Free Ghent Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Ghent trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Ghent
Ghent photo 2
Ghent photo 3
All photos

Ghent, Belgium, pairs medieval canals and landmark guildhalls with world-class art, inventive cuisine, lively student culture and atmospheric sightseeing.

A City Shaped by Water and Trade

Ghent grew where the Scheldt and Leie rivers meet, and its waterways still define the experience of exploring the city. In the medieval centre, former trading quays border a dense ensemble of guildhalls, churches, warehouses and civic buildings. The Graslei and Korenlei provide the classic riverside view, while narrow lanes lead towards the castle-like Gravensteen and the broad square of Sint-Baafsplein.
Read more about Ghent

Medieval Architecture, Living Streets

The historic centre is not a museum district but a working part of the city, filled with trams, cafés, bookshops, student life and local restaurants. St Bavo's Cathedral houses the Ghent Altarpiece, Jan and Hubert van Eyck's celebrated fifteenth-century masterpiece, while the Belfry and Saint Nicholas' Church form a powerful architectural group around the old commercial heart. Patershol, once a craftsmen's quarter, now combines atmospheric lanes with dining and evening venues.

Art, Culture and Contemporary Ghent

Ghent's cultural identity extends beyond its medieval skyline. The Museum of Fine Arts and S.M.A.K. present major collections and modern work, and the Design Museum Gent explores the history of European design. Graffiti Street offers a changing counterpoint to the protected historic buildings, while the former industrial site of Dok Noord and the waterside Voorhaven reflect the city's more recent transformation. Compact, walkable and strongly shaped by its university community, Ghent rewards unhurried wandering between grand monuments and everyday urban life.

When is the best time to visit Ghent?

Best: June–August · 21–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January854
February944
March1248
April1544
May1858
June (best)2170
July (best)2274
August (best)2170
September2062
October1568
November1166
December960

Getting to and around Ghent

How to get there

Ghent is readily reached by train, with Gent-Sint-Pieters as the principal railway station and Gent-Dampoort providing a useful alternative closer to parts of the historic centre. Belgian rail services connect the city with Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and other major destinations, and international travellers can generally reach Ghent by changing trains in Brussels. Brussels Airport is the principal international gateway, with onward rail connections towards Ghent; Brussels South Charleroi Airport serves some low-cost routes but is farther away and requires a separate ground connection. Long-distance coaches and road travel are also possible, although driving into the central historic area is less convenient because of pedestrianisation and traffic restrictions.

Transportation

Much of central Ghent is easily explored on foot, particularly the area around the Korenmarkt, Graslei, Gravensteen and Sint-Baafsplein. De Lijn operates the city's trams and buses, which are useful for Gent-Sint-Pieters, outer districts and locations beyond a comfortable walk. Trams share some central streets with pedestrians, so crossing requires attention. Cycling is deeply established in Ghent, although visitors should use marked routes and respect local traffic rules. Taxis are available, while private cars are generally more practical at park-and-ride facilities or accommodation outside the historic core than on central streets.

Best attractions in Ghent

Ghent's principal attractions are concentrated in and around its medieval centre, where the Gravensteen rises above narrow streets and former craft workshops. A boat trip along the Leie and nearby canals reveals the city from the waterways that supported its trade, while the Graslei and Korenlei offer memorable riverside architecture. St Bavo's Cathedral is home to the Ghent Altarpiece, one of northern Europe's most important works of early Netherlandish painting, and the adjacent Belfry provides a powerful civic counterpoint. The Museum of Fine Arts presents an extensive collection ranging from medieval art to modern masters, while S.M.A.K. focuses on contemporary work. For a less formal experience, Graffiti Street changes continually, and the Begijnhof offers a quieter setting of lanes and historic houses. Cafés, bookshops and student venues around the old centre make sightseeing feel woven into ordinary city life.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Ghent

Ghent's skyline is defined by the three towers of Saint Nicholas' Church, the Belfry and Saint Bavo's Cathedral, a sequence that expresses the medieval city centre's commercial, civic and religious power. The Belfry, a UNESCO-listed component of Belgium and France's Belfries, symbolises municipal independence, while Saint Nicholas' Church reflects the wealth of the medieval merchants associated with the nearby Korenmarkt. The Gravensteen is a rare surviving medieval castle in an urban setting, rebuilt in the twelfth century as an assertion of the Counts of Flanders' authority. Along the Leie, the stepped and gabled façades of the Graslei and Korenlei recall the city's role as a trading port. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in Saint Bavo's Cathedral connects Ghent's architecture with its artistic heritage, while the old beguinage complex and guildhalls add quieter evidence of religious and civic life.

Show more landmarks

Explore Ghent on the map

Plan your Ghent trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Ghent

Best restaurants in Ghent

Ghent's cuisine reflects Flemish comfort food, riverine geography and a notably inventive contemporary scene. Waterzooi, traditionally a gently seasoned stew of fish or chicken with vegetables and cream, is one of the city's best-known dishes, while Gentse neuzen, or cuberdons, are cone-shaped sweets with a soft fruit syrup centre. Local mustard from Tierenteyn-Verlent is a familiar accompaniment in traditional cooking, and Belgian beer remains closely connected to the dining table. Patershol is the most recognisable historic dining quarter, with restaurants occupying old streets and former craftsmen's houses; around Vrijdagmarkt and the university area, cafés and casual eateries create a younger atmosphere. Markets and specialist food shops add cheese, chocolate, bread and regional produce, while Ghent's strong vegetarian tradition is visible across its restaurants, reflecting both local innovation and long-standing civic interest in meat-free eating.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Ghent

After dark, Ghent combines historic-centre cafés with a large student population and a lively cultural calendar. Vlasmarkt is associated with late-night bars and dancing, while the area around Vrijdagmarkt and the old centre offers Belgian beer cafés, relaxed bars and venues in older buildings. Overpoortstraat, close to the university campus, has a more student-oriented atmosphere and a dense concentration of inexpensive nightlife venues. In Patershol and along the waterways, evenings tend to be quieter and more focused on conversation and drinks than clubs. Live music, theatre and cultural performances broaden the options beyond bar culture, with venues such as Vooruit, now known as VIERNULVIER, playing an important role in the city's arts life. Streets can be busy and noisy late at night, particularly during student events and festivals, so respecting residents and following pedestrian and cycling rules matters.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Ghent

After dark, Ghent combines historic-centre cafés with a large student population and a lively cultural calendar. Vlasmarkt is associated with late-night bars and dancing, while the area around Vrijdagmarkt and the old centre offers Belgian beer cafés, relaxed bars and venues in older buildings. Overpoortstraat, close to the university campus, has a more student-oriented atmosphere and a dense concentration of inexpensive nightlife venues. In Patershol and along the waterways, evenings tend to be quieter and more focused on conversation and drinks than clubs. Live music, theatre and cultural performances broaden the options beyond bar culture, with venues such as Vooruit, now known as VIERNULVIER, playing an important role in the city's arts life. Streets can be busy and noisy late at night, particularly during student events and festivals, so respecting residents and following pedestrian and cycling rules matters.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Ghent

Shopping in Ghent ranges from established central streets to independent retailers embedded in historic neighbourhoods. Veldstraat is the city's main traditional shopping street, while Korenmarkt, Brabantdam and the streets around Kouter combine familiar brands with cafés and smaller shops. For a more individual selection, browse the boutiques, bookshops, design stores and specialist food retailers around the historic centre, particularly near Oudburg and Patershol. Vrijdagmarkt hosts a long-established market tradition, with regular stalls and nearby shops reflecting everyday local commerce rather than a purely souvenir-focused experience. Belgian chocolate, beer, biscuits, lace and illustrated design goods are widely available, but the city's most distinctive purchases may be contemporary objects and food products from local makers. Saturday's market atmosphere around Kouter, including its flower trade, provides a different perspective on Ghent's shopping culture and civic life.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Ghent, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Ghent essentials

Currency and Payment
Belgium uses the euro, with the international currency code EUR. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, museums, shops, cafés and restaurants, although smaller businesses, market stalls or older machines may have minimum amounts or prefer cash. Visa and Mastercard are commonly useful, while acceptance of other cards can vary. ATMs are available in central areas and at transport hubs; international visitors should check whether their bank applies withdrawal or foreign-exchange charges. Keeping a modest amount of euros is sensible for small purchases, public conveniences and occasional transactions where electronic payment is unavailable.
Safety
Ghent is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary urban precautions remain appropriate. Keep phones, wallets and bags secure in crowded streets, on public transport and around busy nightlife areas, and do not leave valuables visible in parked vehicles. Cycling is common, so pay attention to marked cycle lanes and approaching bicycles when walking. Central streets are usually active in the evening, while quieter areas and transport routes deserve the same awareness used in any city after dark. Take care on cobbled surfaces and around waterways, particularly at night or after drinking, and follow local instructions during festivals or large public events.
Emergency Situations
In Belgium, call 112 for urgent medical, fire or general emergency assistance; police assistance can also be reached through 101. Give the operator the exact location, describe the problem clearly and stay on the line if asked. European visitors should carry their European Health Insurance Card where eligible, while travellers from elsewhere should have suitable medical insurance and their insurer's emergency contact details. For non-urgent medical needs, a local pharmacy can advise on healthcare access, and hotels or accommodation providers can help identify appropriate services. In an immediate danger, move to a public place and ask nearby staff or transport personnel for assistance.
Do's and Don'ts
Greet shop staff and restaurant employees politely, queue patiently and keep voices moderate inside churches and other historic interiors. Dress respectfully when entering religious buildings, especially if services are taking place, and do not touch artworks or architectural details. In cafés and restaurants, tipping is not compulsory because service is generally included, though rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated. Keep to the side of cycle paths and never mistake them for pedestrian pavements. Avoid climbing on monuments, feeding wildlife or dropping litter beside the canals. Belgian language communities are culturally distinct, so a courteous greeting in Dutch, French or English is preferable to making assumptions.
Local Tips
The busiest medieval sights cluster around the Korenmarkt, Graslei and Sint-Baafsplein, so quieter walks can be found in the Begijnhof, Prinsenhof and along less central stretches of the Leie. Ghent's historic centre is compact, but Gent-Sint-Pieters lies south of it, making a tram or bus useful with luggage. The city's waterways look different from street level and from a boat, while evening illumination gives the quays and towers another character. For a broader sense of local life, look beyond the central monuments towards Patershol, the university quarter, the former docks and neighbourhood markets rather than spending the whole visit within the principal sightseeing loop.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGoeiedag[hoo-ee-dahg]
GoodbyeTot ziens[tote zeens]
YesJa[yah]
NoNee[nay]
Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft[al-stu-bleeft]
Thank youDank je[dahnk yeh]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[sor-ee]
How are you?Hoe gaat het?[hoo gaat het]
Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?[hoort. en met yow]
Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?[sprake yeh engels]
I don't understandIk begrijp het niet[ik beh-greyp het neet]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft[ik zow grahg deh menu-kahrt seen al-stu-bleeft]
I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees[ik eet kheyn vleys]
Cheers!Santé![sahn-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou willen betalen, alstublieft[ik zow vill-len beh-ta-len al-stu-bleeft]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Ga weg![gah vehg]
Call the Police!Bel de politie![bel deh poh-lee-see]
Call a doctor!Bel een dokter![bel ayn dohk-ter]
I'm lostIk ben verdwaald[ik ben ver-dwahld]
I'm illIk ben ziek[ik ben zik]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag kopen...[ik zow grahg koh-pen]
I'm just lookingIk ben gewoon aan het kijken[ik ben khe-woon ahn het kee-ken]
How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?[hoo-vel kost het]
That's too expensiveDat is te duur[dat is teh dyoor]
Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?[koont oo deh preys ver-lah-gen]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hoe laat is het?[hoo laht is het]
It's one o'clockHet is een uur[het is ayn oor]
Half past (10)Half elf[hahlf elf]
MorningOchtend[okh-tent]
AfternoonNamiddag[nah-mee-dahg]
EveningAvond[ah-vont]
YesterdayGisteren[ghees-ter-en]
TodayVandaag[vahn-dahgh]
TomorrowMorgen[mohr-ghen]
1Eén[ane]
2Twee[tvee]
3Drie[dree]
4Vier[veer]
5Vijf[vayf]
6Zes[zehs]
7Zeven[zeh-ven]
8Acht[ah-kht]
9Negen[nay-ghen]
10Tien[teen]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?[vahr is an/deh]
What's the address?Wat is het adres?[vat is het ah-dres]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kan je me tonen (op de kaart)?[kahn yeh meh toh-nen (op deh kart)]
When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?[ven-er is deh vol-gen-deh (buhs)]
A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)[ayn ticket (nar)]

History of Ghent

Early Settlements at the River Confluence

Ghent developed at the meeting point of the Scheldt and Leie, a strategically useful position for movement, trade and settlement. The name is generally linked to the Celtic or pre-Roman word for a confluence, while the early medieval name Ganda is associated with the same watery landscape. Roman activity existed in the wider region, but the city's more decisive foundation came in the seventh century, when the missionary Amandus established religious communities near the rivers. The abbeys of Saint Bavo and Saint Peter helped create a stable centre of worship, agriculture and administration. Their influence extended beyond religious life: the communities attracted settlement and contributed to the gradual formation of the urban society that would later become one of Flanders' principal cities.

Medieval Growth and Textile Power

From the eleventh century, Ghent expanded as a commercial and manufacturing centre. Its position within the County of Flanders connected it to river transport and international trade, while cloth production based on English wool became the foundation of its wealth. A powerful community of merchants and textile workers developed, and the city gained extensive privileges as its economic importance grew. The medieval streets, quays and guild buildings visible today reflect this period of prosperity. Political authority remained contested between the counts of Flanders and the increasingly assertive urban corporations. Ghent's prosperity also brought social tension, since access to wealth and civic power was unevenly distributed between patrician families, merchants and the workers whose labour sustained the textile industry.

The Castle and Burgundian Flanders

The Gravensteen, or Castle of the Counts, was rebuilt in stone in 1180 by Philip of Alsace as a conspicuous statement of comital authority inside a city whose citizens were difficult to control. By the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, Ghent stood within the expanding Burgundian Netherlands and remained one of the region's most powerful urban centres. Its citizens repeatedly defended their political privileges, including during the revolt against Philip the Good from 1440 to 1453. The defeat of that revolt weakened the city's autonomy, though Ghent retained considerable commercial and cultural importance. The period also produced major religious and artistic commissions, including the Ghent Altarpiece, completed in 1432 for Saint Bavo's Church.

Charles V and the Loss of Civic Privilege

The future Emperor Charles V was born in Ghent in 1500, when the city formed part of the Habsburg Netherlands. His relationship with his birthplace became emblematic of the changing balance between central monarchy and urban liberties. In 1539, Ghent rebelled against a tax demanded by Charles V for military purposes. The revolt was suppressed, and the city's privileges were curtailed. Local tradition recalls the rebels' forced public penance, after which the nickname stroppendragers, or noose bearers, became associated with Ghent. The episode marked a serious reduction in municipal independence. Although Ghent remained economically significant, its political influence was increasingly contained within the larger administrative structures of the Habsburg state.

Industrialisation and the Modern City

Ghent experienced renewed economic transformation from the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when mechanised textile production, canals and factories altered both its landscape and its social structure. The city became an important industrial centre, attracting workers and expanding beyond its medieval core. Labour organisation and socialist politics subsequently played a notable role in civic life; the cooperative Vooruit, founded in 1891, became an important institution in the history of the Belgian labour movement. Industrial change also encouraged new transport links and urban development. The 1913 World's Fair presented Ghent as a modern city while drawing attention to its historic heritage. Areas around the old docks and former industrial sites still preserve traces of this layered transformation.

Heritage, Renewal and Contemporary Identity

During the twentieth century, Ghent balanced the conservation of its medieval centre with the needs of a growing university city and regional economic hub. Restoration projects gradually renewed historic quays, churches and civic buildings, while cultural institutions broadened the city's identity beyond its textile past. The University of Ghent, founded in 1817, helped establish a strong academic and student presence, and contemporary creative activity developed alongside the restored heritage core. The city has also invested in public space, waterways and former industrial districts, including areas around the docks. Modern Ghent is therefore defined by several overlapping histories: medieval commerce, Habsburg political conflict, industrial labour, university culture and a sustained effort to keep historic architecture part of everyday urban life.

Ghent in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Ghent

The closest cities to Ghent, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Belgium
More of the region

Explore more of Belgium

Discover Belgium: A blend of medieval charm, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes. Explore historic cities, savor exquisite chocolates, and enjoy a perfect getaway.

Explore Belgium
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Ghent

Discover Ghent with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect trip with ease!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Ghent like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Discover top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and more, all in one place.

  • Comprehensive history of Ghent and essential travel information
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Ghent, a city renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and delightful cuisine. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Evendo is your perfect travel companion. Our app provides detailed information on Ghent's best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Imagine strolling through the historic Gravensteen Castle, marveling at the stunning St. Bavo's Cathedral, or enjoying a boat ride along the picturesque Leie River. With Evendo, you can easily plan and organize these experiences with rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.

Looking for the best places to eat? Discover culinary delights at renowned restaurants like De Graslei or indulge in local Belgian waffles at Max. Evendo also features a 'Near me' function, ensuring you never miss out on nearby attractions, no matter where you are in the city.

Booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences has never been easier. Evendo allows you to make all your reservations directly through the app, saving you the hassle of searching and planning. Plus, with curated local tips, you'll experience Ghent like a true local.

Download Evendo today and unlock the full potential of your Ghent adventure. And remember, Evendo isn't just limited to Ghent; it covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, making it your go-to travel guide for any journey.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.