- Ghent possesses the highest concentration of listed historic buildings in Belgium.
- The city hosts the Gentse Feesten, one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe, which spans ten days every July.
- Ghent is recognized as a leader in plant-based dining, having more vegetarian restaurants per capita than any other city in Belgium.
- During the Middle Ages, Ghent was the second-largest city in Europe, surpassed only by Paris.
- The city's 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' altarpiece is one of the most frequently stolen artworks in history.
About Ghent
Ghent is a medieval university city in Belgium located at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers, characterized by its preserved Flemish architecture. It serves as a major maritime port and features a skyline dominated by the medieval towers of the Belfry of Ghent and St Bavo's Cathedral. Visitors can explore local culture at STAM - Ghent City Museum or witness the evolving urban art scene at Graffiti Street. The city maintains a distinct blend of industrial heritage and pedestrianized historic districts.
Highlights of Ghent
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
This cathedral houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Early Netherlandish painting.
Historical places
Climb this medieval tower for panoramic views of the city's spires and rooftops.
Places of interest
This location provides the classic vantage point for viewing the three iconic medieval towers of Ghent.
Historical places
A legally designated alleyway where street artists are encouraged to continuously update the mural displays.
Museums
Houses an extensive collection of fine arts ranging from the Flemish Primitives to 20th-century movements.
Museums
Provides a comprehensive chronological overview of the city's development and urban history.
Temples
Features a striking example of Scheldt Gothic architecture overlooking the city's central square.
Parks
A sprawling 19th-century English-style landscape park offering a green escape from the urban core.
Top things to do in Ghent
The 205 highest-rated places in Ghent, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
St Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent is the home of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a 15th-century polyptych by Hubert and Jan...
2
Historical places
The Belfry of Ghent is a 14th-century watchtower standing at 91 meters, serving as a symbol of the city's medieval indep...
3
Places of interest
Saint Michael's Bridge is a stone arch bridge in Ghent that provides a unique vantage point of the city's medieval skyli...
4
Parks
Citadelpark is a 19th-century public park located in Ghent, built on the site of the former Citadel of Ghent which was d...
5
Museums
The Museum voor Schone Kunsten (MSK) in Ghent is a prominent fine arts museum situated within the green confines of the...
6
Parks
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a 230-hectare urban nature reserve in Ghent, specifically managed as a wetland habitat for migr...
7
Temples
Saint Nicholas' Church is one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in Ghent, built primarily in the 13th century i...
8
Venues
Capitole Ghent is a multifunctional theater and concert venue located in the heart of Ghent, Belgium, housed in a histor...
9
Historical places
Werregarenstraat, widely known as Graffiti Street, is a narrow pedestrian alley in Ghent where local authorities permit...
10
Zoos
Harry Malter Family Park is a privately owned animal and amusement park located in Destelbergen, just outside Ghent. The...
11
Historical places
Kasteel van Ooidonk is a prime example of Hispano-Flemish Renaissance architecture situated on the banks of the Leie Riv...
12
Temples
St. Jacob's Church (Sint-Jacobskerk) is a significant Romanesque and Gothic architectural site located in central Ghent,...
13
Museums
STAM is housed in the restored 14th-century Bijloke Abbey and a contemporary glass-and-concrete wing. The museum chronic...
14
Museums
The Huis van Alijn is housed within a medieval almshouse, the Kinderspijs-Huis, originally established in 1363. The muse...
15
Museums
The Museum of Industry in Ghent occupies the historic Desmet-Geleyn cotton mill, an authentic industrial site dating bac...
16
Venues
Ghent City Hall is unique for its architectural juxtaposition, featuring a late Gothic facade on the Hoogpoort side and...
17
Museums
S.M.A.K. is a premier contemporary art institution located in Ghent, situated across from the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK)....
18
Temples
Saint Michael's Church is a significant example of late-Gothic architecture located in the heart of Ghent. Construction...
19
Museums
Design Museum Gent holds the only collection in Belgium dedicated exclusively to design, spanning from the 15th century...
20
Historical places
The Stadshal, or City Pavilion, is an open-air architectural structure located between St. Nicholas' Church and the Ghen...
21
Museums
Museum Dr. Guislain is housed within the oldest psychiatric asylum in Belgium, built in 1857. It explores the history of...
22
Venues
Parkkaffee is an open-air venue situated within the Blaarmeersen recreational area in Ghent, known for its focus on live...
23
Parks
Muinkpark is a quiet, English-style landscape park situated in the center of Ghent along the banks of the Scheldt river....
24
Parks
De Lembeekse Bossen and Bellebargiebos form a sprawling 120-hectare woodland area in the Meetjesland region of East Flan...
25
Historical places
26
Places of interest
27
Museums
28
Historical places
29
Places of interest
30
Historical places
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Ghent on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Ghent
Late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September), as the weather is mild and the city avoids the peak summer crowds.
2-3 days to explore the historic center and visit key museums without rushing.
The historic center is largely pedestrianized, making it highly walkable, while an extensive tram and bus network covers the outer districts.
The historic city center (Patershol or Graslei area) offers proximity to primary sites, while the area near the university provides a more youthful atmosphere.
Mid-range; Belgium generally carries a moderate cost of living with costs comparable to other Western European cities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 205 curated attractions in and around Ghent, ranked by traveller ratings.
St Bavo's Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Ghent right now.
The largest category is temples, with 55 places to explore.
Travellers also explore City of Brussels, Antwerp, Liège.
Explore more of Belgium
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
