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Ghent (Dutch: Gent ⓘ; French: Gand ⓘ; historically known as Gaunt in English) is a city and a municipality in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province, and the third largest in the country, after Brussels and Antwerp. [2] It is a port and university city.
- 12.6%
- 9.1%
- 64.5%
- 5.0%
- Why Visit Ghent?
- What to Expect in Ghent
- 16 Memorable Things to Do in Ghent, The Gem of Belgium
- Discover Life in Medieval Ghent at Gravensteen
- Admire The Picturesque St Michael’s Bridge
- Marvel at The Beauty of St Bavo’S Cathedral
- Be Amazed by St Bavo’S Abbey
- Spot The Iconic Ghent Belfry
- Enjoy A The Sights Along Graslei & Korenlei
- Go Shopping Amongst Stunning Architecture in Patershol
When it comes to Belgium, you really can’t get much better than Ghent. Sure, we’ve all heard of the big drawcards offering up something unique: Brussels is home to European Parliament and comics, Bruges is the fairytale “Venice of the North” and Antwerpis Belgium’s historic diamond and Art Deco capital. Despite no other city in Belgium having as ma...
Construction began in the mid 7th century due to the strategic location where the Leie & Scheldt rivers met. This meant that from the 11th to 16th centuries Ghent was one of the most important cities in Europeduring the Dark Ages (and bigger than Cologne or Moscow!). Today, Ghent is bursting great food, beer and ample history to uncover if you give...
I recommendspending 3 days in Ghentto see all the sights below (including the bonus ones!) without having to rush so you make the most of your visit to this enchanting city.
Also known as “Castle of the Counts” in Dutch, this incredible structure was built in 1180. Today it houses the Arms Museum and the Museum of Judicial Objects. These display various weapons used in warfare and other contraptions used for punishment and torture during medieval times. Interesting items include the guillotine and “Mask of Shame”. Not ...
Perhaps one of the most picturesque areas in Ghent, it’s a great place to gaze at the surrounding architecture and down the river to Korenmarkt(Wheat Market). The angle of this bridge means it’s the only place you can see the Medieval Towers of Ghent – St Nicholas’ Church (Sint Niklaaskirk), the Belfry of Ghent and St Bavo’s Cathedral – all aligned...
This historic 11thcentury icon of Ghent was a major factor in my decision to visit. Charles V (Holy Roman Emperor) was baptised there! This is where you’ll find The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The significance of this alterpiece is definitely reason to visit as it was painted by the great masters Hubert and Jan van Eyck around 1432. Unfortunately...
Anyway, this abbey sure made up for the fact I couldn’t visit the cathedral. It was a very sobering feeling walking around these grounds knowing it’s history dates back to the 7th century. Unfortunately during the Revolt of Ghentin 1539 much of the abbey was torn down by Charles V. What’s left has been taken back by nature and it’s amazing that any...
Standing at 91m high makes this UNESCO World Heritage belfry the tallest in Belgium. During my visit it chimed out theme songs to The Simpsons and Pirates of the Caribbean, which echoed across the city. Pretty cool, huh! You can also climb to the top for magnificent views and to see the copper dragon that has been watching over the city and guardin...
Arguably the most beautiful place in the city, the Graslei (Grass Quay) and Korenlei (Corn Quay)lie at the very heart of Ghent. These quays stretch along the Leie river with Graslei and its unique medieval buildings on the right bank, Korenlei along the left. It’s also considered one of the oldest locations in Ghent and is a popular meeting place w...
Patershol is a picturesque little neighbourhood beneath the Castle of the Counts dotted with restaurants and boutique specialty shops. The cobblestone alleys here have remained unchanged since medieval times which makes you feel like you’re part of a storybook – go and get wonderfully lost! COST:Free READ MORE: 7 Days in Switzerland Itinerary: Comp...
Shop premium whiteboards, glass boards, and bulletin boards that are made in the USA. Each order is produced custom for your client. Learn more about Ghent.
- Be Awestruck By Gravensteen. Quite probably the most breathtaking sight in Ghent, Gravensteen is a 12th Century castle built for the count of Flanders.
- Adore the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is thought to be one of the world’s earliest oil paintings and dates back to the early 15th Century.
- See Fine Art at the MSK (Museum of Fine Arts) The MSK art gallery is housed in what looks much like an Ancient Greek temple. The artwork will soon remind you that you are in fact still in Belgium however due to the great collection of works from Belgian and Low Counties artists.
- Eat out in Patershol. A well hidden home of many great restaurants, Patershol is the former location of the leather tradesmen in Ghent. The winding cobbled lanes and houses haven’t much changed from this time and are a great way to experience what Ghent was like many years ago.
Ghent is a city where people enjoy life: a chilled-out place where anything goes and a city that feels human. Its friendly, welcoming people love the good life. Don’t miss the chance to admire the world-famous masterpiece—the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers—during your weekend trip.
Mar 23, 2024 · Youthful and rebellious, Ghent is stepping out of Bruges’s shadow as a Belgian canal-side classic. The historical city of Ghent blends its rich heritage with modernity, featuring UNESCO sites...
Belgium's fourth-largest - and most beautiful - city is home to a quarter of a million people and a flourishing flower export trade. An important port, Ghent's city center is a pedestrian area that is like a museum to early Flemish architecture and a testament to the city's medieval might.
