The Ultimate Ghent Guide: Best Things to Do, Secret Spots & Where to Eat

Last Updated on 30th July 2026 by Sophie Nadeau

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Delightful canals and architecture that looks as if it has been plucked straight from a movie: you’ll discover all this and more should you opt to visit the Belgian city of Ghent, a lesser-known and yet just as worth visiting destination than its nearby neighbour of Bruges.

Thanks to a fantastic beer scene, a wealth of charming viewpoints, and a surprising vegan scene, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Ghent, Belgium.

Please note that Ghent is known as Gent in Flemish (the local language). With this being said, everyone we encountered had a great level of English and so you won’t find it hard to get by in English!

When’s the best time to visit Ghent?

The best time to had to Ghent is between early April and late September. This way you’ll get the best of the weather as winters can be quite cold and wet, which doesn’t make for the best weather for exploration.

I personally loved visiting the city in April as the temperatures were warm enough for exploring but it wasn’t nearly as busy or as expensive during high peak season (i.e. July and August).

The best cherry blossoms in Ghent bloom around mid-April and there’s a whole alley of sakura at Ijzerlaan. If you’re spending more time in Belgium, be sure to check out our perfect Belgium itinerary.

Best things to do in Ghent

Ghent has no shortage of things to do from the super-touristic to the off-the-beaten-path and so I’ll cover both in this guide. Read on to discover the top attractions and also a suggested one day itinerary.

Wander around the old town

Truth be told, like many European cities, one of the best ways to get to know Ghent is simply to stroll around the old town and see where your feet lead you to. Some spots not to miss when exploring Ghent include:

Vrijdagmarkt: This is one of the main squares in the city centre and is where an open air market is held every Friday. If you’re visiting on Fridays you can expect to find vendors selling everything from local cheeses to fresh vegetables.

Korenlei and Graslei: These two quays line either side of the River Leie and are connected by the Grasburg bridget. They’re easily one of the most picturesque places in the city to take photos in.

Patershol: Wandering around this area feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. A maze of cobbled streets and quaint little shops, it’s the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir in one of the little boutiques.

If you prefer to get to know the city together with a local guide, then you can book a guided walking tour like this one. Another option for those who enjoy cycling is to go on a bicycle tourlike this one.

Ghent’s Belfort

Truth be told, one of the best ways to understand any new city is to get to know the lay of the land via a bird’s eye perspective. One of the best views in Ghent can be found in the form of Ghent’s Belfort, which is of such importance that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This historic tower is part of the Cloth Hall, a later 20th-century addition to the Belfry itself. In fact, the Belfort is the tallest of the three historic towers in Ghent.

Climbing the tower will not only give you a great view of the town but also rewards those who climb the steps with an up close view of the bells and music box.

Visit Gravensteen

Ghent’s former castle has been transformed into a museum that offers spectacular views of the water surrounding it and the rest of the Belgian city beyond. Gravensteen was constructed in the 12th-century.

Up until 1353, the fortification was the residence of the Counts of Flanders. It then served various purposes over the years, including as a mint, court, keep, and as a cotton factory. Today, it’s used as a museum, which takes around an hour and a half to visit.

Experience the beer scene of Ghent

Of course, one of Belgium’s most famous exports is its beer! And when it comes to the local tipple scene in Ghent, you certainly won’t be disappointed. One of the most unusual places to visit is the bar of Dulle Griet, which boasts the largest selection of Belgian beer in Gent.

And that’s not all! For, if you want to drink one of the special house beers, the Max Van Het Huis (which costs around €10 and is only served in 1.2-litre measurements), then you’ll have to borrow one of the unique beer glasses.

Unable to stand on its own and reminiscent of something that’s come straight out of a science lab, you’ll need to exchange a shoe for the duration of your drink just to have the privilege of drinking out of the beer glass! This also adds to the charm of the quirky bar; all the shoes on loan for beers are in a cage hanging above the beer taps!

Sample vegan food in Ghent

This one may well surprise you, but it turns out that Ghent has a fantastic vegan and vegetarian selection of restaurants. Along with the likes of the big cities such as Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Prague, one of the best places in Europe to enjoy vegan food is actually in the tiny city of Ghent!

For those looking for some veggie fare, one of the best spots in the city is to be found in the form of Le Botaniste, which serves predominantly luxurious vegan cuisine.

Highlights of the menu include seaweed tartare, botanical salads, and special pasta dishes. Otherwise, head to Madam Bakster, a gorgeous bakery serving a wide selection of coffees, cakes, and light dishes.

Take a boat cruise on a canal

Residents of Ghent are rather proud of their architecture and the fact that they are not UNESCO world heritage listed, mostly because of a couple of rather ‘ugly houses’ that are dotted among the more traditionally beautiful architecture.

One of the best ways to enjoy the waterways of Ghent is via canal cruise. We personally took to the waters during our time in the city and most certainly loved the guided visit which included plenty of quirky facts and information that we might not have otherwise gleaned. Book your medieval centre guided boat trip here.

Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb)

Of course, as well as the local spots in the city, you’ll probably want to witness Ghent’s most famous attraction with your own eyes, that of the Ghent Altarpiece. Famously desired throughout Europe for centuries, the artwork is also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb and is a polyptych (multi-panelled piece) painted during the 15th-century.

All gold paint and detailed scenes, a feast for the eyes this centuries-old work truly is. Since its creation, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb has suffered no fewer than 13 crimes, including seven thefts and has even hung in the Louvre in Paris. The piece was even stolen by the Nazis and stored in a salt mine, only to be recovered by the real-life monuments men.

Today, the Ghent Altarpiece is now safely housed within St Bavo’s Cathedral, where it will hopefully remain for many decades to come! Though the ecclesiastical building itself is free to visit and snap photos of, you’ll have to pay a small fee if you want to see the Ghent Altarpiece for yourself.

Go in search of street art

Street art lovers planning a visit to Western Europe need to look no further than Gent. Of all the reasons to visit Ghent, the sheer volume of murals and works of art may be one of the more unusual draws.

However, the city is home to enthralling sites such as a huge façade dedicated to the film The Monument Men, as well as a ‘graffiti street’ where spray painting is not only legal, but encouraged!

Enjoy the view from St Michael’s Bridge

Begin your exploration of the old part of Ghent at the St Michael’s Bridge. Right next to St Michael’s Bridge, you can also visit the St Michael’s Church, an ecclesiastical building dating back to the 15th-century. Entrance inside the church is free and it’s also a great place to escape the rain if it happens to be raining during your Ghent visit.

Discover the best-kept secrets of Ghent

Behind the world-famous van Eyck altarpiece and away from the crowds of Castle Gravensteen, there’s an alternative and quirky side to Ghent that you’ll want to discover.

For those in search of secret locations, off the beaten path attractions, and hidden gems, there’s no shortage to be found in the Belgian city. Between a secret food hall and a bookshop that doubles as a café, there’s no shortage of unusual destinations in the pretty city.

Learn about the ‘Little Nose War’

Though not necessarily a hidden gem so much as a story you should know about, it’s the spat behind the Belgian delicacy of the cuberdon that is just so fascinating!

If you’ve never heard of this typically Ghent sweet before, then this treat is also known as neuzekes (little noses) and is essentially a ‘nose shaped’ sweet with a candy hard shell and sweet raspberry interior.

The story goes that one day, one vendor decided to tout his wares from his bakery window on the Groetenmarkt in the city centre. Soon enough, another city vendor caught onto the prime location and moved to the Groetenmarkt.

After the original salesman decided that switching to a vintage cart would increase sales, the other man even bought a near identical cart! What was to ensue was a long and hard battle between the two salesmen.

So much so, that the local media has dubbed the fight ‘the little nose war’. After all, incidents have escalated to a brawl on the streets between the two men, water dumped over one another, and of course, plenty of gossip!

Le Bal Infernal Used Book Café

For some of the very best speciality coffees in the city, as well as the opportunity to peruse some reading material, be sure to head to Le Bal Infernal used book café. Close to the Griet Dulle bar and not far from the Serpentstraat, this coffee shop serves delights such as speculoos macchiato and chai tea.

The walls are stacked from floor to ceiling with books you can read, while a ‘free cookie’ wall beckons you to order a coffee and sit back and relax for a while. Perfect for hanging out with friends this trendy hotspot even lets you exchange books you’ve already read for new ones!

Begijnhofdries (Holy Corner) Ghent

Within the city limits of Ghent today, there remain a few beguinages you can still explore for free. Commonly found throughout the Netherlands and Belgium, ‘Hofjes’ as they are so-called in Dutch were typically religious-founded almshouses where older women and those most in need would live.

This beguinage was founded as early as the 13th-century byCountess Johanna van Constantinople and is now one of the quietest secret spaces in Gent. For other European examples of beguinages, you should check out the hofjes of Amsterdam or the Begijnhof close to the Antwerp city centre.

Soak up the ambience of a former abbey in Coyendanspark

Just a few hundred metres away from the Dampoort station, all that remains of a former Abbey Church is a green space and a few crumbling walls that now function as a public park. Free to visit and outside the historic city centre, the ecclesiastical building was destroyed by Charles V in the 16th-century.

Once upon a time, Saint Bavo’s Abbey was constructed in an attempt to convert residents of nearby Ganda, the ancient name for the modern city of Ghent, to Christianity. Like many such buildings throughout Europe, the abbey’s prosperity peaked in the 11th-century.

Unfortunately, this was not to last and following the Ghent uprising of 1540, Charles V destroyed the abbey and adjacent town of Ganda (modern-day Ghent, or Gent as it is locally known).

Today, the crumbling wall of the abbey is often said to be ‘Ghent’s oldest wall’. Now, should you frequent the park, you’ll soon discover that the shape of the Romanesque church is laid out in towering box shrubs.

Serpentstraat

One of the prettiest streets in Ghent can be found in the form of Serpentstraat. Literally translated into English as ‘snake street,’ this cobbled lane is filled with independent shops and boutiques.

Somewhere between the graffiti street and the Dulle Griet piazza, be sure to head here if you’re looking for some quirky shopping experiences in Ghent!

Ghent Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraatje)

Within the heart of the city, steps away from the historic city centre, one street is unique in that it is one of the only places in Belgium where graffiti is not only legal but is actively encouraged by the authorities.

This ever-changing and offbeat street can be found between Onderstraat and Hoogpoort. Elsewhere in Ghent street art lovers will absolutely adore the Tweebruggenstraat, as well as the promotional fresco ‘The Monuments Men’.

This mural was created by graffiti artist Bart Smeets on the corner of Predikherenlei and Van Stopenberghestraat and is certainly well worth admiring if you’re passing by…

For even more of an insight into local street art, you may well consider booking yourself onto a guided tour of the city like this one. And if you’re looking for even more of a personalised experience? Check out this private guided tour of the city.

Smallest Prison in Ghent

Located below the Execution Bridge (also known as the Decapitation Bridge and in Flemish as Onthoofdingsbrug or Hoofdbrug) and close to Ghent’s fortified castle, the smallest prison in Ghent can solely be identified by a little iron grill. During its time, the prison could only hold two people on their knees.

If you want to see this small site for yourself, then the little cell can only be spied from the water! As such, you’ll need to book a boat tour like this one. I personally loved the 40-50 minute tour as our chatty guide revealed plenty of secret facts and little known things about Ghent.

Admire Geeraard de Duivelsteen, Ghent’s secret and alternative castle

Ever dreamed of living your own fairytale European dream? Well, in Ghent you can! Though Ghent officially only has one castle (the Gravensteen), the 13th-century Geeraard de Duivelsteen (Castle of Gerald the Devil) is certainly an impressive feat of architecture. Over time, the ‘castle’ has been used as a monastery, a bishop’s seminary, and even as a prison.

Admire Les oiseaux de Mr. Maeterlinck art installation (Lightning Bird Tree)

Wander along the Scheldt River at night and you can expect to enjoy the illuminated installation of the Lightning Bird Tree. Inspired by l’Oiseau Bleu fairytale, this piece of quirky Gent art was previously a highlight of the Ghent Light Festival in 2012. Before you go after drinking a few of those Belgian beers, you should know that the birds are only lit up before midnight!

De Krook Library

Bibliophiles and architecture lovers alike will love checking out De Krook Library, a modern addition to the city in what was once a neglected area of Ghent. The scope of the project is to be an ‘open house for knowledge and innovation’ and the works were completed in 2017. 

Garden of St Peter’s Abbey

Known in Flemish as Sint-Pietersabdij, St Peter’s Abbey is a former ecclesiastical building turned museum and exhibition space. Though the Abbey itself is pretty well-known, one of the better-kept secrets of Ghent is that the Abbey is home to a hidden garden, which itself boasts a vineyard. Of all the unique things to do in Ghent, heading to the Garden of St Peter’s Abbey also happens to be free!

One suggested day in Ghent

One day is enough time to visit Ghent if that’s all you have. After all, this will give you sufficient time to see the city’s major attractions, test out a few pubs and restaurants, and snap photos of the top things to do.

Ideally, if you do have time to spare during your Belgium trip, you’ll want to set aside two or three days to fully enjoy Ghent. For more Belgium ideas, check out these top Belgium tips and these top facts about Belgium.

Here’s my suggestions for how to spend one day in Ghent (with timings):

8:30 AM – Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with breakfast and coffee at one of Ghent’s independent cafés before the city gets busy. This is the perfect time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the historic centre.

9:00 AM – Climb Ghent’s Belfry (Belfort)

Begin sightseeing with one of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks. Take the lift or climb to the top of the UNESCO-listed Belfry for panoramic views over the city’s medieval rooftops and canals. Before heading back down, admire the historic bells and carillon mechanism.

Time needed: 45–60 minutes

10:00 AM – Visit St Bavo’s Cathedral & the Ghent Altarpiece

Just a short walk away, step inside St Bavo’s Cathedral to admire Jan van Eyck’s world-famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Ghent Altarpiece), one of Europe’s greatest medieval masterpieces.

Time needed: 45 minutes

10:45 AM – St Michael’s Bridge & the Historic Centre

Walk towards St Michael’s Bridge for one of the most famous views in Ghent, where all three medieval towers line up perfectly. If you wish, pop into nearby St Michael’s Church before beginning a leisurely stroll through the old town.

11:00 AM – Explore Ghent’s Medieval Streets

Spend the rest of the morning wandering through the city’s prettiest neighbourhoods, including:

• Graslei & Korenlei – Ghent’s postcard-perfect canal quays.
• Vrijdagmarkt – Historic market square (especially lively on Fridays).
• Patershol – A maze of cobbled lanes filled with boutiques and cafés.
• Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraat) – One of Belgium’s few legal graffiti streets, where the artwork changes constantly.

12:30 PM – Lunch

Ghent is one of Europe’s most vegan-friendly cities, though there are excellent options for every taste.

Popular choices include:

• Le Botaniste for creative plant-based dishes.
• WAY Plantbased Bakehouse for pastries and light lunches.
• Or simply choose one of the many cafés overlooking the canals.

1:45 PM – Canal Boat Tour

After lunch, see Ghent from a different perspective with a relaxing canal cruise. Most boat tours last around an hour and provide fascinating commentary on the city’s medieval history and architecture.

Time needed: 50–60 minutes

3:00 PM – Visit Gravensteen Castle

Spend the afternoon exploring Ghent’s impressive medieval castle. Once home to the Counts of Flanders, Gravensteen now houses a museum showcasing medieval weaponry, torture instruments and panoramic views from the battlements.

Time needed: 1–1.5 hours

4:30 PM – Visit the Begijnhofdries (Holy Corner)

Escape the crowds with a short walk to one of Ghent’s hidden gems. Founded in the 13th century, this peaceful beguinage offers a glimpse into the lives of the Beguines and remains one of the city’s quietest historic corners.

Time needed: 20–30 minutes

5:15 PM – Golden Hour Along the Canals

Before dinner, wander back towards Graslei and Korenlei to enjoy Ghent at its most beautiful. Late afternoon is one of the best times for photography as the medieval buildings glow in the soft evening light.

6:30 PM – Dinner

Enjoy dinner at one of Ghent’s excellent restaurants, whether you’re looking for traditional Flemish cuisine, modern Belgian cooking or another vegan-friendly meal.

8:00 PM – End the Day at Dulle Griet

Finish your day with a Belgian beer at the legendary Dulle Griet. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the famous Max of the House, served in its distinctive long-necked glass. To ensure you return it, the bar temporarily keeps one of your shoes suspended above the bar until you’ve finished your drink!

Best bars in Ghent

Drink a ‘shoe beer’ in Pub de Dulle Griet

Have you ever been to a bar, only to leave a deposit of a shoe in exchange for a glass? Well, in Ghent you can! Pub de Dulle Griet can be found on a square of the same name. The bar is open every day of the week and boasts the largest selection of Belgian beers in Ghent, as well as a traditional Flemish pub interior!

Furthermore, if you’re looking for one of the most unusual things to do in Ghent, it has to be ordering the proef onze max van het huis (‘max of the house’ house beer). After all, even the fact of ordering the drink is a unique experience in of itself.

Not only will you soon discover that the shape of the glass is most unusual (and comes with its own little wooden stand), but that in order to be given your tipple, you’ll need to hand over a shoe, which is then hung over the bar in a little metal cage! The bar is cash only. Proost! For even more information, be sure to check out our guide to Belgian beer.

Frequent, ‘t Galgenhuis, the Smallest Bar in Ghent

Seating just eight people and situated close to the Groentenmarkt, this building was once in use as a tripe house where people could purchase animal entrails at a reduced rate. After all, while the other side of the River Scheldt dealt in fish, the side where ‘t Galgenhuis can now be found was where meat was sold.

Today, you can wander into the adjacent ‘Great Butchers’ Hall’ (Groetenmarkt 7) where the quality of meat sold in the city was regulated during Medieval times.

Back at the cosy brown bar(known in Dutch as ‘bruine kroeg’ and characterised by its wooden furniture and smoke-stained walls), the café has served locals and visitors alike since 1776. For even more beer adventures in Ghent, check out this beer tour of Ghent.

Things to know before visiting Ghent

If you’re planning a visit to Ghent, then there are a few things to know before you go. Firstly, though the city is not nearly as busy as Bruges, the best places to stay often fill up fast, especially so during peak season (i.e. school holidays, public festivals, and most of the summer). As such, be sure to book your place to stay well in advance. Check the best Ghent accommodation prices here.

Next, though English and French are widely spoken, Flemish is the predominant language of the Flanders region, which is a dialect of Dutch. Though you can get by with just French or English, it’s only polite to learn a few words of the local language!

Finally, if you want to get a true taste of the best of Ghent, then I highly recommend taking the time to explore the city on foot. Good shoes are a must and be sure to leave your high heels at home; those cobblestones sure are pretty but can be difficult to walk on in uncomfortable shoes! If you have a little more time on your hands, then you might also consider booking a walking tour of the city like this one.

Where to stay in Ghent

There are a number of different places to stay in Ghent to suit a number of different tastes and budgets. The city also makes a great alternative to staying in nearby Bruges as it is less touristic and therefore slightly less expensive.

Budget- KABA Hostel: This low-cost hostel has a trendy vibe and features amenities such as free Wi-Fi and bed lights, plus murals painted by local artists. There’s a wide range of rooms available, including mixed dorms, female only dorms, and private rooms for an extra fee. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range- The House of Trade: This quaint hotel is well-reviewed and is set against the backdrop of a 19th-century building. Highlights include free Wi-Fi and breakfast for an extra charge.

Luxury- Pillows Grand Boutique: For a luxurious stay in Ghent you won’t forget in a long time, you’ll want to book yourself into this hotel which boasts a pool. Other highlights include flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning, plus minibars, Nespresso machines and tea making facilities. Check prices and availability here.

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