Like its sister town Brugge in Belgium, visiting the city of Ghent is like coming into a feast of architectural masterpieces brought back to life. It is as if the time stood still. You mesmerize on the castles, cathedrals, churches, bridges, cobblestones, and old merchant houses. You’ll be reminded of the present when you catch modern structures in between.
Interestingly, I came to know about Ghent through my brother. He shared this article listing these underrated, must-see cities in Europe. From it, he even picked this city to start off our chat.
“So many places (in Europe) to visit, so little time!” That was all I ever say to him at that moment.
Yet lo and behold, I found myself in Ghent!
True enough, Ghent is a cozy little city. It complements its rich historic beauty fascinatingly with a young and cosmopolitan vibe. Ghent is considered as one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe during the middle ages. You can clearly see such a rich past in its canal-side architecture. This architecture has been restored and is continuously well-taken care of.
Ghent is also a university city. You can find an interesting mix of young people. Most of them are students. There are also foreigners who came to live here.
Are you now interested in visiting Ghent? If you ever are, I would like to share the top things with you. I’m pretty sure these will make you enjoy this city.
Explore Ghent’s streets
Ghent Market Hall is a perfect example. Built in 2013, the building positions itself in between St. Nicholas Church, St. Bavos Cathedral, the belfry and the town hall where locals can meet and attend events. The square used to be a parking lot for decades. Thus, the structure is designed to give the site more meaning.
The architectural design is very modern, yet it has masterfully and respectfully integrated the historical context of the city.
Later I found out that the new market hall did stir controversy among conservative locals. They protested creatively by drawing out expressions like Ghent bleit (Ghent cries) and Ghent rouwt (Ghent mourns). They came up with silly nicknames, calling the building Schandhal (Hall of Scandal or Shame) or Schaapstal (Sheep shed).
Indeed, it is polarizing from the looks of it. Yet, after having loads of medieval sightseeing, I find it refreshing to find something different and new.
Belfort en Lakenhalle (Belfry and Cloth Hall) is a must-see while exploring the streets of Ghent. Other attractions include Korenlei, Graslei, and Patershol. You should also visit St. Michael’s Bridge, Beguinages, Vooruit, Sint-Niklaaskerk (St. Nicolas Church), Sint-Baafskathedraal (St. Bavos Cathedral), and Het Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts).
Discover Graslei and Korenlei
Graslei and Korenlei are actually the two streets in the medieval port with the long river in the middle. These two streets showcase a unique sight of historical buildings in Ghent.
In Graslei you’ll find the guild halls. The house of the grain merchants, the guildhall of free boatmen, and the spijker each have a story. They tell of the glorious medieval past.
On the other side is Korenlei, where only the facade of the original buildings is all that’s left. Behind it are the new hotel (Marriot) and a few pubs and restaurants.
Boat trip on the city inner waterways
From Graslei and Korenlei, you can also start seeing Ghent in a different view. Take a boat tour along the city canals.
The tour lasts for almost an hour and it costs 7€ for adults; 6.50€ for seniors and students; 4.00€ for children aged 3 to 12; free for children under 3.
Visit Gravensteen Castle
Gravensteen means castle of the counts. It was indeed built by the count Philip of Alsace and eventually served as a seat of the Counts of Flanders until the 14th century. Over the next centuries, Gravensteen gradually lost its role and had become outdated and unsafe. The castle slated to be demolished when the city of Ghent began buying back the castle in 1885.
Today, Gravensteen Castle has become the city’s most important tourist destination. Many cultural activities, events, and parties have also been held since then.
TIP: Take the stairs up to the top of the castle. You can have a full view of the city from there.
Check out Van Eyck’s altarpiece painting
The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is the Ghent altarpiece painted by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. It has been considered one of European art’s masterpieces. It is also one of the world’s treasures. It was the first major oil painting in the world with Catholic mysticism all throughout.
Due to its sheer reputation, it is considered the most stolen artwork of all time. Up to now, a part of the painting has been missing for 80 years.
You can have an up-close and personal look at this altarpiece at St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Two-thirds are definitely original works and you can see the missing pieces replaced by its black-and-white replicas. It goes with an audio guide that vividly tells the details and stories behind this important artwork.
Try Ghent’s food specialties
Ghent is an interesting town to explore. You can discover food delights you’ve never seen or heard of. While doing so, you can also visit its equally unique food shops. There’s the sweet cuberdons, their crème de la creme pralines, and Larmuseau snowballs. You will also find kroakemandels (crunchy salted peas) and mastel bread. Enjoy a traditional soup called waterzooi and Ghent’s Ganda ham. Quench your thirst with an elderflower-flavored drink, RoomeR, or try Gruut beer. Don’t miss the Tierenteyn sought-after mustard, among many others.
Stroll around or dine in a restaurant at Patershol
Patershol is a narrow cobblestone street area in the heart of Ghent. It beams with quaint and charming little shops and restaurants. Get yourself swooned by its character as you stroll around to see old buildings in unique Belgian architecture. Get cozy in a nice coffee bar in the late afternoon. Alternatively, choose a restaurant for a dinner of your choice. Am I sounding too cheesy now or what?
Attend Ghent Jazz Festival and Ghentse Feesten
There are lots of music festivals in Belgium, believe me. And Ghent of course has its very own – the Ghent Jazz Festival and Ghentse Feesten.
The Ghent Jazz Festival is an international jazz festival held every year in July. Renowned jazz artists from Belgium and abroad play in a two-week program.
Ghentse Feesten is a music and theatre festival that usually starts on the Friday before July 21 (Belgium’s national day). It lasts 10 days. The last day is usually a Sunday. They dub it as de dag van lege portemonnees (the day of the empty wallets). How silly is that! Well, Gentse Feesten is very popular. About 2 million visitors attend the festival every year. This makes it one of the biggest festivals in Europe.
Follow Ghent light trail (Illuminated Walk)
It will be interesting to walk around Ghent by nightfall. The city came up with the Light Plan to emphasize prominent monuments and buildings. It also highlights entrance gates, traffic intersections, commercial streets, parks, and squares. You can follow this map here; it guides you through the particular streets and alleys for some sightseeing by night.
Witness Ghent Light Festival
Ghent Light Festival only happens every three years. It is one of the most dazzling light art shows in Europe and definitely the biggest cultural events in Ghent.
Practical Info & FAQs
Travel Tips
Start your day early to enjoy Gent’s picturesque canals and historic city center before the crowds arrive.
Purchase a Gent CityCard for convenient access to public transportation and discounted entry to major attractions.
Stroll through the medieval streets of the Patershol district to discover charming restaurants and hidden courtyards.
Don’t miss the stunning views from the Belfry of Gent; climbing the tower gives you a unique perspective of the city.
Try local specialties such as waterzooi (a hearty stew) and cuberdon (a traditional candy) at neighborhood markets and cafés.
Explore Gravensteen Castle for a fascinating look at Gent’s history, complete with interactive exhibits and panoramic views.
Consider renting a bike or using the city’s trams to easily reach landmarks and neighborhoods beyond the city center.
Relax in the Citadel Park or along the Graslei and Korenlei quays for a pleasant break and people-watching.
Visit the St. Bavo’s Cathedral to view the world-famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” altarpiece.
Plan ahead if you wish to attend festivals or major events, as Gent is known for its lively cultural scene throughout the year.
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