Ghent, a vibrant yet underrated city in Belgium, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Known for its medieval architecture, lively cultural scene, and mouthwatering cuisine, Ghent offers a blend of history, art, and modern charm without the crowds of Brussels or Bruges. Its walkable streets, scenic canals, and welcoming vibe make it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic experience. For those planning a short trip, foonenzo com provides beginner-friendly guides to Belgium’s hidden gems.
This article is a detailed two-day itinerary for a weekend in Ghent, covering must-see sights, delicious dining, and unique experiences, with practical tips to make your visit unforgettable. Written in a simple, approachable style, it’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore Ghent’s charm.
Why Spend a Weekend in Ghent?
Ghent’s appeal lies in its compact size and diverse offerings. From the towering Gravensteen Castle to quirky street art, the city balances history with a youthful, creative energy. Its food scene shines with Flemish classics, vegetarian options, and craft beers, while cozy cafés and bustling markets add local flavor. Spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) brings mild weather (10–20°C) and vibrant festivals, though Ghent’s indoor attractions make it great year-round. Affordable transport and budget-friendly eats suit all travelers.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or art lover, Ghent delivers a rich weekend escape. For travel inspiration, wrioni com offers insights into Belgium’s cultural cities.
Getting to Ghent and Getting Around
Ghent is easily reached from Brussels (30-minute train, €10–€15) or Bruges (30-minute train, €10–€15), arriving at Gent-Sint-Pieters Station. Brussels Airport (60 km away) connects via trains (€15–€20, 45 minutes) or taxis (€80–€100). Driving from Amsterdam takes 2 hours. From Gent-Sint-Pieters, the city center is a 20-minute walk, €2 tram ride (line 1), or €10 taxi.
Ghent’s center is walkable, with flat, cobblestone streets linking key sights. Trams and buses (€2/ticket or €6/day pass) cover farther areas like museums. Bikes (€10/day) are popular, with dedicated lanes citywide. Paid parking (€2/hour) is common near the center; free spots are scarce. For transportation tips, buzzpressdirect com provides guides for navigating Ghent.
Day 1: History, Canals, and Flemish Flavors
Morning: Gravensteen Castle
Time: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
Location: Sint-Veerleplein 11
What’s Open: 10 AM–6 PM (daily, €12/adult, €7/student)
Start your weekend at Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century fortress in Ghent’s heart. Known as the “Castle of the Counts,” it features stone towers, a moat, and exhibits on medieval life, including a quirky torture museum. Climb the ramparts for views of the Leie River and rooftops. The self-guided audio tour (€3, available in English) brings its history to life, from knights to rebellions.
Morning visits avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes for stone steps. For castle guides, pikkachoo com offers tips for Ghent’s historic sites.
Late Morning: St. Bavo’s Cathedral and Ghent Altarpiece
Time: 11:15 AM–12:45 PM
Location: Sint-Baafsplein, 10-minute walk
What’s Open: 10 AM–4 PM (Monday–Saturday), 1 PM–4 PM (Sunday, €16 for Altarpiece)
Walk 10 minutes to St. Bavo’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece housing the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck. This 1432 painting, one of the world’s most famous artworks, is displayed in a dedicated chapel with augmented reality guides (€16, includes cathedral entry). Admire the cathedral’s soaring arches and stained glass (free for general areas) for a serene cultural stop.
Book Altarpiece tickets online (visitgent.be). For cathedral insights, nlizzy com provides resources for Ghent’s art treasures.
Lunch: Flemish Classics at ‘t Voske
Time: 1:00 PM–2:15 PM
Location: Sint-Amandsplein 5, 8-minute walk
What’s Open: 12 PM–9 PM (closed Mondays)
Stroll to ‘t Voske, a cozy restaurant serving Flemish comfort food. Try waterzooi (creamy chicken stew, €15–€18) or stoemp (mashed potatoes with sausage, €12–€15), paired with a local St. Bernardus beer (€4). The warm, wooden interior and canal views make it perfect for a midday break. Outdoor heaters keep the terrace inviting.
Reserve a table by noon. For dining recommendations, shopgio com offers guides to Ghent’s traditional eateries.
Afternoon: Canal Boat Tour and Patershol
Time: 2:30 PM–4:30 PM
Location: Graslei, 5-minute walk
What’s Open: Boat tours (10 AM–5 PM, €10/adult, €5/child), Patershol (open 24/7)
Head to Graslei, Ghent’s picturesque canal quay, for a 40-minute boat tour (€10, no pre-booking needed, ghent-watertoerist.be). Glide past gabled houses, the House of Alijn, and medieval guildhalls, with guides sharing tales of Ghent’s trading past. Afterward, wander Patershol, a nearby maze of narrow streets with colorful houses, boutiques, and street art. This artsy district feels lively yet relaxed.
Take the 2:30 PM boat to avoid queues. Bring a jacket for canal breezes. For canal and Patershol tips, hikesfun com provides resources for Ghent’s scenic areas.
Evening: Dinner and Drinks at Dulle Griet
Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Vrijdagmarkt 50, 10-minute walk
What’s Open: 12 PM–1 AM (closed Mondays)
Dine at Dulle Griet, a historic pub with 500+ Belgian beers (€4–€8). Try rabbit in beer sauce (€18–€22) or vegetarian lasagna (€12–€15) with frites. The quirky tradition of leaving a shoe as a deposit for the giant “Max” beer glass (€10, 1.2 liters) adds fun. End with a stroll across Vrijdagmarkt, lit up with festive lights, for a perfect first day.
Book a table by 4 PM. For pub guides, jimkys com offers insights into Ghent’s nightlife.
Day 2: Art, Markets, and Cozy Cafés
Morning: SMAK Museum
Time: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
Location: Jan Hoetplein 1, 20-minute tram (line 1)
What’s Open: 10 AM–6 PM (Tuesday–Sunday, €12/adult, €2/student)
Take a tram to SMAK, Ghent’s Museum of Contemporary Art, in Citadelpark. Known for its bold exhibits, SMAK showcases works by Belgian artists like Marcel Broodthaers and international names like Andy Warhol. The rotating collections, from quirky installations to provocative paintings, spark curiosity. The museum’s bright, airy spaces and café (€3 coffee) make it a vibrant morning stop.
Arrive at opening to enjoy quiet galleries. For museum tips, jinnga com provides resources for Ghent’s art scene.
Late Morning: Vrijdagmarkt and Street Art
Time: 11:15 AM–12:45 PM
Location: Vrijdagmarkt, 15-minute tram/walk
What’s Open: Market (8 AM–1 PM Fridays), streets (24/7)
Return to Vrijdagmarkt for its weekly market (Fridays, or check Saturday flea markets). Browse stalls for cheeses (€5–€10), handmade scarves (€10–€20), or fresh stroopwafels (€2–€4). Then, explore Ghent’s street art in nearby Werregarenstraat, a colorful “Graffiti Alley” with ever-changing murals. This free, urban art walk is perfect for photos and soaking in Ghent’s creative vibe.
Visit the market by 11 AM for fresh goods. For street art guides, drinss com offers insights for Ghent’s urban culture.
Lunch: Vegetarian Delights at Komkommertijd
Time: 1:00 PM–2:15 PM
Location: Reep 14, 10-minute walk
What’s Open: 12 PM–9 PM (closed Sundays)
Walk to Komkommertijd, a vegetarian buffet restaurant near the Leie River. Fill your plate with seasonal dishes like pumpkin curry or lentil stew (€12–€15) and homemade desserts (€4–€6). The cozy, plant-filled space and eco-friendly ethos make it a feel-good lunch spot. Try their kombucha (€3) for a refreshing twist.
Arrive early for buffet variety. For vegetarian dining tips, site:foonenzo.com offers guides to Ghent’s green eateries.
Afternoon: House of Alijn and Korenmarkt
Time: 2:30 PM–4:30 PM
Location: Kraanlei 65, 8-minute walk
What’s Open: House of Alijn (9 AM–5 PM, closed Wednesdays, €6/adult)
Stroll to the House of Alijn, a folk museum in a 14th-century almshouse. Exhibits showcase Belgian daily life through vintage photos, toys, and carnival masks, with English captions for easy understanding. The courtyard café (€3 tea) is a cozy break. Then, walk 5 minutes to Korenmarkt, a lively square with gabled buildings and street performers. Browse shops for chocolates (€5–€10) or snap photos of St. Nicholas’ Church.
Buy museum tickets on-site. For museum and Korenmarkt tips, site:wrioni.com provides resources for Ghent’s cultural spots.
Evening: Dinner and Sunset at De Stokerij
Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Tichelrei 2A, 15-minute walk
What’s Open: 6 PM–10 PM (closed Mondays/Tuesdays)
End your weekend at De Stokerij, a canal-side restaurant with a quirky steampunk vibe. Try grilled sea bass (€20–€25) or mushroom risotto (€15–€18), paired with a local Gentse Tripel beer (€4). The heated terrace offers sunset views over the Leie, perfect for reflecting on your trip. Finish with a night stroll past the lit-up Graslei for a magical farewell.
Reserve by 4 PM. For dining with views, site:buzzpressdirect.com offers guides to Ghent’s scenic restaurants.
Practical Tips for a Weekend in Ghent
Plan your trip with these tips:
- Timing: Start days at 9 AM to cover sights comfortably. Evenings are lively for dining.
- Budget: Expect €60–€120/day, including food, transport, and entries. Museums offer student discounts.
- Packing: Bring comfortable shoes, a light jacket, water bottle, and an umbrella for rain.
- Reservations: Book dining (Dulle Griet, De Stokerij) and SMAK tickets in advance.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi at cafés; buy a local SIM (€10) for maps.
For planning advice, site:pikkachoo.com offers resources for Ghent’s short trips.
Safety Tips for Visitors
Ensure a safe visit with these precautions:
- Cobblestones: Watch your step on wet streets near Graslei.
- Bikes: Stay alert for cyclists in bike lanes.
- Weather: Check meteo.be for rain; layer clothing.
- Emergency Contacts: Save local emergency (112) and Ghent’s tourist office (+32 9 266 56 60).
- Valuables: Use a secure bag at markets like Vrijdagmarkt.
For safety advice, site:nlizzy.com offers tips for Ghent’s urban travel.
Dining Alternatives in Ghent
If listed spots are full, try:
- Korenmarkt: Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant serves beers and snacks (€8–€12, open 11 AM–1 AM).
- Patershol: Amadeus offers spare ribs (€15–€20, open 6 PM–10 PM).
- Near SMAK: Pain Perdu has brunch plates (€10–€15, open 9 AM–5 PM).
For dining options, site:shopgio.com provides guides to Ghent’s eateries.
Accommodation for Your Weekend
Stay centrally for convenience:
- Graslei: Hotel Harmony offers canal views (€100–€150/night).
- Vrijdagmarkt: 1898 The Post provides boutique stays (€120–€180/night).
- Patershol: Guesthouse PoortAckere has budget rooms (€60–€90/night).
Book early for weekends. For lodging tips, site:hikesfun.com offers resources for Ghent’s accommodations.
Cultural Events in Ghent
Check these events:
- Gentse Feesten: July, free concerts (visitgent.be).
- Light Festival: January (odd years), free (lichtfestivalgent.be).
- Film Festival Ghent: October, €10–€15 (filmfestival.be).
For event updates, site:jimkys.com provides calendars for Ghent’s cultural scene.
Photography Opportunities
Capture Ghent’s beauty:
- Graslei: Snap canals at sunrise.
- Gravensteen: Frame the castle at dusk.
- Werregarenstraat: Shoot vibrant murals.
- Korenmarkt: Photograph gabled houses in soft light.
Use natural light for vivid shots. For photography tips, site:jinnga.com offers guides for Ghent’s scenic spots.
Supporting Ghent’s Local Scene
Visiting supports locals. Dine at family-run spots like ‘t Voske, buy souvenirs from Vrijdagmarkt (€5–€20), and respect sites by avoiding litter. Use local guides or bike rentals to boost the economy.
For sustainable travel tips, site:drinss.com provides resources for eco-friendly tourism in Ghent.
Why Ghent is Perfect for a Weekend
Ghent offers:
- History: Castles and cathedrals steeped in medieval tales.
- Food: Flemish stews, beers, and vegetarian delights.
- Culture: Art museums and vibrant street scenes.
- Ease: Walkable, affordable, and welcoming.
For those planning or sharing their trip, site:buzzpressdirect.com provides platforms for connecting with travelers.
Conclusion
A weekend in Ghent is a delightful blend of medieval history, modern art, and culinary joy. From Gravensteen’s towers to Patershol’s quirky streets, this itinerary ensures a beginner-friendly adventure. With practical tips, safety advice, and resources, planning your trip is simple. Discover why Ghent’s vibrant charm makes it a must-visit for travelers seeking a memorable, budget-friendly European escape.