If you make a plan to visit Europe this year and decide to cover most of your tour including discovery of culture, history and well preserved mediaeval architectures, then Ghent city of Belgium is exclusively waiting for you. Such an incredible city known for many things ranging from its mediaeval old buildings to the modern cultural scene, a city always deep rooted in the heart of millions of backpackers.
You might know that Ghent is the largest city of the Flanders region in Belgium, but we would say Ghent is a more picturesque and walkable city too. Besides that this city has multiple things which help us to explore its breathtaking beauty. So, the article below briefly explains 14 things to do in Ghent, Belgium even for your weekends or weekdays trip.
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5 Key Takeaways of Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent city is often well connected to rich historical and architectural legacy, home for mediaeval old castles, cathedrals, canals, cobblestone streets. Each of the symbols and historical evidence showcasing the city’s glimpse of fascinating history and culture.
- Unlike other European cities Ghent is a kind of city that is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. So, visitors can easily spot and reach attractions in a very limited time without spending a single penny. Most of the city’s museums, parks and buildings can be reached without depending on transportations.
- Ghent, Belgium hosts seasonal cultural festivals and events throughout the years, and this helps visitors to understand the country’s culture and traditions. Festivals like Gentse Feesten, a summer festival featuring music, art and theatres during its celebrations these events allow us to participate in it.
- If you like to spend your time under arts and contemporary galleries, then Ghent city will not disappoint you. The city boasts a rich art scene and museums showcasing diverse collections of Flemish and modern artworks.
- Waterzooi, Belgian chocolates and brewed beers are popular dishes available to satisfy visitors’ culinary desires. Besides these cuisine options, there are plenty of other locally grown vegetables and dishes available in the city’s local market.
14 Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium
1. Start Your Trip from Iconic Gravensteen Castle
If you already step into the land of Ghent and are confused about where to start your travel or city expeditions, don’t worry, start from the iconic Gravensteen Castle. There is a reason why you should start from this castle, Gravensteen is not just a castle today, moreover it is a house of Arms museum and museum of Judicial objects. This museum exhibits various warfare weapons and other devices used during the time of prison punishments and tortures. Interestingly castle once served and under control by the Count Philip of Alsace. Castle made by the thick stone walls, battements and towers located where historic facades and moats are surrounded.
Often called as “Castles of the Counts”, built in 1180 as the primary purpose for Counts of Flanders, a prison and a cotton factory. Its rooftop is a must visit spot to get 360 degree panoramic views of the city. Visitors need to pay an entry fee of €13 (for adults) to explore it’s inside beauty like museums and prisons. Make sure that the castle is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, better to be there before 4:40 PM.
2. Explore the Inside Beauty St. Bravo’s Cathedral
St. Bavo’s Cathedral is another epic example of Ghent mediaeval old Gothic and Roman architecture built during the 11th century. Sint- Baafskathedraal is an ideal example of giant towering combining various architectural styles, today it is home to popular “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the popular painter Van Eyck brothers and masters Hubert. This is a most vital works of art in Europe located at the back of the cathedral. This Mystic Lamb featured multiple painted panels which present in different views while opening and closing its wings. While opening its colourful picture unfolds and shows the Lamb of God who is surrounded by numerous saints, angels and biblical shapes.
Wandering inside of St. Bavo’s cathedral is completely free, but the cathedral charges €12.50 to enter Ghent Altapiece for adults. This cathedral opens daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but make sure that admission to Ghent Altarpiece is open only from 9:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Its interior design and epic facade stand as the city’s iconic architectural symbol and spiritual and religious centre of the Ghent peoples even from the 11th century.
3. Climb the Belfry of Ghent
Visitors would enjoy the Ghent, Belgium city’s beauty and legacy through climbing an iconic Belfry of Ghent. Recognised as the tallest belfry in Belgium, standing around 300 feet tall, famous for its ‘Three towers’ and adjacent to St. Brav’s cathedral and St. Nicholas church. Climbing to this 14th century old UNESCO World Heritage Site is a good idea to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and see other attractions like carillon bells.
Originally Belfry of Ghent used as a bell tower and that would ring to alarm people of the city during danger events like fire/ attacks or victories announcements. However, Belfry also used it to keep important documents like town chart and canal system projects. Once you reach its top you’ll see a circle and outer half walled balcony to spend more time with views and history of carillons. Highly recommended in Ghent, which is accessible every day from 10:00 AM to 18:00 PM with the admission cost of €10 for adults. If you hold a Ghent City Card, you’ll get free entry.
4. Enjoy City’s Canal Tour
Taking Boat tours in Ghent’s Canal is the easiest and most convenient way to explore the breathtaking beauty of the city, buildings and architecture. As we discussed earlier, the city has deep historical and architectural evidence, where canals are also a major part of its architectural beauties. Canals are created to fulfill trade and transport, shape layout with picturesque quays and easy water management. But today these canals help us to enjoy more scenic boat rides through its picturesque waterfronts.
Canals Boat trips start from Graslei or Korenlei, during canal journey you’ll be much blessed to get views of Gravensteen, churches, towers of St. Bavo’s and St, Nicholas church. If you book your guide in Gent-Watertoerist Bootjes, he’ll help you find out places, neighbourhoods, history, cultures and importance’s of those places. He will explain cotton mills and buildings where they produce wine, beer or meat and fish. Canal boat trips include 40 minutes of time and it costs around €10 per person.
5. Walk and Get Photos of Graslei and Korenlei
If you are going with your camera and looking where to get perfect capture to click then arguably both Graslei and Korenlei are for you. These 2 picturesque riverside streets stretch along the Leie River in the heart of Ghent city (Graslei situated on the right bank and Korenlei on the left side of the river). We recommend you to take a boat trip in Leie River and that will help you to get more incredible views of both streets along with its unique medieval old buildings. Moreover, the boat ride exhibits a glimpse of historic warehouses, gothic architectures and decorated facades of the surrounding buildings.
If we talk about its history both are once the centre of important trading places in the city, and majority of goods such as grain are exported from here. But later streets are hubs of major buildings like Korenstapelhuis and Gildenhuis van de Vrije Schippers especially during the 16th century. Despite being the oldest location in Ghent, today visitors can spend their time in popular cafes or book their seats at riverside restaurants for late night drinks. Remember both these quays are more beautiful and shining during night time by beautiful light that reflects bridges, water and buildings. So, do not miss visiting at night.
6. Do Your Shopping in Patershol
Exploring Patershol is an extension of Graslei and Korenlei quays travel journey. Patershol is a tiny picturesquare neighbourhood beneath the Castle of the Counts dotted with cobblestone streets, restaurants, cafes and boutique shops. So, shopping here in Patershol is relatively a good ideal for visitors since plenty of artisan shops, large department stores, local craft stores, gourmet beer and chocolates are lined in its picturesque street. Shopping in Patershol is another perfect way to experience the city’s beauty, since its narrow and cobblestone streets help us to create a friendlier ambiance to shopping.
Patershol will not disappoint you when it comes to mouthwatering cuisine options. Along with the shopping legacy, even restaurants also delightfully welcome those who wish to be part of its cuisine cultures. Tierenteyn mustard, craft beers, local chocolates and sweets are must try dishes usually available in every restaurant. However, take some breaks to drink coffee, eat snacks like kroakemandels and evening bites. Do not miss to visit museums and galleries in the area while leisurely shopping or make this activity as your bonus point.
7. Take Leisure Stroll in City’s Graffiti Street
Ghent Graffiti Street is a great place to wander amidst the mural paintings and colorful street arts. The street also called Werregarenstraat, where visitors can walk, it is a very narrow street with each side of the wall shining and depicting creative graffiti, mural paintings and tags. Often known as a place for unique hotspots of art lovers and street art cultures where visitors go to see a well-developed lively open air gallery and Gent Inquiry Desk.
It is recommended to stop your walking journey in Gent Inquiry Desk, an ideal place to make your walk even easier where you can pick up a free map of street art spots. Designated in 1995 as a designated ‘Hall of Fame’, from then the street is exclusively reserved and legalised to foster urban art works, to manage graffiti and dynamic pictures. If you are tired from walking too long and need some relaxation then drink coffee in cafes or go shopping this streets heaven to you. Close adjacent to some beautiful gift shops and cafes.
8. Visit Friday Vrijdagmarkt
Vrijdagmarkt is a Ghent Friday Market, moreover it is an oldest public market and oldest squares in Ghent city. The name represents Friday markets that open every Friday morning visitors may spot shops of cheese, flowers, clothes and local fresh products. Besides its market atmospheres, the place is surrounded by the historic building icons like Jacob van Artevelde and Bond Moyson trade union buildings. However, Vrijdagmarkt passed its legacy through occasional festivals, political gatherings and public executions.
Even today this bustling market opens most of the market stalls on Friday morning and Saturday afternoon. Market’s atmosphere is more charming and offers more fun to nightlife lovers since it is home to popular Belgian pubs, Tavern Dulle Griet cafe and colorful restaurants. Take a stop at the monument of Jacob van Artevelde, a person who served Ghent politics and was a popular merchant during the 14th century.
9. Appreciate the Architectural Beauty of St. Nicholas Church
Even though Ghent has multiple Gothic mediaeval old structures and buildings, visiting and appreciating the intrinsic architectural beauty of St. Nicholas Church has memorable things to do in Ghent. St. Nicholas Church or Sint Niklaaskerk is one of the oldest and recognised as a vital religious centres in the city. Built in the 13th century according to the regional form of Gothic architraves styles, the church is purely dedicated to St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas is a person who was once patron saint of merchants and sailors during the city’s former trading hub.
When you enter inside of this church you’ll appreciate its features such as soaring naves, blue gray stone, Baroque altars, intricate windows, historic organs and beautiful stained glass. The church boasts a massive central tower, which was once used as a lookout point and striking part. Through this tower today visitors take a panoramic view of the city and even together with Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. The church is completely free to enter and do not miss appreciate the interior and exterior design of the St. Nicholas architectural beauty.
10. Drink Belgian Beers
There are plenty of reasons why Belgian Beers are so unique and special not just in Europe even in world too. So, tasting this unique flavour is one of the unique things to do in Ghent. Belgian beers are basically sweeter, less bitter, yeastier and include more alcohol content (anywhere between 5%-12%) compared to other popular regional beer options. Beer in Belgium is a must try thing which is available in a thousands of numbers and you’ll spot in restaurants and shops just by walking through the streets of Ghent. Moreover these beers are available at a very low price in the market, so if you love beer then try Trappist beers and Abbey beers which are available near you.
Added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List for its great variety of beer ranges and excellent in quality. Visitors can choose their favourite flavours of beer, usually Framboise made by the Raspberry, Kriek made by the Cherry and Pecheresse by the Peach. Try Lindemans, it is a renowned Belgian beer choice known for its sweetness, fermentation and flavours like raspberry/cheery.
11. Visit STAM Ghent City Museum
If you would like to know a deeper and clear picture about Ghent city and its attractions, we recommend you to visit the STAM Ghent City Museum. It is a place where exhibitions took place to explore the concept of urbanity from different angles. And STAM helps us to showcase the story, history and culture of Ghent city through interactive exhibitions. Its permanent circuit is a more interesting thing in this museum, which makes it easy for us to track the chronological trail of objects and the development of Ghent city.
However, a city floor map is a really crazy idea introduced by the museum ideal both for children and adults to spot the locations of city’s attractions and contextual understanding about border urban fabric. This aerial photograph on a luminous glass floor is ideal for children to enjoy. Therefore visiting STAM Ghent City Museum is the same as visiting the entire Ghent city.
12. Admire the Aerial Beauty Sint Michielshelling
Sint Michielshelling, referred to as St. Michael’s Bridge, is located near to Sint Michielskerk, adding additional historical and architectural legacy of Ghent city Gothic architecture. Like Patershol, Sint Michielshelling is one of the most picturesque in Ghent city, well known for its perfect viewpoint by the St. Michael’s Bridge. This Bridge helps visitors and even people of Ghent to pass from Korenlei with St. Michielsstraat.
While passing this stone arch bridge surely you’ll not remove your figure from the camera button, because here where visitors getting more epic views of “three-towers” (St. Nicholas Church, the Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral), Korenlei quays and Statue of St. Michael. Initially the bridge was built like a flat swing, but during the early 20th century its structure was changed to an arch stone structure based on neo-Gothic style.
13. Uncover the Secret of the Flemish Beguinages
Flemish Beguinages is a place quite interesting but worth visiting in Ghent City. Discovering the truth of this landmark reveals to us the city’s interesting facts and one reason why this historical city gives special privileges to women. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Flemish Beguinages is a historical farm exclusively made for welfare of the women’s communities in Ghent, where pious and unmarried women lived. These women lived in religious communities and did not expect any formal monastic vows.
Built in 13th century, for the well-being of women through building small houses, chapels, gardens and cobblestone streets. Core reason to offer these facilities to stabilise their economic, social and personal upliftments when they literally have limited societal status and life. Today taking a tour amidst these attractions helps us to reveal how religious, social and economic stable they are. To maintain its historical significance and legacy, the city retained most of its buildings, houses and chapels to present generations for a deeper historical understanding.
14. Finish Your Trip through Tasting City’s Delicious Cuisines
Ghent is a kind of place not just popular for its rich historical, architectural and pleasant atmospheres, additionally it is heaven for food lovers. Widely recognised as the foodies paradise, often known for a diverse array of cuisine options including Belgian treats like fries and waffles, stoofvlees, waterzooi and a variety of chocolates. Along with Belgian Beers options, visitors can admire these variety cuisines in restaurants like Allegro Moderato and Brasserie‘t Vosken.
Around 600 restaurants in Ghent, where even today they are often known for catering international cuisines, vegetarian dishes and local delights. Serving cuisine according to visitor’s preference in Ghent has more historical roots, during mediaeval period some houses and local small hotels doing this business. Today, restaurants in Ghent offer multiple ways to experience the culinary journey, no matter whether you are a beer lover, vegan lover or seeking chocolate, this city is always for you.
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