How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Ghent Itinerary
Last Updated on 9th March 2023 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. Here’s how to spend the perfect one day in Ghent, as well as what to know before you go.
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!
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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.
Is one day enough time 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.
Suggested itinerary for spending one day in Ghent
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.
Admire the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
Located within St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (also called the Ghent Altarpiece) is a 15th-century polyptych altarpiece that is widely regarded to be one of the most impressive artworks from the Middle Ages.
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.
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 tour like this one.
Lunch at one of Ghent’s many cafés
It may seem a little bit random, Ghent is actually one of the best vegan cities in Europe. Some of the top vegan restaurants in the city include Le Botaniste (this restaurant is set against the backdrop of a vintage pharmacy store and their slogan is even ‘let food be medicine’) and WAY Plantbased Bakehouse (everything is vegan in this bakery).
Boat ride
One of the best ways to get to know Bruges is on the water. Canal boat rides are operated by several different companies and last around an hour. I personally enjoyed taking a boat ride after lunch as it was a non-strenuous way to digest and offered a little more insight into the history of Ghent. Find more details here.
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.
Graffiti street
If there’s one hidden gem of Ghent that I would particularly like to draw your attention to, it’s the Graffiti street, which is particularly unique to the Belgian city and is a must wander through while in Ghent.
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.
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…
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.
Have a drink at 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!
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!
Go on a beer tour
If you prefer to get to know more about Belgian beer together with a local, then you can go on a guided tour like this one. On the tour you’ll have the opportunity to sample a mixture of famous and small-scale craft beers. Check prices and availability here.
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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