Ghent

Ghent

Travel tips Ghent

Ghent is one of Belgium's most enjoyable cities for a weekend getaway. In the historic center, you will admire impressive sights such as the Castle of the Counts and the picturesque Graslei. In addition, the city is bursting with cozy bars, good restaurants and surprising museums. Wondering what to do in Ghent during your city break? On our travel blog we share the best tips for sights, hotspots and fun activities. Discover Ghent at its best with our travel tips!

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The best deals for Ghent

Going on a city trip to Ghent? We've picked the best providers for you for a great weekend away: hop on the train with NS International and book the best activities via GetYourGuide. Prefer a completely carefree trip? Then check out TUI's city trip deals. 

Frequently asked questions about Ghent

To properly plan your city break or day trip to Ghent, below we answer some frequently asked questions about this atmospheric Belgian city.

Ghent is located in the East Flanders region of Belgium, in the western part of the country. It is where the rivers Scheldt and Leie meet.

From the Netherlands, you can travel to Ghent easily and quickly, both by car and public transportation. A popular way to travel to Ghent is by train, despite having to change trains at least once. The most economical option to travel to Ghent is by Flixbus. Of course you can also travel to Ghent by car, from Rotterdam it takes about 2 hours.

Ghent has the same climate as most cities in the Netherlands. The best time to plan a city trip or day trip to Ghent, then, is from May through September. During these months you have the best chance of pleasant temperatures and sunny weather.

Nevertheless, the month of December is also a very atmospheric time to visit Ghent. This is of course due to the cozy Christmas markets you can visit in the city then.

You will find some wonderful historical sights in the city of Ghent, the most famous are:

  • Castle Gravensteen: a moated castle dating back to the Middle Ages;

  • St. Bavo's Cathedral: admire The Lamb God here;

  • Patershol: one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the historic center of Ghent;

  • The Belfry Tower: climb the 95-meter tower.

One valuable tip we can give you is to purchase the CityCard Ghent, which allows you to enter almost all attractions. You can choose a 48-hour pass or a 72-hour pass.

Ghent is a very pleasant student city, so it won't surprise you that you can do incredibly fun activities there. Some tips include:

  • Canoeing down the River Lys;

  • Taking a walking tour of Ghent;

  • Having a beer at The Waterhouse on the Bierkant.

Of course, we have more tips, discover here The best things to do in Ghent.

Our favorite location in Ghent to stay is in the studios of Getaway Studios Ghent. You stay in the city center, you can make your own breakfast in the kitchen if you feel like it and otherwise the accommodation is comfortable and fully equipped.

More great destinations in Belgium

Be surprised by the versatility of Belgium! From the rolling landscapes of the Ardennes to the charming vineyards of Limburg, our southern neighbors have a lot of beauty to offer. Stroll through bustling cities like Bruges, Mechelen and Leuven, where culture, culinary delights and conviviality go hand in hand. Follow the scenic Scheldt route and discover charming villages and unspoiled nature. And the nice thing is: you're there in no time, but it feels like a world of difference.