Explore The Best 16 Tourist Places and Things to Do in Ghent

January 30, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2315 Views

Ghent is a city in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital of East Flanders province and the third largest city in the country. People usually visit Ghent alongside Brussels and Bruges. Some of the best things to do in Ghent, Belgium includes exploring port area, castles, medieval buildings, art galleries, museums and canals. Ghent was one of the richest and most powerful cities in all of Europe during the middle ages. This is why some of the top places to visit in Ghent hail from this era including castles, churches, markets, port and palaces. The older parts of the city still carry this medieval vibe.

Early settlements in the region took place at the confluence of rivers Scheldt and Leie. It rose to prominence owing to its trade ports and textile industry. There is a museum dedicated to the city’s industrial past among Ghent tourist attractions. The city also held one of the most well known textile trade market in the country. The building which housed this market can still be explored today during Ghent travel. Though the best places to visit in Ghent, Belgium are the castles and palaces.

The most iconic castle to visit during Ghent sightseeing is the Gravensteen. It was built in the 10th century and it looks like it was pulled straight out of a fantasy film of knights and dragons. The city is also well known for its Gothic architecture churches with tall towers. The sight from atop these is among the top things to see in Ghent. The churches of Saint Bavo and Saint Nicholas are both great places to see this form of architecture.

You also get to explore numerous art museums and galleries when you visit Ghent. There are galleries and museums dedicated to historic, modern and contemporary arts. The design museum of the city is the only one of its kind in Belgium boasting an international collection. You have numerous Ghent top attractions dedicated to variety of art forms from different periods.

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Table of Contents

Visit The Top 16 Tourist Places in Ghent in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Graslei / Korenlei (Grass Quay)

These two neighborhoods are situated in the heart of the city. Some of the places to see in Ghent in these area include medieval port houses, historical buildings and canal. You can easily spend an hour roaming in these areas.

2. Korenmarkt (Wheat Market)

This central square of the city is named after the market which was held here since 10th century. The name literally means wheat market. The square is surrounded by historical buildings and is among the best places to begin Ghent sightseeing. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this square.

3. Saint Nicholas’ Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk)

This 13th century church is renowned for its Schedlt Gothic style architecture. It is among the most visually striking Ghent tourist attractions. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this church.

4. Belfry of Ghent (Belfort van Gent)

This 14th century bell tower is the tallest one of its kind in all of the country. The view from atop this tower is among the best things to see in Ghent, Belgium. You will need half an hour or so for this tower.

5. Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall)

This cloth hall used to be a textile market during the middle ages. The building has been used for several purposes since its construction in 15th century including festivals and events. You would need an hour to explore 3 floors of Lakenhalle when you visit Ghent.

6. Stadhuis (Ghent City Hall)

This building is one of the grandest one in the city and serves as the city hall. The architecture is a blend of renaissance and gothic styles. It is among the best places to visit in Ghent. You get an hour long guided tour to explore the various interesting nooks and corners of this building.

7. Graffiti Street

Among all Ghent attractions this street is the most fascinating. You will find a variety of graffiti spread across walls in this alley. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this street.

Day 2

1. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint Baafskathedraal)

This cathedral has a regal presence in the city’s skyline. It is among Ghent must see places. The cathedral exhibits one of the finest works of Gothic architecture while incorporating several different design elements as well. You will need at least an hour to see this cathedral.

2. STAM – Ghent City Museum (Stadsmuseum Gent)

This museum tells the story of the city. It takes you back to the city’s origin and showcases the evolution of politics, culture and traditions. It is among Ghent top attractions to understand the place. You would need 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

3. Saint Peter’s Abbey (Sint-Pietersabdij)

This used to be a benedictine abbey, but is now a museum and an exhibition center. The abbey was first built in the 7th century and is known for its baroque architecture. Majority of the exhibits are dedicated to medieval times, though many of the exhibits are changed each year. You can get a wonderful medieval experience here in terms of dining which is among top things to do in Ghent, Belgium. You should dedicate an hour or two to this place.

4. Museum of Fine Arts (Museum voor Schone Kunsten, MSK)

This museum exhibits some of the most exemplary works of fine arts created in Belgium between the middle ages and the 20th century. For those who understand, admire or practice art, this museum is among must see in Ghent Belgium. You would need two to three hours to explore it.

Day 3

1. Museum Dr. Guislain

This museum is solely focused on mental health and well being. It used to be a mental asylum since 1857 and was later converted into a museum dedicated to the history of psychiatry in 1986. You will need about 2 hours from Ghent travel for this museum.

2. Design Museum

This museum exhibits design and art pieces from the 20th century. It is also the only design museum in the country boasting an international collection. It will take you an hour or so the explore this museum.

3. Gravensteen

This castle is tops the list of best places to visit in Ghent. This 12th century castle is built like a crusade castle with a moat surrounding it. It is incredibly fascinating and exhibits the medieval splendour of the region. You would need 2 to 3 hours for this castle.

4. Huis van Alijn

This museum showcases life in the city as it was between 18th and 20th century. It is one of the most interesting Ghent tourist attractions. You get to explore both cultural and historical side of the region at this museum. It will take you about 2 hours to experience it.

5. Museum of Industry, Work and Textiles (Industriemuseum Gent – MIAT)

This museum is dedicated to the origin and evolution of the textile industry in the city. You would need about an hour for this museum.

If you are looking for more Ghent top attractions, check out the sections below. We have prepared exhaustive list of places and activities to explore in and around the city.

Things to do in Ghent

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Ghent

Gravensteen Castle
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
Museum Voor Schone Kunsten
SMAK – Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art
Ghent Design Museum
Saint Nicholas Church
STAM – Ghent City Museum
Huis Van Alijn Museum
Ghent Industrial Museum
Museum Dhondt Dhaenens
Museum Dr. Guislain
Saint Peter’s Abbey
Het Belfort van Gent Watchtower
Ooidonk Castle
Ghent City Hall
Citadel Park
St. Michael’s Church
Dulle Greit
GUM – Gent’s University Museum
Geeraard de Duivelsteen
Stadshal City Pavilion
Saint Bavo’s Abbey
Tatjana Pieters Art Museum
The World of Kina Museum
Gent University Botanical Garden
Laarne Castle
Museum van Deinze en de Leiestreek
Saint Jacob’s Church
Castle Scheldevelde
Museum Gevaert Minne
Castle of the Counts
IVA Historishe Huizen Gent
Saint Elizabeth Church
Our Lady ter Hooyen Convent
Hotel d’Hane Steenhuye
Museum Arnold Vander Haeghen
Cecilia Jaime Gallery
Museum Gust de Smet
Kasteel de Palichy
Our Lady of Saint Peters Church
Castle Claeys Bouuaert
Kasteel Borgwal
Catholic Diocese of Ghent
Floralienhal Museum
Kasteel Grand Nobel
Maaltebrugekasteel
Museum voor Dierkunde
Saint Anna Church

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Ghent

Bourgoyen Ossemeersen
Damvallei
Vallei van de Oude Kale
Merelbeekse Scheldemeersen
Heiebos
Vinderhoutse Bossen ingang
Keuzemeersen
Kloosterbos
Gentbos
Oude Leie
Natuurpunt Damvallei

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Ghent

Playground Blarmeersen
Harry Malter Family Park
LAGO Gent Rozebroeken
KAA Gent Stadium
Gentbrugse Meersen
De Brielmeersen
Koning Albert Park
Gentse Winterfeesten
Tuindagen Beervelde
Park Imperial
Houtdok

Shopping in Ghent

Friday Market
Gent Central
Linkeroever
Dok Noord
Cote Culture
East District

Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities to Do in Ghent

Hiking
Skating
Bicycle Tours
Swimming
Kayaking
Boat Cruise

Sightseeing in Ghent

Graslei Quay
St. Michael’s Bridge
Graffiti Street
Vrijdagmarkt Square
Korenlei Quay
Werregarenstraat Street
Portus Ganda
Kraanlei Quay
Glass Alley
Park Muink
Park Baudelo
Patershol Street
Achtersikkel Street
Ringvaart Canal
Kapitein Zeppospark
Augustijnen Klooster
Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein
Appelbrugparkje
Blandjinberg
Maaltebruggek Park
Koningin Astridpark

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Ghent

Oak
Karel de Stoute
Vrijmoed
De Appelier
Door 73
Frittur Tartaar
Keizershof
De Panda
Cafe Parti
Hof van Herzele
Tasty World
Koffeine
Cochon de Luxe
Woest
Volta
Hotsy Totsy
Pakhuis
Minor Swing
Roots
Baravins
Uncle Babe’s
Jan Van Den Bon
Publeik
Aroy Aroy
De Foyer
Heritage

Where to Stay in Ghent?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Ghent. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Ghent.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Ghent

How to Reach Ghent?

By Air

The nearest airport for Ghent travel is the Brussels National Airport. The airport is about 67 kms from Ghent. You can get trains, buses, rental cars and inter-city cabs from Brussels to make the trip.

By Road

You can get direct trains from Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Lille and many more cities Belgium to visit Ghent. If you are looking to travel from other places in Europe, you will have to get a connecting train.

There are buses going to Ghent from cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne, London and so on. Most of these buses would require a change at Brussels. You can get direct buses to reach Ghent from several towns and cities in Belgium.

If you are planning to go for Ghent sightseeing by car, you should head along route E40 or E17.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to reach Ghent. Though you can enjoy boat rides within the city.

Image Reference

Grass Quay (Graslei / Korenlei) – jo vanel / PixaBay
Graslei / Korenlei (Grass Quay) – G Travels / Flickr
Saint Nicholas’ Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk) – Stevan Nicholas / Flickr
Belfry of Ghent (Belfort van Gent) – bvi4092 / Flickr
Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall) – EmDee / Wikimedia Commons
Stadhuis (Ghent City Hall) – Tom Parnell / Flickr
Graffiti Street – Urs Widmer / PixaBay
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint Baafskathedraal) – Arran Bee / Flickr
STAM – Ghent City Museum (Stadsmuseum Gent) – Phile Deprez / Wikimedia Commons
Saint Peter’s Abbey (Sint-Pietersabdij) – Paul Hermans / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Fine Arts (Museum voor Schone Kunsten, MSK) – Simon / Flickr
Museum Dr. Guislain – Romaine / Wikimedia Commons
Design Museum – Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr
Gravensteen – Nicole Pankalla / PixaBay
Huis van Alijn – Donar Reiskoffer / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Industry, Work and Textiles (Industriemuseum Gent – MIAT) – Geertivp / Wikimedia Commons