Ghent Holidays

If Bruges is Belgium’s poster child, then Ghent is its edgy, artsy cousin who studied architecture and rides a vintage bike. Packed with gothic towers, winding canals, and more art than you can shake a waffle at, Ghent blends medieval magic with an effortlessly cool urban vibe.

Highlights

• 🏰 Gravensteen Castle – A real-life medieval fortress right in the city centre. Drawbridge and dungeons included.

• 🍺 Local beer culture – Sip your way through Ghent’s pubs, with brews you won’t find anywhere else.

• 🎨 Street art & museums galore – From the MSK art museum to the colourful Werregarenstraat alley, Ghent is bursting with creative energy.

• 🚲 Super bike-friendly – With its car-free city centre and scenic cycle paths, exploring on two wheels is the way to go.

Getting around

Ghent is refreshingly easy to navigate. The city centre is largely car-free, which makes it super pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly. You can hire a bike (like a local), hop on a tram, or just enjoy strolling past the canals. Ghent’s public transport system is reliable and wallet-friendly, with good connections to nearby Belgian cities. Coming from Brussels or Bruges? The train ride is short, sweet and scenic. Once you’re in the city, most attractions are within walking distance – meaning more time soaking up the sights and less time staring at a map.

Things to do for families in Ghent

Ghent is a fab pick for families, especially if you're travelling with curious little minds. Start your adventure at Gravensteen Castle, where kids can channel their inner knights and explore towers, ramparts, and even a spooky torture museum (don’t worry – it's more intriguing than terrifying). De Wereld van Kina is a natural history museum for kids, with hands-on exhibits about bugs, fossils, and volcanoes. For some outdoor fun, take a boat tour along the canals – it’s relaxing and gives everyone a great view of the city’s fairytale skyline. And if the kids still have energy to burn, head to Blaarmeersen, a lake and recreation park just outside the city with play areas, paddle boats, and even a beach.

Things to do for couples in Ghent

Ghent city breaks practically ooze romance, especially if you’re into cobbled streets, candlelit dinners, and sunsets over medieval towers. Take a leisurely canal cruise at dusk, where you can cuddle up and watch the historic buildings light up in gold. For culture-loving couples, the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) and St. Bavo’s Cathedral (home to the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece) make for a dreamy day out. In the evening, grab a table along the Graslei, one of the prettiest waterfronts in Europe, and enjoy some Belgian classics like moules-frites or stoofvlees. End your night with a craft beer (or three) in a cosy candlelit bar, like the moody ‘t Dreupelkot, a local favourite.

Things to do for groups in Ghent

Ghent is a cracking spot for group getaways – whether it's a reunion, a birthday trip, or just a well-earned break with mates. Kick off with a guided beer tasting tour (because Belgian beer is basically a national treasure), then dive into the nightlife in the Overpoort district, where the student vibes mean cheap drinks and great energy. Feeling competitive? Try a city scavenger hunt or escape game – a fun way to explore Ghent while flexing your detective skills. For something more chilled, a picnic in Citadelpark or a group cycle tour around the city’s hidden gems will hit the spot. And with loads of great Airbnbs and hostels, finding somewhere to crash won’t break the bank.

Things to do for foodies in Ghent

Foodies, get ready. Ghent isn’t just about waffles and chocolate – though you’ll definitely want to try those too. This is a city that takes its food seriously, with a strong veggie and vegan scene (it's the vegetarian capital of Europe, no less). Head to De Vrijdagmarkt or Holy Food Market, a trendy food hall inside a converted church, for everything from street food to craft cocktails. Don’t miss local treats like Gentse waterzooi (a creamy chicken stew), cuberdons (cone-shaped raspberry sweets), and the all-important Belgian frites – best enjoyed with a dollop of andalouse sauce. Want to go upscale? Ghent is dotted with Michelin-listed restaurants too, so whether you’re into laid-back bites or fine dining, your tastebuds are in for a ride.