Top 10 Free Things to do in Ghent, Flanders

August 9, 2021 Roger Rusk

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. St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

Sint-Baafsplein Casco Historico de la Ciudad, Ghent 9000 Belgium +32 9 225 16 26 http://www.sintbaafskathedraal.be/
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,171 reviews

St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

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.

2. Graslei and Korenlei

Graslei en Korenleih, Ghent Belgium
Excellent
69%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,358 reviews

Graslei and Korenlei

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!)

3. Kraanlei

Kraanlei, Ghent Belgium
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 182 reviews

Kraanlei

Reviewed By StefanieH443 - Lincoln, United States

The architecture is so beautiful along this waterway, and there are also restaurants with great water views. You can walk on either side as well as take a boat cruise.

4. St Michael's Bridge

Sint-Michielsplein, Ghent 9000 Belgium http://visit.gent.be/en/st-michaels-bridge
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,600 reviews

St Michael's Bridge

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

5. Ghent University Botanical Garden

Karel Lodewijk Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000 Belgium +32 9 264 50 73 http://www.ugent.be/we/en/services/garden/visiting/overview.htm
Excellent
48%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Ghent University Botanical Garden

6. Campo Santo Cemetery

Visitatiestraat 13 Sint-Amandsberg, Ghent 9040 Belgium +32 9 216 79 20 http://visit.gent.be/nl/campo-santo-0?context=groups
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Campo Santo Cemetery

7. Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve

Driepikkelstraat 32, Ghent 9000 Belgium +32 9 210 10 10 http://visit.gent.be/en/natuur-en-milieucentrum-de-bourgoyen
Excellent
53%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve

Reviewed By Froggo_gal

Really nice area to go to get some nature just outside the city. In the spring many birds nest here and they have a nice bird hide to be able to watch them with some information on the species. Great place for a walk!

8. Ghent City Center

Ghent Belgium +32 9 264 83 03 http://visit.gent.be/en/home
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,371 reviews

Ghent City Center

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.

9. Tourist Information Center

Sint-Veerleplein 5, Ghent 9000 Belgium https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/inquiry-desk-visit-gent
Excellent
50%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 205 reviews

Tourist Information Center

The Visit Gent inquiry desk provides all tourist information. It is a glass construction that looks out onto the old gateway at Sint-Veerleplein. The glass fits in well with the historical surroundings and creates an inviting atmosphere. The showpiece of this concept is the centrally located multimedia data table, which you can use to request information about Ghent and – although to a lesser extent – about other art cities and East Flanders through innovative touch technology. The information is presented in a very accessible manner, also for persons with physical or visual impairments.

Reviewed By BirdBrain99 - Greater London, United Kingdom

The centre is very central. The layout is good and there are lots of self service leaflets in multiple languages. Thre is a visual display of major attractions. The staff are very helpful.

10. Ghent Festival

Sint-Veerleplein, Ghent Belgium https://gentsefeesten.stad.gent/
Excellent
79%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Ghent Festival

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