Ghent

Copyright: Stad Gent/Visit Gent

Ghent

Ghent is a compact, authentic city where the past and present co-exist in perfect balance. Walking through the city is like travelling through time: you turn the corner and just like that, you go from the fourteenth century to the twenty-first. In Ghent pounds the young heart of a cultural city filled with music, theatre, film and visual arts. Because of its central location in Flanders, Ghent is an ideal operating base to visit the Flemish Art Cities. Ghent is ready to welcome you with open arms!

The City

Vibrant Ghent is well worth a weekend trip. It’s ideal for a last-minute city trip as well. Quirky Ghent offers a fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with trendy, modern urban life. Ghent is a city where people enjoy life: a chilled-out place where anything goes and a city that feels human. Its friendly, welcoming people love the good life. Don’t miss the chance to admire the world-famous masterpiece—the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers—during your weekend trip.

Top 10 tips

Ghent has to be not just seen but experienced. Take your time, get lost in the historic centre, explore the museums, enjoy our culinary talent and throw yourself into the bustling nightlife. Below are 10 tips on what to see and do. But this is just the beginning, discovering Ghent means this and so much more!

See & Do

The vibrant city of Ghent is more than worth a weekend trip. Ghent offers you a quirky, fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with rich history, culture and a trendy city vibe. Ghent is a chilled-out city where anything goes: a city break on a human scale. Take a look at all the sights in the vibrant city of Ghent. There are so many must-see attractions to visit on your holiday. You’ll be spoilt for choice in Ghent! Choose. Do.

Coffee & breakfast

The first meal of the day is the most important. And in the city of Charles V, you can find plenty of breakfast menus which are fit for an emperor. Fresh and healthy, savoury and hearty, fast or leisurely: there are too many options to list.

Festivals

During the ten-day Ghent Festivities in July, the city centre is transformed into one giant festival. The Ghent Jazz Festival and the Festival of Flanders earned Ghent the title of UNESCO Creative City of Music. In October, film lovers and stars flock to the Ghent Film Festival. See what’s on!

Bars & Nightlife

The best night life can be found in Ghent. The thousands of students, lively atmosphere and cool music scene make Ghent the ideal destination for a night out. At the Oude Beestenmarkt, you will be tripping over trendy places to go. De Vlasmarkt is a meeting place for real night owls. De Overpoort is where you will find the students and where you can party until late the next the morning.

Dining

Love great food? You’re in luck. Ghent is the place to be for the good life and great food. Ghent residents love to enjoy life. Whet your appetite during your weekend trip with the huge array of restaurants, bars and cafés in Ghent. Make your mouth water with gastronomic or fusion cuisine. Foodies will be right at home here. Ghent is the veggie capital of Europe, and its young rock-star chefs are causing a sensation on the international food scene. Taste. Enjoy.

Shopping

Shopping in Ghent is wonderful. Ghent has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium and a highly varied range of shops and markets, all within a stone’s throw of each other. In Ghent, you will find the big, famous clothing stores alongside authentic boutiques. Shops are also open on the first Sunday in the month in Ghent. They are closed on all other Sundays and public holidays. https://visit.gent.be/en/good-know/practical-information/inspiration/shopping-ghent-so-much-fun

Tourist Information