signs are well placed throughout.
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.
