Is Ghent Worth Visiting? A One Day Ghent Itinerary (2026)

I’ve lived in Belgium for over ten years and Ghent is still one of my favourite cities for a day trip. The medieval centre of this university city is walkable and relaxed, which works well for a short visit. This one-day Ghent itinerary focuses on the canals, the historic core and time to enjoy the city’s food scene, so you can experience Ghent in a day.

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Quick overview of your one day itinerary in Ghent

• Morning – Start with Gravensteen Castle to understand Ghent’s medieval past, followed by a guided canal boat tour
• Lunch – At an authentic local restaurant to sample Ghent’s food scene
• Afternoon – Visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Ghent Altarpiece, then head up the Ghent Belfry for views across the city

Is Ghent worth visiting?

Ghent isn’t as famous as Bruges, but it’s equally charming. It’s definitely worth visiting if you’re in Belgium and it’s an easy day trip from Brussels or Bruges. It’s a beautiful and very walkable medieval city with outstanding Gothic architecture, lovely canal boat rides and a lively student scene. Ghent is also home to one of the most important paintings in European art history – you may never have heard of it but it has an incredible story.

Planning your Ghent 1 day itinerary

Ghent is well-suited to a day trip thanks to its transport links and compact historic centre that’s easy to walk around. Here you can explore medieval castles, cruise historic canals, discover world-famous art, climb ancient towers and experience Ghent’s renowned food scene.

Morning: Castle and canals

Start your day at Gravensteen Castle, which sits right in the historic centre and introduces you to Ghent’s medieval past. From the ramparts, you’ll see the city’s layout and scale. Afterwards, a canal boat tour gives you a different perspective, helping you see how the castle, churches, and merchant houses relate to one another.

Why it’s worth starting at Gravensteen Castle

Built in the late 12th century by the Counts of Flanders, Gravensteen is one of the few medieval castles in Europe still embedded in a city centre. Its position and preservation make it a useful starting point. You don’t need to spend hours here – the value lies in understanding Ghent’s origins and power structure before moving on to the rest of the city.

A canal boat tour to see Ghent from the water

A 40-minute canal boat tour is a great way to understand Ghent beyond street level.

The waterways cut directly through the historic centre, revealing façades, warehouses and sightlines that aren’t obvious on foot.

Most guided tours depart from the quays along the River Lys, a short walk from Gravensteen Castle.

Lunch: Taste authentic Ghent

After all that sightseeing, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, Ghent has fantastic local cuisine and beers.

I loved Mosquito Coast, as it’s full of global travel souvenirs and photos. A tasty Ghent dish to try is waterzooi. This is a traditional Flemish stew made with fish or chicken and vegetables in a cream and herb sauce.

Happily, if you are vegetarian or vegan, Ghent is known as the vegetarian capital of Europe. Try Le Botaniste, a plant-based organic food and wine bar. Since 2007, the city has held ‘Thursday Veggiedays’ – on this day every week, citizens are encouraged to go meat-free.

One of the best bars in Ghent is Dulle Griet, which has a menu of over 500 different beers. If it’s sunny, why not do as the students do – grab a drink and enjoy it by the canal. It’s such a relaxed atmosphere and great for people-watching.

Afternoon: Legendary artwork and city views

In the afternoon, you’ll see Ghent’s famous artwork and climb Ghent Belfry tower for one last look at the city.

See the famous Ghent Altarpiece at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

The Gothic Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, built in 942, is home to the Ghent Altarpiece, Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. This 15th-century masterpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck revolutionised art. You can see its incredible detail and realism on scenes across 18 panels.

The altarpiece’s journey is as dramatic as its beauty. This artwork was exhibited at the Louvre in Paris, then hidden in a salt mine during World War II. Eventually, it was recovered from German collectors and returned to its true home in Belgium.

Go to the top of the Ghent Belfry tower for outstanding views

This 91-metre, UNESCO-listed building in Ghent old town is Belgium’s tallest belfry tower. The views from the top are impressive. 

Built in 1313, over the centuries it’s been a bell tower and a fortified watchtower. Perched on the spire is a large gilded copper dragon, a fierce mascot of Ghent who stands guard.

Where to stay in Ghent

If you are staying overnight, stay in the historic centre for maximum convenience. 

Try the Ganda Rooms & Suites, an 18th century style townhouse on a quiet street. It has elegant decor and a terrace bar with views of St Bavo’s Cathedral.

Travellers on a budget can check out Hostel Uppelink. It’s located in one of the city’s oldest buildings but full of modern fixtures and fittings. 

For the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Ghent, explore the map below:

These are best times of year to go to Ghent

Ghent is usually a laid-back city but there are certain times of year with plenty going on.

Every July, there’s the ten-day Ghent Festival. It takes over the city, as over a million people enjoy music and street performances all day and all night.

Ghent is also lovely in the winter. It’s adorned with twinkly lights, ice skating rinks and a winter market where you can sip hot spiced wine.

How to travel to Ghent

The nearest airport to the town of Ghent is Brussels Airport (BRU) in Zavantem, north east Brussels. Many international airlines operate affordable flights to Brussels.

Otherwise, many people arrive in Belgium’s capital city by train via Eurostar and Thalys. From Brussels to Ghent you can catch one of the frequent trains, which is a direct 40 minute trip.

Regular buses operated by FlixBus and Eurolines run routes from many neighbouring cities and countries to Ghent. This is a good option if you are on a budget.

Visiting Ghent by car is easy, as Brussels to Ghent is just a 50 minute drive. If you’re driving to Ghent, be aware that the signs may show different spellings. In Flemish it’s Gent, while in French it’s Gand. 

Check out this one-day tour from Brussels to Ghent, including discounts on attractions.

Final thoughts on this one day Ghent itinerary

Ghent is a charming city that’s great for a day trip. It doesn’t have the fame of Brussels or the fairytale marketing of Bruges but that’s what makes it so special. It’s absolutely worth visiting.

In a short time, you’ll see how its well-preserved medieval core and contemporary architecture sit comfortably alongside one another. You’ll experience the everyday life and student culture too. I always recommend it to my friends visiting Belgium.