Ghent: 10 Things to Do

You’ll find Ghent strikes the perfect balance between Belgium’s tourist-heavy Brussels and Bruges—offering medieval charm without the overwhelming crowds or inflated prices. This university city gives you authentic Flemish culture, world-class art, and stunning architecture at a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere. Whether you’ve got a weekend or just a day trip from nearby cities, there’s a strategic way to experience Ghent’s highlights without breaking your budget or missing the experiences that matter most.

Climb the Belfry for Ghent’s Best Views

At 91 meters tall, Ghent’s Belfry offers the city’s most spectacular panoramic views, but you’ll earn them through a workout that’ll have your legs burning. You’ll climb roughly 254-366 steps to reach the top, taking about 15-20 minutes with rest stops. There’s a partial elevator, but it won’t save you from most of the stairs.

At €11 for adults (kids under 12 are free), it’s decent value for a UNESCO World Heritage experience. You’ll see historical exhibits, the 54-bell carillon mechanism, and working clockwork before reaching those 360-degree views of St. Nicholas’ Church and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Built in the 14th century, this towering structure originally served as a watchtower to warn residents of fires and attacks.

Visit weekday mornings for fewer crowds, wear comfortable shoes, and buy tickets in advance to skip lines.

Marvel at the Van Eyck Masterpiece in St. Bavo’s Cathedral

When you step into St. Bavo’s Cathedral, you’ll encounter one of art history’s greatest treasures: the Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers. This massive 12-panel masterpiece, completed in 1432, showcases revolutionary oil painting techniques that create stunning depth and luminous colors.

The centerpiece depicts the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” surrounded by worshippers from around the world. Above, Christ reigns as “King of Kings” flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist.

You’ll spot incredible details in every panel, from Adam and Eve to angels and saints. The landscape features remarkably detailed vegetation, including non-European flora that demonstrates the van Eycks’ scientific accuracy in their observations.

The altarpiece sits in the Chapel of the Sacrament, where you can study its intricate religious symbolism up close. Recent restoration work has returned the piece to its original vibrancy, making your visit even more rewarding.

Explore Gravensteen Castle’s Medieval Rooms and Torture Exhibits

Rising dramatically from Ghent’s medieval heart, Gravensteen Castle transports you back to the 12th century when Counts of Flanders ruled from this imposing stone fortress. You’ll climb the 30-meter central donjon, exploring three stories of lavishly appointed halls and stone staircases that once housed Flemish nobility.

The castle’s darker history unfolds as you discover former prison cells, including the notorious “sugar drawer” – a cramped metal cage that was once the chapel. The museum’s torture exhibits showcase authentic medieval instruments and execution devices, offering sobering insights into medieval justice. Executions took place on the Wheat Market platform, where condemned prisoners met their fate in public view.

Audio guides help you understand each room’s transformation from aristocratic residence to courthouse and prison. The castle’s 24 turrets and moat-protected walls make it Ghent’s most photogenic landmark, perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking authentic medieval atmosphere.

Stroll Along Graslei and Korenlei for Picture-Perfect Guild Houses

After exploring Gravensteen’s medieval chambers, head to Ghent’s most photogenic waterfront where centuries-old guild houses create a postcard-perfect scene along the River Leie.

You’ll find Graslei and Korenlei on opposite banks, lined with stunning Renaissance and Gothic facades that once housed powerful merchant guilds.

These 13th-century quays showcase elaborate stepped gables and ornate stonework that’ll make your camera work overtime.

Don’t miss the Guild of Free Seamen’s hall at Graslei 14 or Den Enghel with its carved angel facade.

The best part? It’s completely free to wander these cobbled embankments.

Visit during late afternoon for golden light, or return after dark when illuminated buildings reflect beautifully in the water. These waterfront streets also serve as the departure point for canal cruises that wind through Ghent’s historic waterways.

Grab a beer at riverside cafés for the perfect end to your stroll.

Take Photos From St. Michael’s Bridge at Golden Hour

Standing at the center of St. Michael’s Bridge, you’ll capture Ghent’s most iconic view – Saint Nicholas’ Church framing the medieval cityscape along the River Leie. Time your visit for golden hour, either shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when soft warm light creates magical reflections on the calm water.

Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure the best shooting positions. While the bridge’s center offers classic compositions, try slightly off-center angles for a dynamic perspective. Use the ornate streetlights as natural framing elements. Monitor the light levels carefully as streetlights turn off automatically during dawn, which can affect your composition timing.

Pack a wide-angle lens (10-24mm) to capture expansive canal scenes. Set your aperture between f/8-f/11 for sharp focus throughout. During longer exposures, a tripod guarantees stability. Scout both sides of the bridge for varied perspectives as the light changes rapidly.

Join a Canal Boat Tour to See the City From Water Level

While wandering Ghent’s cobblestone streets offers one perspective, you’ll discover the city’s true medieval character from water level aboard a canal boat.

Standard 40-50 minute tours cost around €10 per person, with departures every 15-20 minutes during peak season from Graslei or Korenlei.

You’ll glide past Ghent’s three iconic towers—St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and St Nicholas Church—while guides provide live commentary in multiple languages.

The route includes the Castle of the Counts, historic merchant houses, and ancient port walls that reveal the city’s trading heritage. Tours operate with guide language options in Dutch, French, and English to accommodate international visitors.

Save money with the Ghent City Card for free tours, or look for group discounts.

No reservations are needed—tickets are valid all day within operating hours, and free cancellation‘s available up to 24 hours prior.

Discover Ghent’s Story at STAM City Museum

Beyond Ghent’s scenic waterways lies a treasure trove of local history waiting to be explored at STAM City Museum. You’ll discover Ghent’s complete story through an innovative chronological journey that starts from today and travels back through centuries of rich heritage.

The museum’s standout feature is an enormous interactive floor map showing the city’s urban development over time. You can explore touchscreens and multimedia stations that bring historical figures like abbots and guild members to life.

The setting itself impresses—housed in the historic Bijloke Abbey, medieval architecture blends seamlessly with modern exhibition spaces. Marvel at the oldest architectural designs of Ghent’s iconic town hall and belfry, which offer fascinating insights into the city’s medieval planning.

Don’t miss the ceremonial silver objects and 15th-century artifacts that showcase Ghent’s civic pride. An audio guide enhances your experience, providing deeper context for the city’s cultural evolution.

Walk Through the Gothic Halls of St. Nicholas’ Church

Three towering spires define Ghent’s medieval skyline, and St. Nicholas’ Church stands as one of these iconic landmarks. You’ll find this 13th-century Gothic masterpiece built from distinctive blue-gray Tournai stone, creating a striking visual contrast against the sky.

Step inside to experience soaring vaulted ceilings and a surprisingly bright interior, thanks to the unique crossing tower that floods the transept with natural light.

The church offers free admission, making it perfect for budget travelers. You’ll walk past imposing statues of the Twelve Apostles lining the aisles while colorful stained glass windows cast brilliant patterns across the stone floors. Among the church’s artistic treasures, you’ll discover Anthony van Dyck’s masterful “Descent from the Cross”, a stunning example of Flemish Baroque artistry.

Don’t miss the renowned Cavaillé-Coll organ. As Ghent’s historic “city church,” it’s served merchants and locals for centuries, bridging medieval heritage with modern life.

Cycle the Canal-Side Paths Like a Local

When you grab a bike in Ghent, you’ll discover that the canal-side paths offer the most authentic way to explore the city like locals do. The well-marked knooppuntennetwerk system uses numbered nodes to guide you along pre-mapped routes connecting the Leie, Scheldt, and Ghent–Bruges Canal.

You’ll find over 90% of paths are paved and suitable for any bike type, with gradients rarely exceeding 2-3%. The 78.3 km “Ghent Canal Zone” loop circles the entire city, while shorter routes pass landmarks like Gravensteen castle and the Blaarmeersen parkland.

Most paths are separated from traffic and well-lit for evening rides. Rental stations are located near major canal access points, making it budget-friendly to cycle past historic quays, industrial heritage, and seasonal waterside scenery year-round. The cycling experience is enhanced by Ghent’s car-free zones, which prioritize cyclists and create a peaceful urban environment for exploration.

Enjoy Evening Drinks With Views Along the Leie River

Nothing beats settling into a riverside terrace along the Leie River as Ghent’s medieval facades light up for the evening. Head to the historic Graslei and Korenlei area, where you’ll find plenty of bars with perfect water views and reasonable prices.

Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant offers over 160 Belgian beers in a cozy vintage setting, while Taverne Leiemeers serves affordable drinks directly on the waterfront. The venue also features local brews like Mammelokker alongside traditional Belgian snacks served by friendly staff.

For something different, try De Planck, a converted barge restaurant with fresh seafood and unbeatable river views from its terrace.

Don’t miss Café Damberd if you’re into live jazz with your drinks. The combination of water reflections, illuminated historical buildings, and passing boats creates an unforgettable evening atmosphere that’s quintessentially Ghent.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Ghent’s charm doesn’t break the bank—most attractions offer student discounts, and walking between sights saves on transport costs. Pack comfortable shoes since you’ll be doing plenty of exploring on foot. Don’t miss the free views from St. Michael’s Bridge, and grab affordable local beer at canal-side cafes. With its compact medieval center, you can easily see Ghent’s highlights in a long weekend without spending a fortune.