What To See And Do In Ghent, Belgium

The hipster university town of Ghent, with its network of canals lined with gorgeous old-world architecture, is yet another Belgian gem. Once the largest European city north of Paris, Ghent, with its remarkably well-preserved buildings, is the capital and largest city of East Flanders province. Located between Brussels and Bruges, this is an ideal stop between Belgiums two most visited cities. Its laid back vibe is less touristy, providing a more authentic, welcoming feel, while still offering plenty of interesting things to see and do, making it well worth the stop.

What To See and Do In Ghent

The center of Ghent’s charming old town, where most of the sites are, is pedestrian only, making exploring by foot fun and easy.

Visit Gravensteen, The Castle of the Counts

One of the top sites in Ghent is its medieval castle, located in the center of the old town. Gravensteen, which literally means Castle of the Counts, is where the Counts of Flanders lived and ruled from the 12th to the 14th century. This fairytale-esque castle is complete with a medieval moat, fanciful turrets, and a sordid history of torture.

The Count’s residence, the gatehouse, ramparts, stables and more are open to the public (with audio tours).

A fun fact on Gravensteen is that in 1949, 138 students overtook a guard, and entered to protest a local beer price incease. Ghent playfully commemorates this historic revolt with an annual parade where they sing “The Battle of Gravensteen”.

Explore The Quaint Quarter of Patershol

This neighborhood, set in the shadows of Gravensteen, is a labyrinth of cobbled streets filled with cozy cafes, bars, and shops, the perfect place to escape the busy city center.

Once home to the workers of the Counts of Ghent, and the Carmelite Fathers, or Paters (where this area gets its name) this is now Ghent’s culinary heart, with a variety of cool restaurants.

See The World’s Most Stolen Piece of Art

Seeing the Van Eyck, 24-panel altarpiece, or Adoration of the Music Lamb, is one of the worlds most stole pieces of artwork. One of its missing panels, which has a replica in its place, remains a mystery to this day.

This oversized altarpiece, which is about 14.5’ x 11.5’, is on display at Saint Bavos Cathedral. It’s now protected by a bullet-proof glass case.

Saint Bavos cathedral, also known as Sint-Baafs Cathedral, is also home to other important treasures, like Rubens’s The Conversion of Saint Bavo, beautiful stained glass windows, and religous antiquities.

Admire Saint Nicholas’ Church

This 13-15th century church (above left) is one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in central Ghent. Built of dark Tournai limestone from southern Belgium, it’s a mix of Romanesque and Flemish Gothic styles.

Saint Nicholas and its beautiful flying buttresses are best viewed from the platform high above at Ghent’s bell tower (below), but it’s also worth a stop inside too.

Climb Belfort Van Gent, The Bell Tower of Ghent

Ghent’s belfry, or bell tower, dating back to the 14th century, is the tallest belfry in Belgium, offering beautiful views of the city and Saint Nicholas’ Church. Topped by a gilded dragon, a symbolic guardian, it keeps a protective watch over the city.

Legend states that this dragon was once the figurehead for Norse king, Sigrid Magnusson’s long ship on his 12th century crusade. It was in Constantinople before ending up in Bruges, where it was taken as war booty in the 14th century when Ghent defeated Bruges in battle.

This dragon acts somewhat as a city mascot, blowing fire into the evening sky at special events. It even has a beer named in its honor, Gulden Draak (which means Golden Dragon).

Experience Graslei Quay

Visiting Graslei Quay (grass quay) is another must-do in Ghent. The centuries old, gable-stepped houses, once used by grain merchants and shippers, reflect on the water of the former medieval port. Today, this tourist hot-spot offers a lively scene, filled with terrace cafes overlooking the river. It’s a great place to have lunch or dinner and soak up some local culture.

Make sure to cross Saint Michel’s Bridge, nearby, for one of the more picturesque views in Ghent.

Wander Werregarenstraat

This officially sanctioned art alley, is the most colorful street in Ghent. Known locally as Graffitistraatje, it’s a fun stop, and one of Ghent’s most photographed streets.

Gaze At Geeraard de Duivelsteen Castle

Ghent also has a second castle, which defended the city’s port for hundreds of years, Geeraard de Duivelsteen. It’s named after the knight who once lived here, Geeraard Vilain, whose nickname was ”Geeraard de Duivel” or “Geeraard the Devil”, due to his dark hair and complexion.

Despite its fascinating name, a visit to Gravensteen is the better choice. Especially if you only have time for one. Although, it’s located close to St Bavo, so it’s worth a quick peek if nearby.

See The Twin Towers of Rabot

This fortified bridge with two round towers, once part of the city walls of old Ghent, stands where the canal used to connect the town to the North Sea.

It was built in the 15th century after an unsuccessful invasion by Austria through this, previously, unfortified spot.

It’s not open to the public, but interesting to walk by to admire its architecture.

Museums In Old Town Ghent

If you’re into museums, Ghent has several interesting ones. The two most popular, near the old town, are noted below.

Industriemuseum, The Museum of Industry

Located in an old cotton mill, you can learn about Ghent’s leading role in the industrial revolution. This museum is about a 10-minute walk northeast of Gravensteen.

The Design Museum

From Art Nouveau to Contemporary, this museum showcases Belgian and international furniture, decorative objects, glassware, and more. This museum is a 5-minute walk southwest of Gravensteen.

The Gate of Neptune

If you have time for a quirky stop, look for the old 17th century gate that once led to the fish market. The two statues below Neptune represent, and honor, the two great rivers in Ghent. The woman on the right represents the Lys, or Leie, and the man on the left represents the Scheldt river, You’ll find it in Sint-Veerleplein square just south of Gravensteen.

Want To See More Of Belgium?

Belgium’s two most visited cities are Brussels, its capital, and Bruges, who’s old town is noted as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Ghent sits between them, about a 20-30 minute train ride from each, making both very accessible.

Both are magnificent, but if you only have time for one, I would choose Bruges. It still retains most of “Golden Age” charm, when it was a major center of finance and culture with merchants visiting from around the world to trade goods.

To learn more about visiting Belgium, its top sites, how to get around, safety, scams, and more, see my Travel Guide for Belgium.