Ghent.
Belgium's best-kept secret, Ghent is a rebellious, student-driven city that pairs medieval grandeur with a gritty, modern edge. With its award-winning lighting and world-class altarpiece, it offers a more authentic Flemish experience.
Top Things to Do.
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Hotels in Ghent
Find the perfect stay from historic boutique hotels in the city center to modern budget suites.
Stay near the Old Centre for walking access.
Flights to Ghent
Compare all major airlines and low-cost carriers flying into Ghent's main airports.
Mid-week flights are usually 20% cheaper.
Local Transport
Book your airport transfer, local city passes, or regional train tickets for exploring beyond Ghent.
Most cities offer 24/48h unlimited travel cards.
Guided Tours
Explore hidden corners with expert-led walking tours, food tastings, and day trips.
Free walking tours are a great first-day activity.
48 Hours in Ghent.
Day 1: The Three Towers
St. Bavo's Cathedral
Witness the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,' the world's most frequently stolen masterpiece, in its original home.
Castle of the Counts
Explore Gravensteen, a massive medieval fortress with a famously irreverent and humorous audio guide.
Graslei & Korenlei
Join the locals on the historic quayside to watch the sunset illuminate the city's award-winning architectural lighting plan.
Day 2: Art, Industry & Alleys
Werregarenstraatje
Walk through the city's legal 'Graffiti Street,' a vibrant, ever-changing outdoor gallery of street art.
Patershol Quarter
Wander the narrow medieval alleys of the city's culinary heart, discovering hidden cafes and traditional sweet shops.
Dulle Griet Pub
Experience a local ritual at this historic pub where you must trade a shoe as a deposit for their giant house beer glass.
Where to Stay?
Historic Core
MonumentalThe center of the 'Three Towers' and the Korenmarkt, where the city's medieval power is most visible.
Patershol
CosyA maze of cobblestone streets behind the castle, now home to the city's best selection of high-end and traditional restaurants.
The Arts Quarter
CulturalLocated near Citadelpark, this district houses the city's fine arts and contemporary art museums.
Local Secrets
The Missing Panel
Look closely at the Ghent Altarpiece; the 'Just Judges' panel is a copy, the original having been stolen in 1934 and never recovered.
Cuberdon Wars
At Groentenmarkt, watch the rivalry between the two wooden carts selling 'Ghent Noses' (raspberry cone candies).
The Tied Boatmen House
On the Korenlei, find the guildhall with two golden anchors, representing the boatmen who once weren't allowed to sail freely.
Escapes from Ghent.
Antwerp
Belgium's diamond capital and a global fashion hub, offering a dynamic contrast to Ghent's medieval atmosphere.
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