Is Ghent Worth Visiting? Honest Pros and Cons (2026)
Ghent has a habit of catching people off guard. You arrive expecting a quieter version of Bruges, and you leave wondering why nobody told you about the castle, the street art and the beer. I felt exactly that way after my first walk along the river.
I spent two days in Ghent one summer, and I wish I’d had a third. It’s the second-largest city in Flanders, Belgium and the birthplace of Emperor Charles V. It’s also a university town with around 85,000 students, which gives it an energy that museum-piece cities often lack. You get a moated castle, a medieval waterfront and a world-famous altarpiece, all within a short walk of each other.
Whether Ghent is worth visiting depends on what you want from a city break, but for most people the answer is a clear yes. It’s compact, great value and easy to reach by train. Below, I cover what I loved, what to watch out for, where to stay, the best tours to book, when to go, how long you need and how to get around.
Pros of Visiting Ghent
1. Graslei and Korenlei
The Graslei and Korenlei are the two quays that face each other across the River Leie, and they’re the postcard view of Ghent. Medieval guildhalls line the water, each with its own stepped gable. I walked down here on my first evening and ended up sitting on the stone steps for an hour. Locals do exactly the same, usually with a drink in hand. Bring a takeaway coffee and you’ve got the best seat in the city for the price of a latte.
For the best photo, stand on Sint-Michielsbrug. From the bridge you can see the towers of St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral in one line. To see the quays from the water, book a 50-minute guided boat trip. It passes the guildhalls, the birthplace of Charles V and the castle. Come back after dark, when the buildings are floodlit and the crowds thin out.
2. Gravensteen Castle
Few cities have a real moated castle in the middle of town. Gravensteen was built in the 12th century for the Counts of Flanders, and it still looks the part. It’s open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 16:40. Tickets cost €15, and an audio guide is included. The castle is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
I spent about 90 minutes inside, and I’d allow the same. Climb the ramparts first for views across the rooftops. Then head down into the dungeons and the small torture-instrument collection, which is grim but fascinating. The audio guide keeps things moving and is actually worth listening to. Go early in the morning if you want the courtyard to yourself, because tour groups arrive from late morning. Kids love it, and the weapons and armour displays keep adults interested too. Wear flat shoes, because the spiral stairs are steep and worn.
3. The Ghent Altarpiece
The Ghent Altarpiece (also called the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) is one of the most important paintings in Europe. The van Eyck brothers finished it in 1432, and it sits inside St Bavo’s Cathedral. A visit costs €12.50 for the altarpiece alone, or €16 with the augmented-reality tour. Booking online ahead is the smart move, because slots fill up in summer.
I added the AR tour, and it helped me spot details I’d have missed, like the tiny reflections in the jewels. The panels have been under restoration for years, and you can see some of that work at the MSK. A MSK entry ticket also covers Bosch, Rubens and Magritte. The CityCard knocks €10 off the altarpiece ticket if you book through the official site. Allow at least an hour for the visit, and arrive a little early so you aren’t rushed. It’s the one sight I’d tell everyone not to skip.
4. Belfry and the Three Towers
Ghent’s skyline is built around three towers, and the Belfry is the one you can climb. It’s open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, and the last tickets sell at 17:20. Entry costs €13. At the top, you get a sweeping view over the medieval centre, with the river, the castle and the other two spires laid out below.
I went up late afternoon, when the light was soft and the queue had shrunk. The tower also houses a carillon, so if you time it right, you’ll hear the bells ringing across the rooftops. Look out for the gilded dragon on top of the spire. It’s been the symbol of the city for centuries. After the climb, the nearby Cloth Hall and the old town hall are worth a quick look from the outside. The view is especially good over the Graslei and the castle roofs. Take a jacket, because it can be breezy at the top.
5. Street Art and Creative Streets
Ghent has a lively alternative side, and the best example is Werregarenstraat, known as Graffiti Alley. It runs off Hoogpoort in the centre and is open to the public. Murals, tags and stencils cover every wall, and the artwork is constantly painted over, so no two visits look the same. I walked through twice in one trip and spotted new pieces the second time.
For more, head towards the university area, where murals pop up on side streets and under railway bridges. A free street art map from the tourist office helps you track the best spots. If you’d like a guide, a guided urban bike tour takes you off the beaten track. It mixes landmarks with hidden corners and street art, and it’s a fun way to cover more ground. Keep your camera handy, because the best pieces are often tucked into doorways. Grab a coffee nearby afterwards and watch the locals cycle past.
6. Food and Local Specialities
Ghent is a great city to eat in, and you don’t need a big budget. Start with the classics: waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew that originated here), stoverij (beef stew cooked in beer) and a paper cone of frites for around €4. Then try cuberdons, the cone-shaped raspberry sweets that locals call “neuzekes”. Tierenteyn-Verlent on Groentenmarkt has sold mustard from wooden tubs for generations.
On Fridays and Saturdays, Vrijdagmarkt and the surrounding streets fill with market stalls and café tables. I’d book a food tour with tastings on day one. It runs for 2.5 hours and passes Vrijdagmarkt and the Graslei. For something hands-on, a chocolate truffle workshop lasts 1.5 hours and ends with a hot cocoa. Prices are fair, and a full meal rarely costs more than €15 to €25 at a casual spot. Go hungry, because portions are generous and sweets are everywhere. Save room for a waffle.
7. Beer and Student Nightlife
Belgium is famous for beer, and Ghent is a brilliant place to try it. The student population keeps the bars busy, so you’ll find everything from old-school brown cafés to modern craft bars. A pint usually costs between €4 and €6. My favourite spot was Dulle Griet on Vrijdagmarkt, where you hand over a shoe as a deposit for a huge glass of Max beer. It’s a silly tradition that’s genuinely fun.
If you want to learn more, join a brewery visit and beer tasting tour. You taste five beers, each paired with local snacks, and you visit two or three spots, including a working brewery. The tour lasts about three hours. Evenings are lively but friendly, and the centre is compact enough that you can walk back to your hotel afterwards. Many bars stay open late, so you can happily carry on after dinner. Order a local brew from the tap, and ask the barman for a recommendation.
8. Museums and Art
For a mid-sized city, Ghent punches well above its weight on culture. The MSK covers 600 years of art, from medieval masters to Magritte. STAM tells the story of the city through objects, maps and models, and it’s a great first stop if you like history. The Design Museum Gent sits in an 18th-century mansion and mixes old and new design.
I only had time for the MSK, and I left wanting more. Plan one museum per half-day so you don’t burn out. If you’re keen on modern art, SMAK in Citadelpark is Ghent’s contemporary art museum, and the park itself is a nice place to relax. Most museums offer free entry for under-18s, which makes Ghent a good choice for families. The CityCard covers many of these museums too. Check opening days before you go, because hours vary by museum. Audio guides at the MSK are a useful extra if you want more context.
9. Festivals and Events
Ghent loves a party, and the calendar is packed. The big one is the Gentse Feesten, a ten-day street festival in mid-July. Squares fill with concerts, theatre, street performers and food stalls, and a lot of it is free. I visited in summer, and the city had a buzz that felt very different from the quiet side streets I’d seen earlier in the day.
The Ghent Light Festival is the other highlight. It transforms the centre with light installations over several evenings, and the next edition is due in 2027. There’s also a free light walk of about 5 kilometres, which takes roughly two hours. In December, Christmas lights and markets turn the centre cosy. Check the dates before booking, because hotels fill up quickly during these events. Even a quick stroll through the crowds feels like a party. Arrive early in the evening to find a good spot.
10. Easy Day Trips
Ghent sits on the main Belgian rail line, so day trips are simple. Brussels is about 36 minutes away on a direct train, and Bruges and Antwerp are both within an hour. Trains run roughly 86 times a day to Brussels, so you don’t need to plan ahead. I stuck to Ghent for my two days, but I’d happily go back to add a day trip.
Bruges is the obvious choice. A boat, chocolate and walking tour takes about 2.5 hours and covers the highlights in a small group. Brussels works well for a short visit too, and a historical tour with chocolate and waffle tasting packs plenty into 2.5 hours. Buy your train tickets on the Belgian Railways site or app. Day trips fit easily around a Ghent stay, and you’re back in time for dinner. I’d pick Bruges if you only have time for one.
Cons of Visiting Ghent
1. Summer Crowds
Ghent gets busy in summer, especially around the Graslei, the castle and St Bavo’s Cathedral. On a sunny afternoon, the quays fill with tour groups, and queues build up at Gravensteen. I noticed it most when I tried to find a quiet spot for a photo on Sint-Michielsbrug. The crowds eased in the evening, but the main squares never fully emptied. Mornings and evenings are far calmer.
The fix is simple. Visit the castle and the cathedral first thing in the morning, then spend the late afternoon in quieter areas like Patershol or the streets around Sint-Pietersplein. Book the Ghent Altarpiece online in advance, so you aren’t stuck waiting. A walking tour that goes beyond the centre also takes you away from the crowds. It’s still a lovely city in peak season.
2. Unpredictable Weather
Belgian weather is rarely predictable, and Ghent is no exception. Rain can arrive in any month, and even summer days can turn grey with a sudden shower. I had a couple of drizzly spells during my trip, and it made the cobbles slippery. A waterproof jacket beats an umbrella on windy quays. Evenings can also feel cooler than you’d expect, especially beside the water.
The good news is that Ghent has plenty of indoor options. The MSK, STAM and the Design Museum can fill a wet afternoon, and the Belfry looks great even when it’s cloudy. A chocolate truffle workshop is another good wet-weather plan. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes with good grip. A bit of rain doesn’t spoil the medieval streets, and the city looks atmospheric in any weather.
3. Sights Add Up Quickly
Ghent’s big attractions aren’t free, and the costs add up. Gravensteen costs €15, the Belfry costs €13 and the Ghent Altarpiece costs €12.50. That’s €40 before you’ve bought a museum ticket, a boat trip or lunch. On my trip, I noticed how fast the budget disappeared once I added a few extras.
There are ways to save. The CityCard Gent costs €49 for 48 hours or €55 for 72 hours. It includes entry to the main sights and museums, unlimited De Lijn trams and buses, one guided boat tour, a day of water tram travel and a day of bike hire. It also takes €10 off the altarpiece. You buy it in person, so grab it at the tourist office on arrival. Free sights like Werregarenstraat keep costs down too.
4. Cobbles and Cyclists
The medieval centre is lovely, but it’s not always easy to walk. The cobblestones are uneven, and they can be hard on your feet, especially if you carry a suitcase. They’re also tough for pushchairs and wheeled luggage. Cyclists are everywhere, and they move fast. I had one or two close calls in the first hour, simply because I stepped into a bike lane without looking.
Comfortable shoes make a big difference. Keep to the pavement, listen for bike bells and look both ways at every crossing. If you have mobility needs, the cathedral, the visitors’ centre and the altarpiece are all wheelchair accessible, and trams cover the longer distances. Once you adjust to the rhythm, the centre is still one of the nicest places to explore on foot.
5. Hotel Prices on Busy Dates
Hotels in the historic centre can get pricey, particularly on summer weekends and during the Gentse Feesten. Rooms with a view of the Graslei or the cathedral go first. When I looked at prices for a standard weekend, I was surprised how much a central four-star cost compared with a hotel ten minutes away.
You can save money by looking slightly further out. The area around Gent-Sint-Pieters station has plenty of mid-range hotels, and trams reach the centre in minutes. Book as early as you can for July and December, because the best-value places sell out first. Midweek stays are usually cheaper than weekends. Weekday nights are noticeably cheaper than Fridays and Saturdays. Even with the occasional premium, Ghent still offers better value than many nearby cities.
Where to Stay
Historic Centre: This is where I stayed, and it’s the easiest base for a short trip. The Graslei, Korenmarkt, the Belfry and the cathedral are all a few minutes’ walk away, so you can pop back to your room between sights. The downsides are higher prices and some noise on weekend nights, but for a first visit it’s the area I’d choose. NH Collection Gent is a 4-star a few steps from the Belfry with a restaurant and a garden, B&B Hotel Gent Centrum is a practical, good-value 3-star with soundproof rooms, and Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof is the most upscale pick, with an indoor pool, a spa and a sauna.
Patershol and Gravensteen: Patershol is the old craftsmen’s quarter behind the castle, full of narrow lanes, candlelit restaurants and cosy bars. It’s quieter at night than the main squares and feels very atmospheric, although cobbled lanes can be tricky with luggage and restaurant prices run higher. Baeten’s bed and breakfast is a small B&B close to the castle and the best value of the three, Hotel Harmony is a canal-side 4-star with soundproof rooms and a fitness centre, and De Waterzooi Suites is an adults-only 4-star B&B with a garden, right beside the castle.
Nederkouter and the Southern Centre: This area sits between Sint-Pietersplein and the old town, near the opera house and Ghent’s student cafés. It feels local, hotels are often cheaper than in the historic core, and the walk to the Graslei takes about ten minutes. It suits travellers who want a livelier base with a few more modern choices. ibis Gent Centrum Opera is a simple 3-star on Nederkouter, Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent is a modern 4-star with a restaurant and soundproof rooms, and ONE TWO FOUR – Hotel & Spa is the best pick if you want a sauna and hammam.
Gent-Sint-Pieters Station: The station area is the most practical base if you’re arriving by train or planning day trips. Trams run into the centre, and the walk takes around 30 minutes. It’s less charming than the old town, but hotels are more affordable and easy to book last minute, so I’d pick it for convenience and value rather than atmosphere. Hotel Carlton is a simple, reliable 3-star with parking, Hotel Chamade is a short walk from the platforms and sells public transport tickets at the front desk, and Hotel Orion has the best facilities of the three, including an indoor pool and a spa.
Best Things to Do
Here are the experiences I’d book first.
- Guided boat trip through the medieval centre: A 50-minute guided cruise along the canals. You pass the Graslei guildhalls, historic churches, the birthplace of Charles V and the Castle of the Counts.
- Museum of Fine Arts entry ticket: Entry to Belgium’s oldest museum, with more than 600 masterpieces by Bosch, Rubens, Van Dyck, Ensor and Magritte. You can also view the restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece, and an optional audio guide is available.
- Guided food tour with tastings: A 2.5-hour walk through the historic centre with a local guide. You sample regional specialities and pass Vrijdagmarkt and the old harbour at Graslei.
- Brewery visit and beer tasting: A three-hour small-group tour with a young local. You taste five beers, each paired with a local delicacy, and visit two or three spots, including a live brewery.
- Chocolate truffle workshop: A 1.5-hour hands-on class where you learn to make Belgian truffles. You take your chocolates home and finish with a hot chocolate.
- Guided urban bike tour: A 2.5-hour ride that mixes city landmarks with hidden spots and street art. A local guide leads you off the usual tourist routes.
- City highlights and beyond walking tour: A 1.5-hour guided walk that covers Ghent’s famous sights and lesser-known corners outside the centre. It’s a good orientation on your first morning.
- Bruges boat, chocolate and walking tour: A 2.5-hour small-group tour that mixes a guided walk, a canal boat ride and a chocolate tasting. Take the train from Ghent and meet your guide in Bruges.
- Brussels historical tour with chocolate and waffle tasting: A 2.5-hour small-group walk past sights like Manneken Pis. You taste Belgian chocolates and waffles along the way.
- Antwerp Jewish neighbourhood and Diamond District walking tour: A two-hour guided walk through Antwerp’s Diamond District and the Jewish Quarter. It starts near Central Station, a short train ride from Ghent.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: I visited in summer, and I’d happily go back. Days are long, the terraces along the Graslei fill up and the Gentse Feesten takes over the centre in mid-July. It’s also the busiest and most expensive time, with queues at the castle and the cathedral. Go early, book your tickets in advance and keep an umbrella handy.
Spring: Spring is a great all-rounder. Temperatures are mild, the parks come into bloom and the crowds are smaller than in summer. Showers are common, so pack a light waterproof. It’s a lovely season for cycling along the canals and wandering through Citadelpark without the summer rush.
Autumn: Autumn is quiet and cosy, with golden light on the quays and fewer visitors in the museums. Days get shorter and wetter, but that’s a good excuse to spend more time in brown cafés and breweries. It suits travellers who prefer a slower pace and lower hotel prices.
Winter: Winter is cold and damp, but Ghent looks magical when the Christmas lights are on. The Ghent Light Festival, due to return in 2027, is a big draw when it runs. Some outdoor sights feel less appealing, and daylight is short. Hotels are cheaper outside the festive weeks, and the museums make up for the weather.
How Long to Spend
1-2 Days: Enough for the highlights. I spent two days in Ghent, and it was enough to see the best bits without rushing. Spend day one on the Graslei, Gravensteen and a boat trip, then use day two for the Ghent Altarpiece, the Belfry and the street art. It’s busy but doable.
3-4 Days: The sweet spot. You can add the MSK, STAM or the Design Museum, take a food tour or brewery tour and slow down in Patershol. Use a spare day for a trip to Bruges or Brussels by train. I’d choose this length if I went back.
5-7 Days: More than most visitors need, but it works well as a base for Flanders. Add Bruges, Antwerp and Brussels as separate day trips, then leave time for cycling, markets and long lunches. It suits travellers who want to explore the region at a gentle pace.
Getting Around
On foot: The historic centre is compact, and walking is the best way to see it. The Graslei, the castle, the Belfry and the cathedral are all within about ten minutes of each other. Wear comfortable shoes, because the cobbles are uneven and slippery in the rain.
By bike: Ghent is flat and cyclist-friendly, with bike lanes across the centre. Donkey Republic has orange shared bikes in the city, and Blue-bike rents bikes at Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent-Dampoort stations. You can also join a guided urban bike tour if you’d like a local to lead the way.
Trams and buses: De Lijn runs the trams and buses. A single ride costs €3, and you pay by tapping a contactless card, phone or watch on board. Within the hour, you can switch to any other bus or tram for free. Trams 1, 2, 3 and 4 cross the city, and the De Lijn app helps you plan your journey. The CityCard Gent includes unlimited tram and bus rides within Ghent.
Taxi and Uber: Taxis are easy to find outside Gent-Sint-Pieters station, and you can book rides through apps like Uber. You won’t need one often in the centre. They come in handy late at night or when you have heavy luggage.
To and from the airport: Brussels Airport is the main gateway. Trains run from the station beneath the terminal towards Gent-Sint-Pieters, and tickets are available on the Belgian Railways site or app. From Gent-Sint-Pieters, hop on a tram into the centre, or walk if your hotel is nearby and you’re travelling light. Line up your journey back the day before, so you aren’t scrambling on the morning you leave.
So, is Ghent Worth Visiting?
Ghent is one of the most rewarding city breaks in Belgium. You get a medieval castle, a world-famous altarpiece and a waterfront that looks beautiful at any time of day. Add great food, a lively beer scene and a creative streak, and the city feels both historic and alive.
It isn’t perfect. Summer can be crowded, the weather is unpredictable and the sights add up if you aren’t careful. The CityCard, early starts and a bit of planning solve most of that. None of it spoiled my trip, and I’d say Ghent is a better value than many of its more famous neighbours.
If you’re unsure, give it two nights. Climb the Belfry, walk the Graslei at dusk, and eat something unfamiliar. Then add a day trip to Bruges or Brussels if you have time. I left wanting more, and I think you will too.
