Ghent Journey Information: Finest issues to do, bars & eating places


Ghent Travel Guide: Eat, drink and explore in the prettiest city of Belgium

Final modified: February 7, 2026

Ghent Journey Information: Finest issues to do, eating places and bars in Belgium’s prettiest metropolis

Ghent is certainly one of Belgium’s most enjoyable cities, combining historical past with a buzzing meals and nightlife scene. Medieval towers rise over the outdated centre, canals reduce via the center of the town, and a big scholar inhabitants retains issues energetic late into the evening. It has the fantastic thing about Bruges however with extra power and extra locals round. This information exhibits you one of the best of Ghent, with a robust deal with the place to eat and drink, plus a handful of sights that provide the full image.


Mix your go to to Ghent with one other lovely Belgian metropolis: Bruges

Finest issues to do

  • Belfry of Ghent
  • Graslei and Korenlei
  • Gravensteen and Sint-Veerleplein
  • Sint-Pietersabdij
  • Patershol
  • Scholar Space

Eating places & Bars

  • Norma
  • Simon Says
  • Mémé Gusta
  • Giri
  • Edgar Kaasbar
  • Barrazza
  • Dok Brewing Firm
  • Bar Bricolage
  • Edel Rot
  • Trollekelder
  • Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant
  • Het Spijker
  • Bar l’eau
  • Dulle Griet

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Sensible ideas

Two or three days is sufficient to see Ghent and luxuriate in its foods and drinks scene. The town centre is compact and straightforward to stroll, although a motorcycle is beneficial if you wish to see extra. Spring and autumn are one of the best instances to go to for energetic terraces and delicate climate. When you plan to climb the Belfry, e book forward on busy weekends.

Ghent Journey Map

To make your life and metropolis journey to Ghent simpler, I’ve tagged many locations price a go to on my Ghent Journey Map. Most locations are talked about on this Ghent Journey Information / weblog, nonetheless, there are some further locations talked about for a extra in depth overview!

One of the best issues to do in Ghent

1. Climb the Belfry of Ghent

The Belfry is the primary sight in Ghent, a church tower rising excessive above the town centre. Climb the steps and benefit from the lovely views over the town. An incredible cease if you wish to higher perceive Ghent’s scale and love viewpoints! 

Climb the Belfry of Ghent - Ghent City Guide - Best things to do in Ghent

Climb the Belfry of Ghent - Ghent City Guide - Best things to do in Ghent

Climb the Belfry of Ghent - Ghent City Guide - Best things to do in Ghent

Climb the Belfry of Ghent - Ghent City Guide - Best things to do in Ghent

Climb the Belfry of Ghent - Ghent City Guide - Best things to do in Ghent

Climb the Belfry of Ghent - Ghent City Guide - Best things to do in Ghent

2. Graslei and Korenlei

The well-known quays of Ghent may be the preferred elements of the town. You can see lovely homes that replicate within the water – each lovely by day and evening. Value a stroll and a while to benefit from the boats passing by. 

Graslei and Korenlei, Ghent, Best things to do in Ghent

Graslei and Korenlei, Ghent, Best things to do in Ghent

Graslei and Korenlei, Ghent, Best things to do in Ghent

Graslei and Korenlei, Ghent, Best things to do in Ghent

3. Discover Gravensteen and Sint-Veerleplein

Gravensteen is a fort proper within the metropolis heart. A formidable constructing and much more particular due to the central location. Subsequent to the fort, yow will discover the energetic Sint-Veerleplein, certainly one of Ghent’s oldest squares, surrounded by bars and eating places. 

Gravensteen and Sint Veerleplein, Ghent

Gravensteen and Sint Veerleplein, Ghent

4. Go to Sint-Pietersabdij and the Scholar Space

When you’ve got sufficient time and need to go to an space much less touristy, you may head to the Sint-Pietersabdij. The previous abbey has short-term exhibitions and a peaceable backyard. The Sint-Pietersabdij is situated subsequent to the primary scholar neighbourhood: Overpoort. You will discover energetic and reasonably priced bars right here. Most of them can be closed throughout day time, however we preferred Bar Jan Cramer for a espresso within the solar!

Sint-Pietersabdij in the Student Area of Ghent

Jan Cremers Bar in Ghent, best things to do in Ghent

5. Get misplaced in Patershol

The Paterhol space is certainly one of my favorite areas in Ghent and a should do when visiting. You will discover a maze of cute, cobble stone streets that really feel outdated. It was once residence to craftsmen, however at the moment it is stuffed with eating places, small bars and cafes. It is among the most atmospheric neighbourhoods to wander round. Dok Brewing Firm is ideal for an area beer on the finish of your stroll.

Strolling in Patershol, City Guide Ghent, Best things to do

Strolling in Patershol, City Guide Ghent, Best things to do

Strolling in Patershol, City Guide Ghent, Best things to do

Strolling in Patershol, City Guide Ghent, Best things to do

6. Take pleasure in canal views from each nook of the town

The Korenlei en Graslei may be essentially the most well-known canal views of the town. Nonetheless, there may be extra. Near the well-known streets, yow will discover for instance the Grasbrug and the Vleeshuisbrug. All superb photolocations to be added to your stroll round city.

Canal views in Ghent, the best photo spots in Ghent, Belgium

Canal views in Ghent, the best photo spots in Ghent, Belgium

Canalviews in Ghent, best photospots in Ghent, Belgium

Canalviews in Ghent, best photospots in Ghent, Belgium

7. Sint-Baafsplein & Botermarkt

One other space that you would be able to’t miss in Ghent – I do know it will get a bit boring. However, the Gothic structure right here is gorgeous and so picturesque. I beloved strolling round with my digicam and recognizing good particulars.

St. Baafsplein, best things to do in Ghent, Belgium

St. Baafsplein, best things to do in Ghent, Belgium

St. Baafsplein, best things to do in Ghent, Belgium

St. Baafsplein, best things to do in Ghent, Belgium

St. Baafsplein, best things to do in Ghent, Belgium

St. Baafsplein, best things to do in Ghent, Belgium

One of the best eating places and bars in Ghent

Brunch, espresso and eating places in Ghent

Norma

We beloved our brunch at Norma. It is a good place for a very good espresso and recent plates of meals. The proper begin of your day and likewise very talked-about with locals.

Mémé Gusta

If you’re searching for the well-known Flemish beef stew (stoofpotje), it is advisable go to Mémé Gusta. It’s a cozy cafe, additionally good for lunch. 

Giri

Good for brunch, but in addition a enjoyable cafe. Giri is a classy place, nicely price a go to. 

Edgar Kaasbar

If you’re a fan of (Belgian) cheese, that is the place to go. Order a cheese board and pair it with wine or beer for an off-the-cuff dinner. This is among the hottest meals stops within the metropolis.

Barrazza

A restaurant, bar and eating places. Barrazza is a spot with a enjoyable location, proper on the water. 

Norma, Brunch in Ghent, Best Restaurants in Ghent
Norma

Norma, Brunch in Ghent, Best Restaurants in Ghent
Norma

Barrazza, Coffee, Bar and Restaurant in Ghent, Belgium
Barrazza

Barrazza, Ghent, Best restaurants in Ghent
Barrazza

Mémé Gusta, Local Food in Ghent, Restaurant in Ghent
Mémé Gusta

Breakfast at Giri, Brunch in Ghent, Belgium
Giri

One of the best bars in Ghent

Ghent is stuffed with enjoyable bars, and with the Belgian beer tradition, there are many nice ones to be discovered! These have been a few of our favourites.

Dok Brewing Firm

The most effective locations to expertise Ghent’s beer scene, though they don’t deal with the standard trappist beers. Dok Brewing Firm is laid-back and experimental, situated at an industrial location.

Bar Bricolage

Inventive and playful, Bar Bricolage is thought for the colourful and hipster power. The bar is just open in the summertime season and situated a bit exterior the town heart.

Edel Rot

A enjoyable wine bar that focuses on pure wines. A classy and extra quiet setting to take pleasure in an sudden glass. Additionally they have a small terrace.

Trollekelder

Situated in a cellar/basement, a stone inside and a protracted beer listing: this place feels historic and cosy. Good for a central cease for an area beer. 

Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant

This is among the most well-known beer cafes in Ghent and at all times buzzing. A enjoyable place with a pleasant view to attempt some Belgian beers.

Café Den Turk and Het Spijker

Each are smaller and extra native in really feel. Good for an area beer on the terrace in a relaxed ambiance.

Bar l’eau and NOAH Occasion Boats

In Ghent, there are a few floating bars alongside the river, enjoyable for a drink round sundown. 

Cafe Gitane

Café Gitane is a kind of locations that instantly makes you’re feeling like an area. Situated in probably the most liveliest streets, it is a bar with a barely retro ambiance. 

Dulle Griet

Maybe Ghent’s most well-known beer corridor, Dulle Griet is big and infrequently packed. It’s price stepping inside to see the ambiance, nonetheless, we weren’t the most important followers. However, it’s a enjoyable place to see!

't Galgenhuis - Best Bars in Ghent
‘t Galgenhuis

Het Spijker, Best Bars in Ghent
Het Spijker

Dok Brewing Company, Best Bars in Ghent
Dok Brewing Firm

Edel Rot Wine Bar in Ghent, Best Bars in Ghent
Edel Rot

One of the best lodges in Ghent

Ghent is stuffed with nice lodges with a comfy vibe. Many lodge are boutique model lodges, and due to this fact, you might be sure yow will discover an incredible place to remain in Ghent. 

The Librarian – A central location, clear inside and occasional and tea. What else do you want on a metropolis journey. You possibly can e book a room beginning round €150 an evening.

B&B Achilles – Barely additional out of city, however fancy and comfy. An incredible place if you need a spot to loosen up after a day of exploring. Rooms beginning at €175.

Rodelijv – Trendy, clear and superb worth for cash in the event you ask me. Good in your subsequent metropolis journey. Rooms begin round €130 an evening. 

ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoortibis finances will not be my favorite lodge chain and I undoubtedly favor boutique lodges. Nonetheless, speaking about worth for cash, ibis is a good possibility in the event you plan to spend your time exploring the town. Guide a room beginning at €80 an evening.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions – Ghent Journey Information

Is Ghent price visiting in comparison with Bruges?





Sure! I like each cities, however Ghent feels barely much less touristy, particularly in the event you go a bit exterior the town heart. Each cities are nice for meals and drinks although. Take a look at my travel guide about Bruges for reference.

A weekend is enough. In two to a few days you might have sufficient time to discover all sights and go to a neighbourhood exterior the town. The important thing factor? Attempt to squeeze in as many locations to eat and drink as you may, as a result of that’s a part of the tradition. 

The Flemish beef stew known as stoverij/stoofvlees is a should, particularly paired with Belgian fries and a beer.

If you’re searching for essentially the most well-known cafe: that’s Dulle Griet. Nonetheless, there are numerous different nice beer bars equivalent to Trollekelder, Waterhuis aan de Bierkant and the extra trendy Dok Breweing Firm. 

Learn extra about Belgium

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