Ghent (map) is a city in Flanders. It was once considered the second largest city north of the Alps, after Paris. The impact of this rich past can be clearly seen when viewing the imposing architecture of churches and the houses of rich traders.
The whole of the city center is restored in this fashion, and still breathes the atmosphere of a thriving late-medieval city state. As the city council made the center free of cars, it is now a very welcoming and open area, which does not fail to impress even the people who live there.
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The center of Ghent is quite small, so you can walk around on foot. However, the main station (Gent Sint-Pieters, map) is not in the city center, but takes a walk of about half an hour. The best option is to take the tram, which takes you directly to the center in 10 to 15 minutes.
A bicycle is the recommended way to get around in Ghent. However, there are many roads with cobblestones that make cycling a shaking experience.
Belfort en Lakenhalle (Belfry and Cloth Hall, map). The Belfry was a symbol of the city’s autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380. This municipal tower holds the great bells that have rung out Ghent’s civic pride through the centuries. Take the elevator to the Belfry’s upper gallery, 66 m high, to see the bells and take in fantastic panoramic views of the city.
Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival) is a cultural music and theatre festival held throughout the city. It is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, attracting about 2 million visitors every year. The multitude of squares in the city centre are taken over by stages, each of them with their characteristic programming.
Prondelmarkt bij Sint-Jacobs (Sint-Jacobs flea market, map). Antiques, second-hand records, books, and others can be found in the weekly flea markt at Sint-Jacobs. Prices can be high, but keen eyes can find a lot of gems!
For authentic pubs, go to St. Veerleplein (the square in front of the Castle), the pubs around St. Jacob’s church (especially during weekends), or the student area around Blandijnberg (Mount Blandin), especially in the proximity of the School of Arts and Philosophy.
Smart Mobility Planner | door-to-door routeplanner for the whole country, covering all forms of public transport (including train, bus, subway and tram).
+ Public Transport in Ghent (visit.gent.be) • Public Transport | BELGIUM (belgium.be)
Belgium Driving Guide – This guide not only tells you what the best itineraries in Belgium are, but it also means you what you need to know about driving in Belgium from the dos and don’ts on Belgian roads.
BUS > STIB/MIVB in Brussels • De Lijn in Flanders • TEC in Wallonia. Most tourists will not need the bus companies, as it is much more user-friendly to take trains between cities and go on foot inside them. There is also the Kusttram, running along almost the whole Flemish seaside from France to the Netherlands—definitely worth a trip in the summer.
RAIL > Ghent is a 30-minute train ride away from Brussels and is on the line from Brussels to Bruges and the coast. Belgiantrain.be – Use the official journey planner operated by the National Railway Company of Belgium to find train itineraries and prices. Thalys • SNCF • Eurostar • Deutsche Bahn
AIRPORTS > Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem due to the town in which it is mainly located, is Belgium’s main airport. Brussels South Charleroi Airport, about 50 km (31 mi) south of Brussels, mostly serves low-cost carriers.
WATERWAYS > There are overnight ferries to/from Zeebrugge from Hull in England, but they are not cheap.