Ghent

Gent

A stunning medieval city with picturesque canals, historic guild houses, and the famous St. Bavo's Cathedral housing the Ghent Altarpiece. It rivals Bruges in beauty but feels more lived-in and less touristy, offering excellent restaurants, museums, and vibrant student culture.

Things to do

• St. Bavo's Cathedral — Marvel at the stunning 15th-century Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck, one of the most important paintings in European art history.
• Canal-side walks along Graslei — Stroll past the perfectly preserved guild houses reflected in the water, capturing the essence of medieval Ghent's merchant heritage.
• Saint Bavo's Square (Sint-Baafskathedraal) — Explore the atmospheric square surrounded by historic buildings, street performers, and outdoor cafés in the heart of the old city.
• Citadelpark — Visit Ghent's main art museum district featuring the Museum of Fine Arts and contemporary art galleries in a leafy urban park.
• Sint-Elizabethgasthuis (St. Elizabeth's Hospital) — Wander through this beautifully restored 14th-century hospital complex that now serves as a cultural space with exhibitions and events.
• Gravensteen Castle — Climb the medieval fortress overlooking the city to experience authentic 12th-century architecture and panoramic views from the ramparts.

Food to try

• Gentse Stoverij — A rich Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in Belgian brown ale and served with crispy frites, representing the hearty local comfort food tradition.
• Waterzooi — A creamy vegetable or meat broth originating from Ghent, traditionally made with Belgian endive and served as either a vegetarian or meat dish.
• Belgian Waffles from street vendors — Grab a warm, crispy Liège waffle topped with pearl sugar, chocolate, or fruit from the many stalls around Sint-Baafskathedraal.
• Gentse Hutsepot — A traditional Ghent hotpot combining pork, beef, potatoes, and vegetables, historically a working-class dish now celebrated in authentic restaurants.
• Flemish Asparagus (Asperges à la Flamande) — Fresh white asparagus dressed simply with melted butter and a hard-boiled egg, showcasing the region's seasonal vegetable culture.
• Neuzekes or Tongekes (Local Sweets) — Traditional Ghent candy specialties—chewy licorice and nougat treats—sold in historic candy shops throughout the medieval center.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace the student vibe — Ghent thrives on its large university population, so expect lively nightlife, casual dining, and a youthful energy that distinguishes it from more formal Bruges.
• Vegetarian city culture — Ghent has a strong vegetarian tradition and many restaurants offer excellent meat-free options; Thursday is traditionally 'Donderdag Veggiedag' (Veggie Thursday).
• Street-level exploration preferred — Locals navigate by foot and bicycle rather than cars in the medieval center, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for narrow, winding cobblestone streets.
• Canal-side café sitting etiquette — When seated at outdoor canal-side tables, it's customary to linger over your drink or meal for hours; rushing is considered poor form and you won't feel pressured by service staff.

Nearby

• Sint-Martens-Latem (Northeast Flanders) — 10 km
• Deinze (Northeast Flanders) — 11 km
• Eeklo (Northeast Flanders) — 19 km
• Thourout — 24 km