Top things to do in Ghent

'Must see' in Ghent

One of the highlights of this city is that its main attractions are quite close, especially if you are lucky enough to stay in one of our hotels in Ghent, such as the NH Collection Gent, located in the heart of the city. Our short tour will introduce you to some of the city’s gems. 

Depart from the hotel and cross over down the left side of City Hall – trying to avoid being drawn into the always-tempting Chocolaterie Luc Van Hoorebeke – and across Sint-Baafs square, where the statue of Flemish writer Jan Frans Willems stands proudly. 

You will immediately see the magnificent 11th century Cathedral of St Bavo, and after you are content with admiring the exterior, head inside to be equally impressed. There are many elements of the structure to see but the most recognizable work is the altarpiece known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, created by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432. 

Heading back across the square to the left, you can now take in the stunning Ghent Belfry, a mandatory stop among the things to do in Ghent. This UNESCO World Heritage site is marvelous on its own, but add to this the incredible views from the gallery on top and the tunes, some comically unexpected, that are played by the talented bell ringers, and you’ll understand why it gets so much attention. 

As soon as you have descended from and exited the belfry, you will be presented with yet another of Ghent’s wonderful examples of architecture, St Niklaaskirk, aka St Nicholas’ Cathedral. In Scheldt Gothic style, this striking bluestone structure contrasts with the lush grassy banks that it sits on, and then further insights into its architecture lie on the other side of its great doors. Make sure you check out the organ and huge refurbished stain-glass windows that date back to the 1800s. 

You’ll have already spotted the waterway from your previous high vantage points and in just a few steps you will have the chance to cross the Leie canal over St Michael’s Bridge. The bridge is a wonderful spot to glance around at the buildings that surround you, including the neo-gothic construction of the main Post Office, and gives you a glimpse to where we travel to next, traversing the banks of the canal. 

Our next key stop is the city’s famous castle, which lies a few hundred meters to the north; however, to get there you have a choice to make. Crossing over the bridge sets you on course up Korenlei and towards the Design Museum. Remaining on the cathedral side along Graslei takes you to Groot Vleeshuis, the impressive Great Butcher’s Hall. The latter attraction was built in the 1400s and these days is where you can go to pick up some local products, or sit down and grab some sustenance. One of the prevailing memories you’ll take will be of the huge hams that hang from the beams above. 

No matter which of the two quay stretches you choose, it’s a win-win as the walk along Korenlei or Graslei are both beautiful, and both can be seen just across the canal from each other. Another obligatory stop among the things to do in Ghent is visiting the medieval castle of Gravensteen.

On the banks of the Leie, this 12th century construction of towers and turrets will transport you into a scene from an old movie – it’s not the only part of this city to do that! Also known as the Castle of the Counts, as you wander throughout you can admire the numerous weapons of the time as well as the more macabre torture devices. Before leaving, be sure to ascend to the top of the castle to take in the panoramic view of the city. Simply stunning. 

Just up from Gravensteen is Patershol, another lovely place to visit within this guide on what to do in Ghent. Continuing the medieval aspect of the castle, the cobbled streets are lined with boutiques and eateries, combining beautifully to make you want to stay for a while longer. So we move onto our next attraction. 

Returning south and across a different section of the Leie you will arrive at the Vrijdagmarkt. This square is home to a Friday market (literally what the name translates to), a tradition that dates all the way back to the 12th century, however, maintains a wonderful energy about it through the week. A quick stop here for a coffee, or maybe something a little stronger with Belgium so famous for its beers, is rarely a bad idea. 

A quick look at St Jacobskerk, just around the corner and you are back within a few streets of our NH Collection Gent hotel. It’s worth noting that Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings see Bij Sint-Jacobs host a fabulous traditional flea market. This is a very original thing to do in Ghent, especially if you are in the city during any of those days.

A great city is not complete unless it has green spaces for its residents and tourists to feel a sense of escapism. Citadelpark is certainly not the only one here, but it ticks all the boxes. Sat between the rivers of Leie and Scheldt, this green lung provides you with space to walk, talk and take in the trees, plants and numerous buildings, including a Contemporary Art Museum, that is dotted around. 

If within this guide on what to do in Ghent you are looking for something completely different, take a trip to the Dr Guislain Museum on the outskirts of the city. It actually forms part of a psychiatric hospital and gives an insight into the subject and its history as well as hosting related art exhibitions. A very interesting option for a get together with a team that needs a break from the norm. 

We have already experienced the Cathedral of St Bavo but situated to the west of the city lies St Bavo’s Abbey, which is worthy of a visit by itself. Dating all the way back to the 7th century – and with the turmoil of history taking its toll on certain parts of it – you can wander around and get a feel for how this city was in what was a very distinctive world. 

Of course, among the things to do in Ghent, you have the routes of the intersecting canal routes. That is, you can see all the city by boat or you can also opt for a speedboat ride if you are looking for something more exciting.

Ghent’s dining alternatives

From Flemish delicacies like the Ghent originating stew waterzooi, to flavors from around the globe, you’ll not be short of dining options in the city. Let’s consider a few of our favorites… 

Best place to have breakfast 

If you’ve stayed with NH Hotel Group before then you will probably be loathed to miss out on the breakfast spreads that await you when you rise. That said, if you’re already pacing the streets of Ghent in the morning and looking for somewhere for a coffee and bite, enter Peaberry Coffee Bar for a friendly welcome and some tasty treats. There’s a very good selection of breakfast items. 

Typical Ghent food

There's something special about sitting on the side of the water and dining, so why not head to the entertainingly named Noah for a healthy lunch. Set on a refurbished barge located in the Old Docks, you’ll be flooded with tempting dishes to choose from. It’s a great setting no matter the weather, and you’ll not require a dove to get back on dry land. 

Dinner and relax in Ghent 

Naturell, as the name suggests, brings you fresh, seasonal menus, which have the objective of stimulating your senses. A comfortable ambiance is created through the use of colorful seating and with plenty of wood included in the décor. 

Another thing to do in Ghent is going to a Michelin star restaurant so when you really want to push the boat out, ahem, why not pick one. As an example, Publiek will surprise and delight the eyes and taste buds in equal measure, as the chefs go to work on their original works of art. Book early to secure a table with a perfect view of the magic taking place, as the kitchen sits in the center of the room.

Ghent nightlife

Live music and DJs are popular downtown and there is an eclectic range between jazz, dance and other genres available, with the areas of Vlasmarkt and Overpoort popular for those that like to party. 

• Learn salsa dancing at Club Central. 
• Try out Abacho 2K18 which hosts the growing trend of silent discos. 
• Damberd and Hot Club Gent offer more intimate settings for jazz and other performances. 
• Club 69 won’t encourage you to go to sleep until well into the following day. 

Also, the opera offers an alternative pace to the evening and Opera Gent is a building that oozes luxuriousness. From the details on the furniture and walls, to the eye-catching chandeliers, it’s worth putting on some nice threads, although not obligatory, before taking your seat in this theater. 

One of the simple pleasures of nighttime in Ghent is the chance to stroll. Whether you choose to saunter through the interconnecting and picturesque alleys, along the side of the canal as it glistens in the moonlight, or into the busier districts to soak up the atmosphere, it can be the perfect way to say goeie nacht to the day. 

This city provides so many opportunities and experiences to satisfactorily complete your list of things to do in Ghent, and we hope that this overview has given you a sense of just how delightful a trip here can be. Speak to our local team at the NH Collection Gent where we look forward to welcoming you with many more suggestions to meet your desires.