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Ghent, Belgium: Travel Guide to Flanders' Best-Kept Medieval Secret

Ghent is a lively university city with a medieval heart, often described as Bruges without the crowds. Its skyline of three great towers, its waterfront guildhouses and a real moated castle in the city centre make it one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. Add the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece, a buzzing student population and one of Europe's biggest street festivals, and you have a city that combines history with an energetic, creative spirit.

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Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Ghent

1. St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece

St. Bavo's Cathedral is home to one of the most important paintings in the world: the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, completed by the brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck in 1432. This huge, multi-panel masterpiece is renowned for its astonishing detail and vivid colours, and it's often described as the most stolen artwork in history, having been taken by Napoleon's troops, divided up and seized by the Nazis. One panel, The Just Judges, was stolen in 1934 and has never been found. A modern visitor centre uses augmented reality to tell the painting's dramatic story.

Booking tip: Tickets for the altarpiece have timed entry slots, so book online in advance. A guided tour on GetYourGuide adds depth to the visit.

2. Gravensteen Castle

The Gravensteen, or "Castle of the Counts," is a medieval fortress built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders. With its moat, turrets and battlements, it looks like it came straight out of a storybook. Inside, you can explore the great hall, the dungeons and a collection of weapons and torture instruments. Climb to the roof for a fantastic view over the city's rooftops.

Booking tip: Buy tickets online to avoid queues. The castle's audio guide, narrated with humour, makes the visit entertaining for all ages.

3. Graslei, Korenlei and St. Michael's Bridge

The Graslei and Korenlei are two quays facing each other across the River Leie, lined with beautiful medieval guildhouses that once belonged to the city's merchants. In the evening, the area fills with locals relaxing by the water. From St. Michael's Bridge, you can see Ghent's famous three towers lined up in a row: St. Nicholas' Church, the Belfry and St. Bavo's Cathedral.

Booking tip: A boat tour, bookable on GetYourGuide, offers a relaxing way to see the guildhouses and the city's waterways.

4. The Belfry and Cloth Hall

Ghent's Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 14th-century bell tower that once housed the city's charters and treasures. A gilded dragon perches on top, symbolising the city's protector. A lift takes you up for panoramic views, and the adjoining Cloth Hall recalls Ghent's past as a wealthy centre of the cloth trade. In the Middle Ages, Ghent was one of the largest cities in Northern Europe, second only to Paris, thanks to this industry. Art lovers should also visit the MSK (Museum of Fine Arts) and the S.M.A.K. contemporary art museum, which face each other across Citadel Park.

Booking tip: Tickets are available online or on site.

5. Patershol, Street Art and the Gentse Feesten

The Patershol is a charming medieval neighbourhood of narrow cobbled lanes, now filled with restaurants and cafés. Nearby, the Werregarenstraatje, or "Graffiti Street," is a narrow alley where street artists can legally paint, creating a constantly changing gallery. Every July, the city hosts the Gentse Feesten, a 10-day festival of music, theatre and street performances, one of the largest in Europe.

Booking tip: Food and street art tours, available on GetYourGuide, are a fun way to discover these neighbourhoods. Book accommodation early if you're visiting during the Gentse Feesten.

Practical Travel Tips for Ghent

Getting Around

By train: Ghent is about 30 minutes from Brussels and 25 minutes from Bruges.
From the station: trams connect Gent-Sint-Pieters station with the city centre.
On foot: the historic centre is car-free and easy to explore on foot.
By bike: Ghent is very bike-friendly.

Local Culinary Specialties

Gentse waterzooi: a creamy stew, originally made with fish, now often with chicken.
Cuberdons: cone-shaped raspberry candies, locally called "neuzekes" (little noses).
Ghent mustard: a spicy mustard produced by local shops for generations.
Jenever: a traditional juniper spirit.
Vegetarian food: Ghent was one of the first cities to promote a weekly vegetarian day.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and summer (April–September): pleasant weather and outdoor terraces along the water.
July: the Gentse Feesten festival.
Autumn: fewer tourists and a lively student atmosphere.
December: festive Christmas markets around St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Ghent

Ghent combines medieval architecture, world-class art, lively culture and delicious food. Whether you're admiring the Ghent Altarpiece, exploring the Gravensteen or relaxing along the Graslei, it's a city that will win your heart.

Plan ahead: book your altarpiece tickets, castle visits and boat tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Ghent.