Location: Ghent
Top Things to do in Ghent
The 10 Best Things to do in Ghent, Flanders
Belgium's fourth-largest - and most beautiful - city is home to a quarter of a million people and a flourishing flower export trade. An important port, Ghent's city center is a pedestrian area that is like a museum to early Flemish architecture and a testament to the city's medieval might. Impressive Gothic sites, such as dramatic St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Castle of the Counts, inspire awe. The works of Flemish masters are housed in the distinguished Museum voor Schone Kunst.
Restaurants in Ghent
1. Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,275 reviews
This municipal tower was a symbol of the city's autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380.
Reviewed By noahzieglerhazen - Birmingham, United Kingdom
The belfry was a Medieval masterpiece. It was interesting to climb the spiral staircase up to the top lookout where the bells rang. We stayed to watch the clock work ring the various bells every 15 minutes. Definitely recommend staying st the top until you see the show.
2. Gravensteen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,013 reviews
The only surviving "castle of the count."
Reviewed By Spud479 - London, United Kingdom
We visited on a red hot day and the castle was cool in more ways than one way lol For 12 Euros we collected the audio tour and chose the English tour, a Belgian comedian called Wouter Deprez gave a wonderfully funny version of this horrible history, he got the tone just right and We found ourselves laughing out loud on several occasions ???????? This is great value for money and a must see when in Ghent
3. Museum Voor Schone Kunsten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
At the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK), you can discover more than 400 masterpieces of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day. In our iconic building, Old Masters such as Bosch and Rubens hang alongside Impressionists, Surrealists and Modernists. With names like Ensor, Magritte and Permeke, Belgian art is well represented. And you can now also witness the live restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece, behind the glass wall of the restoration room. The museum shop and restaurant, a diverse programme with room for contemporary art and our location in the Citadel park all turn the museum into a vibrant place where you can easily pass a few hours surrounded by beauty.
Reviewed By Lepand - Ra'anana, Israel
A great museum with a very large collection of primarily Flemish, together with some French paintings from the Middle Ages till the 20th century. Lots of Rubens. The presentation is very well done. Lots of explanations that are comfortable to read and in English also. This is how a museum should show its works. IN addition, on week days you can see certain panels of Adoration of the Lamb being restored by specialists behind a glass window. There is a display station with all sorts of information on it. I understand that on weekends the panels are displayed. Not every museum can be the Louvre or the Met but there are lots of good paintings here and we enjoyed it very much.
4. St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,171 reviews
Reviewed By john_tabac - Southampton, United Kingdom
St Bavo’s Cathedral was a 12th century Romanesque church which dedicated to St John the Baptist. During the 15th and 16th centuries, was converted into the imposing Gothic St Bavo’s Cathedral. It has a rich history and it is also filled with art treasures. From the baroque high altar in white, black and red flamed marble, the Rococo pulpit in oak, gilded wood and marble, a masterpiece by Rubens, the Calvary Triptych by Justus van Gent, the Gothic sanctuary lamp, the opulent tombs of the Bishops of Ghent – and the world-famous Mystic Lamb. St Bavo’s Cathedral is still used for worship and although it has a sign that cameras are not allowed inside, everybody take pictures and security staff didn't say anything. Only in Mystic Lamb they don't allow pictures.
5. Graslei and Korenlei
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,358 reviews
Reviewed By N3899ACrolandb - Ferndown, United Kingdom
Just a short stroll from central St.Michaels Bridge along each side of the quay,the range of picturesque and architectural styles are most pleasing to the eye;take along with you a descriptive guidebook,( available from the Tourist Office),and you will find interesting details of the purpose and history of the various buildings (alternatively,take the half hour informative boat trip there- currently a modest €7!)
6. St Michael's Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,600 reviews
Reviewed By TUMBO10 - Essex, United Kingdom
Best views from here and is a key location to find the Christmas Markets in Ghent It is located close to many attractions as Gravensteen, The Belfry aswell Worth going to
7. Ghent City Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,371 reviews
Reviewed By minervao2019
Amazingly beautiful small city, great Christmas Market, very scenic, great food and bars and a very short train ride from Brussels. Take a taxi into town if you are than 2 people. It’s a rather long walk specially if cold and rainy. It’s only 8E versus 3E for the tram pp. If you have an extra day and have to make a choice between Ghent and Brugge I recommend you choose Ghent.
8. Korenmarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By a1eksandar - Belgrade, Serbia
Historic main square of the city, with outstanding architecture all around. Quite spacious and a must-see.
9. Patershol
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 600 reviews
Reviewed By CallieDiNello - London, United Kingdom
A lovely part of Ghent city centre, with a labyrinth of cobblestoned narrow streets to navigate. We found local bars and restaurants that catered to their locals, rather than being tourist-traps which was heavenly to find! Not an easy place to find your way around but which adds to the sense of fun as long as you're not footsore or hungry.
10. Saint Nicholas Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 775 reviews
Reviewed By ejfraser - Solihull, United Kingdom
When you enter this beautiful church you cannot help being in awe of its height. They way it's been built makes it look like it's 4 storeys high. The massive ornately carved wooden pulpit is awesome. I preferred this church to St.Bavos Cathedral, I found it more majestic and less ornate yet the stainglass and organ were great. Part of the church that opens onto Korenmarkt was divided off and being used for a craft hall selling local artisan wares. Like all the main sites in Ghent right in the city centre.
