The Flemish experience in Ghent

Introduction

Stuck between the bigger Brussels and the more renowned Bruges, Ghent is a city that gives you the best of the two worlds. Don’t skip it on your next trip to Belgium! You find a less crowded version of Bruges, equally charming and a very compact and walkable old town.

We spent a day in Ghent during our Interrail trip back in 2013, but we returned in 2025 and found the city to be even more charming than the first time. During our second visit we spent three nights there as part of a tour of Belgium and the Netherlands. We were lucky to get the perfect spring weather to enjoy the city at its best.

Ghent has a long history of punching above its weight. It was once one of the most important cities in Europe, due to its strategic location as a trading hub.

Today, it is also a huge university center and is much more active during the evenings compared to Bruges. Young people gather around the terraces in the old town and on the banks of the canals and the Leie river. Rowing boats are also popular especially in the spring and summer time.

The medieval legacy of Ghent

The old town of Ghent is quite compact and very walkable. You can spend some time roaming the streets, discovering cute houses with small shops and restaurants.

The symbol of the city is the 91m tall belfry located right next to the St. Bavo Cathedral. You can also visit the 10th century Gravensteen castle in the middle of the city, just 10 minutes away from the belfry.

Another really beautiful example of Gothic architecture is St. Nicholas’ Church, located right next to the Belfry. The church lines up perfectly with the Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, making it a unique sight and a popular spot for photographers looking for the best angle to catch all 3 medieval buildings in one frame.

The Sint-Michielsbrug is also a great spot to take a snapshot before the sun goes down. It is a beautiful pedestrian bridge that offers a stunning view of the city. It’s one of those places where you can lose track of time and just enjoy the atmosphere and the views. Even the most basic picture taken here will look like a postcard photo.

What to do

One particularly lively area is around the quays on the Leie river where the old port of Ghent used to be. One quay is called Graslei and the other on the opposite side is called Korenlei. Both quays have a lot of bars and restaurants open day and night.

Another interesting area to visit is Patershol, a neighborhood known for its brick houses and narrow streets. It is a popular spot for locals and less touristy compared to the areas around the quays and the Belfry. This is where you will find some of the oldest buildings in the city and plenty of local handicraft shops.

As with most European cities, we strongly recommend taking a free walking tour to discover hidden spots and stories about the city. Last time we were there we did the tour with Legends Tours and it was really enjoyable.

As the evening comes, make sure you grab a Gentse Tripel or any other strong Belgian beer at one of the open terraces. And if you don’t fancy a big dinner at a restaurant, you can always pair that with a cone of frites (Belgian fries) that is readily available at different vendors around the old town.