Top Things to Do in Gent, Belgium

Discover the best things to do in Gent, Belgium, from medieval castles and canal views to local food, markets, spring blossoms, Gent Fest, Christmas lights, and hidden corners.

I have lived in Gent for around four years, and honestly, I still feel lucky every time I walk through the city centre. When I first moved here in 2019, Gent immediately made me wow. The medieval buildings, the stone bridges, the towers, the canals, the warm lights at night — it felt like stepping into a Harry Potter scene.

Before living here, I knew Gent was a famous Belgian city, but I didn’t expect to love it this much. For me, Gent is the most impressive medieval town in Belgium. Bruges is beautiful and fairytale-like, Brussels is grand and international, Antwerp is stylish and cool — but Gent has something special. It feels historic, magical, lively, and very local at the same time.

If you are planning a trip to Belgium, I really think Gent deserves at least one full day, and even better, a weekend. Here are my favourite things to do in Gent, from famous landmarks to food spots, hidden corners, spring blossoms, beer terraces, local markets, and castles near Gent.

Why Visit Gent?

Gent is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Belgium, but it does not feel like an open-air museum. People actually live, study, work, eat, drink, and hang out here. That is what makes the city so charming.

The historic centre is full of beautiful architecture: Gothic churches, medieval guild houses, canals, bridges, towers, and a real castle right in the middle of the city. At the same time, Gent is also a university city, so it has a young, energetic atmosphere with cafés, bars, restaurants, street art, festivals, and many cosy corners.

For me, Gent is the perfect Belgian city if you want a strong medieval atmosphere, beautiful canals and stone bridges, good food, beer, waffles, chocolate, and fries, and a city that is walkable without feeling too overwhelming.

Best Time to Visit Gent

The best time to visit Gent is spring and summer.

In spring, the city becomes softer and more colourful. You can see crocuses, daffodils, cherry blossoms, wisteria, and roses in different parks and streets around Gent. It is one of my favourite times to walk around the city.

Summer is also wonderful because the days are long, terraces are full, people sit along the Graslei with beer, and the city becomes very lively. If you visit in July, you may catch Gentse Feesten, a huge 10-day city festival with music, performances, food, drinks, and events all over Gent.

Autumn can also be beautiful with golden leaves, and winter has its own cosy charm, especially around the Christmas market. But if I had to recommend the most pleasant months, I would choose April, May, June, July, August, and early September.

How to Get to Gent

Gent is very easy to reach from other Belgian cities.

By Train

The main train station is Gent-Sint-Pieters, which is well connected to Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Leuven, and other cities. From Gent-Sint-Pieters, you can take a tram or bus to the city centre.

Gent also has Gent-Dampoort Station, which is closer to the historic centre and is convenient if your train stops there. From Gent-Dampoort, you can walk, take a tram or bus, or rent a bike to reach the old town.

By Bus

Many long-distance buses arrive at Gent-Dampoort, which is very convenient because it is not too far from the city centre. From there, you can walk, take public transport, or rent a bike.

By Car

If you come by car, there are two main options. You can park outside the centre at a P+R car park and then take public transport into the city, or you can park in a paid underground parking garage in the city centre.

Gent’s inner city has traffic restrictions and a low-emission zone, so it is better to check before driving into the centre. For a stress-free visit, I usually recommend parking outside the centre and taking a tram or bus in, especially if you are only coming for a day trip.

Top Things to Do in Gent

1. Climb the Belfry of Gent

The Belfry of Gent is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It stands proudly between St Nicholas’ Church and St Bavo’s Cathedral, forming the famous three-tower skyline of Gent.

I highly recommend going up the Belfry. The view from the top is beautiful, but what makes it even more interesting is the bell system inside. You can see the huge bells and the carillon mechanism, which is such a cool activity, especially if you love old buildings and historic engineering.

It is not just a tower with a view — it is part of the city’s sound, history, and identity. From the top, you can see the medieval rooftops, churches, canals, squares, and the modern parts of Gent in the distance. It is one of the best ways to understand how beautiful the city layout is.

2. Admire the View from St Michael’s Bridge

If there is one place you cannot miss in Gent, it is St Michael’s Bridge.

This is probably the most famous viewpoint in the city, and for a good reason. From the bridge, you can see the three famous towers of Gent in one line: St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St Bavo’s Cathedral.

The bridge itself is also beautiful. It was built to create a grand connection over the Leie River and to give the city a more elegant urban view. Today, it is one of the best places to admire Gent’s medieval skyline.

For me, this bridge is the classic “wow, I am really in Gent” spot. Come during the day for clear photos, but also return in the evening when the lights turn on. The view over the Graslei and Korenlei becomes even more romantic.

3. Visit St Nicholas’ Church

St Nicholas’ Church is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Gent. It sits right in the heart of the historic centre, close to Korenmarkt and St Michael’s Bridge.

What I love about this church is how naturally it blends into the city. You can be walking through busy streets, passing shops and cafés, and suddenly this massive Gothic church appears in front of you. Its grey-blue stone, tall windows, and elegant structure make the whole area feel extremely medieval.

Even if you are not usually interested in churches, I think St Nicholas’ Church is worth entering. The interior is calm, spacious, and atmospheric — a nice contrast to the lively streets outside.

4. Visit St Bavo’s Cathedral and See the Ghent Altarpiece

Another must-see church in Gent is St Bavo’s Cathedral. It is one of the most important religious buildings in the city and home to the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers.

Even if you are not an art expert, it is still special to see such a famous masterpiece in the exact city where it belongs. The cathedral itself is also impressive, with high ceilings, chapels, paintings, and a quiet grandeur.

If this is your first time in Gent, I would definitely include it in your itinerary.

5. Visit Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts

One of the coolest things about Gent is that it has a real medieval castle right in the city centre.

Gravensteen, or the Castle of the Counts, is one of the most popular attractions in Gent. With its stone walls, towers, and moat-like setting, it looks almost unreal when you see it surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and modern city life.

Inside, you can walk through the castle rooms, climb the towers, learn about medieval history, and enjoy views over the city. The audio guide is also quite entertaining and makes the visit more fun.

For me, Gravensteen is one of the best places to feel the medieval character of Gent.

6. See the City Hall

Gent’s City Hall is easy to miss if you walk too quickly, but it is actually one of the most interesting buildings in the city. What makes it special is that the building has different architectural styles in one structure.

One side looks very Gothic, with detailed stone decoration and dramatic vertical lines. Another side has a more Renaissance style. It is a beautiful reminder that Gent’s history was built layer by layer.

You can admire it from outside while walking between the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral. If you love architecture, take a few minutes to stop and really look at the details.

7. Take a Boat Tour on the Leie River

A boat tour is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to see Gent. The city looks completely different from the water. You pass old façades, bridges, hidden corners, and riverside buildings that you may not notice when walking.

This is especially nice if you are visiting Gent for the first time or if you are travelling with family. You can rest your feet while still enjoying the city.

8. Try Kayaking or SUP in Gent

If you want something more active than a boat tour, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Leie or on Watersportbaan.

This is such a fun summer activity. You get to move slowly through the water, pass under bridges, and enjoy Gent from a different perspective. It feels peaceful and adventurous at the same time.

On a sunny day, kayaking or SUP in Gent makes the city feel almost like a holiday destination, not just a historic city trip.

9. Walk Along Graslei and Korenlei

Graslei and Korenlei are the two beautiful quays along the Leie River. This is one of the most photographed areas in Gent, with medieval guild houses reflected in the water.

But Graslei is not only for photos. It is also one of the best places to just sit and enjoy the city. On sunny days, many people buy a drink or snack and sit along the river. Students, locals, and tourists all gather here, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

One of my favourite simple things to do in Gent is to buy a beer, sit along the Graslei, and just watch the boats pass by. It is relaxed, social, and very Gent.

10. Join a Walking Tour or Make Your Own Walk Around the City

Gent is a perfect city for walking. The historic centre is compact, but there are so many hidden corners, alleys, small bridges, courtyards, and beautiful façades.

You can join a guided walking tour if you want to learn more about the history, but you can also make your own walk. Start around St Michael’s Bridge, continue to Graslei and Korenlei, pass Gravensteen, wander into Patershol, then return toward the three towers.

Gent rewards slow walking. Sometimes the best moments are not the famous landmarks, but a quiet alley, a small canal, a beautiful door, or a corner that suddenly looks like a movie scene.

11. Explore Patershol

Patershol is one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Gent. It is full of narrow cobbled streets, old houses, and restaurants. It is a lovely area to explore if you want to see the more intimate side of the old city.

This area feels especially atmospheric in the evening. The small streets become warm and cosy, and it is a great place for dinner after a day of sightseeing.

Even if you are not eating here, it is still worth walking through Patershol for the old-town atmosphere.

12. Enjoy a Terrasje Coffee in the Heart of the City

One of the most Belgian things to do is to sit on a terrasje — a terrace — with coffee, beer, or a small snack.

Gent has many beautiful squares where you can sit outside and enjoy the city atmosphere. Korenmarkt, Sint-Baafsplein, Groentenmarkt, and the streets around the old centre all have plenty of cafés.

This is something I really enjoy about living in Gent. You do not always need a big plan. Sometimes the best activity is simply sitting outside, drinking coffee, and watching the city move around you.

13. Try Gentse Food and My Favourite Food Spots

Gent is a very good food city. You can find traditional Belgian dishes, fries, waffles, chocolate, bakeries, Asian food, pizza, ramen, Thai food, and many cosy cafés.

Some Gentse or Belgian foods to try include waterzooi, a creamy stew traditionally associated with Gent; frites, Belgian fries that are always a good idea; waffles; Belgian chocolate; local beer; and cuberdons, the cone-shaped purple candy often sold in Gent.

For fries, I like Fritz Phillipe (the stewed beef sauce here is the best in town) and Frites Atelier (various sauces for fries and perfectly fried potato wedges).

For restaurants, I recommend Amadeus ($$) (all-you-can-eat ribs) and Giuseppe’s – Pizza Forno a Legna ($$) (pizza). Both are right at the city center.

For waffles and ice cream, I recommend Oyya ($) and Ice Ice Amy. ($)

For Japanese food, I like Miss Yu, ($) Zuru Zuru Ramen, ($) and Unamido Ramen ($).

For other Asian food, my top suggestions are Yaki Noodle Bar ($), Le Baan Thai ($$), and Kin Khao – Thai Eatery ($$).

For bakery, my favourite is The Bakery. For me, it is the best in town.

For artisan chocolate, check out Joost Arijs, Yuzu, Chocolaterie Vandenbouhede, and Chocolaterie Luc Van Hoorebeke.

Gent has many good restaurants, so come hungry!

14. Drink Beer and Sunbathe Along the Graslei

On a sunny day, this is one of the most local experiences you can have in Gent.

Buy a beer or soft drink, find a spot along the Graslei, and sit by the water. People come here to talk, read, picnic, listen to music, or simply enjoy the sun.

It is simple, but it is one of the reasons I love Gent so much. The city can be very beautiful and historic, but it also feels relaxed and lived-in.

15. Do a Spring Blossom Tour in Gent

If you visit Gent in spring, you can make your own blossom walk around the city. This is one of my favourite seasonal things to do.

Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park is beautiful in spring. You can see cherry blossoms around late April, wisteria around late April, and roses in May.

Citadel Park is a nice green area near Gent-Sint-Pieters. In May, you can find roses and enjoy a peaceful walk.

Zuidpark is good for early spring flowers. You can usually see crocuses in March and daffodils in March and early April.

Jozef Kluyskensstraat is a lovely cherry blossom street in April.

Spring makes Gent even more romantic, especially when flowers bloom around the old houses, parks, and quiet streets.

16. Visit Gent During Gent Fest in Summer and Christmas

Gent is beautiful in every season, but it becomes especially lively during Gent Fest in summer and very cosy during the Christmas season.

In summer, Gent hosts Gentse Feesten, a huge 10-day festival with music, food, drinks, street performances, theatre, cultural events, and parties all over the city. The historic centre becomes full of energy, with stages, food stalls, beer stands, and people enjoying the long summer evenings. It is fun, crowded, and very lively — a great time to visit if you want to see Gent at its most festive.

If you prefer a quieter and more magical atmosphere, Christmas in Gent is also a wonderful time to visit. The city centre becomes beautifully decorated with lights, a Christmas market, winter drinks, food stalls, and a cosy holiday atmosphere around the old streets and squares. With the medieval buildings, towers, canals, and warm lights, Gent feels even more like a fairytale in winter.

So depending on your travel style, you can choose Gent Fest in summer for music, crowds, beer, and energy, or Christmas in Gent for lights, cosy walks, winter food, and a romantic medieval atmosphere.

17. Visit the Museums

If you have more time, Gent also has several museums worth visiting.

MSK Gent is the Museum of Fine Arts and is a good choice if you enjoy classical art. S.M.A.K. is the contemporary art museum, located near Citadel Park. These are especially good options on a rainy day.

If you love design, you can also check whether Design Museum Gent has reopened by the time of your visit, as it has been under renovation.

18. Visit Local Markets in Gent

One thing I really like about Gent is that it still has a strong local market culture. Visiting a market is a nice way to see the everyday side of the city, beyond the famous towers and tourist spots.

Vrijdagmarkt is one of the best-known market squares in Gent. The square itself is historic and lively, with cafés around it, so it is a nice place to combine a market visit with a coffee or drink.

If you love flowers, check out the Bloemenmarkt. Flower markets always make the city feel more colourful and local, especially in spring and summer.

For something more vintage and interesting, visit a brocantemarkt or flea market. You may find old books, small antiques, second-hand objects, decorations, and random treasures. Even if you do not buy anything, it is fun to browse and feel the local atmosphere.

Markets are especially nice if you want to slow down and experience Gent like a local instead of only following the main sightseeing route.

19. Visit Castles Near Gent

After seeing Gravensteen in the city centre, you can also visit some beautiful castles near Gent. This is a great idea if you have more than one day in the area or if you travel by car.

Laarne Castle is one of the easiest castles to visit near Gent. It has a classic moated castle look and feels very different from the busy city centre.

Beervelde Castle is another lovely castle area, especially known for its park and garden atmosphere. If you enjoy elegant estates, greenery, and peaceful walks, it is a beautiful place to consider.

Ooidonk Castle is one of the most beautiful castles near Gent. It looks very romantic, with towers, water, and a peaceful countryside setting. It is a perfect half-day trip if you want something fairytale-like outside the city.

These castles are not always as easy to visit by public transport as the city attractions, so check the opening days and transport before going. But if you love castles, gardens, and historic estates, they are wonderful additions to a Gent itinerary.

20. See Gent at Night

Gent is beautiful during the day, but I think it becomes even more magical at night.

The lights on the towers, bridges, churches, and riverside buildings create a very special atmosphere. Walk around St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei, Korenlei, Korenmarkt, and Gravensteen after sunset. The city feels quieter, warmer, and more cinematic.

If you only visit Gent as a day trip, try to stay until evening. The night view is worth it.

Suggested One-Day Itinerary for Gent

If you only have one day in Gent, I suggest this route:

Start at Gent-Sint-Pieters or Gent-Dampoort, then head to the historic centre. Visit St Michael’s Bridge first for the classic view of the three towers. Then visit St Nicholas’ Church, climb the Belfry, and continue to St Bavo’s Cathedral.

After that, walk to Graslei and Korenlei, take photos, and enjoy the riverside view. Visit Gravensteen, then wander into Patershol for lunch or coffee. In the afternoon, explore some hidden alleys around the old centre, stop by a local market if there is one, or enjoy a slow terrasje coffee. End the day with fries, beer by the Graslei, or dinner at one of the restaurants in the centre.

If you still have energy, return to St Michael’s Bridge at night for the illuminated city view.

How Many Days Do You Need in Gent?

You can see the main highlights of Gent in one full day, especially if you start early. But I think two days is better if you want to enjoy the city slowly, try more food, take a boat tour, visit museums, and experience the evening atmosphere.

For a relaxed trip, I recommend:

• 1 day for the main landmarks and city walk.
• 2 days for landmarks, food, boat tour, museums, markets, and hidden corners.
• 3 days for slow travel, spring parks, local cafés, and castles near Gent.

Is Gent Worth Visiting?

Yes — absolutely. For me, Gent is the most impressive medieval town in Belgium. It is beautiful, historic, lively, walkable, romantic, and full of good food. Whether you come for one day, a weekend, or a longer stay, Gent is a city that can easily surprise you!

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