Overview
Ghent is the capital of the East Flanders province in Belgium and one of the country's most significant medieval cities. It sits at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers and was, during the Middle Ages, one of the largest and wealthiest cities in northern Europe after Paris.
The city is home to a well-preserved historic core, three towering medieval belfries visible from much of the centre, and the world-renowned Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by the Van Eyck brothers. Unlike some Belgian cities that can feel like open-air museums, Ghent has a large university population that gives it a lived-in, energetic character year-round.
Ghent is also widely regarded as one of Europe's more progressive cities when it comes to sustainable living and vegetarian food culture. Its Graslei and Korenlei quaysides — lined with guild houses dating to the 11th–17th centuries — form one of the most photographed streetscapes in Belgium.
Before You Go
Visas
Belgium is a member of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. For accurate, up-to-date entry requirements, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official website of Belgium's Immigration Office (Dienst Vreemdelingenzaken / Office des Étrangers).
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for travel to Belgium beyond routine immunisations. Tap water is safe to drink. EU and EEA travellers should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); all other travellers should arrange comprehensive travel insurance before departure.
What to Pack
- Belgium's weather is changeable; pack a waterproof layer regardless of season
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential — the historic centre is best explored on foot over cobblestone streets
- A power adapter (Type E plug) if travelling from outside continental Europe
Getting There
By Air
Ghent does not have its own commercial airport. The closest major hub is Brussels Airport (BRU) in Zaventem, approximately 55–60 km away. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is another option, though it is farther and requires additional connections. From Brussels Airport, trains run regularly toward Ghent-Sint-Pieters station; verify current schedules and journey times on the SNCB/NMBS website.
By Train
Ghent is well connected to the Belgian and wider European rail network. Direct trains run frequently from Brussels (journey time roughly 30–35 minutes), Bruges (roughly 25–30 minutes), and Antwerp. International services connect to Amsterdam, Paris, and London (via Eurostar to Brussels, then onward). Ghent has two main stations: Ghent-Sint-Pieters (the principal intercity station) and Ghent-Dampoort. Verify timetables and fares at the official SNCB/NMBS site.
By Car
Ghent is accessible via the E40 and E17 motorways. Note that the historic city centre operates a Large Vehicle Restriction Zone (LEZ) and a circulation plan that limits private car access to many central streets. Parking garages are available on the periphery of the centre; check the city's official parking information before arriving.
By Bus
International coach services (including Flixbus and others) connect Ghent to various European cities. Verify routes and stops locally or on the operator's website.
Getting Around
The historic centre of Ghent is compact and best explored on foot. Most major landmarks — the Gravensteen castle, the Graslei quay, Saint Bavo's Cathedral, and the Belfry — are within comfortable walking distance of one another.
Tram and Bus
De Lijn operates trams and buses throughout Ghent. Tram lines run through the city centre and connect the main train station (Ghent-Sint-Pieters) to the historic core. Tickets and day passes are available from machines and the De Lijn app; verify current fares on the De Lijn website.
Cycling
Ghent is an extremely cycle-friendly city with an extensive network of dedicated lanes. Bike rental is available from several operators and from Blue-bike stations near train stations (requires registration). Many locals cycle as their primary means of transport.
Boat
Canal boat tours depart from the Graslei and Korenlei quays seasonally and offer a useful orientation to the waterway network. Verify operators and schedules locally.
Things to See & Do
Ghent Altarpiece – Saint Bavo's Cathedral
The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (1432), painted by Hubert and Jan van Eyck, is considered one of the most important and technically accomplished paintings in Western art history. It is displayed in the cathedral's Chapel of the Villa. Entry to the cathedral is generally free, though access to the altarpiece itself requires a ticket — verify current admission fees and opening hours at the cathedral's official site.
Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)
This moated medieval castle in the city centre dates to 1180 and is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Belgium. It houses a museum with artefacts relating to the history of the counts of Flanders. Admission fees and opening hours should be confirmed on the official Ghent tourism or Gravensteen site.
The Belfry of Ghent
Ghent's Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (recognised as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France group), dates to the 14th century and offers views over the city from its upper levels. Verify access and hours locally.
Graslei and Korenlei
The two quaysides facing each other across the Leie river form Ghent's most iconic streetscape. The guild houses along Graslei date from the 11th to 17th centuries and are best viewed from the opposite bank or from a canal boat.
Design Museum Ghent and SMAK
For contemporary interests, the Design Museum (currently undergoing renovation — verify status before visiting) and the Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst (SMAK), Ghent's museum of contemporary art, are both well regarded.
Ghent Festivities (Gentse Feesten)
Held every year in mid-July for ten days, the Gentse Feesten is one of the largest free cultural festivals in Europe, transforming the city centre into a stage for music, street theatre, and local celebration. Check the official festival site for exact dates each year.
Food & Drink
Ghent has a reputation as one of Europe's most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly cities, partly due to its Thursday Veggie Day initiative, though the city's restaurant scene covers all dietary preferences.
Local Specialities
- Waterzooi: A traditional Flemish stew, originally made with fish from the Leie river, now commonly made with chicken. It is closely associated with Ghent.
- Gentse Neuzen (Cuberdon): Cone-shaped, raspberry-flavoured sweets with a hard shell and soft interior. They are a Ghent icon sold by vendors near the Vrijdagmarkt and along the quays.
- Belgian beer: Ghent has numerous bars and specialist beer cafés. The range of Belgian ales, trappist beers, and lambics available is extensive.
- Flemish fries (frieten): Thicker-cut fries served from friteries (frietkoten) with a variety of sauces.
Neighbourhoods for Eating
The Patershol neighbourhood — a maze of narrow medieval streets northwest of Gravensteen — is densely packed with restaurants ranging from traditional Flemish to international cuisine. The Vrijdagmarkt and Vrijdagmarkt area also has a concentration of cafés and bars.
Shopping
Ghent's main commercial shopping street is the Veldstraat and the surrounding pedestrian zone, which carries international retail chains alongside local shops.
For more independent shopping, the Serpentstraat, Kammerstraat, and the area around the Vrijdagmarkt have vintage stores, independent boutiques, and design shops reflecting the city's creative character.
The Friday Market (Vrijdagmarkt) hosts a weekly market — verify current days and hours locally. Cuberdon sweets make a popular and distinctly local gift to bring home.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
The European emergency number 112 can be used in Belgium for police, fire, and ambulance services. The Belgian police non-emergency number and other local contacts should be verified through official Belgian government sources before travel.
Money
ATMs (bancontact/Maestro/Visa) are widely available throughout the city. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most restaurants, shops, and hotels, though some smaller establishments and market vendors may prefer cash.
Connectivity
Free public Wi-Fi is available in many cafés and public spaces. Belgian SIM cards and data plans are available from major operators; EU roaming rules may apply for European travellers — verify with your home provider.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Belgium. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated in restaurants and cafés; service charges are generally included in hotel and restaurant bills.
Tourist Information
Visit Ghent (Visit Gent) operates a tourist information office in the city centre. Its official website is the primary source for up-to-date event listings, museum opening hours, and city card information.
Safety
Ghent is generally considered a safe city for travellers. Standard urban precautions apply: be mindful of personal belongings in crowded areas such as markets, festivals, and busy public transport.
During the Gentse Feesten in July the city becomes extremely crowded; keep close watch on bags and wallets in the dense festival crowds.
The city centre's circulation plan means some streets are restricted to pedestrians and cyclists; be aware of trams, which move quietly and quickly through the centre.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Ghent has a strong sense of local identity that is distinct even within Flanders. The city is proud of its history as a centre of medieval trade and of civic rebellion — Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, was born in Ghent and later famously punished the city for revolting against his taxes. The Strop (noose) is a traditional symbol associated with Ghent residents, who are nicknamed 'Stroppendragers' (noose-wearers) — locals wear this title with irreverent pride.
The Dutch-speaking (Flemish) character of the city is important to locals. Making an effort with basic Dutch greetings (goedemorgen, dank u wel) is appreciated, though English is spoken widely and confidently by most people working in hospitality and tourism.
Ghent has a substantial student population owing to Ghent University, one of Belgium's leading universities, which gives the city a youthful, open atmosphere and a lively café culture that continues late into the evening.
