Ghent, a bustling city in Belgium, is a beautiful fusion of lively markets, cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. This article shows you all the best things to do in Ghent in one day. But I will also give you a few pointers on other things to do in Ghent when staying a little longer.
The city is a must visit destination on your rendezvous with Belgium and makes for an excellent day trip from other nearby cities such as Antwerp or Brussels. You can fill a day in Ghent easily, but an overnight stay is warranted as well.
15 Best Things To Do in Ghent in One Day
There’s plenty to keep you busy in Ghent, but you best stick to the historic centre if you only have one day in Ghent. Check out the 15 best things to do in Ghent below for an incredible day in this bustling Belgian city. And 3 extra things to do in Ghent if you are staying in the city longer than 1 day.
Tip: Follow all of the things to do in Ghent in the order recommended for a great walking tour.
1. Start your day in Ghent with brunch at Stek
I don’t want you to start your day on an empty stomach, so firstly head to Stek for an excellent breakfast or brunch.
Whether it’s a granola with greek yoghurt, an egg dish, an acai bowl or simply a croissant, they got you covered at Stek. On top of the delicious food, the coffee here is delicious too.
What I love about Stek is not just the food, but also the vibe of the place, that’s perfectly summed up in Stek’s name. Because Stek is actually a Dutch word, that either means a favourite place, or a plant stem cutting. Both translations apply to Stek since it’s both cosy and full of plants.
2. Kick it off at Ghent’s Graslei and Korenlei
With breakfast in your belly it’s time to really kick-off your day in Ghent. Start your day with one of the best things to do in Ghent – a visit to the Graslei and Korenlei.
These quays along the Leie river are the perfect introduction to Ghent. Both quays are lined with medieval guild houses that nowadays are filled with cafes, restaurants and shops. There’s quite an array of different architectural styles in the guild houses, offering you a perfect background for your photos.
If you want to go on a boat tour, then this is also the place to grab a seat. There’s quite a few boat tour operators, so take your pick when you’re there. I do recommend this Guided boat trip in medieval Ghent.
3. Take in the views from St. Michael’s Church and Bridge
Connecting the Graslei and Korenlei quays is the St. Michael’s Bridge. Standing on the bridge you have a fantastic panoramic view of the city in almost any direction you point your view. Inside the church you are able to see a lot of paintings, such as by Anthony van Dyck.
Interesting fact about the church is that the spire was supposed to be towering over all the other buildings in Ghent. However, it didn’t happen and now it’s a flat roof instead at a mere 24 meters instead of 134 meters.
4. Chocolate shop stop at Sophie’s
On your way to the Castle of the Counts make a quick stopover at Sophie’s Sweets & Chocolates. At this cute little shop you can try out Ghent’s most famous candy, the cuberdon (or neuzeke in Flemish). And you can also find all sorts of chocolate available, such as chocolate truffles and chocolate dragon’s filled with caramel.
Tip: Stock up one some sweets and savour them for later in the car or on the train back. A perfect memory after you’ve spent one day in Ghent.
5. Visit the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen)
With chocolates in hand, or perhaps already in your belly, it’s time to continue this list of things to do in Ghent in one day by heading to the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen in Dutch).
This medieval fortress really shows Ghents rich history and architectural grandeur. Imagine the stronghold that it must have been (or still could be) when taking in the massive stone walls and towers.
Inside the castle you’ll find some interesting displays. You can learn all about the castle’s history from when it was built in the 12th century till now. Furthermore, you can see medieval weaponry and artifacts. And lastly, you can also visit the top of the castle from where you have an excellent view over Ghent’s historic skyline.
6. Pass by Ghent’s Great Butcher Hall
Another historic landmark is the Great Butcher Hall (Groot Vleeshuis in Dutch) that dates back to the 15th century. Back then the hall was a marketplace for livestock and meat trade.
More recently inside the hall you could find all sorts of fine products and culinary delights from local artisans and food producers. Needless to say for foodies the Great Butcher Hall was at the top of their things to do in Ghent list.
Currently however, the Great Butcher Hall is closed for renovations and you cannot even peek inside. You can however get a good view of the Great Butcher Hall from the Vleeshuis bridge. When renovations are finished the building will get a public purpose, sadly as a bicycle parking place. I’m not joking!
The local foods you can now try out at Ooost located at Goudenleeuwplein 3.
7. Things To Do in Ghent in One Day: Continue along the Kraanlei
Next up is the Kraanlei, another beautiful quay along the Leie river. The quay is lined with quite a few design shops. Of note is the Koperhuis furniture store. Aside from large furniture pieces, in the back of the shop you’ll also find a section with smaller items.
8. Next up: Dulle Griet Cannon and beer cafe
The Dulle Griet Cannon embodies Ghent’s military might and is the largest cannon of its time that still remains. Its size makes it a striking sight.
Continue a little further down the road, to where you can find a beer cafe with the same name. This is where they serve over 450 different beers! Needless to say if you’re a beer lover this is the place to be to sample a few Belgian beers.
On sunny days you can sit outside on the terrace and take in the views of the Vrijdagmarkt square. Having to sit inside is no punishment either, because the cafe is beautifully decorated.
9. Admire the buildings at Vrijdagmarkt Square and shop on the market
Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market) is lined with historical guildhouses and played an important role in Ghent’s history. In the middle of the square you’ll see a statue by Jacob van Artevelde. In the northwestern corner of the square you’ll find two imposing Art Nouveau buildings of the Socialist Movement. And on the southwestern corner you see Het Toreken. This building was home of the skin greasers guild and is the oldest building on the square.
Nowadays the square is bustling any day of the week, but especially on Friday and Saturday. On Friday you can shop fresh food products such as fish, bread, fruit and vegetables. On Saturday the market vendors sell new products such as clothes, bags and sanitary goods.
10. See artists at work in Graffiti Street
Next up follow your nostrils as they pick up the gas vapors from aerosols. You’ll undoubtedly end up on Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraat).
While a lot of graffiti in cities such as Bogotá, Montreal or Bergen are more permanent large murals, this is not the case here.
In Graffitit Street you can discover something new at every visit because the artists keep on painting over others’ work. With a little bit of luck you can see some artists at work.
11. Onwards to the City Hall and City Pavilion of Ghent
Continue your journey along the best things to do in Ghent by making your way to the City Hall. This building, built in Gothic and Renaissance style is impressive both inside and outside. The Ghent City Hall has been the political heart of the city since the 14th century.
There’s a lot of activities going on, because it’s still a functioning City Hall. So if you want to visit inside you need to go on a tour. Alternatively though, you can take a sneak peek from the reception area on most weekdays.
Right next to the City Hall you can see the modern City Pavilion. The city pavilion is a multifunctional architectural masterpiece designed by Robbrecht & Daem and Marie-José Van Hee.
I love the lines of the structure, but also the roof that is made of glass, wood and concrete. The pavilion is a great place for the city to host concerts, dance performances and markets.
12. View Ghent from atop the Belfry Tower
The medieval UNESCO listed Belfry of Ghent was built in the 14th century and nowadays still stands proud in the historic center. As you approach the tower you can see the facade is decorated with ornate carvings, statues, and gargoyles. At the very top of the tower you can see a gold dragon gracing the city skyline.
Once inside you can take 366 steps up to the top! It’s tough, but once you’re up there you are rewarded with panoramic views of the whole city. Let your eyes wander over the maze of medieval streets and check out the other landmarks from a completely different angle.
When you climb up you can also make a few stops along the way. First of all to catch your breath, but also to look at some artifacts, old city charters and the original bells.
I really think that going up the Belfry Tower is one of the best things to do in Ghent!!
13. Take a break at Peaberry Coffee
After all that sightseeing it’s time to take a break at Peaberry Coffee. The coffee they serve here is by Antwerp’s Caffènation Roasters. Not much into coffee? Instead order one of their delicious homemade hibiscus ice teas.
On sunny days it’s lovely to sit outside on the terrace. You have some magnificent views over two of the best things to do in Ghent: the St. Bavo Cathedral and the Belfry Tower. It doesn’t get much better than that!
14. Visit the St Bavo Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece
Right next to the Belfry of Ghent you will find another must do and which is probably the number 1 of things to do in Ghent. You’re going to visit the St. Bavo Cathedral. When you step inside you are greeted by some amazing stained glass windows, large amounts of candles, religious symbols and many beautiful chapels. In the back of the cathedral you can explore the Rubens chapel and the Sacraments Chapel.
Inside the Sacraments Chapel you will find the Ghent Altarpiece, which is commonly referred to as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. You can view this masterpiece of Renaissance art, created by the Van Eyck brothers, in all its detail and symbolism.
You can visit the majority of the church for free. However, you have to pay an entrance fee to continue to the back of the church to see the Ghent Altarpiece.
15. Finish your day in Ghent by visiting St. Nicholas Church and Korenmarkt
You already saw St. Nicholas Church from the top of the Belfry of Ghent, but now it’s time to go inside. The church was built back in the 13th century and still stands strong with its intricate stonework. You’ll discover that the church interior isn’t as impressive as the cathedral’s interior, but still worth a visit.
Back outside you can finish your day in Ghent at the lovely Korenmarkt. Usually there’s some event going on here, such as a carnival, or some live music performances, so join in if you can.
More Things to Do in Ghent
Still have time and energy left after that day? Or do you have more than one day in Ghent? Then let me give you a few additional suggestions of things to do in Ghent.
16. Chill out at the Citadel Park
When you’re craving for some time to chill out and take a break from all of the things you can do in Ghent, then head to the Citadel Park.
In the park you’ll find beautiful green lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and grand trees that create a serene and idyllic atmosphere. Bring a picnic basket and wind down.
You can find this green oasis between the train station and the historic center.
17. Admire some modern and contemporary art at SMAK
Next to the Citadel Park you can visit SMAK. SMAK is the perfect place in Ghent for your modern and contemporary art museum fix. The museum showcases art from its own collection in conjunction with works of contemporary artists from all around the world.
Check out the SMAK website to see if the current exhibitions sound appealing to you.
18. Finish visiting Ghent’s best things to do at the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK)
Next to SMAK you will find SMK, the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent. And a visit to this museum rounds of this list of best things to do in Ghent.
The core of the SMK-collection dates back to 1798, making it the oldest museum of Belgium. Inside you can find European masterpieces from the Middle Ages to present day. Special focus is on Belgian art from the 19th and first half of the 20th century.
How To Get to Ghent
Excited to visit Ghent, but unsure how to get there? It’s easy to take the train there from Antwerp or Brussels. Or simply take the car and drive to Ghent.
Take a Tour to Ghent from Brussels
If you’re based in Brussels you can also go on an organised day trip. Check out the following recommendations:
Take the train to Ghent
Doing things yourself? The train departs from Brussel-Zuid (Midi) or the Brussel-Centraal station about 5 times each hour. From Brussels Airport there are 2 direct trains per hour, or you can change trains in Brussel-Zuid (Midi) to get more connections. From Antwerpen-Centraal there are 3 direct trains to Ghent per hour. Check out the Belgian Train website for more connections.
Driving to Ghent and where to park the car
When you’re arriving by car, I would recommend parking at Parking Savaanstraat. This parking is clean, well priced and a short walking distance from all the sights of Ghent.
Also read: 30 Best Things To Do in Antwerp – 3 Day Itinerary
Where to Stay in Ghent
When you decide to stay overnight in Ghent and really why not? Then check out my recommendations below.
- BUDGET – Ibis Gent Centrum Opera
- MID-RANGE – Comic Art Hotel
- BOUTIQUE – Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Ghent
- LUXURY – 1898 THE POST
Ghent is also a perfect base to visit Bruges from. So 1 or 2 nights in Ghent with two full days would be sufficient time to explore both Ghent and Bruges. Afterwards you can continue exploring Belgium with a few days in Brussels and Antwerp.
Final Thoughts on One Day in Ghent
Thanks for reading all the way to the end of this list of best things to do in Ghent in one day. With all my tips I’m sure you will have a wonderful time in Ghent. With more time in (the Flanders region of) Belgium make sure you also visit Bruges and Antwerp.
If you have any questions about Ghent or if you liked reading this article, please leave a comment in the section below. Lastly, please sign up to my newsletter to stay updated on future articles.
