Things To Do
in Gent
Gent, located in Belgium, is a historic city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The city is characterized by charming canals, cobblestone streets, and beautiful old buildings. Gent is also home to several museums, art galleries, and churches, making it a cultural hub in the region.
Visitors can enjoy exploring the city's vibrant markets, restaurants, and cafes, as well as attending various festivals and events throughout the year.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit Gravensteen Castle to delve into the medieval history of Gent. Take in the stunning architecture and learn about the castle's role in local governance.
Stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei, enjoying the scenic views of the river and historic buildings. Stop at a café for lunch and try the local delicacy, Gentse Stoverij.
Experience the vibrancy of the city at night with a canal boat tour. The illuminated buildings create a magical ambiance that's perfect for photography.
Head to the STAM museum to understand the history and evolution of Gent through interactive exhibits. It’s a great way to grasp the city's cultural significance.
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can admire works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Don't miss the impressive collection of Flemish Masters.
Attend a performance at the Opera House if there's a show scheduled. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere and talented performers to complete your cultural immersion.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and well-preserved medieval architecture
- Vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals and events
- Beautiful canals and parks providing a picturesque environment
- Excellent public transportation system
- A bustling student population contributing to a lively atmosphere
- Diverse culinary offerings, from traditional Belgian dishes to international cuisine
- High cost of living compared to other Belgian cities
- Tourist crowds can make certain areas crowded during peak seasons
- Weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain
- Limited job market for certain professions
- Traffic congestion in urban areas, especially during rush hour
Best Activities in Gent
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore Gent by renting a bicycle and riding along the city's picturesque canals and historic landmarks.
Take a guided walking tour to discover the city's charming streets, medieval architecture, and hidden gems.
Join the annual Gentse Feesten, a lively and vibrant festival with music, dance, street performances, and local food and drinks.
Embark on a boat tour to admire Gent's stunning waterfront and learn about the city's history from a unique perspective.
Tours
Uncover the best of Gent with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Gent
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city from its battlements and towers.
Provides picturesque views of the riverside and historic buildings.
Ideal for capturing the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful architecture.
Provides stunning views of the city and surrounding area.
Food in Gent
Gent Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy stew made with fish or chicken, vegetables, and seasoned with herbs. Best enjoyed at De Graslei or 't Klokhuys.
Must-Try!
Tender beef stewed in beer and served with frites. Try it at De Graslei or De Graslei.
A cone-shaped, raspberry-flavored candy unique to Gent. Look for them at the Friday Market or various candy shops around the city.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Gent better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An annual festival offering a wide array of local street food, including Belgian waffles, fries, and traditional Flemish snacks.
One of the oldest markets in Gent, offering a selection of fresh produce, local cheeses, and street food stalls with diverse offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Gent, Belgium, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when in public spaces or on public transportation.
It is customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact when speaking in Gent. Punctuality is also valued, so arriving on time for appointments is a sign of respect.
When dining in Gent, it's important to wait until everyone is served before starting to eat. It's also polite to keep your hands on the table during the meal and to say 'bon appétit' or 'smakelijk eten' before eating.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Gent with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Gent
Ensure a smooth experience
In Gent, Belgium, tipping is not obligatory or expected. However, it is common to leave a small tip of 5-10% at restaurants or for exceptional service.
Payment in Gent, Belgium is widely done using cash, credit/debit cards, or mobile payment apps. Most establishments accept major credit cards, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller businesses or markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Gent.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Gent, Belgium. Mild weather with blooming flowers and various festivals.
Warm and sunny weather, perfect for outdoor activities and events such as the Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival).
Beautiful fall foliage and cultural events, including the International Film Festival of Ghent.
Charming Christmas markets and festive atmosphere, although it can be cold with occasional snow.
Gent at Night
Hiking in Gent
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A serene park offering scenic walking trails and nature views, perfect for a leisurely hike.
A picturesque park with extensive gardens and pathways, ideal for hiking enthusiasts looking for beautiful landscapes.
A local favorite that features cozy trails amid woodlands, providing a peaceful hiking experience.
A lush forested area with a variety of trails suitable for hiking and enjoying wildlife.
Surrounding Laarne Castle, this park includes pathways and trails that attract hikers seeking historical and natural beauty.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Gent through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Gent by plane.
Located approximately 55 km from Ghent, Brussels Airport is the largest airport in Belgium and serves as a major international gateway.
Situated about 90 km from Ghent, Charleroi Airport primarily serves budget airlines and offers various international flights.
Located around 60 km from Ghent, Antwerp International Airport is a smaller airport that offers limited international flights, mainly focusing on business travel.
Approximately 110 km from Ghent, this airport serves both international flights and charter services, particularly during the tourist season.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Ghent, including native Flemish speakers and people from other Flemish regions.
A significant minority, particularly in certain neighborhoods, often due to historical ties with Wallonia.
A notable population due to the presence of Ghent University, attracting students from around the globe.
Various groups from countries such as Morocco, Turkey, and Eastern Europe, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Ghent.
An increasing demographic as the population ages, reflecting broader trends in Western Europe.
A growing demographic of young adults drawn to the city for job opportunities and vibrant cultural scene.
The Soul of Gent
Discover the essence of Gent through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Gent, with local teams attracting large crowds and enthusiastic support.
Cycling is a favored activity, with various cycling events and a strong culture of cycling among residents.
Basketball enjoys a growing fan base in Gent, with local clubs competing at regional and national levels.
Rugby has a dedicated following in Gent, with several clubs promoting the sport across different age groups.
Athletics is popular, with numerous clubs and events encouraging participation in running, throwing, and jumping.
Field hockey is widely played and supported in Gent, contributing to a vibrant sports community.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gent.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Gent is a vegetarian-friendly city, with many restaurants and cafes offering creative plant-based options. Look for eateries like Le Botaniste and Lekker GEC for delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Several restaurants and bakeries in Gent cater to gluten-free diets. Visit Clouds in my Coffee for gluten-free pastries and dishes, or De Graslei for gluten-free versions of traditional Belgian favorites.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Gent with these cultural adventures.
