With its network of narrow canals, red-brick buildings and magnificent Gothic architecture, Ghent is one of Belgium’s glittering jewels. And as this is a small city, a day trip to Ghent (Gent in Flemish) will allow you to hit its highlights with ease.
But what are the best things to do during one day in Ghent?
This is where I can help you. I used this lovely city as a base to explore other places in Belgium and put together a 1-day Ghent itinerary to make sure that I didn’t miss the good stuff.
I’ve also included more things to do in Ghent if you are there for two or three days, plus advice on where to stay, how to get there and how to get around.
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TOP 5 THINGS TO DO
- Gaze in wonder at The Adoration of Mystic Lamb
- Take in the view from St. Michael’s Bridge
- Climb Ghent’s Belfort
- Visit Gravensteen
- Join a Belgian beer tour with a local (find out more here)
HOW TO DO A GHENT DAY TRIP: Ghent is 30 minutes by train from Brussels or Bruges.
BEST WAY TO GET AROUND GHENT: On foot
CURRENCY: Euro. Cards are widely accepted.
LANGUAGE SPOKEN: Most locals speak Flemish, which is similar to Dutch. Many people speak English.
How I Did It
I used Ghent as one of my bases during a week in Belgium, staying at Snooz Ap Holiday & Business Flats. From here, I took a day trip to lovely Leuven and ate my way through the best chocolate in Bruges (it has to be done).
It was an easy journey from London by train. I splurged on Eurostar Plus from London to Brussels and then hopped on a train to Ghent.
You can cover most of Ghent’s main attractions in one day. However, I recommend allowing two days to do this in a more relaxed way.
My Suggested 1-Day Ghent Itinerary
It is easy to hit the highlights of Ghent in one day on a self-guided walking tour. As Its main attractions are spread over a small area, Ghent is a very walkable city.
From the starting point at St. Bavo’s Cathedral to the endpoint at Graffiti Street, the total distance is less than two miles. I suggest that you break off at the halfway mark for a relaxing boat cruise.
Here is a map to help you on your way. For an interactive map with walking directions, simply click here or on the image itself.
But if you prefer someone else to take care of the arrangements for you or you want to benefit from local knowledge, join an organised walking tour. This is also one of the best ways to meet people as a solo traveller.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR GHENT WALKING TOUR. IF YOU PREFER A PRIVATE WALKING TOUR, CHECK THE PRICE & AVAILABILITY HERE.
ST. BAVO’S CATHEDRAL & THE MYSTIC LAMB
Our day in Ghent begins with one of the world’s artistic masterpieces, Jan van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
Housed in the Gothic St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal), the so-called Ghent altarpiece has survived wars, fire and theft. It has been restored to its former luminous glory and is sited in the cathedral’s Villa Chapel.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral is also home to a typically energetic Rubens painting (St Baaf entering the Abbey of Ghent) and a massive marble and oak Rococo pulpit, representing the Tree of Life.
GERALD THE DEVIL
After you exit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, take a short detour to take a look at Gerald the Devil.
Don’t be fooled by the name. A devil has never lived in this sombre 13th-century fortress. Staring life as a knights’ residence, it has been used as an arsenal, a monastery, a school, a bishop’s seminary, a 17th-century institution for the mentally ill and a home for male orphans.
BELFORT OF GHENT
Across from the cathedral, on the west side of the main square, is the UNESCO-listed Belfort of Ghent (Ghent’s Belfry).
Built from blue-grey limestone ferried from Tournai, work started on this tower in 1313. The building was tinkered with many times over the centuries and its current dragon-topped spire dates from the 20th Century.
Take the elevator to the roof of the belfry for windy views over the city centre. The entrance is on the south side of the adjoining Lakenhalle, Ghent’s historic Cloth Hall.
GHENT CITY HALL
Ghent’s striking City Hall or Stadhuis is a building of two halves.
The later section, dating from the 1580s, is pure Italian Renaissance with its perfect symmetry and majestic columns and pilasters. But turn the corner, and the flamboyant façade is pure Gothic. This style was intended for the entire building until the collapse of the wool trade killed the finances.
ST NICHOLAS’S CHURCH (SINT-NIKLAASKERK)
St. Nicholas’s Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk) is a few minutes walk from Ghent’s City Hall. This Gothic church was built from blue-grey Tournai stone and was completed in the 13th Century.
Step inside to take a look at the Baroque high altar and its representation of the Last Judgement.
ST. MICHAEL’S BRIDGE
Stop to admire the view from St. Michael’s Bridge (Sint-Michielsbrug). This landmark was built in 1913 to offer visitors to the Great Exhibition the best vantage point to view the city’s skyline.
To the south, there is the handsome Gothic Sint-Michielskirk. In the opposite direction is Tussen Bruggen, Ghent’s oldest harbour and its iconic quays, the Graslei and the Korenlei.
THE GRASLEI
Back in medieval times, Ghent’s boatmen and grain weighers were essential to the fortunes of the city. A lasting legacy is the row of gorgeous guildhouses that line the Graslei, the gable of each decorated with a symbol indicating its function.
THE KORENLEI
On the opposite side of the harbour, the Korenlei is home to an ensemble of 18th-century merchants’ houses built in the Neoclassical style. Take a look at the Guildhouse of the Unfree Boatmen at number 7 which has a façade featuring exaggerated dolphins and lions.
GHENT BOAT TOUR
Now it’s time to rest those feet. You deserve it.
Boats depart the Graslei and the Korenlei for a 50-minute trip along Ghent’s canals. This is an excellent way to learn more about the city.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR GHENT BOAT TOUR
JAN BREYDELSTRAAT
We are now going to make our way towards Ghent’s castle via Jan Breydelstraat. This is one of the city’s prettiest streets and is lined with inviting shops and restaurants.
HET GRAVENSTEEN
The hulking and forbidding walls and turrets of Het Gravensteen, or the castle of the counts in Flanders, look like they have been lifted straight from a child’s storybook. It was first built in 1180 to intimidate and protect Ghent’s unruly citizens in equal measure.
A kitsch (and overlong) self-guided tour takes you through its main buildings, passing medieval military hardware and instruments of torture along the way. From the castle’s wall, there are lovely views over Ghent’s city centre.
PATERSHOL
Northeast of Het Gravensteen is the Patershol, a picturesque labyrinth of brick terraced houses, dating from the 17th Century. This was once the heart of the city and is a good spot to grab a bite to eat.
VRIJDAGMARKT
For centuries, the Vrijdagmarkt was the political heart of Ghent and the site of public meetings and executions. The imposing statue in the middle of the square is that of the guild leader Jacob van Artevelde.
GRAFFITI STREET (WERREGARENSTRAAT)
From the artwork in Brick Lane in my home town of London to checking out the MUAS Initiative in Málaga, I try to seek out street art wherever I am. Visiting Ghent was no exception.
Street artists are let loose with their spray cans on Werregarenstraat, otherwise known as Graffiti Street. It’s worth taking a detour to this narrow alleyway to look at works by artists such as Roa and Bué the Warrior.
JOIN A BEER TOUR WITH A LOCAL
If you are staying overnight in Ghent, you must join this excellent beer tour with a local guide.
Beer is one of the things for which Belgium is famous and prior to World War II, there were over 100 breweries in Ghent. Today’s brewers have rediscovered Ghent and both microbreweries and larger breweries are booming.
Liselot, our super-enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, introduced us to five types of Belgian beer in three bars. At the end of the tour, she provided personalised recommendations for beer that is widely available in Belgium.
In case you’re wondering, I should go for Gulden Draak Quadruple, a mere 10.7% ABV. Cheers.
>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR
The Ghent City Card Can Save You Money
Like many cities, Ghent has a tourist pass – CityCard Gent – that offers free or discounted admission to its main attractions from €38. It also includes a boat tour and bicycle rental for one day.
But is the Ghent City card good value?
I’m not usually a massive fan of these city cards but, for me, it was a travel bargain. Like any of these city cards, you will need to do the maths to work out if it is the right choice for you.
You can pick one up at the city’s tourist information centre or participating attractions.
READ THIS NEXT: Is the Ghent City Card Worth It?
Getting There
Ghent is located at the midpoint of the train line between Brussels and Bruges. From either city, it’s a 30-minute journey. Trains are frequent and not expensive.
The only downside is that Ghent St. Peter’s Station is a 30-minute walk from the historic city centre. However, if you are feeling weary or want to save time, tram line 1 runs from the station to the city centre every ten minutes.
Thanks to Eurostar, you could even take a day trip to Ghent from London. You will need to change trains at Brussels Midi / Brussels Sud.
For example; if you caught the first Eurostar train from London St. Pancras International at just after 8 am, you would be ready to start your day in Ghent at midday. The last train for London departs Brussels just before 9 pm.
Where I Stayed in Ghent
If you are staying overnight in Ghent, base yourself in its historic centre to be close to the attractions included in this one-day itinerary.
Here are my top choices:
Snooz Ap Holiday & Business Flats
I stayed at this superb apartment in the heart of the historic city centre, which is a great self-catering choice in Ghent. The washing machine, Nespresso machine and roof terrace were welcome bonuses.
>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES
Here are some other choices of accommodation that may suit other tastes and budgets:
If you are looking for a first-rate accommodation choice that is closer to the train station, this could be it. This 4-star B&B has gardened fabulous reviews.
>>> CLICK HERE TO TO CHECK RATES
Push the boat out and stay at this guesthouse housed in a historic building in the heart of the city. There is also a peaceful garden in which to relax after a hard day’s sightseeing.
>>> CLICK HERE TO TO CHECK RATES
Visiting Bruges and Ghent in One Day
As Bruges and Ghent are only 30 minutes apart by train, it is possible to visit them both in one day.
These two cities are very walkable. Whilst there are similarities between Bruges and Ghent cities, they each have something unique to offer.
However, visiting both of these cities in a day will be a rushed experience. Furthermore, you will need to be highly selective in what you see and very organised to make the best of your day.
My advice is to spend a day in both cities if possible. If that’s not an option, then pick a city.
But life isn’t always perfect. If you are short on time, I recommend joining an organised day tour to make the most of your precious day.
This day trip to Ghent and Bruges from Brussels is affordable and has excellent reviews.
Is Ghent Safe for Solo Travellers?
Belgium is an easy country for solo travellers, even if you are travelling alone for the first time. It has an excellent infrastructure, relatively affordable accommodation, a rich history and buzzing nightlife in the main cities.
Keeping safe is a key concern of female solo travellers. Ghent is a friendly city with locals, students and tourists enjoying its attractions, bars and restaurants. Even after dark on weekdays, I felt safe.
That said, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Watch out for pickpockets, especially in popular tourist areas and transport hubs. Remain vigilant and keep your belongings close to you. If you have a safe at your accommodation, use it to store valuables.
Why I Loved Ghent
Whilst Ghent is not as well-known as either Brussels or Bruges, ignore it at your peril.
It attracts a fraction of the visitors descending on these two cities which has to be a good thing. If you ever visited Bruges on a weekend day in summer, you will know what I mean.
It has history and culture in spades, friendly locals, glorious architecture and meandering canals. And if that’s not enough, Ghent also has a lively restaurant and bar scene and is home to a growing number of breweries.
I hope that you have a wonderful day in Ghent. If you’ve enjoyed this guide, take a look at my other Belgium articles to help you plan your trip:
- A Perfect 1-Week Belgium Itinerary by Train
- 11 Awesome Reasons to Visit Mechelen, Belgium
- One Day in Leuven, Belgium: Top 10 Things to Do
- 10 Reasons to Visit Hasselt: Belgium’s Hidden Gem
- One Day in Brussels: Itinerary and Best Things to Do
- How to Find the Best Chocolate in Bruges, Belgium
Happy travels!
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About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.