Things To Do
in Evergem

Evergem is a quiet Flemish town just northwest of Ghent, offering a mix of green spaces and convenient city access. It feels like a gateway to rural charm while remaining practical for daily life with markets, bike routes, and friendly neighborhoods. The surrounding waterways and parks provide relaxed outdoor enjoyment, and easy trips into Ghent add cultural depth.

Visitors can experience authentic Flemish life here, with fewer crowds than in larger cities and plenty of opportunities to explore by bike or on foot.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Local Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Evergem and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, taking in the charming atmosphere of this Belgian town. Spend some time strolling the picturesque streets and getting acquainted with the local culture.

afternoon
:

Visit the local shops to experience Evergem's unique offerings and indulge in some Belgium specialties. Take a tour of the historic St. Amandus Church, admiring its architecture and serene ambiance. Savor a delicious lunch at a nearby bistro, relishing traditional Belgian flavors.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling classic Belgian dishes. Wander through the streets to appreciate the evening atmosphere, perhaps stopping for a local beer at a cozy pub. Wrap up your first day with a leisurely walk along the scenic canal.

day 2
Historic Ghent
morning
:

Take a short trip to the nearby city of Ghent, starting your day with breakfast at a local bakery. Spend the morning exploring the stunning Gravensteen Castle and absorbing its history. Wander through the cobblestone streets, taking in the medieval architecture.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch by the riverside at one of Ghent's numerous restaurants. Afterward, visit the Museum of Fine Arts to appreciate a diverse collection of artworks spanning centuries. Consider a canal boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.

evening
:

Dine in Ghent at a renowned eatery, trying out the local specialties such as waterzooi. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife by visiting one of the city’s bars to experience the local music scene. Return to Evergem to unwind after a packed day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥗Casual lunch in a café$8-12
Coffee$3-5
🛒Weekly groceries (basic basket)$40-70
🚇Public transport pass (monthly)$30-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Ghent with easy day trips
  • Quieter, more affordable than the city center
  • Excellent cycling infrastructure and scenic nature nearby
  • Genuine Flemish town experience with local markets
  • Limited nightlife within Evergem itself
  • Some services and attractions are concentrated in Ghent
  • Weather can be changeable; pack for rain
  • Public transport options are good but may require planning for late-night trips
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Goeiemorgen" - Good morning
  • "Alstublieft" - Please
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is het treinstation?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Mag ik de rekening alstublieft?" - May I have the bill, please?

Places to Visit in Evergem

Visit one of these nice places.

Ghent–Terneuzen Canal viewpoints near Evergem

Wide canal views with reflections at sunrise and sunset provide tranquil landscape photography opportunities close to Evergem.

Ertvelde Village Church and square

Charming Flemish village center with cobblestones and a historic church, ideal for architectural details.

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen wetlands

Wetlands with boardwalks and open skies, perfect for bird photography and wide-angle landscape shots.

Gentse Meersen nature area

Open meadows and wooded paths offering pastoral countryside scenes ideal for seasonal photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Evergem

Belgian and Flemish cuisine features hearty stews, fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and excellent beers. In Evergem and nearby Ghent you’ll find timeless classics alongside modern interpretations in cozy bistros and cafés.

Evergem Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Waterzooi

Creamy chicken or fish stew typical of Ghent, rich with vegetables and herbs. Widely available in Ghent-area bistros and some Evergem eateries.

Must-Try!

Stoverij (Flemish Beef Stew)

Beef slow-cooked in beer with onions and spices, usually served with potatoes or bread on the side.

Moules-frites

Mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, served with fries—often available at seaside-inspired or seafood-focused spots.

Carbonnade Flamande

Rich beef stew braised in Belgian beer with onions and spices; a comforting, shareable dish found in many traditional Belgian eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Evergem Weekly Market

Local market day offering fresh produce, cheese, bread, and seasonal specialties in the town center.

Vrijdagmarkt (Ghent)

Historic market square in Ghent with fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and occasional street food on market days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Evergem experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is common year-round, and temperatures typically range from around 0–6°C (winter) to 20–25°C (summer), with more variability in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite handshake is common. Use Dutch greetings (Goeiemorgen, Goeiemiddag) and address people with titles when appropriate.

Public behavior

Speak calmly in public spaces, queue patiently, and respect local speaking norms. Public displays of affection are generally fine but subdued in smaller villages.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally a safe area with low crime rates. Typical travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded places, use well-lit streets at night, and be aware of traffic when cycling. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance.

Tipping in Evergem

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are not typically included by default; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafés.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Bancontact) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Carry some cash for markets or small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and many outdoor cafés. Expect occasional showers; bring a lightweight rain layer and sun protection for cycling.

Autumn

Mild to cool weather with colorful foliage. Pack a light jacket and enjoy comfortable walking and photography conditions.

Winter

Cool to cold with potential rain; daylight is shorter. Focus on indoor attractions, museums, and cozy dining; stay warm when exploring outdoors.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes. Great for bike rides and nature walks along canals and nature reserves.

Nightlife Guide

Evergem at Night

Evergem itself offers a quiet evening atmosphere with local pubs and family-friendly venues. For a broader nightlife experience, Ghent’s vibrant scene—beer bars, live music venues, and clubs—is a short ride away, offering everything from intimate cafés to lively nightlife districts around Graslei and Korenlei.

Hiking in Evergem

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

Wetlands and boardwalk trails ideal for easy hiking and birdwatching, just a short distance from Evergem.

Gentse Meersen

Expansive meadow and woodland trails near Ghent, suitable for longer walks and nature photography.

Airports

How to reach Evergem by plane.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

Major international gateway roughly 60-90 minutes by train or car from Evergem.

Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST)

Coastal airport offering several European connections; about 60 minutes by car or train from Ghent area.

Lille Airport (LIL)

Nearby cross-border option in France; accessible for regional travel within about 1.5–2 hours by road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Evergem's town center is walkable, with compact streets and easy access to cafés and markets. For broader exploration, cycling is highly practical thanks to dedicated lanes and scenic towpaths, while trips to Ghent are quick via bus or bike routes along the canal.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Residential neighborhoods with safe parks, schools, and community activities.

Young Professionals

Commuters to Ghent and nearby towns; often favor bike-friendly and café-rich areas.

Students

Access to Ghent's universities and cultural offerings; comfortable, affordable living in nearby areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

Flat terrain and extensive bike paths make cycling a core local activity for commuting and leisure.

Football (soccer)

Popular at community clubs and school levels; matches and practice are common weekend events.

Tennis

Public courts and clubs offer outdoor play in warmer months.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light in Evergem, with more congestion during peak commuting hours and in Ghent’s approaches. Public transport (bus, some rail connections) provides reliable alternatives; cycling is highly feasible for most day trips due to flat terrain and good bike lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Evergem.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants in the area offer vegetarian options or can adapt dishes. Look for garden or cheese-forward plates, and don’t hesitate to ask for substitutions; many places can prepare egg, dairy, or gluten-free versions if requested.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Evergem via local general practitioners; for more comprehensive care and hospitals, Ghent hosts major facilities such as UZ Gent and other clinics. Travel insurance and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are recommended for international visitors.

Discover Belgium

Read more in our Belgium 2025 Travel Guide.

Belgium Travel Guide