Ghent
City

Ghent

Medieval charm meets vibrant student energy in Belgium

Here's what nobody tells you about Ghent: it's everything Bruges promises to be, minus the tourist crowds crushing your Instagram shots. This medieval city sits quietly between Brussels and Bruges, letting its three towers pierce the sky while students bike past 12th-century stone walls like it's no big deal. The Leie and Scheldt rivers carve through the old town, creating postcard views at every bridge. But Ghent isn't stuck in the past. University students pack the bars on Overpoortstraat, street art covers medieval walls, and some of Europe's best vegetarian restaurants hide in narrow alleys. The city moves at its own pace — fast enough to keep you interested, slow enough to actually enjoy your beer.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Ghent. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

The Historic Center puts you within walking distance of Gravensteen Castle and Saint Bavo's Cathedral. Hotels here cost €80-150 per night, and you'll fall asleep to the sound of medieval bells. Look for places near Korenlei or Graslei — the twin quays that face each other across the river like an old married couple. The Patershol neighborhood feels like a village within the city. These cobblestone streets house boutique hotels in converted guild houses, plus some of Ghent's best restaurants. Expect to pay €100-200 per night, but you're buying atmosphere money can't replicate elsewhere. Students favor Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat area. Budget hotels and hostels cluster here for €30-60 per night. The 15-minute walk to the center gives you authentic local life — grocery stores, laundromats, and bars where locals actually drink. But avoid this area if you need quiet. University students don't believe in indoor voices after 10 PM.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Buy groceries at Colruyt or Aldi instead of tourist-area shops to cut food costs by 40%
  • 2.Happy hour at most bars runs 4-7 PM with €2-3 beers instead of €5-6 regular prices
  • 3.The Ghent City Card costs €30 for 48 hours and includes public transport plus museum entries
  • 4.Lunch menus at restaurants cost €12-18 versus €25-35 for dinner portions of the same dishes
  • 5.Free walking tours run daily from the tourist office — tip your guide €5-10 instead of paying €20+ for private tours
  • 6.Bike rentals from the city cost €3 per day versus €15-20 from tourist shops
  • 7.Many churches offer free entry and contain art worth museum admission prices
  • 8.Student bars near the university serve €3 beers while center bars charge €6+ for the same brands

Travel Tips

  • •Download the Moovit app for real-time tram schedules — posted times are suggestions, not promises
  • •Restaurants close between lunch and dinner (2:30-6 PM) so plan your eating schedule accordingly
  • •Learn to say 'dank je' (thank you) in Dutch — locals appreciate the effort even if they switch to English
  • •Carry cash for smaller bars and food stalls — many don't accept cards under €10
  • •Book dinner reservations for Friday and Saturday nights, especially in Patershol district
  • •The tourist office in the crypt of the Belfry sells discounted attraction tickets
  • •Cobblestones get slippery when wet — pack shoes with good grip, not just style
  • •Sunday mornings are perfect for photography — locals sleep in and streets empty out
  • •Free WiFi works well in most cafes, but mobile data can be spotty in medieval buildings
  • •The Ghent Festival in July transforms the city but books up accommodation months ahead

Frequently Asked Questions

Two to three days covers the main sights comfortably. You can see the castle, cathedral, and main squares in one day, but Ghent rewards slower exploration. The extra days let you discover neighborhood cafes, take canal walks, and maybe catch live music.

Explore Ghent

Things to Do in GhentWhen to Visit Ghent3 Days in Ghent7 Days in Ghent

Ready to explore Ghent?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.