Skip to content
Menu
Travel by Example
  • Home
  • New Zealand
  • Netherlands
  • Europe
  • About Us
Travel by Example
Travel by Example - Ghent, Belgium

One day trip to Ghent

Posted on June 26, 2020August 18, 2022
* This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links I get a small commission at no additional cost to you. While clicking these links won’t cost you any money, it will help to keep this site going (Disclosure: Most likely, I'll spend the money to buy myself a cup of coffee to drink while writing my next travel article). *
Share this post

Ghent is the third largest and one of the oldest cities in Belgium. With its well preserved historical center, canals, medieval architecture and pedestrian city center Ghent is a ‘must visit’ when you are travelling in Belgium. 

Ghent is conveniently located within one hour drive from other popular Belgian cities such as Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp and will make a perfect one day trip. These cities are also connected by direct and regular trains if you prefer public transport over car trips.

Our first visit to Ghent was on our way from the Netherlands to Bruges. We spent a few hours walking around the historical center, tasting some fine Belgian beer and waffles and admiring the old architecture. We absolutely loved the city! 

Ghent cityscape - view from Sint-Michielsbrug
Ghent cityscape – view from Sint-Michielsbrug

We would like to share a simple itinerary of a walk around the old city of Ghent. Depending on your pace and stop-overs you can spend there from 2-3 hours to a whole day.

If you are coming to Ghent by car (like we usually do), it’s better to park the car outside of the old town and explore the center by foot. 

When arriving by train from Brussels or Bruges you will arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters station. From there it is very close to a few popular museums in Ghent and you may want to visit them first – e.g. Ghent City Museum or Ghent Art Museum. Alternatively, from the Gent-Sint-Pieters station you can take a tram to the historical center or simply walk there for about 30 minutes. 

Vrijdagmarkt 

First time we were in Ghent we came by car. So we left it at the car park near Vrijdagmarkt and started our walk from there.

Vrijdagmarkt (translates to English as Friday Market) is a large square in the center of Ghent. In the middle of the square you will find a statue of Jacob van Artevelde, many cafes with outside seating areas during warm seasons, and historical houses with typical Belgian architecture featuring triangular stepped gable roofs. 

Vrijdagmarkt square - statue of Jacob van Artevelde pointing to England
Vrijdagmarkt square – statue of Jacob van Artevelde pointing to England

Tip: If you come early on Friday or Saturday you will catch a market on the Vrijdagmarkt. So, if you like market days and shopping make sure you visit before 12pm. However, if you want to enjoy architecture and make some nice photos then it’s better to come after the market finishes – to avoid views of Vrijdagmarkt spoiled by market stalls. 

From Vrijdagmarkt head towards Zuivelbrugstraat Bridge to cross the Leie river. Follow Kraanlei street admiring historical buildings and up to the iconic Gravensteen of Ghent. 

Old buildings on Kraanlei
Old buildings on Kraanlei

Gravensteen 

The Gravensteen is a medieval castle in Ghent, its origins go back to the 12th century. Inside the castle there is a museum where you can learn history about the place, walk around castle walls and simply admire its stone halls and interior.

It’s a nice place to visit with kids in particular – they will enjoy expositions, weaponry, inner garden, a torture chamber and all this with an audio guide to learn more about what they see in the castle.  

Gravensteen castle in Ghent
Gravensteen castle in Ghent

After visiting the castle, cross the Leie river again via Vleeshuisbrug bridge. From the bridge you can admire the medieval building of the Groot Vleeshuis – Great Butcher’s Hall. 

Vleeshuisbrug bridge with Groot Vleeshuis (Great Butcher's Hall) behind it
Vleeshuisbrug bridge with Groot Vleeshuis (Great Butcher’s Hall) behind it

Graslei and Korenlei

Perhaps, my favourite places are quays on the left and right banks of the Leie – Graslei and Korenlei.

Graslei quay (on the right bank of the Leie river) and Korenlei quay (on the left bank) were part of the Ghent port from the medieval times. Located in the very heart of the old city it’s a nice place to walk, relax at one of the cafes and admire beautiful historical facades of the buildings alongside the Graslei.

Graslei and Korenlei in Ghent
Graslei and Korenlei in Ghent

Some of the boat tours start at Graslei and Korenlei – if you prefer less walking and more leasury experience with a guided boat tour. Boat trip is also a good idea when travelling with children – give the kids (and yourselves) time to rest while still enjoying city sights as you pass them on the boat.

Beautiful architecture of Graslei
Beautiful architecture of Graslei

Tip: Stay a night in Ghent and visit Graslei and Korenlei streets in the evening. Illuminated after dark the place is simply magical. 

Graslei street illuminated at night
Graslei street illuminated at night

Sint-Michielsbrug and Sint-Michielskerk

Get up to the bridge Sint-Michielsbrug and admire the 360 views in the heart of the old town. With the views to Graslei and Korenlei, to Sint-Michielskerk and to Sint-Niklaaskerk the bridge is not the one to miss.

Roman, Andrey and their grandpa standing on Saint Michael's bridge
Roman, Andrey and their grandpa standing on Saint Michael’s bridge

Visit Sint-Michielskerk (Saint Michael’s Church) – the historical landmark next to the Sint-Michielsbrug. Go inside to see paintings and sculptures by famous artists. The entrance to the church is free and it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Saint Michael's Church at night
Saint Michael’s Church at night

Korenmarkt, Oud Postgebouw and Sint-Niklaaskerk 

Korenmarkt is a central square surrounded by beautiful historical buildings, cafes and restaurants. 

Old postal office (Oud Postgebouw) on the square is simply stunning in its neo-gothic architecture and richly decorated facade. On the ground floor of the building you will find a shopping mall – Post Plaza. 

Old postal office (Oud Postgebouw) in Ghent
Old postal office (Oud Postgebouw) in Ghent

Right next to Korenmarkt you will see Sint-Niklaaskerk (or Saint Nicholas’ Church) – one of the oldest churches in the city. 

Sint-Niklaaskerk (on the left) at night, Ghent
Sint-Niklaaskerk (on the left) at night, Ghent

Ghent City Hall (Stadhuis)

Another beautiful building in Ghent is its City Hall – complex of historical buildings built in different architectural styles. One part of the Stadhuis is designed in Renaissance style and another part – in Gothic style. 

City Hall can be visited with a guided tour, which you need to book in advance. 

Stadhuis (on the right) has a part designed in Renaissance style and another part - in Gothic style
Stadhuis (on the right) has a part designed in Renaissance style and another part – in Gothic style

On the way from Saint Nicholas’ Church to the City Hall you won’t miss City Pavilion (or Stadshal). Strange structure that I couldn’t ignore writing the post about Ghent (even though in my opinion there is nothing beautiful or historical or significant about the Stadshal 🙂 ).

Odd structure of Stadshal (City Pavilion) in Ghent
Odd structure of Stadshal (City Pavilion) in Ghent

Belfry of Ghent

Belfry of Ghent (or Het Belfort van Gent) is towering right in the middle of the old town. The tower is 91 meters long and is the tallest belfry in Belgium. You won’t miss it when walking in the old town of Ghent.

Ghent's Belfry and Sint-Baafsplein square
Ghent’s Belfry and Sint-Baafsplein square

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

It’s amazing how many beautiful historical buildings and towers are in the old part of Ghent. Just across Sint-Baafsplein from the Ghent’s Belfry and only a few meters shorter is St Bavo’s Cathedral (or Sint-Baafs Cathedral). Tower of this Gothic-style cathedral is 89 meter tall.

Visit St Bavo's Cathedral to see van Eycks' Altarpiece 
Visit St Bavo’s Cathedral to see van Eycks’ Altarpiece

Inside St Bavo’s cathedral you will find the Ghent’s Altarpiece – a 15th century masterpiece by Belgian artists Hubert and Jan van Eyck. 

Keep walking past St Bavo’s Cathedral and you find the Monument of the Van Eyck Brothers.

Monument of the Van Eyck Brothers
Monument of the Van Eyck Brothers

Kasteel Geeraard de Duivel

Not too far from the St Bavo’s Cathedral is another historical landmark – Kasteel Geeraard de Duivel. It’s the 13th century building also known as Castle of Gerald the Devil. Quite grim building and not surprisingly at some point of its history it was used as a prison.

On the way to Kasteel Geeraard de Duivel we stopped to watch chocolates makers
On the way to Kasteel Geeraard de Duivel we stopped to watch chocolates makers

Once reached Kasteel Geeraard you can turn back as it marks the end of the old town.

Achtersikkel

On the way back to the town center take a little detour and visit Achtersikkel. Small nice square or rather a yard surrounded by 14th and 15th century buildings and a round tower. Achtersikkel is currently a house to music academy, but the yard is freely accessible to the public.

Achtersikkel in Ghent
Achtersikkel in Ghent

End your day in Ghent with a dinner in one of the many cafes and restaurants in the old town. 

If you travel with kids, tasting traditional Belgian waffles with chocolate sirup is a must! 🙂 

Ghent experience - Belgian waffle with chocolate and whipped cream
Ghent experience – Belgian waffle with chocolate and whipped cream

For adults, especially those who appreciate good beer, visiting a pub and tasting some of the fine Belgian beer is an important part of Ghent experience. I’m not a beer lover, but Yuriy and my dad have enjoyed a big selection of different types of beer in a pub at Botermarkt 🙂

There is no shortage of varieties of beer in Ghent
There is no shortage of varieties of beer in Ghent

Sample walk in the old town of Ghent:

Travel by Example - Walk in Ghent
Travel by Example – Walk in Ghent

If you’re staying the night in Ghent, definitely have a walk in the old town after sunset – streets and buildings illuminated at night give the city such a magical atmosphere. 

Last time we visited Ghent we stayed there overnight to be able to enjoy the city after dark.

Ghent's Sint-Baafsplein at night
Ghent’s Sint-Baafsplein at night

In the morning you can travel to Brussels, Bruges or Antwerp – all of them are within 1 hour reach.

Read also my post on How to spend a day in Antwerp.

One day trip to Ghent
One day trip to Ghent
Booking.com

Read also


Share this post

11 thoughts on “One day trip to Ghent”

  1. kasia says:
    November 17, 2021 at 5:41 am

    I was supposed to go to Ghent last year, but you know. I’m going to bookmark this post for later when I (hopefully) go next year.

    Reply
  2. Travel for a while says:
    November 17, 2021 at 6:45 am

    I had plans of visiting Ghent and Bruges this summer, but I didn’t make it. I’ll have to work something out for 2022. Ghent lookes absolutely lovely, a fairy-tale place.

    Reply
  3. John Quinn says:
    November 17, 2021 at 4:46 pm

    I’m bookmarking this for when I can make Ghent a reality. I see so many similarities to Bruges which I love. No doubt Ghent would fall into the same category. Though that town hall is weird.

    Reply
  4. Bernie and Jess Watt says:
    November 17, 2021 at 5:58 pm

    For some reason, Ghent doesn’t get the press other Belgian cities do and while we’re guilty of missing it, the architecture, chocolate on waffles, and beers have us signed up and ready to go!

    Reply
  5. Wendy White says:
    November 18, 2021 at 1:54 am

    We didn’t make it to Ghent when we visited Belgium. I’d love to return to see it though. Gravensteen would be top of my list of places to see in Ghent.

    Reply
  6. Jen Nilsson says:
    November 18, 2021 at 6:51 am

    The question is can I do the waffles WITH the beer? Great post. I am both hungry and motivated to see Ghent!

    Reply
    1. Elena says:
      November 18, 2021 at 10:03 pm

      Absolutely! First enjoy the beer, then have waffles for dessert, and then go for a walk in the city to compensate for all the calories! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Becky Exploring says:
    November 18, 2021 at 8:14 am

    Ghent looks like a beautiful town with so much to see. I’d like to wander around the town admiring the architecture. At some point, I’d probably also take that boat ride to give my feet a rest while continuing to soak in the scenery. Then I’d definitely stop for some Belgian waffles and beer. Yum!

    Reply
  8. Chalk and cheese travels says:
    November 19, 2021 at 4:45 am

    Lovely Town Gwent seems, some beautiful architecture i would live to see especially after a few Belgian beers

    Reply
  9. Francesca says:
    November 23, 2021 at 8:51 pm

    What a lovely place with such beautiful architecture – although the pavillion looks a bit odd haha. I would quite spend a day in enjoying the sights of Ghent!

    Reply
  10. Tom smalltownplussize says:
    November 30, 2021 at 1:32 am

    I love seeing your fascinating photos of Ghent’s historical architecture. I would love to see the entire Gravensteen Castle and take a boat tour through the city. Since I’m addicted to chocolate I couldn’t go without watching and trying some.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Stand with Ukraine

Support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Donate to Ukrainian Army or one of the verified humanitarian charities:
StandForUkraine.com

Follow us

Ready to travel? Check advisories for travel during COVID-19, including regulations for destinations, and safety and health guidelines.

Tags

Amersfoort Amsterdam Auckland Austria Bavaria Belgium Christchurch Coromandel Delft Europe France Frankfurt Germany Gouda Hallstatt Hiking Iceland Innsbruck Koblenz Leiden Louvre Luxembourg Maastricht MtCook Munich Netherlands New Zealand Paris Queenstown Reykjavik Rhine RoadTrip Rothenburg ob der Tauber Rotterdam Salzburg Tekapo The Hague TravelWithKids Tulips Utrecht Waikato Wanaka Whangarei Zaandam Zaanse Schans
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Like what you see?

Our travel photos can be purchased at one of the following photography platforms:
Adobe Stock
EyeEm

Subscribe to notifications for new posts:


BOOK STAYS, FLIGHTS AND CARS:

Booking.com

Start_Your_Journey_Lifestyle_EN_v5_300x250

EN - 300x250
300*250_Evening
Get Great Deals at Expedia!
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact us
  • Privacy and Cookie Policy

Tags

Amersfoort Amsterdam Auckland Austria Bavaria Belgium Christchurch Coromandel Delft Europe France Frankfurt Germany Gouda Hallstatt Hiking Iceland Innsbruck Koblenz Leiden Louvre Luxembourg Maastricht MtCook Munich Netherlands New Zealand Paris Queenstown Reykjavik Rhine RoadTrip Rothenburg ob der Tauber Rotterdam Salzburg Tekapo The Hague TravelWithKids Tulips Utrecht Waikato Wanaka Whangarei Zaandam Zaanse Schans
©2023 Travel by Example