Ah, Ghent: this quaint university town in Belgium’s Flanders region may often be outshined by the breathtaking Bruges, but Ghent is a gem in its own right. Despite its small size, Ghent offers a charming experience, making it possible to explore all the top attractions in just one day.
We quickly fell in love with this walkable canal city, where stunning architecture, rich history, and–of course–delicious waffles await at every corner.
If Belgium is on your travel itinerary, here’s how to make the most out of one day in Ghent!
The Best Things to Do in Ghent in One Day
Take a stroll down Werregarenstraat.
How do you promote street art in your city while preserving its priceless buildings?
The solution: dedicate an entire street to art!
Werregarenstraat (try saying that five times fast!) is a vibrant pedestrian street in Ghent, showcasing an ever-evolving collection of street art.
Visit Gravensteen Castle.
For a fairytale-like castle, look no further than Gravensteen.
Dating back to the Middle Ages and located right beside one of Ghent’s canals, Gravensteen is both majestic and awe-inspiring.
Depending on how you choose to spend your day in Ghent, you might have time to tour the castle’s interior, which functions as a museum open to the public.
Either way, be sure to visit for the stunning views!
Soak in the views from St. Michael’s Bridge.
One of Ghent’s most iconic views can be seen from St. Michael’s Bridge.
From here, you can admire all three of Ghent’s medieval towers in one sweeping vista: the towers of St. Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
Explore Patershol.
Entering the picturesque Patershol neighborhood feels like stepping into a storybook: cobblestone streets and classic Flemish rooflines abound.
While the main street offers plenty of cafes and restaurants, the quiet backstreets are our favorite spots to wander.
Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral boasts a stunning interior (and during our visit in late 2017, a temporary exhibit featuring a whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling). But the cathedral is best known for housing the Flemish masterpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
Climb the Belfry for panoramic views of Ghent.
To see the best views of Ghent’s rooftops and enjoy an epic perspective of St. Bavo’s Cathedral, climb the Belfry–all 366 steps.
We’ve found that we never regret making the climb to beautiful viewpoints, so this is a must-do when considering what to do in Ghent.
Take a canal cruise.
Cruising through Ghent’s canals while taking in the sights and learning about the city’s history is one of the most popular activities in Ghent for a reason.
There’s something magical about viewing Ghent’s beautiful architecture from the water, offering a fresh perspective on the city.
Admire Ghent’s night lights.
Ghent’s beauty doesn’t fade with the setting sun–thanks to clever lighting installations, it only becomes more enchanting.
At night, a series of lights illuminate Ghent, casting beautiful reflections into the canals below. A nighttime stroll along the canals is a must when trying to see Ghent in one day.
What to Eat When Visiting Ghent, Belgium
A single day in Ghent might not give you enough time to sample all the city’s culinary delights, but there are a few indulgences you simply can’t miss.
Frites
Think French fries are French? In Belgium, they’re proudly known as Belgian frites, and they’re incredibly delicious.
Typically served with Belgian mayo (which is far superior to the grocery store variety), Belgian frites are a must-try snack in Ghent.
Chocolate
Belgian chocolate is legendary: find a chocolate shop and indulge to your heart’s content. And don’t forget to bring some home as a tasty souvenir!
Waffles
Belgian waffles are famous worldwide, but nothing compares to the authentic experience! We recommend buying one fresh from a street vendor for the best taste.
Getting Around Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is a very walkable city, and depending on where you stay, you might not need anything more than your feet to explore. However, if you prefer to cover more ground quickly, Ghent’s public transportation system is excellent and easy to navigate.
Tickets for buses and trams can be purchased at vending machines near the stops or on board–but be aware that buying on the bus or tram costs a bit more. You might also consider a Ghent City card, which includes access to public transportation and several city attractions.
Getting to Ghent from Brussels or Bruges
Ghent’s convenient location between Brussels and Bruges makes it an easy destination on Belgium’s efficient train system. It’s about a 30-minute train ride from either city, making Ghent a perfect addition to any Belgian itinerary.
Trains run frequently between Ghent, Brussels, and Bruges, so you should have no trouble catching a train whenever you need to.
Looking for a day trip to Ghent?
If you’re short on time and would rather let someone else handle the logistics, consider booking a day trip to Ghent! These trips are ideal for maximizing a limited timeframe, helping you see the best of Ghent’s attractions efficiently.
We absolutely loved our time in Ghent: it’s a charming, relaxing city with some of the most beautiful architecture we’ve ever seen, plus delicious treats around every corner.
We’d love to return someday and highly recommend spending at least one day (if not more) in Ghent as part of any Belgium travel plan.
Where to Stay in Ghent
Though listed as a private room, this Airbnb offered an entire private floor, including a bedroom, living room, and bathroom.
Everything was spotless and beautifully decorated. The bed was one of the most comfortable we slept in all year, and the hosts were incredibly kind and accommodating.
Though the property is a bit of a walk from the city center (about 25 minutes), we didn’t mind and would definitely stay here again.
