Lined with canals and medieval gabled houses, voted the vegetarian capital of Europe and one of the best cities in Belgium to cycle in and around. Explore the many things there are to do in Ghent and you will never want to leave, I promise. Read on to find out exactly why this closely guarded secret is well worth a visit.
My love affair with Ghent started nearly two decades ago. I would like to say it was due to the city’s deep-rooted sense of sustainability, blossoming cultural scene, or impossibly beautiful architecture. Rather it was unrequited love and the easy-going coolness of the prolific student population that had me practically running to get back to the city. I was 18 and Ghent was the place to be!
Over the years I have been to Ghent countless times: Birthday parties, weddings, art exhibitions or simply to get away from the lovely chaos that is Brussels, my home. This city in northern Belgium, in the Flanders region, is often overlooked by travelers visiting Belgium. An oversight which I am now going to help you correct!
Below you will find an outline of how I would do in Ghent as a first-time visitor. For those looking to get the true Flemish experience, I highly recommend renting a bicycle and heading out along one of Flanders’ Finest Cycling Routes. These cycling routes combine the highlights of Ghent, with a variety of lesser-known spots in the surrounding countryside (museums, national parks, castles and quaint villages).
Scroll down for practical information on where to eat, sleep, and a few sustainable events worth visiting. I hope you enjoy this city in Flanders as much as I do!
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Prepare Your Trip to Ghent
PRACTICAL INFO
- E-Sim: 10 GB for 30 Days
- Walking Tour: Historical Walking Tour
- Foodie Tour: City Tour with Food Tasting
WHERE TO STAY IN GHENT
- Top Pick: Comic Art Hotel
- Great Location: Adagio Gent Centrum
- Unique Stay: Urban Gardens Gent
- Tourism Office: VisitFlanders and VisitGent both have extensive information on their respective websites to plan in your perfect trip to Ghent.
- Ghent Card: If you are planning on visiting many of the Ghent attractions during your stay I can highly recommend looking into getting a CityCard Gent, valid for 48h to 72h. It includes the highlights, public transportation and various exhibitions (prices start at €42 (US$48) per person).
- Low Emission Zone: In a push to make the city greener and improve the air quality, Ghent was one of the first places in northern Belgium to instill the Low Emission Zone in the inner city. Avoid any potential fines and/or exorbitant parking fees and simply head into Ghent by taking the train instead.
10 Unmissable Things to Do in Ghent for First Time Visitors
There are endless things to do in Ghent, least of not which to stroll through the historical center and simply let the beautiful façades and meandering canals serve as guides. Having but a few days means certain hard choices need to be made in the planning department and it might be easier to come prepared to maximize your time. Ghent absolutely should be on your Belgium itinerary.
Getting there: My suggestion would be to catch the train to Gent-Sint-Pieters station, the train station is richly decorated with frescoes of 13 different Belgian cities and is very well connected to the rest of the country. I usually tend to walk from the station to the city center (35 min) but you could equally opt to hop on the bus or take the tram to get you there faster. Weather permitting, rent a bicycle at the station to cycle into the city!
The below sustainable Ghent itinerary contains everything you need to cover your basis: Most visited monuments, boat rides, suggestions on where to eat, and sleep and a smattering of sustainable events you might want to check out.
Getting around: The historical center of Ghent can be easily covered on foot, it is in fact, the largest low-traffic pedestrian zone in Europe (since 2017). That being said, this Flemish city is great to explore by bicycle! Think solid biking infrastructure and a healthy respect for cyclists. With this in mind, I have added a few places to see around Ghent along some of the well-indicated Flanders Finest Cycle Routes.
PRACTICAL | Love cycling but unsure where to start? Take a guided bicycle tour in historic Ghent or head to the Fietsambassade which has bike rentals starting at €14/day! For both options it is best to book in advance.
1. Clamber up the Belfry
Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 08.00 pm || Tickets Price: €11 (US$14)// Purchase tickets at the Belfry shop || Included in the Ghent Card
My kingdom for a view! I am an absolute sucker for a good view, searching for where to find the best rooftop bars and viewpoints is part and parcel of any trip. For such a vibrant city, Ghent has a surprising lack of rooftop bars with views over its monuments. The very best viewpoint therefore is from the top of the UNESCO-classified Belfry in Ghent.
Built in the 14th century, the belfry stands at 91 meters. Together with the Saint Nicholas Church and the Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Belfy dominates the Ghent skyline. The Gothic masterpiece served as a watchtower, treasury, and bell tower, housing the city’s precious charters.
GOOD TO KNOW | After you clamber up one flight of stairs, tightly hugging the wall of the winding staircase, an entranceway appears, opening up into a large room. Here you have the choice to either take the elevator up or continue clambering up the stairs! In all my years of exploring the various Belfry’s in Belgium, this is the very first time I see an elevator that you can take both up, and down.
ACCESSIBILITY | To ensure monuments and places to see in Flanders are inclusive to everyone, the region has implemented a variety of measures & tools. Read up on accessibility in Flanders & plan your visit accordingly.
HISTORY BUFFS: Learn more about the Belfry by taking the top-rated Historical Walking Tour of Ghent or the world-famous Legend’s Walking Tour (almost free)
2. Head to Sint Bavo & marvel at the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 05.30 pm; Sunday 01.00 pm to 05.00 pm || Tickets Price: €12,5 (US$14)// Reservations obligatory as spaces are limited. Get tickets online.
One of the absolute top things to see in Ghent is the altarpiece or The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. This 15th-century artwork was created by the renowned Flemish Masters Jan and Hubert van Eyck. The polyptych depicts various biblical scenes with the central panel illustrating the adoration of the Lamb of God, symbolizing Christ.
The Mystic Lamb is housed in the St Bavo’s Cathedral, located about a 2-minute walk from the Belfry. It is placed in a separate section of the cathedral in a dimly lit room, which protects the artwork on the one hand and brings out the vibrant colors of the masterpiece on the other hand.
While many a traveler rushes in to press their nose up against the protective glass of the painting, personally I love seeing it from a little further back. A little bench is placed opposite the masterpiece, I highly suggest sitting down and really taking in all the details of the painting. For me it felt like each blink revealed another layer of the painting I had previously missed!
The gargantuan Gothic St Bavo’s cathedral is well worth a visit in itself. It is completely free to visit! Make sure to earmark a bit of time to roam around, either before or after your visit to the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
GOOD TO KNOW: While the Cathedral is free, the Mystic Lamb is not. Walk into the cathedral and veer left, you will see a long line of people waiting to get into the separate section that houses the artwork.
TYPES OF TICKETS: You can opt to either merely visit the Mystic Lamb (€12,5) or you can invest in the slightly more expensive ticket (€16) which includes an AR Tour that takes you through all the details of the painting.
3. Learn more about the Flemish Masters
For art lovers, one of the top things to do in Ghent is to peruse the other Flemish Masters that adorn the walls of various monuments in Ghent. Flemish who, what, how?
As we Belgians reign supreme in underplaying our accomplishments, very few people – foreigners and Belgians alike – realize the major impact little old Flanders had on the global art scene between the 15th and the 17th centuries. We managed to inspire some pretty famous Renaissance and Baroque painters!
The names Peter Paul Rubens, Pieter Bruegel, James Ensor and Jan van Eyck (yep one of the two brothers that painted the Mystic Lamb) might ring a bell though. If not, no matter! Thou shall get some culture by means of church hopping through the city! Perfect activity in Ghent for a rainy day!
WHAT TO SEE: The Mystic Lamb (Saint Bavo Cathedral); Neo-Byzantine murals of the Saint Saviour’s Church; Christ on the Cross (Saint Michael’s Church), Triptych of Christ on the Cross (Saint James’ Church) and The Fountain of Life (Our Lady ter Hoyen Beguinage)
PRACTICAL: Check out the Flemish Masters in Situ site to find where the various paintings are hung around Flanders. If you filter on Ghent, 5 specific locations will appear with detailed information about the location and the artwork.
4. Explore Ghent Castle (Gravensteen)
Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 06.00 pm || Tickets Price: €13 (US$15)// Included in the Ghent Card.
One does not spend a day in Ghent without stumbling upon the massive castle smack in the centre of the city. We Belgians love our castles (3000 of them and counting), but they are usually tucked away in the idyllic countryside and oftentimes privately owned.
Het Gravensteen however is one of the only castles in Flanders that breaks that mould. It was constructed in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace. The castle served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders. Over centuries, it transitioned through various roles, including a courthouse, prison, and even a cotton factory during the Industrial Revolution.
Unlike some of the other castles in Belgium this one is not dainty, in fact, it is giving serious GOT vibes when you visit with the distinct Middle Age – though shall not pass – robust stone walls and moat. Inside you will find a museum showcasing medieval weaponry and armor, providing an immersive historical experience.
TO AUDIO GUIDE OR NOT | The audio guide for the Gravensteen is voiced by a famous Flemish Comedian, Wouter Deprez, and is sure to illicit a few good chuckles. It is included in the ticket price!
INSIDER TIP | There is a nice photo spot from the castle around the back. A small set of stairs leads into the Leie (or Lys in English). Type in “Castle Photo Spot” in Google. It is located right next to the Arca Theater.
5. Cruise on the canals of Ghent
Few people realize this, but many of the cities in Flanders have an intricate network of canals flowing through the historical center. Once integral to transporting goods, now the perfect way for visitors to see the city from a different perspective.
I have visited Ghent on multiple occasions and what never ceases to amaze me is that the second the sun is out, locals flock to the water in a myriad of different manners: Boats, kayaks, canoes or simply to chill by the waterside with a small picnic. Colorful, mismatched chairs and wobbly tables mushroom up along the canals inviting the passersby to sit, sip a drink, and take a break from the daily rush.
Taking a boat ride on these canals is an absolute must-do in Ghent and an integral part of experiencing the city. Guided boat trips are run by four companies Rederij Dewaele (Bootjes van Gent), Rederij Gent Watertoerist, Rederij de Gentenaar, and Boat in Gent.
SHORT CANAL CRUISE: A 45-minute guided canal cruise in an open-top boat. The guide who also serves as the skipper will give you a brief history of Ghent and take you along a few of the canals in and around the famous Korenmarkt & the Saint Michael’s Bridge. (Tours in English & Dutch || Included in the Ghent City Card || €10 (US$11) per person, purchase online or directly at one of the four kiosks of the above mentioned companies.
LONGER CANAL CRUISE: Saturday and Sunday Rederij Dewaele offers a 90-minute guided boat tour (in Dutch only). This boat tour is offered from 01/04 until 31/10 at 14.00. Price €15 (US$16) per person.
PRIVATE BOAT RENTAL: Various options are available if you simply want to rent a little boat yourself and cruise along the canals. Minerva Boat Company starts at €65 (US$70) for 2 hours
KAYAK RENTAL: Kajaks Korenlei is located in Hostel Uppelink and offers rentals of kayaks starting at €29 (US$33) for 3 hours.
6. Try a neuzeke
One does not take trip to Ghent without trying one of it’s iconic neuzekes. The Cuberdon, affectionately known as the “Gentse neus” (Ghent nose) due to its unique cone shape, is a delicious confectionery! This sweet treat dates back to the 19th century and was reportedly discovered by accident when a pharmacist noticed that the syrup in his medicinal lozenges had crystallized, creating a crunchy exterior and a gooey center.
Cuberdons are traditionally made from a blend of gum arabic, raspberry syrup, and sugar. The gum arabic gives the candy its distinctive chewy texture, while the raspberry syrup provides a rich, fruity flavor. Over the years, variations with different flavors have emerged, but the classic raspberry Cuberdon remains the most popular and my favorite.
WHERE TO GET A CUBERDON | The Cuberdon is not found in many places outside of Ghent so if you do want to try one, make it a priority to get it inside the city. You can find thim in a smattering of confectionary stores around the city. I tend to get them from the small stall on the Groentemarkt.
READ MORE | Ghent has a surprising amount of typical products ranging from waterzooi to spicy mustard. Browse through the list of products before planning your visit.
7. Discover a Belgian beer in a microbrewery
Nothing screams Belgian like it’s chocolate and beer scene. Trust me, it’s not just my opinion! In fact, the Belgian Beer Culture made it to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2016. Therefore no visit to Flanders is complete without delving into this delicious part of our national heritage!
Ghent has a smattering of local beers to try, 64 to be precise. A couple of the more well-known beers include Gulden Draak, Gentse Tripel, Gentse Gruut, Gentse Strop.
On my last Ghent day trip, I popped into a microbrewery that is anchored in sustainability. STROOM is a small independent, community-led brewery running on 100% sustainable energy and a lot of passion. Opening Hours: Check online for latest opening hours || Address: Forelstraat 27
With a small selection of flagship beers and a smattering of seasonal offerings packaged in cans adorned with artwork by local artists, the brewery plays in a league of its own. Veering away from quantity and steering towards quality. Available in a few select bars in the city or to be purchased at the brewery itself.
TIP | The city has mapped out various Scenic Craft Beer Walks. Simply download the PDF and head out to explore.
8. Take in the sunset from the Saint Michael’s Bridge
The most iconic photo spot in Ghent is without a doubt atop the Saint Michael’s Bridge. Here you can see the three iconic towers of Ghent: Saint Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. As a photographer I have taken shots here both for sunset and sunrise, the former great for the light and the latter blissfully void of tourists.
Saint Michael’s bridge is straddled by the famous Korenlei and the iconic Graslei which are powerhouses of Medieval gabled houses, tiny bars and restaurants as well as the Neo-Gothic Hotel 1898 The Post, with houses a swanky bar serving unapologetically grown-up if slightly pricy cocktails (The Cobbler).
SAFETY TIP | As this bridge is a key artery of the city it tends to get very busy with cyclists, pedestrians and busses clattering by on the age-old cobblestones. If you are taking pictures, keep an eye out on the road!
9. Explore Ghent at dusk via the Ghent Illuminated Walk
If you are lucky enough to have a multiple day trip to Ghent, you will want to spend one evening strolling around the historical centre around dusk. The splendid medieval architecture positively comes alive at night under the soft orange glow shed by the street lights. On a warm summer day, locals langurously chill out around the waterfront until the wee hours.
FUN FACT | This orange lighting has not been placed willy nilly. In a stroke of genius, the city decided 10 years ago they wanted to accentuate the main monuments, rivers, parks and quays without wasting energy. A more conscious approach to energy use was thereby woven into the urban planning of the city.
ROUTE | The city has created a walking route that leads you through the most beautiful parts. The basic loop is around 4 km the extended loop is slightly longer and cuts off at 5 km. Download the online map on the Visit Gent website.
INSIDER TIP | If you are visiting Ghent on a the first Thursday of the month, you might want to calculate some extra time as the monuments are open until 10 pm so you can visit a few of the highlights of Ghent along the way.
10. Walk around the historical center of Ghent
When wandering the historical center of Ghent, first-time visitors should begin their exploration along Graslei and Korenlei, two picturesque streets flanking the Leie (or Lys) River. These cobblestone lanes are lined with stunning medieval buildings, once the heart of Ghent’s medieval port. Here, you’ll find the Guild Houses, whose intricate façades tell the story of Ghent’s prosperous past. The area is particularly enchanting at night when the buildings are beautifully illuminated.
Next, head to the Patershol district, a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. This quarter, one of the oldest in Ghent, is brimming with character and historical significance. Be sure to visit the House of Alijn (Het Huis van Alijn) on Kraanlei, a museum that offers a glimpse into daily life in Ghent over the centuries.
A short stroll from Patershol brings you to the Gravensteen, don’t forget to try the abovementioned neuzekes! Or have a drink at the vibrant Fishmarket opposite the entrance of the castle.
The city has a prolific art scene and as such there are a plethora Art museums & galleries to pop into. The Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) on Fernand Scribedreef is one of my favorite spots. Located in Citadel Park, it houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, featuring works by Flemish masters such as Peter Paul Rubens.
Finally, don’t miss the Vrijdagmarkt, one of Ghent’s largest squares, historically the site of vibrant markets and public events. To this day a weekly market is held here every Friday morning!
TIP | Ghent has a great street art scene. Check out the Sorry not Sorry walk taking you along the best street art in the city.
Places To See Around Ghent by Bicycle
If you want to get a taste of real Flemish culture, there is no better way to go than renting a bicycle. You see, dear reader, it is not just the Dutch who love adventuring on two wheels. Growing up in Flanders, I have fond memories of watching “de koers” or local cycling competitions with my grandfather on Sundays, cycling to and back from school and/or get-togethers with friends. Cycling is part and parcel of our daily lives.
Good to know: Flanders has a great system of biking nodes (Fietsknooppunten) connecting every little corner of the region. These nodes are numbers indicating where various cycling paths intersect. If you are visiting Flanders, mapping out a cycling route based on these nodes is a great way to combine culture, nature and usually a spot of local gastronomy (we are known for our love of food & drink after all!).
Ghent has a ton of great places to see around the city that can easily be reached via bicycle. I cycled the Lys Region Cycling Route (58 km) and the Ghent on a bike route (39 km) on two separate days. They can be done as half-day or full-day trips depending on the type of bike you rent (e-bike for the win) and the amount of time you spend at the various stops along the way.
ROUTES | Find GPX + info on the Flanders Finest Cycling Routes
BIKE RENTAL | We rented e-bikes from the Fietsambassade
PRACTICAL | You can download the GPX or simply follow the route which is indicated by way of nodes.
Lys Region Cycling Route
Length: 58 km || Difficulty: Easy (with e-bike) || Duration: 5 Hours || When to go: Weekend
Route: 52 – 4 – 31 – 5 – 82 – 42 – 2 – 87 – 88 – 22 – 23 – 20 – 14 – 13 – 6 –
9 – 11 – 12 – 90 – 86 – 76 – 74 – 67 – 63 – 62 – 57 – 68 – 52
If you have more than 1 day in Ghent with good weather, I highly recommend venturing out on the Lys Region Route on the bicycle. I was a little unsure if 58 km would be too much for an untrained cyclist like myself but in the end with the e-bikes, the various stops and the flat terrain it was an absolute breeze.
WHAT TO EXPECT | This cycling route can take you as little as 3 hours or a full day. What I really loved about this route is how it was the perfect combination of city, green spaces and culture. We ventured outside of the city pretty quickly and road along the fietsautostrade (loosely translated as the biking highway). Following the nodes felt like a veritable treasure hunt “oooh there is number 87, we have to veer left”.
Stops along the Lys Region Cycling Route
This cycling route starts in the city of Ghent where we cycled past the STAM and Bijloke before heading through the bustling shopping artery of the city, de Veldstraat. We opted not to head into the city museum (STAM) but if it is your first time visiting Ghent you might want to pop in the learn about the history of the city!
The urban sprawl and the clickety-clack of bicycles on cobblestones fade away as we take the cycling bridge over the motorway and head straight for greener pastures, or in this case the tranquil Parkbos. After a solid hour of cycling we make it to one of my favorite castles in Flanders, Kasteel Ooidonk (Ooidonk Castle).
The castle itself is privately owned, but if you time your visit right you can actually have a guided tour of the inside (swoon-worthy!). After exploring every nook and cranny of the castle, it’s time for lunch. There is a small restaurant next to the castle (Grand Cafe Het Koetshuis) or a cozy brasserie just outside the ground (Brasserie De Sterre). We opt for the latter as it has a sundrenched terrace and ample vegetarian options.
Fully recharged and ready to rumble we make our way to the tranquil, upscale, Sint-Martens Latem. There is a smattering of museums on offer showcasing influential local artists: Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens (a fine-arts museum), Gust de Smet Municipal Museum (home of the great Flemish expressionist Gust de Smet) and the Gevaert-Minne Museum (dedicated to artists from the Latemse groep).
We popped into the little Gevaert-Minne Museum. The little museum has a host of paintings and sculptures the most famous of which being The Porridge Eater (De Papeter) by Gustave van de Woestyne. The entrance itself is free to visit and located in the former house of Edgar Gevaert, a painter, poët and composer. It has an ample garden which makes for the perfect picnic setting (if you decide not to grab lunch in the aforementioned restaurants).
Heading back in the direction of Ghent we cycle through the tranquil Latem Meerse to the tune of chirping birds and the crunch of our bikes on gravel. Nature gives way for a gentle return back into the urban sprawl of Ghent, but not before we cycle past the Drongen Abbey. By the time we reach the Abbey my stomach is grumbling so we opted to make a beeline back into the city for a spot to eat!
Practical info Lys Region Cycling Route
GOOD TO KNOW | I would plan this excursion during a weekend so you can take a guided visit of the beautiful (privately owned) Kasteel Ooidonk. The gardens of the castle are open throughout the year, but the interior is only open to the public on Sunday.
STOP FOR LUNCH | We opted to grab lunch in Brasserie De Sterre just outside of Ooidonk Castle. They have a selection of vegetarian dishes (I had a goat cheese salad which was delicious!) to choose from.
Ghent on a bike route
Length: 39 km || Difficulty: Easy || Duration: 3 Hours
This cycling route is perfect if you want to combine the highlights of Ghent with a few hidden gems on the outskirts of the city. I did it one morning bright and early and it took me around 3 hours to complete.
WHAT TO EXPECT | There is a fair amount of cycling inside the city on this route. If you have never been to Ghent before this cycling route is the perfect way to get to know the city. About 50% of the cycling route is through the very heart of the city center – keep your camera close, you will want to take some snaps – while the other 50% leads you to tranquil biking paths along the Leie river and weaving together various lesser-known spots on the outskirts of town.
I am pretty familiar with Ghent but in all the years coming to the city had never made it out to the Western Cemetery or the Houtdok. The former a 23-hectare green oasis which doubles as the largest cemetery in Ghent), the latter one of the most up-and-coming areas of the city and a great spot for a picnic!
STOPS ALONG THE WAY | Gent-Sint-Pieter, Blaarmeersen, Western Cemetery, Prinsenhof, Gravensteen Castle, Houtdok, old docks
Practical info Ghent on a bike route
PRACTICAL | I got a little lost at the beginning trying to find the start as there are no nodes for the particular route. You will want to download the GPX for easy of use especially when cycling inside the city centre.
GOOD TO KNOW | Ghent has a solid cycling infrastructure in the city. Dedicated cycling lanes mean getting around the city is a breeze, even if you are not an ardent cyclist like myself.
INSIDER TIP | If the weather is good enough, consider bringing along a bathing suit and a towel and jump into the Blaarmeersen which are on the beginning of this cycling route.
Sustainable Hotels in Ghent
I recommend anyone who visits Ghent to spend at least one night. The city has an impressive array of Green Key Hotels to choose from! These hotels are eco-friendly accommodations certified by the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, an international standard for environmental responsibility in the tourism industry. These hotels implement sustainable practices such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and promoting eco-friendly transportation.
WHERE WE STAYED: Comic Art Hotel
On my last stay in Ghent I spent a few nights in this hotel. A 5-minute walk brings you to the Gravensteen! Super centrally located, yet blissfully quiet with deliciously plush beds.
BUDGET PICK: Adagio Gent Centrum: Staying for a couple of nights in Ghent you might want to consider the Adagio Gent hotel. The hotel has a fitness center, terrace, restaurant and bar. Located situated 4.9 km from Sint-Pietersstation Ghent.
UNIQUE STAY: Urban Gardens Gent: The perfect place to stay in Ghent if you are looking for a tranquil environment. Located roughly 6 kilometers from the city center. Comes with parking, a large garden and children’s playground
FIND MORE GREEN KEY HOTELS: Browse more accommodations in Ghent
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Ghent
Ghent spearheaded the Veggie-Thursday movement which took root across Belgium. They city has been awarded the title of “veggie capital of Europe” since 2009 thanks to its abundance of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Thou shall not go hungry as a vegan or vegetarian! These are a couple of my favorite spots I have tried so far.
PLANT & KOOK: This vegan superette (small supermarket) doubles up as a light-filled restaurant. Great place to grab a light lunch or to get some work done.
SOULKITCHEN: One of the winners of the 2023 BE Vegan awards. This cozy restaurant uses seasonal, farm-to-table ingrediënts to make the most delicious plant-based dishes. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
LEPELBLAD: Dinner with a view! Located in the buzzing Onderbergen, perfect for a light (plant-based) dinner with a side of people-watching. Uses seasonal and farm-to-table ingrediënts.
FRITUUR TARTAAR: One of the first vegan frietkot (fryhouse) I ever went to. If you are looking for some really good Belgian fries with a few delicious vegan side dishes to choose from, make a beeline for Frituur Tartaar.
CAFE CONGE: A cozy bar that serves local beers & bio juices as well as a selection of small dishes to eat. Has a large selection of plant-based nibbles to choose from.
LOUSBERGMARKT: A covered market hall in the heart of the city. Contains 5 different vendors, selling local and seasonal produce. The spot to come and stock up if you want to have a picnic!
Additional Sustainable Events in Ghent
GENTSE FEESTEN: No article on Ghent is complete without briefly touching upon this event. With the use of reusable cups and a detailed waste management plan the city has taken a sustainable approach to this festival. The last 10 days in July the city transforms into a whirlwind of music, dancing, theater and endless street food. A free event that has been held for more than 50 years and attracts 1.5 million visitors.
VEGAN SUMMER FEST: A one-day festival with 100 food trucks & shops, cooking demonstrations and workshops on a plant-based lifestyle. Usually held the middle of August.
CAR FREE SUNDAY: An initiative that can be found in many Flemish cities is the car-free Sunday. It is part of Mobility Week with the aim of raising awareness for more sustainable modes of transport. The name says it all, this is the day when cyclists, skateboarders and pedestrians are the rulers of the traffic-free city center. Usually occurs in the third week of September.
FAIR FASHION FEST: Three days dedicated to activities, workshops, talks, expo’s and fashion shows centered around fair fashion. Usually held the last weekend of April.
How to Get to Ghent
Ghent is very well connected to the rest of the country and is easy to get through via train. Ghent has two railway stations Gent-Sint-Pieters (the main station) and Gent-Dampoort.
BRUSSELS: Multiple trains run hourly between Brussels and Ghent. Direct trains will take around 30 minutes and set you back €10/US$11 (one-way).
BRUSSELS AIRPORT: The faster way to get from Brussels Airport to Ghent is by hopping on a train headed to Brussels. Here you can transfer to a direct train in the direction of Ghent. Do not forget to purchase your Diabolo supplement when taking a train from the airport (€6.7/US$7 – fixed fee).
ANTWERP: Multiple trains run hourly between Antwerp and Ghent. Direct trains take around 1 hour and cost €12/US$13 (one-way).
BRUGES: Direct trains connecting Bruges to Ghent run every 20 minutes. The route takes about 25 minutes and costs €8/US$9 (one-way).
GOOD TO KNOW | Gent-Sint-Pieters is about a 30-minute walk from the historical center (Gravensteen Castle). If you do not want to walk, simply head outside the main entrance of the station and veer left. Here you will find the main bus station of Ghent. Bus 76, 77 or 78 will take you to the city centre. Alternatively, hop on tram T1 or T4 or rent a bicycle at the station directly.
Make Your Trip to Ghent More Sustainable
SHOP VINTAGE | Looking for a nice souvenir or perhaps a secondhand trinket, head out to the Kortrijkstraat to find a smattering of second-hand stores.
GET OUT OF THE CITY | Use Ghent as a basis to explore a bit more of Flanders. Weather permitting, rent a bicycle and cycle to nearby Ooidonk Castle or chill out at Blaarmeersen.
FARMERS MARKET | Ghent has a number of local markets scattered throughout the city selling everything from organic produce to merchandise. Keep an eye out on the Visit Gent website for the dates & locations of the various markets.
STAY A LITTLE LONGER | There is plenty to see and do in Ghent. I highly recommend spending at least two days in Ghent. Even then you will barely be scratching the surface of this beautiful city!
Best Time to Visit Ghent
SPRING: Traditionally a very fickle season with temperatures hovering between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Although this season tends to have the highest rainfall of the year, it is also one of the prettiest with blossoms erupting left and right. There are plenty of flower shows throughout Flanders, in Ghent you can head to the Floralien for example. Pack a rainjacket. (April to June)
SUMMER: The busiest season in Ghent with the highest prices. Temperatures range from 21°C to 35°C (70°F to 95°F). Days are wonderfully long with sunrise as early as 05.00 am and sunset at 10.30 pm. (July & August)
AUTUMN: Belgium tends to have an Indian summer in September. In fact, temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F) in a good year. It is my favorite month in the country. As September comes to a close temperatures get considerably colder and fluctuate between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). (September to November)
WINTER: Cold, rainy and generally gray but undeniably the coziest time of the year. Temperatures fluctuate between -10°C and 5°C (14°F to 42°F). The city is festooned in lights, shop windows are beautifully decorated and the city has a jam-packed social calendar making you soon forget any dreary weather. (December to March).
GOOD TO KNOW | The busiest time of the year is around the 10-day festival known as the Gentse Feesten. A free, open-air music festival that takes over the historical center during the last 10 days of July.
Is Ghent Worth Visiting
Ghent in Flanders is unlike any other city in Belgium. It is effortlessly cool, seamlessly merges historic with avantgarde, artsy yet chic, and lest we not forget a haven for the culinary inclined travelers, be it vegetarian or not. All of the above reason enough to jump of the first train out and take in everything there is to do in Ghent.
The extra cherry on top of the sundae is the city’s longstanding focus on sustainability. This focus is reflected in the ever-present clattering of cyclists of the cobblestones, the car-free city center, the generous offering of Green Key Hotels & the smattering of farm-to-table (plant-based) restaurants.
Travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle can easily rent a bike and head out on one of the newly minted Cycling Routes that start and end in Ghent. Flanders’ Finest Cycling Routes connect the city with some of the prettiest castles, parks, and quaint villages that are in of themselves worthy of a visit.
As a Belgian, I find Ghent to be one of the most beautiful places in Belgium and more than worthy of gracing your “Belgium Bucketlist”. In fact, I would be popping it right at the very top!
MORE INSPIRATION FOR VISITING BELGIUM
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Brussels: A local’s guide to 2-days in Brussels
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Brussels: Where to stay in Brussels: A local’s guide
Brussels: Best brunch spots in Brussels
Bruges: 15 Sustainable Boutique Hotels in Bruges
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