Ghent, Belgium — Travel Guide
Belgium
4.5/5.0

Ghent

Ghent is the most authentic of Belgium's medieval Flemish cities — less touristy than Bruges, more student-energy than Brussels, with three intact medieval towers above a UNESCO-listed historic waterfront. The Altarpiece of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck in St. Bavo's Cathedral is one of the most important paintings ever made.

Best Time to Visit
April–October
Budget From
$1,100/week
Region
europe

Budget Breakdown by Tier

All prices are estimates for one person. Double for couples (hotels are often the same price for 1–2 guests).

$

Budget Smart

$55/day
$1,100/week

Hostels, street food and local cafes, free city walking, student neighborhood bars

$$

Business Class

$190/day
$3,000/week

Boutique hotels, Flemish cuisine, museum entry, canal and market tours

$$$

Luxury

$380/day
$6,000/week

1898 The Post or similar, fine dining, private art and history tours

Top Experiences

1.
See the Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by van Eyck at St. Bavo's Cathedral
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
2.
Walk the Graslei and Korenlei waterfront — the most beautiful canal quay in Belgium
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
3.
Climb the Gravensteen Castle in the city center
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
4.
Eat at the vibrant Vrijdagmarkt food market
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
5.
Take the Ghent Light Festival evening walk in January
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
6.
Explore the Design Museum and SMAK contemporary art museum
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
7.
Cycle along the Ghent-Bruges canal towpath to Damme
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
8.
Drink Belgian craft beer at Gruut Brewery — the last in-city brewery
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this

Where to Stay

Hostel 47 Ghent — hotel in Ghent
$ Budget Smart

Hostel 47 Ghent

$28/night

What guests say

Tom P.★★★★4.3

Best location hostel in Ghent — 5 minutes walk from the three towers. The roof terrace is a great spot to plan your city days.

Anna L.★★★★4.2

Great social vibe and the staff know the city intimately. Beer recommendations alone were worth the stay.

Hotel Harmony Ghent — hotel in Ghent
$$ Business Class

Hotel Harmony Ghent

$190/night

What guests say

Claire B.★★★★★4.7

A beautifully converted mansion with a garden and a fantastic location. The breakfast is one of the best I have had in Belgium.

Marc D.★★★★★4.6

Genuine Ghent hospitality — staff are passionate about their city and go out of their way to share it with you.

1898 The Post Hotel — hotel in Ghent
$$$ Luxury

1898 The Post Hotel

$350/night

What guests say

Isabelle V.★★★★★4.9

Converted from the old Ghent post office — a cathedral of a building with extraordinary architecture. The rooftop bar and pool are spectacular.

Dirk M.★★★★★4.8

The most dramatic hotel interior I have experienced in Belgium. The atrium bar alone makes this worth staying for.

Getting There

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Tours & Activities

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Getting Around

Car Rental

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Private Transfer

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Local Insider Tips

  • Ghent is Belgium's most student-friendly city — nightlife and cafes are excellent value
  • The Graslei at night is one of Belgium's most photogenic scenes
  • Book the van Eyck altarpiece visit in advance — viewing windows are limited
  • Ghent is easy to reach from Brussels (30 minutes by IC train)
  • The Gentse Feesten festival in July transforms the city into the biggest street party in Belgium

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Ghent?

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The best time to visit Ghent is April–October. During this period you can expect the most favorable weather conditions and a great overall travel experience.

How do I get to Ghent?

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Getting to Ghent in Belgium is straightforward — most international travelers fly into the nearest major airport and connect via local transport. World Destination Club can arrange all transfers and logistics for you.

What is the average cost for a trip to Ghent?

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Budget travelers can explore Ghent from around $1,100 per week. Mid-range travelers typically spend $2,200–$3,850 per week. Luxury experiences start at $5,500+ per week. See the full budget breakdown on this page.

Is Ghent safe for tourists?

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Ghent is generally considered safe for tourists. As with any international destination, we recommend exercising normal travel precautions, purchasing travel insurance, and checking your government's latest travel advisories before departure. World Destination Club provides up-to-date safety guidance for all members.

What are the must-see attractions in Ghent?

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Top must-see attractions and experiences in Ghent include: See the Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by van Eyck at St. Bavo's Cathedral, Walk the Graslei and Korenlei waterfront — the most beautiful canal quay in Belgium, Climb the Gravensteen Castle in the city center, Eat at the vibrant Vrijdagmarkt food market, Take the Ghent Light Festival evening walk in January. Our local guides and WDC advisors can help you prioritize based on your travel style and budget.
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