Once upon a time, in a land known as Flanders, Ghent emerged as a city steeped in history and shaped by a rich tapestry of events – Honestly, once you enter the old town of Ghent, you start to feel the fairytale! Ghent’s story dates back to the Roman era when it served as a bustling trading hub along the River Scheldt.
Of all the cities within 30 min – 1.5 hours from Brussels, Ghent is one of our favorites. More beautiful than Antwerp, and less busy than Bruges, Ghent is perfect for a day or weekend trip, with a fun, casual vibe that will make you want to stay forever!
The amount of time needed to explore Ghent depends on your preferences and interests. While it’s possible to see some of the main attractions in a day or two, we recommend allowing at least two to three days to truly immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, culture, and charm. This will give you enough time to visit the must-see landmarks, discover hidden gems, explore the vibrant neighborhoods, and savor the local cuisine.
First, a bit of history…
Ghent truly began to flourish during the Middle Ages when it became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. It was a bustling center of textile production, known for its luxurious fabrics and fine craftsmanship.
The Renaissance brought a wave of cultural and artistic growth to Ghent. The city became a center for humanist thought and produced notable scholars and thinkers. It was during this time that the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers, was created—a testament to the city’s artistic prowess.
The 16th century brought challenging times for Ghent as the city witnessed periods of Spanish rule, the iconoclastic fury of religious conflict, and the decline of its textile industry.
In more recent history, Ghent played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution, embracing modernization and becoming a hub for textile manufacturing, engineering, and innovation. The city’s industrial legacy can still be seen in its architectural landmarks and industrial heritage sites.
Today, Ghent has a unique and vibrant vibe, is a city that effortlessly blends tradition with a contemporary twist. It exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. Known for its progressive mindset and youthful energy, Ghent embraces diversity, creativity, and a zest for life.
TO DO AND SEE:
- A boat tour (approx. 40 min): Right in the center of the city, where the Lys/Leie Canal forks, you can find several boat tour options. You don’t need to reserve in advance and usually can board in 5 to 20 minutes (unlike in Bruges). The boat trip on the canals are a great way to get a lay of the city and see some amazing architecture. The canals were priginally built for trade and defense in the Middle Ages, they now offer a peaceful setting for boat tours and a charming backdrop for riverside cafes and restaurants.
- Tour the Gravensteen Castle: Also known as the Castle of the Counts, it is a medieval fortress located in the heart of the city. The castle was built in the 12th century and served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders. Today, it stands as a remarkable historical landmark and museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. The castle is open daily from 10 am – 4:40 pm.
The historic center: Just across the Sint-Michielsplein bridge are some of the key main, historic sites all just minutes from each other for those interested particularly in old buildings and churches.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral: This magnificent Gothic cathedral is known for its stunning architecture and houses various masterpieces, including the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck.
St. Nicholas’ Church: This stunning Gothic church is one of Ghent’s oldest and most recognizable landmarks. Its impressive architecture and detailed interior make it a must-visit site.
Belfry of Ghent: Rising over 91 meters tall, the Belfry of Ghent is an iconic landmark. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and to admire the historic bells.
Now for some shopping…
Ghent is small, so instead of specific streets – here are a few of our favorite shops/markets (they are all relatively near):
- Brocante (Antique Market) Sint-Jacobs on Sunday mornings is a great little market in an idyllic square of Ghent. There are tons of treasures packed into this modestly sized market.
- Bookz&Booze is exactly as advertised, a wonderful shop full of exciting books, and their accompanying booze! You’ve heard of wine and cheese pairings, this is like that… but more literary!
- Dille & Kamille can be found in other towns in Belgium and the Netherlands, however if you are not familiar with this amazing chain, we highly recommend it as one of our favorite “local chains” for home goods and small gifts!
- Piet Home is a wonderful home goods shop full of fun and funky trinkets. Definitely worth a visit if you are looking for something fun to mark your time in Ghent.
- L’AmuZette is simply wonderful. It is a wonderful home goods store, combined with a great little cafe for a spritz, beer, and light meal/snack.
- Mieke is a funky women’s clothing store – but not THAT funky, so there is likely something fun for everyone.
And of course food!
We haven’t had the opportunity to extensively try enough restaurants in Ghent to give a full review, however it is hard to go wrong with all the delicious dining options in Ghent. Oudburg is lined with restaurants, several with terraces directly on the canal, and otherwise full out outdoor dining options. Voldersstraat in the south is another great option lined with trendy restaurants and bars.