6 Best Things to do in Ghent Belgium

During your visit or holiday, you will find too many things to do in Ghent Belgium. If you go for a weekend in Belgium, Ghent is an ideal destination to get off the beaten track and avoid the mass tourism of its famous neighbors.

Things to see in Ghent Belgium
Image by armennano from Pixabay

Ghent is located at the junction between the Lys river and the Scheldt river, the beauty of Flemish Region, a Dutch-speaking city.

Young, lively, and cultural, the other Venice of the North will delight travelers looking for a change of scenery. Ghent is a laid-back city where anything goes: the perfect place for a city trip on a human scale. For more travel articles about Belgium check this category and for all articles about Europe check this list. Our bloggers have prepared a list of some places to visit in Ghent Belgium.

 

1. The Castle of the Counts Ghent Belgium

The Castle of the Counts Ghent Belgium
Source: Instagram

It is essential to discover the Castle of the Counts during your visit to Ghent. Main tourist attraction of the city, Gravensteen – name of the castle in Dutch – has a collection of instruments of torture which is worth the detour. Stroll through this impressive medieval fortress to glimpse some of Ghent’s rich cultural heritage.

 

2. The Saint-Michel bridge

The Saint-Michel bridge
Source: Instagram

Located near the belfry, the Saint-Michel bridge offers a panoramic view of the quays and the main tourist monuments of Ghent. This is the ideal place to take your most beautiful shots of the city.

When the last light of day disappears, watch the sunset, camera in hand, and enjoy this magical atmosphere in the heart of Ghent. It is considered as one of the things to do in Ghent Belgium.

 

3. The Belfry Ghent

The Belfry Ghent
Source: Instagram

The majestic Gothic-style Belfry of Ghent is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former watchtower built in the 14th century is a symbol of the city of Ghent.

We advise you to climb its steps to enjoy an unobstructed view of the city and the surrounding area. Take to the skies and strain your ears to listen to the sound of one of the belfry’s fifty-three bells.

 

4. Saint Bavo Cathedral Ghent

Saint Bavo Cathedral Ghent
Source: Instagram

Saint Bavo Cathedral is located in front of the Belfry of Ghent, this emblematic building will delight lovers of art and architecture.

From paintings to sculptures and stained glass windows, find masterpieces including the famous rococo pulpit by Rubens or even the renowned Mystical Lamb by Jan van Eyk.

 

5. The Church of Saint Nicholas

Things to see in Ghent Belgium
Source: Instagram

Alongside the Belfry of Ghent and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, it is the city’s third iconic tower. Gothic in style, its great particularity is the use of blue stone from Tournai for its construction.

 

6. Graslei and Korenlei Ghent

Graslei and Korenlei Ghent
Source: Instagram

In oir opinion Graslei and Korenlei is one of the best things to do in Ghent (Belgium). Direction the canals and the old port. It is here that we find the emblematic facades of the city of Ghent. Much appreciated by Ghent residents and tourists alike, the quays of Graslei and Korenlei lend themselves to lovely walks along the Lys.

Admire the series of period houses bordering the river. It is good to stroll in this young and lively corner of Ghent where terraces of bars and restaurants are legion.

 

6 Best Things to Do in Ghent Belgium

  • The Castle of the Counts
  • The Saint-Michel bridge
  • The Belfry
  • Saint Bavo Cathedral
  • The Church of Saint Nicholas
  • Graslei and Korenlei