2025 Ghent Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

It was a solo trip to Brussel and Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪 Belgium is a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern flair, making it a fantastic destination for solo travelers. From cobblestone streets to grand architecture, there are endless photo opportunities 📸 I started the journey in Brussels with a visit to the iconic Grand Place, the city’s central square. This UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by stunning guildhalls, the Town Hall, and the King’s House. Early morning ☀️ was the best time to capture the beauty of the square, as the sunlight bathed the ornate facades in a warm glow ✨ and there were fewer crowds. I took plenty of pictures of the intricate architecture and the surrounding buildings reflecting in the cobblestones. If you’re a fan of history and beautiful squares, I would definitely recommend starting your trip here 🙌 📍Grand Place – 1000 Brussels, Belgium I also visited the Atomium, one of Brussels’ most unique landmarks. This futuristic building, shaped like an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, offers striking photo opportunities 📸 both from the outside and within. I would recommend exploring the area around it, where you can capture the sleek structure against the skyline. The surrounding Heysel Park is also worth exploring. I wandered through its green spaces and took photos of the Atomium from various angles. 📍Atomium – Square de l’Atomium, 1020 Brussels, Belgium I took a morning train 🚆 to Ghent, a city with a vibrant medieval heart. I visited Gravensteen Castle 🏰 a medieval fortress that’s right in the center of the city. I would recommend getting there early to photograph the imposing stone structure without many people around. The castle’s towers and moat made for some dramatic shots, especially in the early light ✨ Afterward, I explored the Graslei Quay, one of the most beautiful spots in Ghent, with its picturesque buildings lining the river. The views here are perfect for snapping photos of the iconic architecture reflected in the water 🙌 📍Gravensteen Castle – Gravensteen 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium To round off my visit to Ghent, I also explored St. Bavo’s Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and the famous “Ghent Altarpiece.” I took some time to photograph the cathedral’s grand façade and its intricate interior 👌 The stained glass windows inside, along with the beautiful vaulted ceilings, are a photographer’s dream 📸 Afterward, I wandered around the nearby Korenmarkt square, a bustling area full of life and local cafés, perfect for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Ghent 🙌 📍St. Bavo’s Cathedral – Sint-Baafsplein 16, 9000 Ghent, Belgium I’d recommend starting each day early to get the best light ✨ and the quietest moments for photography. Belgium is full of charm, and there’s no better way to capture its beauty than by wandering through its cobblestone streets, medieval squares, and stunning landmarks 🙌🙌🙌 #solotrip #travel #vacation

There is a famous graffiti street in the center of Ghent It is a creative and colorful attraction. It attracts numerous tourists and art lovers to visit. This street is famous for its unique street art and graffiti works It is one of the most vibrant and artistic places in Ghent🎨🌟 From the entrance to the end of the alley, there are graffiti everywhere. Every corner, whether it is the wall or the ground You can feel the strong artistic atmosphere. The walls of Ghent Graffiti Street are covered with graffiti works of various styles. These works are colorful and diverse in content. Showcasing the creativity and talent of different artists Whether you like abstract art, realism or cartoon style You can find amazing works here🖌️🎨 Different from traditional art galleries The works on Ghent's graffiti street are frequently changed. Every time you visit, you can see different new works This makes this street always full of freshness and surprises🚶♂️ Ghent Graffiti Street is not only a place to display works of art It is also a place for artists to gather and create. You might meet artists who are working on their creations Witness how they transform ordinary walls into works of art 👨🎨 Whether it is the artworks themselves or taking photos with them Make your photos full of creativity and personality The colorful backgrounds of Ghent's graffiti streets will make each of your photos unique 📸🌈 #GlobalTravel

🌟 Backstory Gravensteen is an impressive medieval castle in Ghent, Belgium, built in the 12th century. The castle was once the residence of the Earls of Ghent and has great historical significance. The name of the castle means "Count's Stone". Its solid fortifications and magnificent appearance made it a defensive fortress at the time. 🏰 Architectural Features The Count's Castle is famous for its thick stone walls and tall towers, showcasing a unique style of medieval architecture. There are many historical relics preserved inside the castle, including ancient weapons, armor and various medieval daily necessities, allowing visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of life at that time. From the heights of the castle, visitors can also overlook the entire city of Ghent and enjoy the spectacular city view and the beautiful surrounding scenery. 🌿 Environment and facilities The castle is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with large green areas and charming landscapes, where visitors can take a leisurely walk and feel the medieval atmosphere. There is a cafe and souvenir shop in the castle, which is convenient for tourists to rest and shop after the visit. ✨ Looking forward to your visit The Earl's Castle is not only a great place for history lovers, but also a great choice for a family trip. Here, you can experience the charm of the Middle Ages, explore ancient legends, and feel the profound cultural heritage of the city of Ghent. Whether you want to appreciate the magnificent architecture or learn about the history of the castle, the Earl's Castle will give you an unforgettable travel experience. 📍 Address: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent, Belgium 🕰️ Business hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00 💸 Ticket price: Free to visit, some exhibitions may require payment (please refer to the official website for details) #Castle #100TravelWays #Castle

🌎In the heart of Europe, Belgium is like a shining pearl, waiting for every traveler to uncover its mystery. Traveling to Belgium by car is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual baptism. Walk through ancient streets, visit medieval churches, taste authentic food, and experience the unique romance and style of Belgium. Let’s embark on this classic self-driving tour of Belgium and experience the beauty of the blend of history and culture. ⭐️Route recommendations 🚩Brussels→Ghent→Antwerp→Brussels 🌼Daily schedule DAY1: Art Mountain-Atomium-St. Hubert Arcade-50th Anniversary Park DAY2: St. Michael's Bridge-Count's Castle-Ghent Art Museum-St. Bavo's Cathedral DAY3-4: Antwerp Grand Place-Rubens House-Riverside Museum-Antwerp Zoo-Royal Antwerp Art Museum-Saint Anne Beach-Plantin-Moretus Museum DAY5: Saint-Michel and Saint-Gudula Cathedral-Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium-Belgian Comics Center 🌸The self-driving mileage is about 170 kilometers. The recommended travel time is 4-5 days. It is suitable for tourists who like humanities and history. 💖Overview of attractions ✔️Mont des Arts: A historical site located in the center of Brussels, it has now become an art district with a strong artistic temperament. Walking around the Mont des Arts, in addition to visiting museums, art galleries and other attractions, the unique viewing position allows you to have a bird's-eye view of the charming city of Brussels. ✔️St. Michael's Bridge: a famous bridge in Ghent. Standing on the bridge and seeing the guild buildings of Ghent across the Les River, including three churches and the castle in the distance, is one of the best places to photograph the city. ✔️Antwerp Grand Square: The city center of Antwerp is located and is one of the important landmarks of Antwerp. There are many Flemish-style buildings around, and the ground floors of some buildings are now used as restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. It is a good choice to sit down and have a rest or buy souvenirs. ✔️St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral: This is a Gothic cathedral. It shows the simple linearity of Gothic architecture and is very grand. The front facade of the church has two symmetrical towers with a height of 69 meters. It adopts the rare flame Gothic style with simple and sharp reliefs. The south tower of the church has 49 bells made by the Royal Bell Factory, and people can enjoy its beautiful bells during Sunday concerts. #trip # Self-driving # Car rental # Self-driving tour

#europetrip Ghent, a picturesque city in Belgium, is renowned for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the Flanders region, it boasts well-preserved historical buildings, including the Gravensteen Castle and the stunning St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece. The city is crisscrossed by scenic canals and features a lively town center with bustling markets, cafes, and shops. Known for its rich history, dynamic arts scene, and annual festivals like the Gentse Feesten, Ghent combines historical charm with modern vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for visitors.

The Gravensteen (Dutch for 'Castle of the Count') is a medieval castle located in the historic city of Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪. It is one of the only remaining castles in the Flanders region with an almost intact defense system, including a moat. The current castle dates back to 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. Visiting the Gravensteen is an absolute must when in Ghent, as it is also the best spot to admire the Ghent skyline. By climbing to the top of the castle's watchtower, you can see the skyline formed by Ghent's famous three tallest ancient buildings. The castle is open daily, with an entrance fee of 13 euros, which includes an audio guide. The visit can take approximately 1.5-2 hours.

#luxuryhotels Charming Fusion: 1898 The Post in Ghent Discover the charming fusion of old-world allure and modern convenience at 1898 The Post. The hotel's cozy rooms and central location offer a delightful retreat in Ghent's historical heart. The rooftop bar, with its panoramic city views, adds a touch of magic to the stay. Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of this unique blend of charm and luxury.

#fallingseason Belgium is located in the west of Europe and it is famous for chocolate, waffles and even beer! I have been this place for many times and I am still love it! One of the favourites place for me is Ghent. This place is such a beautiful city with the river and lots of good architecture buildings. Secondly, Bruges is another place that definitely worth to visit it ! As this place looks like another Venice in Belgium, you can see lots of building across the river and they are stunning. #belgium #travel #tripcom #境外遊

The Count's Castle in Ghent, Belgium 🔹This moated castle was built in 1180 AD. Originally in Roman times, wooden walls and fortresses were built here. Later in the Middle Ages, the Count of Flanders built a castle here with stones. At that time, stone buildings were used to highlight one's wealth and power. 🔸After countless changes through the ages, the castle is still as majestic as ever! It blends in with the modern city without any strong sense of disobedience. Instead, it adds an avant-garde sense of the times. The castle can be visited inside, and the ticket price is 13 euros. #Belgium #Ghent #castle

Ghent is well worth a weekend trip. It’s ideal for a last-minute city trip as well. Quirky Ghent offers a fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with trendy, modern urban life. Ghent is a city where people enjoy life: a chilled-out place where anything goes and a city that feels human. Its friendly, welcoming people love the good life. Despite being one of Belgium's oldest cities, Ghent remains small enough to feel cosy but big enough to be a vibrant, relevant centre for trade and culture. #urbanexplorer #epic #tripblazers

Even though you may be short on time, visiting Ghent is absolutely worth just a quick visit. The town is overflowing with charm and character, so it would be a shame to not take advantage of this incredible Belgian place! Ghent is most known for its three towers—the Gothic masterpieces of the Church of St. Nicholas, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Belfry. This remarkable trio of buildings is right in a row on Limburgstraat, and you can pass all three in just five minutes, making them perfect destinations for visitors on even the shortest trip.

In the busiest place in the old town of Ghent, Belgium, there are three famous classic attractions, namely the Belfort Belfort, St. Bavo's Cathedral Sint-Bassfskathedraal and St. Nicholas' Church Sint-Niklaasker. The three attractions are only a few hundred meters apart from each other. The towering and unique buildings are just connected in a line from a distance. The three towers form the unique beauty of Ghent's skyline. Each building has its own characteristics. It is recommended to arrange about 2-3 hours to collect all the classics of Ghent at once. Clock towers are a type of building found in many European cities with a lot of historical traces. They once told time, provided alarms, and announced the arrival of special holidays. Now, they are one of the must-see attractions for travelers. In addition to its historical background, the Ghent Belfry is also very special because of its geographical location, which is right between St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Bassfskathedraal) and St. Nicholas' Church (Sint-Niklaasker). You can walk around the top of the tower and see two classic attractions. St. Bavo's Cathedral was originally just a small wooden chapel in the 12th century. It was gradually expanded into its current Gothic architectural style between the 14th and 16th centuries. In the square next to these three classic landmarks, there is a building with a very special appearance. The roof structure is a mix of glass, wood and cement. The overall shape is special and modern, very eye-catching. There is a piano under the roof that people can use, so people can play here at any time. The special design of the piano also makes the sound resonate, and the music played can be clearly heard nearby.

The vibrant and colorful graffiti street in Ghent is definitely worth visiting. It offers the chance for young artists to showcase their work in a city that welcomes street art and all they need is a spray can! The art work changes as new ones are painted on top, which means that the street will never look the same. #urbanart #urbanexplorer #art #graffiti #belgium

These very expressive angels is part of the well known Ghent Altarpiece ( The Adoration of Mystic Lamb) at the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. The impressive altarpiece measures 5.2 x 3.75m, and is painted by Hubert and Jan can Eyck in the 15th century. It is considered to be one of the greatest masterpiece in Belgium. As for the gothic cathedral which stands at 89m tall, it is the seat of the Diocese of Ghent, and took nearly 3 centuries to complete. It is free to visit the cathedral but requires separate ticket to see the altarpiece. #cityexplorer #history #art #belgium #ghent

#celebratewithtrip Getting There - Travel to Ghent, Belgium❄️☃️ Attractions - Christmas Markets 🌨️ Hotels - Try Downtown Ghent 🤍 Food & Restaurants - 🥘🫕🧀🥖🍲 Shopping - Explore the Christmas Markets 🎄 #celebratewithtrip by taking a Christmas trip to Ghent in Belgium! 🇧🇪 As one of the less typical European city-break destinations, Ghent and other Belgian cities are the perfect places to visit during the cold, winter months and festive season! With excellent markets and lots to explore, the Christmas markets in Ghent, Belgium are amazing and you can drink mulled wine while listening to Christmas music! Don’t miss a chance to explore Ghent in Belgium this Christmas season! 🎄☃️ #celebratewithtrip #tripblazers #triplocal #belgium #christmaslights #christmastrip

#fallingforfall #tripblazers #urbanexplorer #mytripvlog #awesomepic #bucketlistreboot #belgium Ghent is one of the most important Flemish cities along with Antwerp (just one-hour train trip from Ghent). The city is a perfect spot for fall vacations as its medieval buildings and walls look awesome also during this season. I especially recommend to visit major Ghent churches (including St. Babo Cathedral in the city centre) - their windows incredibly "play" with sun and bright colourfully. Next step of the trip can be also a cruise along the Ghent river as it allows to see the city from different angle. When visit Ghent it's also highly recommended to go to Antwerp and Bruges - two other must sees in the Flanders

#SummerIwaSummer Introducing lovely Ghent. Ghent, a small city in Belgium, is a city where you can find warmth and loveliness everywhere🫶🏻 It's summer, but it's cold on cloudy days Ghent has a completely different charm from the capital, Brussels 📍Gent in Belgium #Belgium

Ghent is about half an hour away from the capital Brussels and can be reached by train. Ghent is small and can be walked around in half a day. Climb up the Belfry of Ghent to enjoy the view of the whole of Ghent. But the bell tower is very narrow and only one person can pass through, so it is common to have to wait when taking pictures.

Ghent allows everyone to enjoy the historical traces and fashionable hipster style at the same time. It also has the most beautiful and romantic canal view in Europe 😝👀 Because this city is relatively small, you can walk all day long! The first stop is the St. Michel Bridge 😍 Since the bridge spans the banks of the River Rhee, the banks of the Grain and the banks of the Vanilla River, locals and travelers will come to enjoy the beauty from morning to evening🤤 Another stop is the Count of Brabant's Castle 🥰 This castle was once a prison court mint to modern times it has become a museum of torture instruments and guillotines like to see ancient castle architecture and walk the museum Don't miss it!

Ghent, Belgium is the capital of East Flanders. It is located in the center of the Bruges Plain! It is located at the confluence of the Helde River and its tributary, the Liss River, and is connected to the North Sea by the Ghent Canal, so foreign ships can enter and leave. The recommended restaurants here are ☑️ Chez Leon Location: Rue des Bouchers 18, 1000 Bruxelles This is a place that often appears when talking about Belgian restaurants, and its most famous dish is mussels!! ☑️ De Rave This is a restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of fish dishes as well as steaks!! I really recommend this place because the steak was delicious ❤️ #Belgium travel #solo travel #restaurant recommendation #Ghent #Ghent travel

Ghent, Belgium, also known as Ghent, is a port city with many canals and beautiful modern yet old-fashioned buildings. There is a tram, but it was not inconvenient to walk most of the way, and the weather was especially nice, so it was fun to look around. If you go to Ghent, Belgium, I recommend you try French fries and waffles!! #BelgiumTravel #TravelAddict #BelgiumEngent #GhentTravel #BelgianSmallCity #belgium #ghent #europe #EuropeTravel #SafeTravel

The Saint Bavo Cathedral is an 89-meter-tall Catholic, Gothic cathedral in Ghent, Belgium. It is the seat of the diocese of Ghent, is named for Saint Bavo of Ghent, and contains the well-known Ghent Altarpiece. The building is built on the site of the former Chapel of St. John the Baptist, primarily of wooden construction that was consecrated in 942 by Transmarus, Bishop of Tournai and Noyon. Traces of a later Romanesque structure can be found in the cathedral's crypt.Construction of the Gothic church began around 1274. In the subsequent period from the 14th through 16th centuries, nearly continuous expansion projects in the Gothic style were executed on the structure. A new choir, radiating chapels, expansions of the transepts, a chapter house, nave aisles and a single-tower western section were all added. In 1539, as a result of the rebellion against Charles V, who was baptized in the church, the old Abbey of St. Bavo was dissolved. Its abbot and monks went on to become canons in a Chapter that was attached to what then became the Church of Saint Bavo. When the Diocese of Ghent was founded in 1559, the church became its cathedral. Construction was considered complete on June 7, 1569. #awesomepic#historicculture#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#culturalattractions

The Gravensteen is a medieval castle at Ghent, East Flanders in Belgium. The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It was restored over 1893–1903 and is now a museum and a major landmark in the city. The origins of the Gravensteen date to the reign of Arnulf I (890–965). The site, which sat between two branches of the Lys river, was first fortified around 1000, initially in wood and later in stone. This was soon transformed into a motte-and-bailey castle which burnt down in around 1176. The current castle dates to 1180 and was built by Philip of Alsace (1143–1191) on the site of the older fortification. It may have been inspired by crusader castles witnessed by Philip during the Second Crusade. As well a protective citadel, the Gravensteen was intended to intimidate the burghers of Ghent who often challenged the counts' authority. It incorporates a large central donjon, a residence and various smaller buildings. These are surrounded by a fortified, oval-shaped enceinte lined with 24 small échauguettes. It also has a sizeable moat, fed with water from the Lys. #awesomepic#historicculture#beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#culturalattractions

You probably know Bruges and Brussels and may have heard about Antwerp. Ghent offers the best of each of them! It is as cosmopolitan and lively as Antwerp, as quiet as a walk along the canals in Bruges as gastronomical as Brussels. Ghent is one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe but also one of the most romantic. Dynamic and young, Ghent is also a perfect destination for a shopping or cultural city break with its many museums and events throughout the year. Bourgeois and dynamic city, Ghent is a bit like “Bordeaux”. The city is young and proud of its traditions and its past; it is looking to the future, but with its roots firmly anchored in its history. There is too much to see for an overnight stay, so treat yourself to some extra nights and experience a quirky weekend. This city is a delicious cocktail blending trendy city life and rich history. The people of Ghent are probably one of the greatest riches of this city. They are very welcoming and warm and just like them, after your stay you will have this city tattooed in your heart for many years to come. Book your flights to Brussels, your accommodation tours and activities and discover one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. #naturalwonders#culturalattractions#nationalpark

Traveling around the bustling cities around the world, I slowly discovered that sometimes the small towns next to famous cities are more beautiful, and Ghent, a city next to Belgium, is that place. Ghent, a small town hailed as a fairy tale by Europeans, is famous for its well-preserved medieval buildings. It is a must-visit town for many tourists traveling to Belgium. When visiting Ghent, I felt that there were not many tourists. The locals were friendly and pitiful, and the medieval buildings beside the canal were well preserved and very beautiful. It looked like a fairy tale town at any glance. Walking along the river and eating Belgian waffles is my most cherished memory of Ghent. If traveling to: From Brussels, the capital of Belgium, it takes about 30-40 minutes by train to reach Ghent. #OverseasTravel #ExploreEuropeanSmallTown #Belgium #belgium #ghent #I'm so hung up

Christmas Market in Ghent, Belgium Three cities you must visit when you go to Belgium This is Ghent among Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. (30 minutes by train from Brussels) I visited during the Christmas season and there was such a pretty Christmas market. The sky turning blue as if blue paint was being poured around sunset was so impressive. There is also a makeshift ice rink for skateboarding, so please take note! You know that you must eat at least one waffle a day in Belgium, right? ㅎㅎ #Winter travel #Gourmet tour #Safe travel #Christmas #Year-end travel #Winter food #Winter walk #Life shot spot #On a snowy day #Belgium #Ghent #Winter travel #Gourmet tour #Safe travel #Christmas #City travel

I visited, of course, Brussels and Bruges in Belgium. But I wanted to see a less touristy city, so I spent a weekend in Ghent. This city is small but so cute. The architecture is Flemish, and it's like Amsterdam. I visited the things to see like the St. Nicholas Church, or the belfry. I also took the opportunity to admire the street art because Ghent is very famous for it. There are even bike tours that are offered. I visited the castle of the Counts, and I advise you to take the audio guide because the comments are very original. Otherwise, Ghent is also the most vegan city in Europe, so if you are vegan, you will find what you are looking for. #awesomepic #unforgettableexperiences #couplestrip #scenicspotguide #travelinspiration #instagramworthydestinations #romance

Tucked away in the heart of Flanders, Ghent is one of Belgium’s best-kept secrets. This medieval city offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and youthful energy, making it a must-visit destination for curious travelers. Ghent’s skyline is defined by its trio of towers: Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Belfry of Ghent, and Saint Nicholas’ Church – all within walking distance. The Graslei and Korenlei quays along the Leie River are perfect for a scenic stroll or canal cruise, surrounded by beautifully preserved guild houses. Art and history lovers will find treasures like the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers, housed in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. Meanwhile, the imposing Gravensteen Castle transports you straight into the world of knights and legends. Yet Ghent isn’t just about the past – it boasts a thriving food scene, quirky shops, vibrant nightlife, and a strong eco-conscious vibe. The city's large student population keeps it lively, and festivals like Gentse Feesten highlight its cultural spirit. From cobbled streets and castle walls to modern galleries and buzzing cafes, Ghent is a city that balances history with hip, offering an authentic slice of Belgium away from the crowds. #Ghent #VisitBelgium #HiddenGemsEurope #HistoricGhent #TravelFlanders #GravensteenCastle #BelgianCities #CanalViews #EuropeTravel #UrbanCharm