Ghent Guide

Medieval architecture, food & canals

Ghent Research

Researched: 31 December 2025

Overview

Ghent is Belgium’s intellectual and cultural hub, home to 80,000 students, offering a perfect blend of medieval history and contemporary culture. Known as Europe’s best-kept secret, it’s considered more authentic than touristy Bruges, with buzzing energy and creativity.

Key Facts:

Distance from Bruges: 28-32 miles (45-51 km)
Driving time: 35-47 minutes
Train time: 22 minutes (direct, every 10 minutes)
Best for: Historic architecture, food scene, canal views, art, walking

Top Attractions

Major Historic Sites

Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)

Built between 1180-1200 by Philip of Alsace on a 9th-century foundation, modelled after Syrian crusader castles. Once a royal residence, prison, and cotton factory, it now offers an immersive journey through 12th-century heraldic culture with an excellent audio guide (voiced by local comedian Wouter Deprez).

Must-know: The torture chambers and royal quarters provide gripping historical insights.

The Ghent Belfry (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Constructed in 1380, this is one of Ghent’s Three Towers. The dragon atop the tower is Ghent’s symbol and mascot, serving as guardian of the city’s historic heart. The Belfry symbolises the city’s urban prosperity and independence.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral & The Ghent Altarpiece

Houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), a complex 15th-century painting of 18 panels. The most frequently stolen artwork in history, it has been recently restored with vibrant colours.

Why visit: Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, this is a culturally significant masterpiece.

St. Nicholas Church

The oldest and westernmost of the Three Towers, dating to the early 14th century. Constructed in Tournai blue-stone, it’s one of Ghent’s top tourist attractions.

Scenic Areas

Graslei & Korenlei

Two picturesque quays along the River Lys, in the shadow of the Castle of the Counts. Historic guild house facades reflect in the river, making this an excellent spot for:

Photography
Sunny aperitifs by the waterside
Architecture appreciation
Evening strolls

Best time: Late afternoon/early evening for the light and atmosphere.

Museums

STAM (Ghent City Museum)

Tells the history of Ghent with a unique feature: a gigantic aerial photograph covering the museum floor, presenting the city from a different perspective.

Museum of Fine Arts (MSK)

Discover more than 400 masterpieces of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Unique Experiences

Street Art Alley (Werregarenstraat)

When Ghent opened this alley to legal street art in 1995, graffiti artists responded enthusiastically. The tradition continues today with an ever-changing outdoor gallery.

Canal Boat Tours

As Ghent lies on the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers, water takes you nearly anywhere. Boat tours reveal historic facades and hidden corners from a whole new angle.

Note: Similar to Bruges canal trips but often less crowded.

Events in May-June 2026

May 2026: 4 events scheduled (specific details not yet published)

June 2026: 5 events scheduled (specific details not yet published)

Action: Check visit.gent.be/en/calendar closer to May 2026 for updated event schedules.

Food & Drink Scene

Ghent is the vegetarian capital of Flanders and offers excellent traditional Belgian cuisine.

Walking Food Tours

Available through local guides, typically including:

Traditional Belgian fries with Flemish stew
Belgian waffles
Belgian chocolates
Belgian beer tastings
Vegetarian specialties

Recommended Restaurants

Traditional Belgian/Flemish

Mémé Gusta

Warm, modern restaurant specialising in classic Flemish comfort food
Known for: Generous portions of stews, stoemp with sausage, mastel (unique bread preparation)
Associated with Belgian star chef Kobe Desramaults

Pakhuis

Atmospheric dining in a renovated warehouse with towering two-storey glass-ceiling dining room
Traditional Belgian brasserie food with sophisticated, seasonal touches

't Vosken (Sint-Baafsplein)

Classic Belgian restaurant

OOOST (Goudenleeuwplein)

Good traditional Belgian food at reasonable prices

Keizershof (near Dulle Griet bar)

Crispy cheese and prawn croquettes
Perfectly cooked steak
Showcases craft beers from Belgian brewing scene

Brasserie Bridge (Sint-Baafsplein)

Recommended for mussels

Cafe Rene

Best stew (stoofvlees/stoverij) in the city
Excellent vol au vent and shrimp croquettes

Fine Dining

OAK Restaurant (Michelin star)

Contemporary dishes with seasonal produce
Dinner menus from €99
Lunch: €42 for 3 courses (more affordable option)

Roots

Best affordable fine dining in Ghent
Seasonal farm-to-table menu
Focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes

Classic Ghent Experiences

Max

Where the Belgian waffle was invented
Charming art déco interior with hundred-year-old waffle irons
Waffles light as air, traditionally eaten with powdered sugar

Het Groot Vleeshuis (Great Meat Hall)

Wood-beamed hall from early 15th century
Shop and restaurant focusing on East Flemish specialities
Try: Ganda ham, local mustard, jenever

Dulle Griet (Historic tavern)

One of Belgium’s largest beer menus (500+ brews)
From funky lambics to Trappist classics
A must for beer enthusiasts

Must-Try Local Dish

Gentse Waterzooi - Classic Flemish dish of boiled chicken covered in thin strips of leek, carrot, and onion in a creamy broth.

Nature & Day Trips from Ghent

Nature Areas Within/Around Ghent

Assels Nature Area

Between villages of Drongen and Afsnee
Natural floodplain shaped by the Lys river
Paradise for meadow birds, ducks, snipes
Year-round kestrels, buzzards, sparrows

Blaarmeersen to Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Circuit

Varied hiking experience next to the city
Mix of lakeside beaches, pastures, marsh, and river views
Bird watching huts overlooking marsh and lake
Variety of bird species

Afsnee-Keuze Route

Connects picturesque village of Afsnee to Keuze Marshes
Narrow paths through landscape of canals
Rows of pollard willows and fields of flowers

Doornhammeke Hiking Route (Zevergem)

Follows towpath along the Scheldt
Severed Scheldt meanders in Scheldemeersen nature area
Doornhammeke and Krommenhoek sites

Oude Kalevallei

Between castle villages of Vinderhoute and Merendree
Hay and grazing meadows
Old pollard willow rows
Small field forests and ditches
Numerous hiking and biking trails

Regional Day Trips

Lys Valley

Fed by Lys and Scheldt rivers plus canals
Cycling and walking along water
Local museums and bars/restaurants

Meetjesland

Tranquil creek areas for walking and cycling
Flat land with picturesque farms and castles

Scheldeland Region

Meadows, brooks, valleys, and cities
Guided by Scheldt, Dender, and Rupel rivers
Attractive for walkers, cyclists, kayakers

Flemish Ardennes

Rolling landscape with impressive views
Stunning walking routes
Some of Flanders’s most challenging cycling routes

Accommodation Options

Campsites Near Ghent

Camping Urban Gardens – Blaarmeersen (Primary recommendation)

Location: 10-hectare campsite, stone’s throw from city centre

Facilities:

Many standard pitches of 50-100 m²
48 spaces specifically for motorhomes
Pizza food truck
Bar Du Soleil with terrace
Bike rental available

Ideal for: Cycling to city centre or exploring surrounding area

Driebeek Camper Van Site

Location: Alongside Blaarmeersen Campsite

Facilities:

8 comfortable parking spots on hardened ground
7 regular pitches
1 larger pitch for wheelchair users

Urban Gardens Motorhome Park

Details:

Self-contained camper park with around 50 pitches
Check-in from 1pm onwards

Note: Check availability for summer 2026

Alternative Campspace Options

Thies’s Mini Campsite

View of the lake in Heusden
Excellent facilities and easy access to city
Large vegetable garden
Campfire facilities
Tree house and sauna
House on wheels
Outside toilet, water point, electricity

Stephanie’s Family Garden

Near Ghent
Hot shower
Campfire facilities

Camping on the Leie (Zulte)

Camping and campervan spots
Spacious former football field
Stone’s throw from the river

For Day Visits (Park & Ride)

If visiting Ghent as a day trip without staying overnight:

P+R Gentbrugge

Free parking
Tram line 2 to city centre

P+R Flanders Expo/The Loop

Free parking
Served by tram 1, bus 77, bus 78
Shared bicycles available

How Ghent Fits Your Trip

As a Day Trip from Bruges

Pros: Only 22 minutes by train (every 10 minutes), 35-47 minutes driving
Ideal if: You want to experience Ghent without moving accommodation
Suggested: Full day trip (morning train out, evening return)

As an Overnight Stay (1-2 nights)

Pros: More time to explore at leisure, experience evening atmosphere, try more restaurants
Accommodation: Camping Urban Gardens – Blaarmeersen (walkable/cyclable to centre)
Ideal if: You want to slow down the pace after Bruges
Suggested timing: 1-2 nights after Bruges hotel stay

What Suits Your Preferences

Strong matches:

Historic towns (outstanding medieval architecture)
Food & drink (vegetarian capital, excellent restaurants, craft beer scene)
Cultural sights (Ghent Altarpiece, museums, street art)
Scenic walks (canals, Graslei/Korenlei, nature areas nearby)
Spiritual experiences (St. Bavo’s Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church)

Notable:

No cycling required (all major sights walkable)
Close to nature areas for hiking (Blaarmeersen, Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen)
Student city energy (vibrant but authentic atmosphere)
More classified buildings than any other Belgian city

Practical Information

Getting There from Bruges

By car: 28-32 miles, 35-47 minutes
By train: 22 minutes, every 10 minutes, €5-8
By bus: 45 minutes, every 4 hours

Van Dimensions Compatibility

Your VW Transporter (5.50m × 2.50m) will fit comfortably at:

Urban Gardens Blaarmeersen (48 motorhome spaces)
Driebeek Camper Van Site (8 spaces)
P+R car parks for day visits

Weather Considerations

East Flanders weather can shift quickly. Pack:

Compact rain jacket (spring/fall)
Waterproof shoes for mixed terrain
Refillable water bottle

Walking Tips

Supportive, waterproof shoes recommended
City centre is cobblestoned
Most major attractions within 2km walking radius

Budget Estimates

Day trip costs (per person):

Train return from Bruges: €10-16
Canal boat tour: ~€10
Museum entries: €8-15 each
Lunch/dinner: €15-40 depending on restaurant choice
Beer tasting: €5-8 per beer

Overnight camping (per night):

Urban Gardens Blaarmeersen: ~€30-40 (estimated, confirm current rates)
Electric hook-up: Usually included or small additional charge

Sources

Last updated: 31 December 2025