Ghent Travel Guide

Getting There

By Air: Brussels Airport is about 45 minutes from Ghent by train; SNCB currently lists Ghent at 55 minutes.

By Train: Ghent-Sint-Pieters station connects to major European cities; frequent direct trains from Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne.

Getting Around

Bicycles: Ghent is extremely bike-friendly with extensive lanes. Rent bikes at numerous shops; most tourists bike daily.

Public Transport: Trams and buses cover the city with affordable day tickets. Most attractions are within the walkable medieval center.

On Foot: The compact city center is best explored walking; cobblestones and narrow streets accommodate pedestrians naturally.

Shopping Areas

Graslei & Sint-Veerleplein: Upscale boutiques, fashion shops, and artisan stores in historic locations.

Veldstraat: Ghent's main shopping street featuring international brands and local shops.

Vintage & Independent Shops: Patershol neighborhood hosts unique vintage clothing, antiques, and designer boutiques.

What to Buy

• Belgian Chocolate: Authentic pralines from master chocolatiers—perfect souvenirs
• Flemish Art: Reproductions of Ghent Altarpiece and local artwork
• Lace: Traditional Belgian lace items from specialty shops
• Beer: Local Trappist and specialty Belgian beers unavailable elsewhere
• Postcard & Books: Medieval-themed souvenirs and travel literature

Note: Most shops accept cards; ATMs are abundant throughout the city.

Annual Events

In 2026, Gentse Feesten runs 17–26 July. with music, theater, street performances, and open-air cinema throughout the city.

Ghent’s annual December event is the Gentse Winterfeesten. The Ghent Light Festival is a separate event held every three years; the next edition is in 2027.

The 2026 Gent Festival (classical music) runs 10–27 September; check the film festival’s own programme for its dates: International film festival showcasing contemporary and classic cinema.

Art Biennale (Odd Years): Contemporary art showcase featuring installations, performances, and exhibitions.

Canal Festival (Summer): Waterfront celebrations with boat races, swimming events, and riverside entertainment.

Day 1: Medieval Ghent

Start at Sint-Baafskathedraal viewing the Ghent Altarpiece, climb Belfry of Ghent for city views. Walk through Sint-Veerleplein and photograph from Saint Michael's Bridge. Lunch at Graslei, explore guild houses and historic architecture, dinner in atmospheric Patershol neighborhood.

Day 2: Museums & Culture

Morning at Museum of Fine Arts exploring Flemish masters and medieval art. Afternoon in Design Museum Gent is closed on 1 October 2026 and reopens on 3 October. Stroll through Citadelpark, visit Sint-Pietersabdijpark's gardens, evening café culture in the city center.

Day 3: Canals & Neighborhoods

Morning canal boat tour experiencing waterfront perspectives. Bicycle tour or walking exploration of residential neighborhoods away from tourist centers. Visit Sint-Niklaaskerk and Sint-Jacobskerk. Afternoon shopping and browsing vintage shops in Patershol, street art observation.

Day 4: Local Life

Visit local markets and squares where residents shop. Vegetarian dining experience showcasing Ghent's unique food culture. Afternoon street art walking tour. Evening drinks and snacks at local beer bars sampling regional brews.

Day 5: Day Trip Alternatives

Consider day trips to Bruges (30 minutes by train) for additional medieval charm, or explore Flemish countryside villages. Alternative: Focused deep-dive into one museum or neighborhood based on personal interests.

Best Photography Locations

The bridge is a landmark viewpoint for Ghent’s three towers; reflections depend on conditions and the view is not reliably a perfect reflection. Arrive 30 minutes early for prime positioning.

Graslei Waterfront (Blue Hour): Twilight hour after sunset creates deep blue skies behind illuminated guild houses. Position from the water if possible via boat tour.

Sint-Veerleplein Square (Evening): Architectural lighting and reflections create romantic atmosphere; street lamps add warm tones to medieval facades.

Graffiti Street (Daylight): Vibrant colors pop in natural daylight; overcast skies provide even lighting without harsh shadows.

Tower Perspectives (Afternoon): Climb Belfry of Ghent for aerial cityscape shots showing canal patterns and medieval layout.

Electrical Standards

Voltage: 230V AC, 50Hz (European standard)

Plug Types: Type C (two round pins) and Type E/F (round pins with grounding) are standard.

Adapters: North American (Type A/B) and UK (Type G) visitors require adapters. USB chargers are increasingly available in hotels and cafés.

Recommendations: Purchase a universal travel adapter before departure. Major electronics stores and airport shops sell adapters, though prices are higher. Consider power banks for extended sightseeing.

Must-Try Dishes

Gentse Stoverij: Traditional Ghent stew combining beef, onions, and mild spices in rich sauce—comfort food embodying Flemish cooking.

Paling in 't Groen: Eel in green herb sauce, a classic preparation showcasing local waterway ingredients.

Belgische Frites: Crispy double-fried Belgian fries with mayonnaise, curry, or specialty sauces from dedicated frituren shops.

Asparagus & Seasonal Vegetables: Spring brings white asparagus; autumn features mushrooms and root vegetables showcasing agricultural abundance.

Belgian Beer: Sample Trappist ales, lambics, and local craft beers at traditional beer cafés like Gulden Draak and Smisje.

Dining Tips

• Lunch typically 12-14h; dinner 18-22h. Many restaurants close between meal periods.
• Thursday is vegetarian day—many restaurants feature meat-free menus and special offers.
• Reserve ahead for dinner, especially on weekends in popular neighborhoods.
• Tipping 5-10% is customary but not obligatory; service charge is usually included.