Ghent Or Antwerp: Which Is Better To Visit In 2026?
If you’re wondering which is better to visit, Ghent or Antwerp, I’ve got you covered.
I lived in Belgium and visited both cities several times. I love how picturesque the cobblestone streets in the city center of Ghent are, and how many hidden corners are in Antwerp.
Ghent is the more beautiful of the two cities, but Antwerp is one of the more unique towns in Belgium.
You can reach both in under an hour by train from Brussels, making them great day trip destinations. They also have great accommodation options if you’re spending more time in Belgium.
Let’s compare them to help you decide which one you should visit if you only have time for one!
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Overview: Ghent vs Antwerp
Despite being relatively close to one another, these two Belgian cities have quite a different vibe.
| Antwerp | Ghent |
|---|---|
| Second-largest city in Belgium | Smaller city, with a medieval city center |
| Blend of modern and historic | Quite similar vibes to Bruges |
| Art galleries and museums | River boats, castle |
In short, if you want to visit a cozy town with a picturesque medieval riverside city center, you should go to Ghent.
If you have already visited Bruges and you’re looking to explore a more modern side of Belgium, I suggest visiting Antwerp.
Tourist Attractions
Winner: Ghent (slightly)
Both Antwerp and Ghent offer quite a few tourist attractions, with Ghent being a more interesting option for those who want to visit a typical Belgian town.
Antwerp is known for its impressive train station, beautiful main square, and several art galleries and churches with works of the most famous Belgian painters. You could easily spend more than just 1 day in Antwerp!
That said, Ghent has quite a few picturesque corners of its own! It is not as polished as Bruges, but it offers a blend of historical charm and a lively student town.
Some of the best things to do in Ghent are see the medieval Gravensteen Castle, visit the famous St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and enjoy canal-side cafés that don’t feel like tourist traps.
Things to Do in Antwerp
- Antwerp Central Train Station: It’s hard to miss this one, as you’ll probably take a train to Antwerp. It was voted one of the most beautiful train stations in the world!
- Grote Markt: Antwerp has a stunning main square, lined with
- Antwerp Beguinage: My favorite hidden gem in the city. Stroll the cobbled street and admire the iconic red brick houses.
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Things to Do in Ghent
- Visit Gravensteen Castle: An impressive medieval fortress surrounded by a canal in the middle of the city.
- Hang out at Graslei and Korenlei: The most scenic part of Ghent to grab a drink and people-watch.
- Admire the Altarpiece in St. Bavo’s Cathedral: This one is a must for art lovers, one of the most beautiful paintings in Ghent.
- Get a cinnamon roll in Have a Roll: The best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had! They’re vegan!
Getting There
Winner: Both
Both cities are easily accessible and make great day trips from Brussels if you’re short on time.
- From Brussels to Ghent: About 30–40 minutes by train.
- From Brussels to Antwerp: Around 1 hour by train.
If you’re arriving from another European country, you’ll probably fly into one of Brussels’ airports. From there, you can take a Flibco shuttle to both Ghent and Antwerp.
Accommodation
Winner: Ghent (as a base)
You really can’t go wrong with staying in either city, as both have great accommodation options, from boutique hotels to budget hostels.
Spending a night in Antwerp or Ghent, instead of just visiting on a daytrip, allows you to experience the nightlife and explore at a slower pace.
However, if you’re spending several days in Belgium, I suggest staying in Ghent and taking day trips from there. Ghent is closer to Bruges, Brussels, and the coastline if you’re visiting Belgium in the summer.
Where to stay in Ghent?
- TOP Pick: NH Collection Gent
- Best Mid-Range Option: B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum
- Best Hostel: Hostel Uppelink
Where to stay in Antwerp?
- TOP Pick: Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
- Best Mid-Range Option: Hotel ‘T Sandt
- Best Budget Pick: YUST Antwerp
Getting Around
Winner: Both
Both Antwerp and Ghent are walkable, and you won’t need a car or even much public transport once you arrive.
Antwerp is bigger, but all the tourist attractions are within walking distance of the train station. I visited Antwerp several times, but I never used public transport in the city.
Ghent is also walkable, but the city center is about a 20-minute walk from the train station, and there’s not much to see. It’s worth taking a tram if you’re in a rush, and it’s quite affordable.
If you love walking and admiring architecture (as much as I do), you’ll enjoy both cities. Also, cycling is a great way to get around like a local!
Discover Ghent like a local with City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour! 🚲🗺️
Christmas Markets
Winner: Ghent
So, should you visit Ghent or Antwerp Christmas Market? I visited most Christmas Markets in Belgium, and Ghent Christmas Market is one of my favorites.
Belgian cities go all out for the holidays, and Antwerp and Ghent are no exception. In fact, I’d argue they’re some of the best places to visit in Europe in winter!
While both cities are beautifully decorated for the holiday season, I like the small-town charm of historic houses in Ghent more.
Antwerp has one main Christmas market that takes place on the Grote Markt, while the rest of the city doesn’t get that many decorations.
Ghent also has one main Christmas market, but several smaller spots are decorated and open for the holidays, like the basement of the Gravensteen Castle.
Nightlife
Winner: Antwerp
Belgium is generally not one of the best party destinations in Europe, but both Ghent and Antwerp are lively, especially on the weekends.
The nightlife is slightly different, as the majority of parties in Ghent are geared to the University students. The city is small with a large number of students, so the nightlife is quite laid back. Don’t worry if that’s not your vibe, you’ll find many bars and terraces along the river too!
Antwerp is a bigger city, so you have more options. From elegant cocktail bars to casual pubs, you’re sure to find something you like.
Cost of Travel
Winner: Both
Prices in Belgium are quite similar in all larger cities, including both Ghent and Antwerp. I didn’t notice any significant difference in restaurant prices or hotel prices.
Generally, Belgium is not a cheap country, so you should expect average Western European prices.
You can find nicer hotels for under €100 per night in both cities, and prices in restaurants and cafes are comparable.
Expect to pay around 5-6€ for a coffee or matcha in a cute café, 15–20€ for a meal at a sit-down restaurant, and 10–15€ for entry tickets to most tourist attractions.
I suggest budgeting 100-200€ per day for both cities, with accommodation likely being your biggest expense.
Better for Backpackers
Winner: Ghent
Both Ghent and Antwerp are backpacker-friendly with several well-rated hostels.
If I had to pick one, I’d go for Ghent for its student-town atmosphere and social hostels. Also, it might be slightly more lively in the low season, as it is more popular with tourists.
If you travel in high season, you can’t go wrong with either city, as you’ll probably meet many other travelers in hostels and on tours.
Ghent is better for you if…
- You want to avoid the tourist crowds in Bruges, but still see stunning architecture.
- You’re staying in Belgium for more than a couple of days and looking for a base.
- You like cities that feel lived-in and cozy.
Antwerp is better for you if…
- You have already visited Bruges, and want to see something different.
- You like modern cities, cultural attractions, museums, and galleries.
- You want to get off the beaten track and explore a less-visited Belgian city.
Should You Visit Both Ghent and Antwerp?
Yes, 100%! If you can, definitely visit both.
They’re near each other (about an hour by train), and each offers something the other doesn’t.
If you only have time for one? Go for Ghent if you’re after charm and classic beauty. Go for Antwerp if you want a lively city break destination with historical appeal and modern vibes.
Summary: Visit Ghent or Antwerp?
If you can only pick one city, here’s my take:
Ghent is a small city, perfect for a cozy autumn city break. You’ll love it if you like strolling cobbled streets along the river and admiring historical houses. It is a better place to stay if you want to visit other Belgian cities on a day trip.
Antwerp is the second-largest city in Belgium, offering a unique blend of modern architecture and impressive history. You’ll love it if you want a more modern city break destination, with nice restaurants, galleries, and
Honestly, both cities are beautiful, full of history, and easy to fall in love with. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a great time in Belgium!
