Ghent

Things to do in Ghent

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Top 10 attractions in Ghent

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Castle of the Counts
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Belgium

Castle of the Counts

5.2
4.3/5
36 reviews
Castle of the Counts stands on the banks of the Leie River in the old town of Ghent and was once the residence and seat of power of the Counts of Flanders. Built entirely of stone, it features thick walls, round towers, battlements, and an inner courtyard, with an exterior that bears the distinct characteristics of medieval military architecture. With the development of the city, it has served various public functions, including as a courthouse and prison, witnessing the social changes of Ghent throughout different historical periods. Today, it has become a historical and cultural attraction open to the public, with exhibition spaces inside that showcase the history of the building, medieval life, and historical materials related to justice and punishment.Ghent · 390m from downtown
Ghent City Center
No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Belgium

Ghent City Center

5.1
4.4/5
9 reviews
Ghent City Center is the historic core of the famous Belgian city of Ghent, which prospered during the Middle Ages thanks to the wool and grain trade, and where canals, cobblestone streets, and Gothic architecture remain largely preserved to this day. The Graslei and Korenlei along the Leie are the highlights, with rows of gabled guild houses standing along the river and reflecting in the water. It is also a university city, where a youthful atmosphere keeps the ancient streets vibrant. Important landmarks here include Saint Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry of Gent, Saint Nicholas' Church, and Gravensteen, showcasing Ghent's prosperous history as a center of trade and the textile industry during the Middle Ages.Ghent · 312m from downtown
Saint Nicholas' Church
Selected for Best Things to Do in Belgium

Saint Nicholas' Church

4.9
4.1/5
46 reviews
Saint Nicholas' Church is located in the city center of Ghent, Belgium. This 13th-century Gothic building is known for its soaring tower and exquisite stone carvings, and is one of the iconic landmarks of Ghent. The interior of the church is simple and solemn, with stained glass windows and an ancient pipe organ adding a unique charm. Visitors inside the church can admire the medieval architectural details and artworks, and feel the rich historical atmosphere. The church regularly hosts concerts and religious events, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience local culture. The area around the church has convenient transportation, and other major attractions in Ghent, such as theBelfry of Namurand Saint Bavo's Cathedral, are within walking distance. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby where visitors can enjoy local cuisine after their visit. Please remain quiet during your visit, respect the atmosphere of the religious site, and pay attention to the opening hours and visiting rules.Ghent · 388m from downtown
Saint Bavo's Cathedral
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in East-Flanders

Saint Bavo's Cathedral

4.6
4.1/5
48 reviews
Saint Bavo's CathedralLocated in Ghent, Belgium, this magnificent Gothic structure boasts a long history and rich religious cultural significance. As both a religious and artistic attraction, it serves not only as a spiritual home for believers but also as a treasure trove for art enthusiasts to explore medieval art. The cathedral is renowned for its magnificent architecture and exquisite interior decorations, with towering spires reaching into the clouds and interiors filled with intricate carvings and stained glass windows, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere. The famous artistic treasure is Jan van Eyck's "Ghent Altarpiece," which attracts countless visitors to admire it. In addition to artworks, it offers a rich historical and cultural experience. Visitors can explore the cathedral's underground crypts to learn about its historical evolution and religious ceremonies. The guided tour service provides in-depth background information, helping visitors better understand the cathedral's significant role in Ghent's history. Saint Bavo's CathedralMore than just a religious structure, it's a convergence of art and history. Whether you're a visitor fascinated by religious culture or someone curious about art and architecture, this place offers rich knowledge and unique experiences, making it a must-visit destination for exploring Ghent's cultural heritage.Ghent · 646m from downtown
Belfry of Gent
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in East-Flanders

Belfry of Gent

4.4
4.1/5
26 reviews
The Belfry of Gent and the Cloth Hall are located together, but the highlight of the visit is the Belfry of Gent. It is the highest point of the tour. Climbing to the top platform here, you can see the city views on both sides of the river.Ghent · 516m from downtown
St Michael's Bridge

St Michael's Bridge

3.8
3.6/5
26 reviews
The St. Michael Bridge is a historic and picturesque bridge in Ghent, Belgium, spanning the Leie River that flows through the city. The bridge has become one of the important landmarks of Ghent with its unique architectural style and historical background. The bridge is named after the nearby St. Michael's Monastery, which was once the center of religious and cultural life in Ghent. The St. Michael Bridge was built in the late 19th century and has retained its original classical style despite several restorations and reconstructions. The design of the bridge combines elements of neo-Gothic and Renaissance styles, and its shape is elegant and magnificent, especially suitable for photographic works. Standing on the bridge, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ghent's historical city, including the old buildings in the city, colorful houses and the leisurely flowing Leie River. This bridge is not only a major transportation route, but also carries the profound history and culture of Ghent. The sculptures, stone carvings and exquisite iron railings on the bridge all show the high level of traditional Belgian craftsmanship. Especially at dusk, the St. Michael's Bridge under the setting sun, the ancient buildings in the background and the reflection on the water form a picturesque scene, attracting countless tourists and photography enthusiasts to take pictures.Ghent · 223m from downtown
Museum voor Schone Kunsten

Museum voor Schone Kunsten

3.7
5.0/5
1 reviews
The Museum voor Schone Kunsten is a cultural treasure brimming with artistic charm and historical heritage, located in the historic city of Ghent, Belgium. As a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, it houses an extensive collection of outstanding artworks, tracing the artistic evolution from the late 19th century to the present day. The exhibited works encompass not only paintings and sculptures but also photography, installation art, and various other artistic forms, showcasing the innovation and expression of artists across different historical periods. Visitors can admire works by master artists from around the world, such as James Ensor and Constant Permeke, experiencing the diversity and depth of art. The Museum voor Schone Kunsten is not just a venue for displaying art—it actively hosts temporary exhibitions, art lectures, and workshops to foster artistic exchange and public engagement. For art enthusiasts, it's an ideal place to explore artistic ideas and enjoy visual delights. Whether immersing yourself in the world of art or participating in interactive activities, the Museum voor Schone Kunsten in Ghent offers an inspiring and enlightening artistic journey. It's not just a place to admire art but also a cultural space that sparks creativity and reflection.Ghent · 1.9 km from downtown
Sparkx Gent

Sparkx Gent

3.5
Ghent · 4.4 km from downtown
Flanders Expo

Flanders Expo

3.5
Ghent · 3.7 km from downtown
Planet Group Arena

Planet Group Arena

3.5
Ghent · 4.4 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Ghent

Featured Day tours in Ghent

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1-day tour of Ghent + Bruges in Belgium|Tale of Two Flemish Cities|Brussels round-trip
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4.9/5
· 8 reviews· 122 booked
Duration: 6.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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From€58.89
1-day tour to Ghent and Bruges from Brussels, Belgium - Minnewater/St. Bavo's Cathedral
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4.0/5
· 5 reviews· 46 booked
Duration: 7.5 hrs
English
98 travelers saved
From€97.18
Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track
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4.9/5
· 191 reviews
Duration: 150 mins
English
Free cancellation
100 consecutive positive reviews
From€48.93
Brussels to Ghent and Bruges Day Tour (Minnewater + Saint Bavo's Cathedral)
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From€91.87

Featured Cultural experiences in Ghent

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Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour
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4.9/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Top Ghent: Private guided tour with your mobile
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Duration: 50 mins
English
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Ghent Highlights Audio Tour: Medieval Landmarks
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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20% off
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Choco-Story Bruges: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 24 booked
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Brussels: Autoworld Museum Ticket
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4.7/5
· 190 reviews
English
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94.2% of travelers recommend
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Vincent van Gogh House: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
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Choco-Story Brussels: Entry Ticket + Workshop
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Bruges Beer Museum + Beer Tasting
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Featured Food & drink in Ghent

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Ghent: Guided Beer Tasting Tour
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Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
From€72.50
Ghent: Guided City Tour with Food Tastings
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4.8/5
· 103 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
80 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
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Chocolate history workshop Ghent
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Ghent: Belgian Chocolate Truffles & Hot Cocoa Workshop
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4.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€43.70€46
Ghent: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 105 mins
Free cancellation
5% off
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Ghent: Guided City Tour with Chocolate Tastings
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2 hrs
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5% off
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Ghent: Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Beer Tasting
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Ghent: Belgian Chocolate Walking Tour with Tastings
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4.9/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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More things to do

Free things to do in Ghent

What travelers say about Ghent

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camletMay 12, 2025
5.0
Ticket booking is convenient. You can enter the park after printing without changing tickets. The guide in the scenic area is a plus, very interesting, and there is also "Raiders of the Lost Ark" which is very interesting for children. The staff is also very friendly. The explanation is very detailed

Castle of the Counts

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Pauwels LucFebruary 1, 2025
5.0
to better enjoy a center city walk, start from the Reep, and enter the city center through the Limburgstraat. you will first encounter Gerard Duivelsteen, a castle-like residence from the 13th century, before arriving at the cathedral and the magnificent Van Eyck panels. from there on, you have different options for further discovering lovely Ghent. enjoy

Ghent City Center

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翱翔的大鲨鱼July 25, 2020
4.0
Ghent is a very comfortable small town. If you want to avoid the crowds of the capital or metropolises and enjoy the baptism of culture and beautiful scenery, you can stay in Ghent for a few days and then visit several nearby towns. It is definitely more comfortable and pleasant than staying in Brussels, especially the St. Nicholas Church, which will make you linger.

Saint Nicholas' Church

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sculptorJune 29, 2022
4.0
比利时根特的圣巴冯大教堂是一座高89米的天主教哥特式大教堂,目前这座哥特式教堂的建设始于1274年左右。教堂在欧洲宗教大革命时遭到破坏,现在能看到的是从当时宗教大革命幸存下来的一些文物。

Saint Bavo's Cathedral

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khccFebruary 1, 2020
4.0
The bell tower is not far from St. Nicholas Cathedral. Its tall appearance is one of the landmarks in the old city center. As for the cotton trading hall next to it, the building feels a bit ordinary in comparison.

Belfry of Gent

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zhulei831230October 16, 2019
3.0
I feel that this bridge is just like that, a stone bridge that is very common in Europe, connecting the two sides of the river. However, the scenery on both sides of the bridge is very beautiful. I think it is worth seeing, but don't have too high expectations.

St Michael's Bridge

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_TI***kaDecember 13, 2023
5.0
On a very wet November Saturday ,I walked through Citadel Park in Ghent and I spent a very enriching day sedulously studying fine paintings produced by Old European Masters.Old Master Painters with delightful paintings included Puccio di Simone,Colin de Coter,Adriean Isenbrant,Pedro Nicalau,Jaime Huguet,Gasper de Crayer,Maerten Heemskerk,Jacob Jordaens,Anton Van Dyck,Peter Paul Rubens,Emanuel de Witte,Hendrick Van Vliet,Adrien Vander Schoor,and Jacques D'Arthois,among others. I I savored fine 19thn Century oil paintings by Camille Corot,Hippolyte Boulanger,Charles Daubigny,Eugene Laermans,Henri Evenopoel,and Emile Claus,among others. I did not have enough time to study their awesome 20th Century Works of Art.that day. I stayed at the MSK Art Museum from the time it opened to the time it closed. and stayed dry.

Museum voor Schone Kunsten

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Ghent?

Don't miss these attractions in Ghent: Castle of the Counts, Ghent City Center, and Saint Nicholas' Church. If you like Day tours, try 1-day tour of Ghent + Bruges in Belgium|Tale of Two Flemish Cities|Brussels round-trip. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour.

You can give Ghent: Guided Beer Tasting Tour and Ghent: Guided City Tour with Food Tastings a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day tour of Ghent + Bruges in Belgium|Tale of Two Flemish Cities|Brussels round-trip, Depart from Brussels | Antwerp + Ghent 1-day tour - Saint Bavo's Cathedral, and Belgium Brussels departure Ghent + Atomium 1-day tour English group/optional cruise. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Ghent is around EUR 48.93 – EUR 118.69. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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