Ghent(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, Hotel Van Cleef is a top choice, located steps from the historic Grote Markt and offering elegant rooms with views of the Gothic St. Bavo's Cathedral. Its central location provides easy access to major attractions like Ghent Castle and Gravensteen Fortress.

Another excellent option is B&B Hotel Gent City Centre, a modern, budget-friendly hotel near the train station with free Wi-Fi and helpful staff. For a more immersive experience, consider De Vlaamse Kruik, a charming riverside guesthouse in the Flanders region, perfect for exploring canal-side charm and local culture. All hotels offer personalized travel tips and bike rental services.

The city center (Gent Centrum), especially around Grote Markt and St. Bavo's Cathedral, is ideal for tourists seeking proximity to key sights. This vibrant district offers walkable access to Gravensteen Castle, Museum of the City of Ghent, and the scenic canal belt.

Nightlife, dining, and shopping are all within minutes. For a quieter stay with easy access, consider Sint-Pieters Park or De Bijenkorf neighborhood, where you can enjoy green spaces while remaining just a 15-minute walk from the heart of the city. Many boutique hotels here blend historical architecture with modern comfort.

In Ghent, don’t miss visiting the St. Bavo's Cathedral to view the masterpiece Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the van Eyck brothers—a cornerstone of Early Netherlandish painting.

Experience the annual Ghent Jazz Festival in summer, featuring world-class jazz acts. Stroll along the Gent-Heirbaan canal route, where medieval buildings line the waterways, and explore the FOMU Photography Museum for contemporary visual art.

Visit the Museum of the City of Ghent for interactive exhibitions on local history, or attend a candlelit concert at St. Bavo’s—a breathtaking fusion of music, architecture, and heritage.

Must-try dishes in Ghent include Gentse frietjes—crispy fried fish served with homemade mayonnaise—and Belgian chocolate, especially from Chocolaterie L'Épicurien.

Try local craft beers like Palm or Liefmans Gouden Toren at cozy old taverns. At St. Martin’s Market, savor warm waffles with strawberries and cream. For a memorable meal, book a table at De Gouden Zand, famous for its slow-cooked beef stew in Ghent red wine sauce—rich, savory, and deeply authentic.

Ghent is perfect for families. Visit Dierenpark Dampoort, home to over 200 animals with children’s play zones and educational programs.

Explore Aquarium de Gent, featuring tropical ecosystems, sea turtles, and bioluminescent creatures. The Ghent Castle grounds offer a maze, slides, and open green spaces ideal for kids.

Don’t miss Kindermuseum Gent, an interactive museum blending science, art, and history. Ride the Ghent Canal Tour boat for a relaxed, storytelling-filled journey through the city’s past—perfect for all ages.

Evening highlights in Ghent include relaxing at outdoor bars like Café De Wereld near Grote Markt, enjoying live music and Belgian craft beer.

Join Gent in Nacht, a city-wide celebration with illuminated streets, street performances, pop-up markets, and light installations.

Catch a concert at Kluis or L’Oasis, intimate venues hosting local indie bands. Attend a special evening concert at St. Bavo’s Cathedral, where organ music blends with sacred ambiance. Some hotels also offer guided night walks through hidden alleys and stories of old Ghent.

Ghent’s tram system (Gent Tram) is highly efficient, covering major tourist spots with frequent departures. Tickets cost €2.50 single or €6 for a day pass, available via app or Gent+ card.

The city is cyclist-friendly: over 200 km of dedicated bike paths allow easy exploration. Rent bikes from Gent City Bike. From Gent-Sint-Pieters Train Station, high-speed trains connect to Brussels (40 min) and Antwerp (30 min), making multi-city trips seamless.

Combined with walking, public transit ensures hassle-free travel across the entire city.

Top shopping areas in Ghent include Grote Markt, with boutiques like De Kring selling local designers and vintage fashion. Sint-Pietersstraat features international brands and Belgian labels such as Tijdelijk.

Visit weekend markets at Vrijdagmarkt for handmade ceramics, textiles, and candles. The creative market at De Vlaamse Kruik showcases independent artists.

Book lovers will enjoy Boekhandel De Nieuwe School, a literary haven with rare editions and author signings—ideal for discovering Flemish culture through literature.

Ghent has a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round. Spring (March–May) brings pleasant weather and blooming flowers—perfect for walking tours.

Summer (June–August) averages 20–25°C, with occasional rain but mostly sunny days—ideal for outdoor festivals and canal strolls.

Autumn (September–November) sees colorful foliage but increased rainfall; pack a waterproof jacket. Winter (December–February) is cool (around 3°C), with occasional snow, but indoor attractions remain cozy and welcoming.

Travelers should prepare layered clothing, especially for spring and autumn visits.

The best time to visit Ghent is April to June, when the weather is mild, parks bloom, and the city hosts the Ghent Jazz Festival. The Grote Markt and canals sparkle under golden sunlight.

Late September to early October, during Gent in Herfst, offers stunning fall colors, art installations, and lively markets—without peak crowds.

Avoid December holidays for fewer tourists and better deals. Off-season visits (March or November) provide quieter exploration, lower prices, and deeper immersion into the city’s rich heritage and artistic soul.