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Ghent
Belgium

Things to do in Ghent

234 attractions · Belgium

Photo: Paul Hermans, CC BY-SA 3.0

Flemish Region, Belgium · 51.050, 3.717

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.

Good to know

  1. 1

    Ghent possesses the highest concentration of listed historic buildings in Belgium.

  2. 2

    The city hosts the Gentse Feesten, one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe, which spans ten days every July.

  3. 3

    Ghent is recognized as a leader in plant-based dining, having more vegetarian restaurants per capita than any other city in Belgium.

  4. 4

    During the Middle Ages, Ghent was the second-largest city in Europe, surpassed only by Paris.

  5. 5

    The city's 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' altarpiece is one of the most frequently stolen artworks in history.

Plan your visit to Ghent

Best time to visit

Late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September), as the weather is mild and the city avoids the peak summer crowds.

How many days

2-3 days to explore the historic center and visit key museums without rushing.

Getting around

The historic center is largely pedestrianized, making it highly walkable, while an extensive tram and bus network covers the outer districts.

Where to stay

The historic city center (Patershol or Graslei area) offers proximity to primary sites, while the area near the university provides a more youthful atmosphere.

Budget

Mid-range; Belgium generally carries a moderate cost of living with costs comparable to other Western European cities.

Top things to do in Ghent

The 234 most popular places in Ghent.

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Ghent on the map

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Frequently asked

How many attractions are there in Ghent?

Aventuro lists 234 curated attractions in and around Ghent, sorted by popularity.

What's the top attraction in Ghent?

Castle of the Counts is the most popular place to visit in Ghent right now.

What kind of attractions does Ghent have?

The largest category is temples, with 50 places to explore.

Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?

Travellers also explore City of Brussels, Antwerp, Liège.