If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, you might be wondering is Ghent worth visiting? Most people head straight to Brussels or the city of Bruges, but I think Ghent is one of the most underrated cities in Belgium. It’s a medieval town with a unique mix of history, beautiful canals, and a lively local vibe that makes it stand out.

In this post, I’ll share what makes Ghent different from other Belgian cities and help you decide if you should add it to your itinerary.

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Why Ghent is worth visiting

If you are still wondering Is Ghent worth visiting, my answer is yes! Ghent feels less crowded than Bruges and has a more local vibe than Brussels.

Ghent is a beautiful city that has a mix of rich history and stunning medieval architecture. It’s also a university town, so you’ll see lots of students and get a real sense of local life. The canals here reflect the old buildings, and every street feels like stepping back in time. At night, the city lights up and looks absolutely magical.

The city center is compact and easy to walk around, so you can see a lot in just one day without feeling rushed. Ghent quickly became one of my favorite cities in Belgium, is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere. Here are my top sights and favorite things to do in Ghent.

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Walk Across St. Michael’s Bridge:

St. Michael’s Bridge is my favorite place in Ghent. If you visit just one spot, make it this one. From here, you can see all three of Ghent’s medieval towers lined up perfectly. It’s the best place to get a feel for the city and to understand why so many people fall in love with Ghent.

The gothic towers look amazing from here, and the stone bridge itself has a beautiful bronze angel watching over the city. The streets around the bridge are over 800 years old, and you can really feel the history as you walk around.

Wander the historic center

You should definitely take some time to wander through the historic center. The medieval historic buildings, old squares, and cobblestoned streets make you feel like you’ve traveled back into the Middle Ages. At the same time, you’ll find plenty of modern cafés and shops where you can stop for a coffee or a snack.

Every corner has another historical building waiting for you. Walking around Ghent is never boring because there’s always something new and interesting to discover.

Visit the Castle of the Counts

Gravensteen Castle, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is one of the coolest places you can visit in Ghent. It’s a real medieval castle right in the heart of the city, and it looks like something out of a fairytale.

You can wander through the old rooms, climb up the towers, and get a feel for what life was like during medieval times in this Belgian city. From the top, you will have a great view, and it’s one of the best spots in the city for photos.

Visit St Nicholas’ Church

St. Nicholas’ Church is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Ghent. It was built in the 13th century in the unique Scheldt Gothic style. It’s located right in the historic center, and is one of the city’s famous Three Towers.

The best part is that it’s free to visit. The church is open every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so it’s easy to stop by while you’re exploring the center of Ghent. I recommend taking a few minutes to step inside and admire the architecture.

Climb the Ghent Belfry

Make sure to climb the Ghent Belfry (bell tower). It’s one of the city’s main landmarks and is even part of a UNESCO world heritage site.

From the top, you get panoramic views of the city, old town, the rooftops, and the canals. It’s the perfect place to see how everything in this small city fits together.

Take a canal boat ride

I recommend taking one of the canal tours, especially if this is your first trip to Ghent. Seeing the city from the water is a unique experience, and the canals here are sometimes called the Venice of the North.

During the boat ride, you’ll pass by picturesque canals, historical buildings, and even some hidden spots that you wouldn’t notice if you were just walking around. This is one of the top tourist attractions.

Wander Graslei & Korenlei:

Graslei & Korenlei is the riverside area in Ghent, and honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the city. I recommend taking a walk here to admire the colorful guild houses, watch the boats go by, and enjoy the views of the canal. It’s a great place for photos.

Back in the Middle Ages, this was Ghent’s main trading port, so you’ll feel the rich history everywhere you look.

This is a great area to:

Sit at a canal café and relax
Watch boats pass through the canal
Take a golden hour walk along the water

This is one of my favorite places to relax and really enjoy the city’s vibe.

Walk to Werregarenstraat (Graffiti Street)

Werregarenstraat, also known as Graffiti Street. This is a totally different side of Ghent. A narrow and long street with the walls covered in colorful street art that changes all the time, so every visit will feel new.

It’s the modern, creative side of the city, and it’s a nice contrast to all the medieval buildings you’ll see everywhere else. We came here at around 7:30 in the evening, and it was pretty empty.

Check out Groot Vleeshuis

Groot Vleeshuis is a historic market hall that used to be the center of the city’s food trade. It was originally a meat hall, and you can still spot traditional details that remind you of its past.

It’s a great place to get a feel for how Ghent worked as a trading city in the Middle Ages, when it was one of the most important cities in the region. You may see pork legs hanging from the ceiling, just like in the old days.

Try local food and drinks

Ghent is a fantastic city for anyone who loves food. If you visit, make sure to try some of the local specialties.

Start your day with Belgian waffles from one of the local bakeries. They are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and absolutely delicious.
Belgian fries are a must-try. Grab a portion from a street stall and enjoy it with one of the many sauces. They really are the best fries you’ll ever taste.
Don’t miss the chocolate shops. Belgian chocolate is famous for a reason, and Ghent has some of the best. You can sample different types and even bring some home as a souvenir.
If you like beer, try a Belgian beer in one of the traditional pubs. There will be a huge variety to choose from.
You should also taste some Trappist beers in the local bars. These are brewed by monks and are unique to Belgium.

Ghent also has plenty of modern restaurants, so you’ll always find great food, no matter what time of day it is.

Explore the canals and streets

I really loved walking along the canals, especially in the evening when day trippers left, and the city felt calm and peaceful. To learn more about the history, I recommend taking a walking tour with a local.

The cobblestone streets have so many great spots, small cafés, local shops, and places where you won’t find many tourists. I recommend taking your time to wander and see what you discover.

Compared to the city of Bruges, Ghent is less crowded, which makes it feel more relaxed without feeling overwhelmed by tourists.

Visit Ghent vs. Bruges

A lot of people compare Ghent and Bruges when planning their trip. Bruges is beautiful and looks like a postcard, but Ghent feels more authentic and alive.

If you want to see a city with real everyday life, students, and locals going about their day, Ghent is the place for you. But if you’re looking for a quiet, fairytale atmosphere, Bruges would be a great fit. However, if you have some extra time, definitely check out Bruges as well. It’s just a 30-minute train ride from here and makes for a super easy day trip!

This is why so many people ask Is Ghent worth visiting? because it offers a different experience from other Belgian cities.

Travel Tips and Things to Know Before Visiting Ghent

Ghent is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. The city feels calm and historic, and it’s very easy to explore on foot. Still, there are a few things you should know before you visit, so you can make the most of your trip.

Set realistic expectations

Ghent is a beautiful city, but it’s also a real city where people live, work, and study. You’ll see students heading to class, locals going about their day, and a mix of quiet mornings and lively evenings, especially near the historic center.

Ghent isn’t as polished as Bruges, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Some streets are full of energy, while others are peaceful and quiet. Just enjoy the mix of medieval buildings and modern city life.

Visit key sights early in the day

Popular spots like Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Ghent Belfry can get busier later in the day.

Famous places like Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Ghent Belfry get crowded later in the day. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter vibe, try to visit early in the morning, especially in the historic center.

You’ll also get better photos and a more peaceful experience.

Best time to visit Ghent

The best time to visit Ghent is from spring to early fall.

Spring is fresh and quiet, perfect if you want to explore without too many people around.
Summer is lively, with lots of events and outdoor cafés where you can sit and watch the city go by.
In fall, the city is calmer and the light over the canals is softer, which makes for beautiful walks.

Winter is colder, but it’s still a nice time to visit, especially around Christmas when the city feels cozy and the lights reflect on the water.

How to get to Ghent

Getting to Ghent is really simple.

Most people arrive in Belgium through Brussels Airport. The best way is to hop on a direct train to Ghent. The ride takes about 30 minutes, so you’ll be in the city in no time.

Ghent is a popular day trip from Brussels, but I recommend staying longer if you can. There’s a lot to see and do here.

I actually traveled to Ghent from Amsterdam by train, and the journey took just over two hours with one transfer.

Getting around Ghent

Ghent is perfect for exploring on foot.

You can walk through the city center, cross bridges, and visit all the main attractions without ever needing public transport.

Biking is also a great option here. Ghent is very bike-friendly, so you’ll see lots of locals and visitors cycling around.

The train station is just outside the city center, but it’s easy to get downtown by tram or even on foot if you don’t mind a bit of a walk. Direct trains from Brussels and other Belgian cities make Ghent very accessible.

Language in Ghent

You won’t have any trouble with English in Ghent. Most people speak it very well, especially in restaurants, hotels, and anywhere tourists usually go.

You’ll also hear Dutch everywhere, since Ghent is in the Flemish part of Belgium.

If you want to be polite, a simple ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’ in Dutch is always appreciated.

Staying overnight?

If you stay in the historic center, you’ll be close to all the main attractions. You can walk everywhere, which is perfect if it’s your first time in Ghent.

You won’t have issues finding a comfortable hotel here, whether you prefer a cozy boutique stay or a modern hotel.

What I love about Ghent is that it doesn’t get as crowded as Brussels or Bruges. Once the day trippers head out, you get to experience the city in a much more relaxed way, without all the tourist crowds.

Final thoughts

So, is Ghent worth visiting? Absolutely yes! It’s one of the most interesting cities in Belgium. With a mix of medieval architecture, pretty canals, great food, and a lively local vibe that feels really authentic.

Ghent isn’t just about checking off sights. It’s about wandering the streets, trying the local food, and soaking up the atmosphere of the city as it is right now.

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, make sure to add Ghent to your itinerary. It’s one of the best places to get a real taste of Belgian culture.

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Travels with MR

Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.

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Is Ghent worth visiting? Everything you need to know