Thanks to a thriving textile trade, Ghent was once one of the biggest and richest cities in this part of Europe. This medieval legacy leaves incredible buildings, riverside castles, and beautiful churches for us to enjoy. One day in Ghent is an ideal taster, so consider this 24-hour guide a starter itinerary for your weekend or longer visit.
Many people concentrate their time in Belgium in Brussels and Bruges, which are great choices, but I would urge you not to overlook Ghent.
Where is Ghent?
Ghent is located in the Flemish region of Belgium, roughly halfway between Brussels and Bruges. The city is well-connected, making it an easy destination to include when exploring Belgium, France or the Netherlands.
We chose to visit Ghent on a train adventure from south-west France to Den Bosch in the Netherlands. We stopped in Ghent on the way there, and Brussels on the way back, and found the train connections easy and comfortable.
How to get to Ghent
From Brussels, frequent direct trains connect the capital to Ghent in around 30 minutes, departing from Brussels Central or Brussels Midi stations. If arriving from Bruges, the journey takes only 20-25 minutes by train.
You can also access Ghent from major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or London via high-speed train connections to Brussels, followed by a regional train to Ghent.
For those driving, Ghent is accessible via the E17 and E40 motorways, and the city has multiple parking facilities.
If you are flying into Belgium, you will arrive at Brussels international, and you can get a train into Brussels Central, followed by a regional train to Ghent. Or from Brussels Charleroi airport (a city south of Brussels), get the airport bus into Brussels, followed by the regional train.
Where to stay in Ghent
For us, there was only one place we wanted to stay – 1898 The Post. The former post office building on Korenmarkt Square has intricate neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance architectural styles, and has been beautifully renovated inside into a boutique hotel.
Our room was on two levels, with windows out to the historical facade – it was fascinating to see how the made the inside modern without disturbing the historic building. The cocktail lounge was very stylish, and the private honesty bar for guests was an absolute haven.
Other super central options include: Ghent Marriott Hotel on Korenlei, NH Collection Gent near Poeljemarkt, and the ibis Gent Centrum St Baafs Kathedraal. For a short visit, I would definitely recommend being right in the centre of Ghent.
Spending one day in Ghent
As per usual with my 24-hour guides, I will run the timings from midday to midday, so you have suggestions for breakfast, lunch, dinner, nightlife and sightseeing.
While it’s easy to lose yourself in its winding streets for days, even a single day in Ghent can be packed with unforgettable experiences. From exploring centuries-old castles to wandering along picturesque canals, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this delightful city.
Lunch in the Centre
Choose one of these central eateries for delicious eats and people-watching:
- Du Progress – Ideal for people-watching, Du Progress sits in a row of restaurants on Korenmarkt. Our hotel recommended it for traditional Belgian options (although the two Belgian ladies at reception weren’t terribly complimentary of Belgian cuisine) – Stoofvlees (stew), Moules Frites (mussels), or Boulets (meatballs). I had the goats cheese and pear salad and it was delightful.
- Osteria Delicati – Located conveniently on Drabstraat near Korenlei, enjoy delicious charcuterie in a lovely atmosphere. This is a good pick for families.
- Frites Atelier – Looking for cheap eats or a meal on the go, grab some famous Belgian fries. There are many places that offer a cone of these delicious double cooked frites. Have them with mayo, or the famous Andalouse sauce from the area (a spicy mayo).
Admire Graslei and Korenlei
Graslei and Korenlei are two picturesque quays lining the Leie River in the heart of Ghent, they are the city’s most iconic views.
The river was how Ghent became a fabric trade route – so these quays have always been a hub for commerce. These historic streets are now celebrated for their stunning architecture, with rows of beautifully preserved medieval guild houses.
From here, you can take a river tour or hire a kayak to explore for yourself.
Visit the Ghent Altarpiece at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
The Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, was completed in 1432 by brothers Jan and Hubert van Eyck. The altarpiece features incredibly detailed and vibrant depictions of biblical scenes, saints, angels, and the central figure of the sacrificial Lamb, symbolising Christ. It marks a defining moment in the new realism movement of the Northern Renaissance.
The Ghent Altarpiece was recovered after World War II as part of the Monuments Men mission. It had been stolen by the Naz*s, who hid it in a salt mine in Altaussee, Austria, along with countless other stolen artworks.
The cathedral itself is beautiful, and can be visited free of charge. There is a charge for visiting the altarpiece, but it was worth seeing, as it is a masterpiece of its time. We spent a long time taking in all the tiny details and marvelling in the scale of it.
Wander the Old Town
Part of the charm of Ghent is the architecture. The stepped roof façades and tiled buildings in Ghent are characteristic of Flemish Renaissance architecture. This style emerged during the 16th century, blending Gothic and Renaissance elements with a regional twist. The stepped gables, often richly ornamented, were a hallmark of Flemish urban architecture, designed to make buildings appear grander while reflecting the wealth of their owners.
Take a wander around the old town and admire the Ghent Belfry (you can pay to climb it too if you’re brave), the town hall, and so many wonderful gables to enjoy. We found the Mason’s Hall near the cathedral, with dancing figures adoring the high gables – it was fantastic.
Graffiti Alley
This ever-changing alley of graffiti artworks is located between Hoogport and Onderstraat. We got to see an artist working on a new work, it was a fun experience to see this alleyway evolve in front of our eyes!
This area you are walking through is packed with shops and cafes, so grab a refreshment or do a spot of souvenir shopping while you are here.
Gravensteen Castle
Built by Count Philip of Alsace, Gravensteen Castle is a well-preserved 12th-century residence of the Counts of Flanders. In later years, it has been used as a courthouse, prison, and even a factory. It has imposing stone walls, turrets, and a moat, and is in stark contrast to the surrounding Renaissance style.
Sint Veerleplein is the square opposite the castle. This lively square has great nightlife vibes, so if you’re in for a big night out, start here!
Dinner at Pakhuis
Take in dinner at Pakhuis. This former warehouse has been transformed into an industrial-meets-Art Deco design with high ceilings, a glass roof, and warm wooden accents. The seats are on the ground level and on open balconies and walkways within the open space.
The food is refined yet approachable, and the hipster servers were very charming. We had an early sitting, which turned out to be a blessing, as once the restaurant filled up, it became very loud due to the acoustics of such an open space.
Drinks along Graslei
We love people-watching, and the bars along Graslei offer fantastic touristic people-watching opportunities. Yes, this area is a little more expensive, as it’s geared for tourists, but watching the world go by along this glorious promenade really can’t be beat. Watch the tourist tours and kayakers paddle past, and enjoy this lively part of town.
For those on a budget, you can sit on the edge of the canal and have a picnic. We noticed it got a little rowdy later in the evening, but we never felt unsafe.
** Fall into bed at an undisclosed hour **
Breakfast at Gust
Gust offers serious brunch options in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. When you walk in the door, you are confronted with a whole wall of gnomes, it is wonderfully whimsical.
The breakfast / brunch offerings were perfection. From the french toast with fruit, to the eggs and bacon with dukkah and salad, it was all delicious. They also made a mean flat white, one of my favourite Australian coffee types.
Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) or Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK)
After breakfast, spend your morning at one of the many museums in Ghent. We chose the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art / Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst (SMAK), and it did not disappoint.
Located in Citadelpark, south of the city, we took a taxi to reach it, although we could have taken a tram most of the way.
SMAK offers a dynamic and ever-changing program of exhibitions, focusing on experimental and thought-provoking modern art. During our visit, there was a temporary exhibition about the points of tension between private and public collections, which just happens to be what my masters thesis was about!
The Museum of Fine Arts / Museum voor Schone Kunsten (MSK) is located across the road from SMAK and houses a rich collection of European art spanning the 14th to the 20th centuries.
I recommend combining a trip to Ghent with a stop in Brussels,
a visit to Den Bosch in the Netherlands, or a visit to Paris!
Extras for a weekend in Ghent
Add these activities to your itinerary if you have longer than one day in Ghent:
- Take a Canal Cruise – Enjoy a relaxing boat tour and see Ghent’s landmarks from the water.
- Beer Tasting – Sample local brews at traditional pubs like Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant or modern breweries like DOK Brewing Company.
- Visit Huis van Alijn – A museum about everyday 20th-century life in Ghent, set in a traditional house.
- Explore Patershol – Wander through the narrow streets of this charming medieval neighbourhood.
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All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
It’s so easy getting around Belgium so Ghent is a good place to visit for a daytrip, I didn’t stay overnight but got to see most of the things you covered in your guide. If I ever return, I think it might be nice to stay overnight and do some of the other things on your list! I’m sure people watching in the evening with a Belgian beer is pretty fun! Haha.
You can’t really go wrong with a belgian beer on a sunny terrace, watching the world go by!