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Ghent city break
Make your Ghent city break one to remember with our ultimate city guide. Discover the best things to do, including top Ghent attractions and expert tips on where to stay
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Making the most of your weekend in Ghent
Planning a Ghent city break? You're in for a weekend that feels effortlessly cinematic. Picture medieval towers reflected in sleepy canals, castle walls glowing at golden hour, and lively squares that hum from morning coffee to late-night Belgian beers. Often overlooked in favour of Bruges and Brussels, Ghent's mix of medieval architecture, museums and mouth-watering vegan food puts it high on the list for a weekend away. Compact enough to explore on foot, yet rich enough to fill every hour with something new, from museum pottering to canal-side strolls, Ghent really is Belgium's best-kept secret.
It's easy to travel from London to Ghent with Eurostar. Just take a Eurostar train from Brussels and change to a SNCB train to Ghent. The total journey will take about 2 hours 50 minutes. And you can book the entire journey with us.
The best things to do in Ghent
Wondering what to do in Ghent? Whether you're into ancient monuments, art and artefacts, or prefer to watch the world go by from a waterfront café, Ghent has it all.
Ghent attractions and landmarks
Ghent's skyline is a storybook in stone. Tick off the best attractions with our list of must-sees and local favourites.
Gravensteen castle
Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000
Visit Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), a striking medieval fortress right in the city centre. Looming menacingly over the River Leie, the current castle dates back to 1180, when it was the residence of the Counts of Flanders.
Since then, it's served as a courthouse and a prison for 400 years. The morbidly inclined will find the museum of torture devices on the top floor especially thrilling.
St Bavo's Cathedral
Sint-Baafsplein, 9000
Explore St Bavo's Cathedral, one of Ghent's most recognised landmarks, and soak in the Gothic architecture and the building's imposing tower. Inside, you'll find all manner of artefacts – even a whale skeleton (we're not kidding!).
Don't forget to look out for one of the most famous paintings of all time, The Ghent Altarpiece, widely known as the first great oil painting.
The Belfry
Korenmarkt, 9000
Climb the Belfry's winding spiral staircase (or hop in the lift) and enjoy the tower's scenic views of the city. Rising high over the Korenmarkt, the Belfy has served several purposes over the years, from a document store to a watchtower.
These days, the bell (nicknamed 'Roland') no longer chimes to warn locals of impending danger, but to mark each hour – along with a cheerful carillon of 54 bells, if you stop by on a Sunday morning.
Must-see museums in Ghent
Looking to soak up some history? Ghent's museums offer everything from fine art to cutting-edge culture.
Discover Ghent's museums
- MSK Gent (Museumvoor Schone Kunsten Gent) – Home to Flemish masterpieces and centuries of European art.
- SMAK (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art) – A contemporary counterpart, perfect for modern art lovers.
- Design Museum Ghent – Where sleek modern designs meet historic interiors.
Whether you dip in for an hour or spend an afternoon gallery-hopping, Ghent's museums are easy to slot into your itinerary.
Best restaurants in Ghent
If you're wondering where to eat in Ghent, you won't be short on options. From fresh seafood and Michelin-starred dishes to creamy cheesecakes and, of course, the city's famous vegan scene, Ghent's restaurants really do pack a punch.
So, bring your appetite and let's explore a few of our favourites.
Julie’s House
Kraanlei 13, 9000
Just beyond Gravensteen’s crenelated walls, this bijou café’s squeezed into one of Kraanlei’s narrow townhouses.
It’s known for its namesake owner’s bakes, from red velvet blondies to slabs of Biscoff cheesecake.
Portions are generous, so arrive hungry. If you can find a table, it’s an excellent spot for brunch or afternoon tea, complete with delicate finger sandwiches and the option of a glass of fizz.
De Blauwe Kiosk
Kouter, 9000
Despite being a fair few miles from the sea, Ghent is known as one of the best places in Belgium for oysters – and De Blauwe Kiosk delivers. A former newsstand, the kiosk is now something of a Ghent icon, and you'll find the surrounding tables crowded with locals and visitors alike every weekend.
Head to the Kouter on a Sunday morning to soak up the fragrance of the flower market, stroll in the sunshine and pick up fresh oysters and champagne at the quaint blue kiosk.
Lokaal
Brabantdam 100, 9000
In a bid to reduce meat consumption, Ghent declared every Thursday 'Veggie Day' in 2009. The idea caught on, and you'll now find most restaurants in the city offering tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes throughout the week.
Using fresh, locally harvested veg, the team at Lokaal whip up a delicious sharing menu every evening, along with a simple, ever-changing lunch option and their famous BlikiBurger (a vegan take on the traditional Belgian Bicky Burger).
Lekker GEC
K. M. Hendrikaplein 6, 9000
With a focus on organic vegetables, fair-trade produce, and locally sourced ingredients, this friendly, plant-based café is a delicious pit stop.
Stop off for a hearty soup or sandwich, or hit the colourful buffet and pay by weight for what you eat. Big appetite? Grab a golden plate and dive into all-you-can-eat vegan goodness. While you're there, wet your whistle with a homemade lemonade or explore the beer and wine list.
Oak
Hoogstraat 167/001, 9000
Headed up by Italian-Brazilian chef Marcelo Ballardin, this one-Michelin-starred hot spot serves up internationally inspired dishes, blending classic Italian flavours with the freshness and spice of Asian cuisine.
The seasonal seven-course dinner menu features five exquisite starters, followed by a main and dessert, or you can pop in for a five-course lunch.
Everything's served up in a relaxed, modern setting where pretensions are left at the door.
FAQs about city breaks to Ghent
Ghent castle is open every day from 10am to 6pm, with the last entry at 4.40pm. Kids under 12 go free and there are discounts for groups, schools and students.
When you travel with Eurostar to Ghent, you can save money by booking your train and hotel together.* Find out more
You can buy tickets on arrival, but to avoid the queues and be sure you'll get in, book in advance online (opens in a new tab).
A five-minute stroll from Gravensteenyou'll find Werregarenstraat, an officially designated space for the city’s street artists. Stretching two blocks, the cut-through’s become a kaleidoscopic, ever-changing canvas, where even the pavement’s scrawled with tags.
Cross the other fork in the river and a short stroll will take you to the Tinnenpot Theatre. This Tardis-like cultural complex boasts a freewheeling programme covering everything from experimental theatre and cabaret to classical recitals, via flamenco and foot-tapping fiddle quartets – with tickets very reasonably priced.
For a drink with a view, head to De Alchemist (opens in a new tab), right at the foot of the castle. On sunny afternoons, its pavement tables are perfect for people-watching, while candles flicker in the cosy, wood-panelled bar. There are Belgian beers on draught, but the specialty here is gin, with a connoisseur’s array of blends.
Like most cities, Ghent can be enjoyed throughout the year. The summer brings warm days and waterside strolls, along with boat tours and rafting trips. And in July, Gentse Feesten hits town, with ten days of music and theatre at every turn.
With winter comes the traditional Christmas market, usually accompanied by a Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round or two. And of course the opportunity to cosy up with some warming, traditional Belgian foods like Gentse Waterzooi, a delicious creamy stew with chicken or fish.
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