18 Best Things To Do In Ghent In One Day (2024)
Are you planning a day trip to Ghent and looking for the best things to do in Ghent in one day?
You came to the right place!
I visited Ghent many times when I lived in Belgium and when visiting my friend who lives in the city. Every time I visit, I’m reminded why this underrated medieval town is one of my favorite Belgian cities.
From picturesque cobblestone streets, charming canals, and delicious restaurants, you’ll be spoilt with options of what to see in Ghent in one day.
Ghent is a stunning town but often overlooked due to its proximity to the more popular Bruges.
Whether you are coming to Ghent on a day trip from Brussels or passing through Ghent while backpacking Belgium, this one day in Ghent itinerary covers all the best places to visit in Ghent in one day.
If you’re ready, let’s find out what to do in Ghent for a day!
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The Best Things To Do In One Day In Ghent
Even if you only have one day in Ghent, you can add some unique things to do in Ghent to your itinerary to stay off the beaten path while hitting all the major landmarks.
Whether you’re visiting Ghent on a day trip from Brussels or it is a stop on your Belgium backpacking itinerary, here are the best things to do in Ghent in one day!
1. Join A Free Walking Tour
My favorite way to discover a new city if I didn’t have enough time to plan the itinerary myself is to join a free walking tour.
I went for the Legends Free Walking tour in Ghent and Bruges, a great way to get introduced to the city and learn more about its history. Alternatively, they also have a Gent Night tour where you can get off the tourist trail and discover the hidden gems of Ghent.
Guided walking tours are also a great way to meet people when traveling alone, as they are popular among solo travelers!
🚲 Discover Ghent like a local with the Ghent City Highlights Bike Tour!
2. Visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is the first landmark on our one day in Ghent itinerary, as you can easily reach it by Tram 1 from the train station.
While this Gothic cathedral is certainly impressive on its own, the real masterpiece is hiding inside its walls.
Ghent Altarpiece, formally known as Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is 15th century a painting by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. It was the first major oil painting, and it symbolizes the transition from the Middle Ages to Renaissance art.
Fun fact: In 1934 two panels of the Ghent Altarpiece were stolen, and the robbery is still unsolved! One of them was later anonymously returned, but “The Just Judges” is still missing and replaced by a replica.
It is free to enter the Cathedral, but you need to buy a ticket to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Check the opening hours and entrance fees here.
3. Climb the Ghent Belfry
Ghent Belfry is a medieval tower, built to symbolize the autonomy and independence of the city. It is one of 32 Belgian belfries inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
You can climb the Belfry for a spectacular view of the city. Standing at 91m high, Ghent Belfry is the highest one in Belgium!
Check the opening hours and entrance fees on the Belfort Gent Website.
Adjunct to the Ghent Belfry stands another impressive building – the Cloth Hall.
4. Admire Ghent City Hall
Just like other Flemish City Halls, Ghent Stadhuis is an architectural masterpiece. This four-sided complex is a blend of two styles: the late Gothic and Renaissance.
The Aldermen’s house of De Keure on the corner of Botermarkt and Hoogpoort streets is an exquisite example of the flamboyant Gothic style.
The Gedele Alderman’s House on the corner of Botermarkt and Poeljemarkt was built later in the Renaissance style.
5. Check out Stadshal / Ghent Market Hall
Stadshal is a newer addition to Ghent’s tourist attractions. This controversial landmark received a lot of criticism in 2012 when it was unveiled, with the public saying that its modern structure clashed with the historic surroundings.
You will have to see it yourself and decide whether you like it. It will be hard to miss, as it is just next to the must-see Belfort and City Hall.
If you visit Ghent in December, Stadshal is one of the Ghent Christmas Market locations.
6. Korenmarkt and St Nicholas Church
Make your way to St Nicholas Church and Korenmarkt. Today, the historic Market Square is home to many pubs lining the square and magnificent facades to admire, including a stunning old post-office building.
If you visit Ghent in December, this is where the central Christmas Market takes place, including a Ghent Ferris wheel!
7. Grab A Coffee And Breakfast At Full Circle Coffee Bar
Start your day with the best specialty coffee or matcha latte in town! Full Circle Coffee Bar and Roastery is the first fully vegan coffee shop in Ghent, and now they are in two locations – next to Ghent Sint-Pieters Railway Station and in the city center!
So regardless of whether you’re coming on a day trip to Ghent by train or spending a night in the city, you can grab a delicious coffee, tea, or matcha latte close to you. They also serve delicious doughnuts and cakes, so don’t miss out on them!
8. Try Delicious Belgian Fries
You can’t come to Belgium without trying one of the national specialties: fries.
So pick up a portion of hot, crispy Belgian fries from one of many “Frituurs” around the city.
While they are not the healthiest snack, they make for a great afternoon or late-night snack!
9. Take a Photo From Grasbrug Bridge
While Grasburg Bridge is not the most impressive bridge in the world, it is one of the best photo spots in Ghent.
It offers a stunning view of the St. Michael Church and Bridge, with Graslei and Korenlei quay on each side.
10. Check Out Guild Houses Along The Graslei
Graslei Quay is home to some impressive historic houses. You will find stunning Guild Houses with Ghent’s smallest house squeezed between them.
Graslei is a popular spot among locals as they gather there on sunny days to grab a drink or have a picnic on the quayside.
Admiring well-preserved historic houses is one of the top reasons to visit Ghent!
11. Kayak in Ghent
Renting a kayak and paddling down Ghent canals is a truly unique experience that will be a highlight of your Belgium trip.
It is a fantastic activity to add to your one-day in Ghent itinerary if you visit Belgium in the summer months when the days are longer.
You can join a guided kayak tour in Ghent or rent a kayak for a couple of hours and discover the city independently.
Kayaks Korenlei offers 3-hour kayak rentals right in the city center, where the medieval harbor used to be.
You can see the Gravensteen castle from the riverside, go under the Sint-Michielsbrug bridge, and see the riverside houses. It is fantastic!
If you still want to experience Ghent from the river, but it is too cold for kayaking or it’s just not your thing, you can join a Ghent boat tour!
It is surprisingly affordable if you book online, and it has all the perks of kayaking without the downsides!
🛥️ Book the Ghent Boat Tour here!
12. Admire the View From St Michael’s Bridge and Cathedral
St Michael’s Bridge is a must-see in Ghent, as it is a place surrounded by everything that makes Ghent awesome.
Take a moment and admire the view of Graslei Quay and Korenlei Promenade, the St. Michael’s Church, and the back of Het Pand and Gravensteen castle in the distance.
It is the only spot where you can see all three of Ghent’s famous towers in a row.
13. Stroll The Korenlei Promenade
Make your way from Saint Michael’s Church to Gravensteen Castle along the Korenlei Promenade. This promenade is lined with traditional rich merchants’ houses, dating back to when Ghent was a commerce hub of the region. It also offers a stunning view of the Graslei Quay.
14. Visit the Fairytale Castle of Gravensteen
This medieval castle stands proudly in the heart of the city. It was built in the 12th century as the residence of the Counts of Flanders. Throughout centuries, it served as a court, prison, and textile factory!
Luckily, the Castle of Counts was renovated in the early 20th century, and today you can enjoy this spectacular fairytale-like fortification and a museum.
If you want to visit the castle premises, check the working hours and entrance fees on the official website.
15. Explore Quirky Patershol And Grab A Dinner
Gravensteen is located in the quirky neighborhood of Patershol, so after a visit to the Castle, take time to wander the narrow alleyways.
Patershol is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Ghent. It is also known as the culinary heart of Ghent, so it makes for a perfect dinner stop.
Plant A Pizza is one of the best-rated vegan restaurants in Ghent. If you are not in the mood for pizza, browse all restaurants with vegan options on the Happy Cow app.
16. Wander The Cobblestone Streets Of The Historic Centre
Now that you’ve ticked off all the must-see spots, take a moment to admire the architecture and history around you.
YES, one of the best things to do in Ghent in one day is to allow yourself to get lost in this unique medieval town.
If you enjoy street art, visit a popular Graffiti street, officially Werregarenstraatje.
It’s good to know that there is a small red-light district in Ghent, so don’t be shocked if you accidentally run into it.
17. Make A Detour To One of Ghent’s Beguinages
Ghent is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Flemish Beguinages – The Groot Begijnhof Sint-Amandsberg and Our Lady Ter Hooyen Klein Begijnhof. They are a bit out of the way, but worth a visit if you still have time or more than one day in Ghent.
Similarly to Convents, Beguinages were enclosed communities, dating back to the 13th century, for either unmarried or widowed women who dedicated their lives to God. However, these communities provided for the religious and material needs of the women living in them.
18. Rent A Bike And Discover Ghent Like A Local
If you are short on time, especially if you visit Bruges and Ghent in one day, how about renting a bike?
Ghent is an incredibly bike-friendly city, to the point that there are probably more bikes than cars on the roads!
Donkey Republic has 24/7 bike stations all over the city! Download their app to see pick-up locations and rent their iconic orange bike with your phone.
What Is The Best Month To Visit Ghent?
The best time to visit Ghent is spring and summer or in December for the Christmas Market.
As the days get longer and warmer, you get to enjoy the joyful atmosphere of this student city. Terraces are busy with people, and students gather for picnics in parks and along the river.
The weather in Ghent tends to be unpredictable, and it often rains during the winter and autumn months.
Make sure to pack waterproof shoes and warm clothes if you visit in winter, as the temperature often drops below zero.
Still, if you are lucky to catch a sunny day, Ghent is stunning any time of the year!
How To Get To Ghent?
It is easy to reach Ghent from many nearby European destinations by train or bus and by plane if you’re coming from farther away.
Traveling To Ghent By Train
Belgium is well-connected by train network, and you can reach Ghent virtually anywhere in Belgium. If you are on a day trip to Ghent from Brussels, a return ticket is 50% cheaper if you travel on the weekends.
Check the timetables and prices on the SNCB official website, and if you want to save money on train travel in Belgium, read more about traveling around Belgium by train here!
When I travel internationally, I use Trainline to find and book trains. The app creates an itinerary by booking tickets from different operators making it cheaper and simpler than doing it yourself!
Traveling To Ghent By Bus
With its extensive destinations network, you can visit Ghent by Flixbus from many nearby European destinations.
Flying Into Ghent
Ghent doesn’t have an international airport, and you will have to fly to Brussels and make your way to Ghent. Brussels has two airports, Brussels Zaventem Airport – close to the city center of Brussels, and Brussels Charleroi Airport – a city about an hour away from Brussels.
How Do I Get From Brussels Airport To Ghent?
You can take a train or a shuttle bus from Brussels Airport to Ghent.
Brussels Zaventem Airport to Ghent: The cheapest way to get from Ghent to Zaventem Airport is by Flibco Shuttle bus. The tickets start from 4,99€ if you book in advance, and 9,99€ for last-minute bookings. On the other hand, a standard train ticket will cost you 16,10€!
Brussels Charleroi Airport to Ghent: The best way to travel from Charleroi Airport to Ghent is by Flibco Shuttle Bus. It is a direct line, and for the price difference of a couple of cents, it is not worth wasting time on a local bus and train combination.
To keep the plane ticket price low, consider packing in a personal item only so you don’t pay baggage fees!
Where To Stay In Ghent On a Budget?
When visiting Ghent, I stayed at my friend’s place close to the train station, which is about half an hour’s walk to the city center.
However, if you only have one day in Ghent, I would look for accommodation closer to the city center.
Backpackers Hostel in Ghent:
Hostel Uppelink is the best-rated hostel for backpackers in Ghent. It is ideally located in the city center and offers free walking tours and kayak rentals!
Treck Hostel is a hostel like no other. Do you want to try van life without actually committing to it? In Treck Hostel, you can stay in an indoor camper van!
If you’re traveling solo, you can easily make friends in a hostel to join you while exploring Ghent and sharing tour costs!
FAQ: One Day In Ghent Itinerary
Yes, it is possible to visit both Ghent and Bruges in one day, as they are just a 30-minute train ride away. However, you will need to plan your itinerary. Especially if you visit in winter, as winter days in Belgium are short, and it gets dark around 4 pm.
The tourist area of Ghent is walkable. However, a walk from the train station to the city center is about half an hour long, so you can take TRAM 1 directly to the city center from the train station.
Ghent is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Some areas, such as Citadel Park, are recommended to avoid at night as a solo female. However, it is common sense when you travel to avoid dark unlit places, and it doesn’t speak of the security of the city.
Ghent is a rather small city, with a compact historic center, so one day in Ghent is enough time to see the main tourist attractions at a relaxed pace. A day trip to Ghent from Brussels is another popular way to see the city. However, to enjoy the nightlife of this lively student city, consider spending a night in Ghent.
Ghent is definitely worth visiting. The city has a specific medieval charm, with many things to do, and it is less crowded than Brussels and Bruges. Even if you are short on time, it is possible to visit Ghent in one day!
Final Thoughts On One Day In Ghent Itinerary
And there you have it, a complete itinerary for a day in Ghent. As you can see, your schedule will be full of amazing things to do in Ghent in one day.
Are you already planning your next adventure? Read my Ultimate Winter in Europe Bucket List to find more extraordinary experiences to add to your European travel wishlist!
