Ghent —
where medieval history meets creative energy
Ghent mixes medieval canals and grand historic architecture with a lively, creative city centre. It has its own character entirely — atmospheric, energetic and full of places worth discovering beyond the headline sights.
Ghent's own character
Ghent has a character entirely of its own.
The Graslei and Korenlei waterfronts, with their historic guild houses reflected in the water, are among Ghent's great postcard views. But the city is more than its medieval centre: step away from the obvious sights and you find a lively contemporary place with galleries, cafés, shops and street art.
Street art covers the buildings. Independent boutiques and galleries fill the side streets. The food scene is world-class — Ghent has thriving vegetarian and vegan culture alongside traditional Flemish restaurants. The nightlife is lively. Cafés and bars are packed with locals, not just tourists. This is where Ghent differentiates itself from Bruges.
Graslei & Korenlei
These are the show-piece waterfront areas where historic guild houses line the canals. Perfect for a walk, perfect for a canal boat tour, perfect for sitting at a café and watching the city move. But there's so much more to Ghent than the postcard views.
Beyond the main sights
The Gravensteen (castle) is impressive. St. Bavo's Cathedral has the famous Ghent Altarpiece. But the real Ghent is in the independent galleries, the design shops, the restaurants where locals eat, the cafés where people sit for hours. Ghent rewards those who wander and explore.
The food scene
Ghent has an excellent food culture. Belgian beer and traditional Flemish food, yes. But also an innovative restaurant scene, excellent vegetarian and vegan options, street food, cafés where quality matters. Eating in Ghent is a key part of the experience.
This is a city that knows what it is and doesn't apologise for it. It's not trying to be Bruges. It's proudly, defiantly itself.
The key sights and experiences
Historic guild houses reflected in the canal. One of Belgium's most beautiful views. Walk it, photograph it, sit at a café on it.
Medieval castle with towers offering views over Ghent. Historical significance and architectural importance.
Contains the famous Ghent Altarpiece by Van Eyck. One of the greatest paintings of the medieval period.
Independent galleries, design shops and street art throughout. A thriving creative scene you won't find in guidebooks.
Belgian beer in historic cafés, modern bars, street-side seating. Ghent's social life revolves around its cafés.
Excellent food — traditional, innovative, vegetarian. Ghent is a food destination with world-class restaurants.
Ghent is easy to reach from Brussels
From Brussels: Ghent is straightforward to reach by direct train, making it an easy day trip or overnight destination.
From Bruges: Ghent and Bruges are well connected by rail, so combining the two cities is straightforward.
Day trip or stay over? You can see the main sights as a day trip from Brussels. But Ghent comes alive in the evening — the restaurants fill up, the bars get lively, the city reveals itself as a living place, not a museum. Staying overnight is worth it.
Explore Ghent before your trip
Want to see what Ghent looks like before you book? Drive From Home lets you virtually explore the streets and atmosphere.
🚗 Drive Through Ghent NowWhy Ghent's food scene matters
Belgian Beer
Excellent quality and variety. Sit in a historic café and work through Belgian styles. The tradition runs deep.
Innovative Food Culture
Ghent has world-class restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. The food scene is creative and serious.
Vegetarian & Vegan
Ghent has a thriving vegetarian/vegan culture. This is where Belgium's green food movement lives.
Traditional Flemish
Carbonnade flamande. Mussels. Stoemp. Traditional food done well in excellent restaurants alongside the innovation.
Plan your Belgium trip
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Common questions