Ghent is a Flemish city that captivates visitors with its medieval architecture, canals, historical monuments, and festivals.
We visited Ghent on foot in a day and a half during the Ghent Festival in July 2023.

A must-see

The Graslei and Korenlei quays
A perfect place to stroll and have a drink on a terrace surrounded by typical brick houses and canals like those in Venice.

Gravensteen: The Castle of the Counts
The large medieval fortress located in the heart of the city with panoramic views of the city from the ramparts.
A must-see, and it’s even more beautiful to see the castle from the canals (with a boat cruise).

Sint-Baafskathedraal: Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
Gothic church erected in 1559, which houses the famous Altarpiece of the Mystic Lamb.

Sint-Baafsabdij: Saint Bavo’s Abbey, Ghent
A very interesting visit and a magnificent site. Founded in the 7th century, this abbey was once one of the most influential religious centers in Flanders and flourished during the Middle Ages before being dismantled in the 16th century at the request of Charles V.

Belfort van Gent: The Belfry of Ghent
One of the three towers in the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can climb to the top for a view of the entire city.

Werregarenstraatje: Graffiti Street

A street entirely tagged since the 1995 street art festivals.

Sint-Michielskerk: Church of Saint-Michel

Sint-Michielsbrug: Saint Michael’s Bridge
View of Ghent’s three iconic towers (Saint Nicholas, the Belfry, and Saint Bavo), as well as the quays and canals.

Other places to visit

Poeljemarkt: The Multipurpose Hall

A true work of art next to the Town Hall.

Stadsbrouwerij Gruut Bvba: The Gruut Brewery
Gruut beer is brewed in Ghent.

KAA La Gantoise
Away from the town is also the local club’s football stadium (Koninklijke Atletiek Associatie Gent), as well as the official store.

The MSK Museum (Museum of Fine Arts)
A rich collection of Flemish paintings and modern art.

STAM: Ghent City Museum

Patershol District
The former tanners’ district with narrow cobbled streets, Flemish brasseries, and wine bars.

Activities

Canal Cruise
This is the best way to discover the beauty of the city; board one of the many small boats for a cruise along the city’s canals.

Book online or directly on site.

Where to Stay

During the Ghent Festival, we stayed a little outside the city center.
Hotel Den Briel
Abraham Voortmanstraat 2, 9000 Gent

Festivals

The Ghent Festivals
This annual urban “street” festival spreads throughout the city every year, lasting 10 days and 10 nights in July.
Numerous cultural events are organized, and the entire city center becomes an “open-air nightclub,” creating a wild atmosphere.
https://gentsefeesten.stad.gent

Where to eat

Typical dishes include bitterballen, Waterzooi (a traditional Flemish dish made with fish or chicken), Flemish carbonnade (stoverij), and Belgian beers, including Gruut brewed in Ghent.

Traditional Chip Shops
I strongly recommend going to the chip and fricadelle stalls instead of going to the industrial chip vendors. It’s local, much better, and cheaper.

Amadeus Gent 1 – Patershol
Ghent-style Waterzooi (with chicken instead of fish).

Brasserie Wally
Langemunt 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
We had bitterballen (breaded meat croquettes) with pickles, pearl onions, and sweet mustard sauce.

Kraz
Breakfasts and brunches.

Go.fre Gent – Belgian waffles & ice cream
Veldstraat 64, 9000 Gent
You can’t go to Belgium without trying a Belgian chocolate waffle!
It’s absolutely delicious.