As Belgium’s third biggest city and one of its most important student hubs, Ghent is a great city to get a feel for Belgian culture without the crowds of Brussels and Bruges. And even if you’ve never heard of Ghent, no worries. This article will tell you everything you need to know. This is the ultimate Ghent city guide, as told by a local.
I lived in Ghent (or Gent, as it’s spelled in Dutch) between 2015 and 2019 as a student at Ghent University, and I still frequently visit.
This means that I can write a full Ghent city guide that shows you everything the guidebooks don’t mention and everything most tourists pass over.
There’s a good reason why The Guardian called Ghent a ‘sensory overload‘ that is just as beautiful as Bruges, without all the crowds.
Still not sure? Check out this video by Visit Gent to figure out what Ghent is all about and why so few travellers have explored it.
Without any further ado, here’s my Ghent city guide, as told by a local.
Skip ahead: Where to eat and drink in Ghent
Here are some interesting free things to do to add to your Ghent itinerary.
What is usually a quaint city square, home to the Belgian phenomenon of the Ghent Festivities, turns into a lively flea market every weekend.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Bij Sint-Jacobs is the place to be for art collectors and trinket hunters. This flea market is so ingrained in the city’s cultural identity that local vintage shops and antiques galleries moved to this neighbourhood.
Ghent wouldn’t be Ghent without its historic buildings and rich culture. It’s like Bruges, but better.
Anyway, one of the things you can’t miss in Ghent is the Old St. Elizabeth Beguinage. Known as the tolerant ‘holy corner’ of the city, this beguinage houses three official places of worship: a Roman Catholic church, a Protestant church and an Orthodox church.
The open beguinage has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage.
These two ancient quays, that have been in use since the 11th century, have truly become the heart of the city centre — at least, for students and other locals on a warm summer afternoon.
Beautiful historic buildings are mirrored in the river Lys, which will transport you back in time about 500 years.
Don’t be shy: go to a nearby supermarket, buy some drinks and plop down here to enjoy the scenery during your picnic.
For the full tourist experience, don’t miss a boat ride on the river for another perspective on this extraordinary area.
St. Peter’s Abbey is more than just a pretty building at the main square. Behind its façade, you’ll find a pleasant garden where you’ll feel like you’re walking through a vineyard in the south of France.
Truly one of the most interesting hidden gems in Ghent, the inner garden is a reconstruction based on historical examples, meaning this is actually what the garden looked like all this time ago.
If you want a place to enjoy a picnic with your loved ones in the blissful shadow of luscious trees, look no further.
Skip ahead: Ghent nightlife guide
It’s hard to pick just a few good restaurants and bars in a city like this, but for the sake of this Ghent city guide, I had to do it.
These are some of my favourites places to eat and drink in Ghent.
An authentic beer café in one of Ghent’s most vibrant neighbourhoods that offers visitors over 300 Belgian and foreign specialty beers, both on tap and bottled. Don’t be alarmed: the inside of this bar is much larger than it appears to be from outside.
Ask any local where you should go to try our world-famous beer, and most — if not all — of them will tell you to go here.
Madam Bakster is the place to be for healthy, guilt-free coffee and cake. Every dessert you can order here is vegan-friendly, lactose-free and refined sugar-free.
Other than coming in and drinking coffee, you can also take away healthy granola, energy bars, muffins, popcorn, and more.
Admittedly, Hot Club might sound a bit too promiscuous for your cultural city trip to Ghent. I promise, it’s not what it sounds like.
Hot Club is one of Ghent’s most authentic jazz bars. It’s small, tucked away behind a cobbled alley, and a great place to have a drink and enjoy live jazz performances.
This is truly one of the city’s most gezellig locations.
(Dutch-speaking readers: let me know if you can come up with a better translation for gezellig than ‘cosy’!)
Don’t let the basic concept of healthy, gluten-free and vegan food fool you: at Le Botaniste, you’ll get affordable, colourful dishes with rich flavours to your heart’s content.
Le Botaniste is a great place to have a quick, healthy lunch in the city centre, even for non-vegan people.
As a student who spent four years in this city, I couldn’t, in good conscience, write a Ghent city guide without mentioning this restaurant.
Eggs play first fiddle in almost all dishes served at Luv L’Oeuf. This restaurant is great for breakfast, brunch or lunch dates.
You definitely get what you pay for, and you might not even be able to finish your portion.
Keep in mind that this is a cash-free restaurant, so don’t forget to bring your credit card.
Feeling adventurous? Why not head to Aywa Beirut Streetfood and share some delicious, fresh Lebanese dishes with your friends?
Its central location and affordable cuisine make Aywa the perfect restaurant for travellers looking to cut down on their food budget.
The whole vibe inside the restaurant is very Mediterranean and the staff is really helpful, especially when you don’t really know what you’re getting into.
Skip ahead: Most Insta-worthy locations in Ghent
While Ghent may seem like the small brother of nearby major cities like Antwerp and Brussels, its nightlife is in no way inferior, thanks to its vibrant student population.
And, hey, what’s a Ghent city guide without talking about nightlife?
Most major clubs in Ghent are concentrated in or around this street. If you want to dance the night away to funky beats or sing along to the newest pop jams until dawn, Overpoort is your best bet.
Keep in mind that, since this street has so many clubs, it can get crowded with partying students, especially on Thursday night.
Don’t forget to grab a post-dance snack at one of the many well-established restaurants around. I highly recommend going to Stefano’s Place and ordering a julientje. It might not look appealing at all, but it tastes amazing after — or during — a night out.
For students, the main alternative to the always busy Overpoort is Vlasmarkt. This square is home to many alternative dance pubs and cafés.
The most esteemed café here is Charlatan, a popular venue that often hosts live events. The three different rooms become the decor for standup comedy, live gigs and DJ sessions on a nearly nightly basis.
The Ghent Festivities (Gentse Feesten in Dutch) are a ten-day cultural summer festival throughout Ghent’s city centre. The festival includes free music on 10 squares, street performers, indoor and outdoor activities, and late-night parties.
Thanks to its tradition of over 170 years, the Ghent Festivities have become something to look forward to for people from Ghent (and, admittedly, from all over Belgium).
There is also a one-month winter version of the festival in December, which includes a Christmas market, an ice rink, a ferris wheel and many bars and food trucks.
To be completely honest, Polé Polé is a part of the Ghent Festivities I just described. However, I believe it’s worth a separate entry.
It’s like a party within a party. And, believe me, these people know how to throw a party.
Polé Polé brings the hottest latin and afro beats to the historic city centre of Ghent, with a dance floor suspended over the river Lys.
Skip ahead: Where to shop in Ghent
Nowadays, it’s safe to say that a whole lot of people enjoy sharing their holiday snapshots on social media. And hey, I’m not here to judge. In fact, I’m here to help you find the best Insta-worthy places in Ghent.
I did a similar thing a few months ago: Instagrammable locations in Lyon, France
Just so you know: the ‘How to get there’ part for these locations mainly uses public transport (trams and buses) and starts at Ghent’s main railway station: Gent-Sint-Pieters.
If you thought Bruges took you back to the Middle Ages, wait until you step foot in Patershol.
With spectacular views all around you, this bridge is the perfect spot for a romantic selfie with your significant other.
While graffiti is officially prohibited in Ghent, the authorities turn a blind eye for artists in this particular street. As the canvas changes every day, you’re sure to find some great Insta-worthy shots here.
If you were still looking for a backdrop for your #summerloving shots, look no further. Graslei & Korenlei have attracted locals and travellers alike for years.
This district, that mainly functions as students’ residential quarters by day, transforms to an idyllic site by night.
Skip ahead: Ghent city guide PDF
Let me preface this part by saying this: I’m not a big shopper.
That being said, I compiled this list of stores in Ghent based on recommendations from friends and some stores that I personally enjoy shopping at. (Yes, even with my limited experience!)
Start by watching this short video by Visit Gent about the shopping experience in Ghent.
Think Twice is a vintage / second-hand store with two locations in Ghent. It’s one of the leading sustainable fashion brands in Belgium.
Fun fact: the entire collection at Think Twice is renewed every 5 weeks and the organisation behind this brand also gives back to the community.
Originally founded in 2010 by a small group of creatives, & Other Stories quickly grew out to be the recognisable clothing and beauty brand it is today.
The collections are designed in local ateliers in Paris, Stockholm and Los Angeles.
Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your coffee table or a funny booklet for the bathroom, The Other Shop is where you’ll find it.
The Other Shop is a charming book and gift shop in Ghent’s city centre, specialising in cookbooks, photo books and other interior accessories.
Want to pimp your interior design or give somebody a thoughtful present? PIET Moodshop has got you covered.
Fun fact: the people behind this gift store also provide useful design advice by phone or email.
MOVIES is a clothing store for men and women in Ghent’s vibrant student district. Whatever piece of clothing you’re looking for, chances are you’ll find it here.
I promised you a downloadable PDF of my Ghent city guide, and I wasn’t lying.
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