🇧🇪Belgium · Places to discover
What to see in Ghent?
23 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Ghent occupies a singular position in Belgium: neither the capital nor Bruges's postcard image, but a city that has kept its Flemish character intact whilst hosting a university that keeps it alive year-round. The Graslei, that medieval quay lined with guild houses, and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders speak to a commercial power that once rivalled London in the Middle Ages. The city carries this history without turning it into a museum.
September and October offer ideal light and footfall, before autumn rains truly set in. Two days are enough to grasp the essentials, three if you explore the quarters around Vrijdagmarkt. The bicycle remains the most coherent way to move about. Avoid confining your visit to the tourist triangle of Graslei–castle–Saint-Bavo: the streets behind the Patershol, less signposted, tell a more everyday story of the city.
Landmarks & heritage
5 places
1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0Landmark
Gravensteen
The castle of the Counts of Flanders, founded in 1180, dominates Ghent's medieval centre with rare authenticity. The humorous audio guide makes for a far more engaging visit than expected.
2Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Landmark
Graslei and Korenlei
Two medieval quays facing each other, lined with guild houses from the 12th to 17th centuries, forming Ghent's most photographed panorama. In the evening, the local atmosphere takes precedence over tourism.
3Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Landmark
Groot Vleeshuis
A 15th-century meat market converted into a showcase for regional products from East Flanders. The medieval timber architecture and soft lighting create a unique atmosphere.
4Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Landmark
Patershol
Preserved medieval quarter with cobbled streets and 17th-century houses, formerly occupied by Carmelite monks. Today it has become Ghent's most authentic gastronomic neighbourhood.
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Landmark
Landmark
Belfry of Ghent
A 91-metre medieval tower at the heart of the city, a symbol of freedom and independence for Ghent's citizens. The view from the top across the three emblematic towers of Ghent is unparalleled.
Museums
1 place
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Museum
Museum
MSK—Museum of Fine Arts
Ghent's Fine Arts Museum houses an exceptional collection spanning Flemish Primitives to Belgian Expressionism. Less frequented than major Brussels institutions, it thoroughly deserves a visit.
Religious sites
3 places
7Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Religious site
Saint Peter's Abbey, Ghent
A former Benedictine abbey founded in the 7th century, now a municipal museum (STAM). The baroque architectural ensemble is impressive and the museum tells Ghent's history in an intelligent, engaging manner.
8Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Religious site
Saint Bavo's Cathedral
A Gothic masterpiece housing the Ghent Altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers, considered the most stolen painting in history. An absolute treasure that even Ghent residents revisit.
9Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0Religious site
Saint Nicholas Church, Ghent
A gem of 13th-century Scaldian Gothic, often overshadowed by Saint Bavo but equally magnificent. Its western façade and octagonal towers are characteristic of local architecture.
Nature
2 places
10Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Nature
Citadelpark
The green lung of Ghent, former site of the 1913 Universal Exposition, home to the SMAK (contemporary art museum) and the MSK (fine arts museum). Ghent locals picnic here on Sundays, away from tourist crowds.
11Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Nature
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen
Nature reserve of 230 hectares west of Ghent, paradise for migratory birds and weekend cyclists. A surprisingly wild space just 10 minutes by bike from the city centre.
Parks & gardens
1 place
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Park
Park
Ghent University Botanic Garden
One of Belgium's oldest botanical gardens, founded in 1797, with Victorian glasshouses and a remarkable plant collection. Little known to tourists but beloved by local students and botanists.
Viewpoints
3 places
13Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Viewpoint
Sint-Michielsbrug
The Sint-Michiel bridge offers the most famous view of Ghent: the three towers (Sint-Bavo, Belfry, Sint-Nikolaas) aligned in an exceptional medieval panorama. Best time: early morning or sunset.
14Wikimedia CommonsViewpoint
Vrijdagmarkt
Ghent's popular main square, dominated by the statue of Jacob van Artevelde, far from tourist hustle. This is where Ghent locals meet to have a beer on the terrace of traditional taverns.
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Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Belfry Rooftop - 360° Panorama
From the 91-metre height of the Belfry, the panorama over Ghent and its canals is breathtaking on clear days. Locals rarely climb up but it is one of the best viewpoints in all of Belgium.
Activities
3 places
16Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Activity
STAM - Ghent City Museum
Ghent's city museum, housed in St Peter's Abbey, traces 2,000 years of local history through interactive and dramatic displays. The giant scale model of Ghent in the 18th century is fascinating.
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Activity
Activity
Cycling route along the Leie
The cycle path along the Leie connects Ghent to the Flemish countryside via picturesque villages and mills. Ghent residents take it at weekends to escape without leaving the region.
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Activity
Activity
Vrijdagmarkt Market - Friday Morning
The Friday morning market on the Vrijdagmarkt is where true Ghent locals shop: local vegetables, cheeses, fish from the North Sea. Authentic Flemish atmosphere and popular feel.
More to discover
5 places
19Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Place
Trefpunt - Concert Hall
Alternative concert hall and cultural centre in the heart of the historic district, programming local and international artists in an intimate atmosphere. The pulse of Ghent's independent music scene.
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Place
Place
Bloemenmarkt - Kouter Flower Market
The Sunday flower market on Kouter square is a Ghent tradition since the 18th century. Locals come to buy their bouquets as a family in a convivial and colourful atmosphere.
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Place
Place
Werregarenstraatje - Graffiti Alley
Official graffiti alley where street artists from around the world come to express themselves legally. The walls change constantly, with each visit offering different artwork – locals pass through regularly.
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Place
Place
Portus Ganda - Pleasure Port
Ghent's inner pleasure port, at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt, is a favoured promenade spot for residents at day's end. Historic boats moored here add to the charm of the place.
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Place
Place
Tierenteyn-Verlent
Artisanal mustard shop founded in 1790, the shop unchanged for decades on the Groentenmarkt. Homemade Ghent mustard is a local institution that every resident gives as a gift.
Also 🇧🇪 in Belgium
