Citytrip in Ghent: Tips and attractions

You don't have to go far for an unforgettable city trip. In fact, taking the plane for every trip is totally unnecessary! Corona has made us appreciate our own surroundings once again, so why not take a city trip to Flanders? Here are our best tips for a wonderful weekend in Ghent.

Ghent may not be as well known in the tourist sphere as Antwerp, Brussels or Bruges, but that gives the city its unique atmosphere. The inhabitants are only too happy to show off their many festivities, markets, cultural activities and rich history. The fashionistas among us will also enjoy themselves here: Ghent is home to many unique boutiques and is called the hipster city by some. No lack of trendy bars and restaurants either, so you can count on a well-filled programme!

Cultural attractions

Ghent is a relatively small city with a very old centre. You can combine most of the important sights in a good walk, or admire them from a boat with a guide. Both options are guaranteed to give you a great day out. For those who choose the walking tour, we recommend to plan the following stops:

1. The Gravensteen

The castle Gravensteen is the only remaining medieval castle in Flanders. A visit can easily be booked online and costs no more than 7 euros for young people and is even cheaper for residents of Ghent! The Gravensteen is incredibly well preserved and there are always interesting exhibitions to see. Because the castle is situated in the middle of the old centre, you also have a fantastic view when you look out over Ghent from between the battlements.

2. View of the St. Michael's Bridge

The Sint-Michiels bridge is undoubtedly the most photogenic location in the centre of Ghent. On one side, you look out over the Graslei and the Korenlei and you can also see the Gravensteen. On the other side, you can see the three towers of Ghent, like on a postcard. Almost all the sights of Ghent in one view! So this is a popular hotspot for beautiful Instagram photos for a good reason. Also, here you really are in the heart of Ghent and surrounded by the nicest shops, terraces and restaurants.

3. The Belfry Tower

The middle tower of Ghent is the Belfry. On top of the spire shines a golden dragon, which used to spit real fire on festive occasions. In 2018, Ghent celebrated the 175th edition of the Ghentic festivals by having it spit fire again, which was then 199 years ago. The dragon symbolises that the Belfry was the city's guardian angel from the time the tower was completed in 1442. Together with bell ringers, guards of the city took up residence in the high tower to keep an eye on Ghent. Not war, but fire was the city's greatest enemy. In other words, the view from the tower of the Belfry is fantastic. Climb the stairs (or take the lift from the 1st floor) and enjoy the panorama.

4. The Mystic Lamb 

The Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers is one of the most influential masterpieces of Flemish painting. The painting of several panels was unveiled in 1432 and has had since much to endure. All Ghent people know the story of the theft of two of the panels in 1934. One of the panels was later returned by an unknown person, but the whereabouts of the panel 'The Righteous Judges' will perhaps forever remain a mystery. In 1945, after the war, the The Mystic Lamb was brought home to Ghent by the American 'Monuments Men'. This story is told in the American film of the same name, which even begins in Ghent! Fires, other relocations and renovations to St Bavo's Cathedral also took their toll on the masterpiece. That is why it was completely restored from 2012 to 2019, a process that could be followed in its entirety in the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent. The Lamb of God is not only a work with a wild history, it is also truly breathtakingly beautiful and thus justifiably one of Ghent's most important sights.

Trendy places

Ghent is known as a trendy city with its own style. Fortunately, you can also take this typical Ghent vibe with you by shopping in the best boutiques and shops. Shopping is mainly done in the city centre, so make a nice walk of it and you'll see most of Ghent's sights.

1. Accessories and interior design

The following shops all fall under the category: beautiful and unique stuff in a building you would like to live in! For trendy and affordable furniture and decorations, Umber & Smoke is the place to be. For goodies, delicious coffee and good service, Moor & Moor is the place to be. You can also stop by for a coffee like the real hipsters on their lovely terrace. Piet Moodshop has been a household name in Ghent for years when it comes to beautiful gifts or pampering your own interior. Another beautiful shop where you can find gifts (also for yourself) is au bon marché. You'll find the most beautiful jewellery, accessories and leather goods there.

2. Fashion

You'll find clothing boutiques at the Nederkouter, Walpoortstraat and Kortedagsteeg, and throughout the centre of Ghent you'll discover unique shops offering the best fashion. These are some of our favourites. Sustainable and inclusive fashion for women: that's the message Mieke carries. This is the place to be! In Curiosa & co you will find the most beautiful and absolutely affordable jewellery. All jewels are handmade, which means that there are only a few pieces of each model. Unique, handmade and affordable? Not to be missed. In ANKR you will find everything in scandinavian style, from design to fashion.

3. Music and books

The Trojan Horse is indeed a two-in-one experience as the name promises: you will find a cosy café with a terrace on the Kouter in a nice and extensive bookstore. De Slegte is a large bookstore in an old building where you can still really browse... second-hand books are brought back to life here and you will find the most unexpected gems, often at bargain prices. Record lovers should definitely visit Music Mania Records: a real record shop where you will also find vintage records.

4. Food & drink

In Ghent, you can satisfy every craving. In Beiruti you can sample Lebanese cuisine in the form of food sharing. Bicho Malo is the mix between a cocktail bar and a top restaurant with Mexican cuisine, immediately two tick marks from the list! Parole is a glamorous wine bar with a lovely terrace where you can enjoy delicious wines and a tasty appetizer. Delicious tapas can be eaten in la Malcontenta, where there is always a twist to tapas as you know them! Want to drink cocktails in a unique location? Then definitely go to the Cobbler, the top cocktail bar in the post building on the Korenmarkt. Let yourself be surprised by all the restaurants, bars and cafés in Ghent!