Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium: Ultimate One-Day Travel Guide

Why Visit Ghent

Ghent is a vibrant and historic city in Belgium, known for its medieval architecture, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural scene. It blends old-world charm with a youthful energy, making it a fantastic destination for history lovers, foodies, and art enthusiasts. This post outlines some of my favorite things to do in Ghent.

A photo of the canal lined by Belgian houses. Strolling along the canals is one of the best things to do in Ghent.

Where to Stay for a Trip to Ghent

When visiting Ghent, decide if staying in the city is right for you, or if you’d rather stay at a nearby home base like Brussels, Bruges, or (our personal favorite) Oudenaarde. Here are a few of our favorite options for those wanting to stay longer while experiencing the best things to do in Ghent:

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How to Get There

By Train: Ghent is easily accessible by train located about 40 minutes from Brussels, 25 minutes from Bruges and one hour from Antwerp. Take the train to the Gent-Sint-Peters stop. Ghent is small and very walkable once you’ve arrived by train.

By Car: Driving to Ghent offers the most flexibility. However, parking in the city center is limited so public transportation is recommended.

By Air: The closest airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), with a direct train to Ghent.

Best Things to Do in Ghent

Ghent has a multitude of things to do! While a day trip is enough time to explore its highlights, you’ll likely find it so charming you won’t want to leave. Check out the best things to do in Ghent during your visit.

1. Visit Saint Nicholas’ Church & Saint Michael’s Bridge

Saint Nicholas’ Church was built in the 13th century and is one of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of the city near Korenmarkt, this church is free to enter and is a must-visit site during your visit.

Saint Michael’s Bridge is just a short walk from Saint Nicolas’ Church and offers an amazing photo spot with breathtaking views of Ghent’s iconic “Three Towers” from this picturesque bridge.

🚶‍♀️BOOK AHEAD: If you like to experience the city with a local guide instead of going it on your own, check out a very reasonably priced historical walking tour option.

View of Saint Michael's Bridge and Saint Nicholas' Church from the canal

2. Gravensteen Castle

This 12th-century fortress, also known as the Castle of the Counts, offers stunning city views and a fascinating look into medieval life. This beauty can be seen from land or from the canal.

Photo of Gravensteen Castle from the canal

3. Graslei and Korenlei

Graslei and Korenlei are two of the most picturesque streets in Ghent, located along the banks of the Leie River. Stroll along these two gorgeous quays to take in the old world buildings that give Ghent is medieval charm. These historic quays were once the commercial heart of the city and remain one of the most visited spots today.

Photo of the Graslei quay alongside the river.

4. Take a Canal Boat Tour – One of My Favorite Things to do in Ghent

Ghent is a beautiful city and to truly experience its wonder, you have to do it from the water. Discover Ghent from the water with a scenic boat ride along its historic canals where you can see the city from a different perspective.

There are many boat companies that offer daily boat tours on the canal. In most cases, you can just walk up and buy tickets when you’re in Ghent. No need to book ahead. Here are the easy walk up options.

De bootjes van Gent – Rederij Dewaele: Departs from the green boat house in Korenlei.
Gent Watertoerist: Departs from Graslei

🚣‍♀️ BOOK AHEAD: If you prefer to book tours ahead of time to ensure there’s enough space for your group, consider this 40-minute canal tour option instead.

Photo of a canal boat next to iconic Ghent buildings.

5. Korenmarkt & Patershol

Ghent is full of lively squares and charming streets, and Korenmarkt and Patershol are two of the city’s must-visit spots. Both offer a mix of history, culture, and a great food scene, making them essential stops on any Ghent itinerary. While you’re here, check out the iconic Belfry of Ghent standing tall in the center.

View of the Belfry in the central square

6. Experience Ghent’s Nightlife & Culture

This city is bustling with nighttime things to do in Ghent such as live music, theater, breweries and great food. Stick around to see it beautifully illuminated in the evening, making for a magical stroll along the canal. Something about sticking around into the evening really brings cities alive in a way the daytime never can. Many day tourists are gone in the evenings so you’ll feel more like a local.

🌙 BOOK AHEAD: If you want a guided experience consider doing a Group Dark Side of Ghent Tour or a Private Dark Side of Ghent Tour to hear some history and see highlights of the city with a local.

View of the canal lit up in the evening.

Different view of the canal lit up in the evening.

7. Get a Waffle (Obviously)

I don’t care where you are in Belgium, waffles are a must and should be listed with every stop. You’ll truly never find a better waffle than in Belgium and I’m not sure if you can ever eat too many. There, I said it. Waffles in Belgium are zero calories and guilt free. Eat as many as you can get your hands on.

Chocolate topped waffle with the canal in the background.

8. Take a Food or Drink Tour

If you love gastronomic experiences, consider booking a food or drink tour with a local who will show you all the best spots in Ghent. From a waffle and beer workshop to a chocolate tour, any of these would be a fun way to break up all the sightseeing with someone who really knows the area. Here are a few of our favorite food and drink tours in Ghent:

When to Visit

Ghent is a fantastic year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests—whether you’re looking for festivals, pleasant weather, or fewer crowds.

Spring (March-May): Best for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Summer (June-Aug): Best for perfect weather, nightlife and festivals. Ghent’s largest festival (Gentse Feesten) is held in July.
Fall (Sept-Nov): Best for fewer tourists and mild temperatures
Winter (Dec-Feb): Best for Christmas markets and cozy atmosphere.

Which City Should I Visit

Belgium offers so many wonderful cities to choose from that it can be hard to pick where to stay and visit. Each city offers very different experiences so your choice of where to go will depend greatly on your travel style. If you have the time, of course visit all of them. But if you don’t, here are some comparisons to help you decide.

Choose Ghent for a charming, medieval city with canals and relaxed atmosphere and fewer tourists. With a more laid-back attitude, Ghent will provide a more authentic, scenic and local experience with great nightlife.

Ghent vs Brussels

Choose Brussels for a cosmopolitan capital with major landmarks, museums and upscale dining. Here you’ll get a big-city feel with iconic sites, diverse nightlife and a mix of cultures.

Ghent vs Bruges

Choose Bruges for a romantic, fairy tale atmosphere. Bruges is the most similar to Ghent as it also boasts a medieval feel with canals. Bruges will be smaller and very walkable but also busier with more tourists, especially during peak season.

Ghent vs Antwerp

Choose Antwerp for a trendy, stylish city, complete with upscale shopping, nightlife and a mix of old and new architecture. Antwerp is more spread out but public transportation makes it easy to get around. This is a great stop for fashion lovers and those who like big-city energy.

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