Ghent Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary, Top 9 Things To Do

Last Updated on 27/03/2025

Things to do in Ghent – Ghent (Gent) is a Belgian city steeped in history, famous for its medieval architecture and romantic canals. Compared to Bruges, Ghent boasts more impressive cathedrals and castles. If your European trip passes through Belgium, make sure to spend a day exploring Ghent!

Contents

How to get to Ghent?

By Train (SNCB)

From Brussels：From Brussels: Depart from Bruxelles-Central station, reaching Gent-Sint-Pieters station in about 40 minutes.
- Brussels Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary, Top 10 Things To Do
From Bruges：Takes around 30 minutes.
- Bruges Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary, Top 9 Things To Do

Ticket Offers

Weekend Half-Price Ticket Tips：SNCB offers a Weekend Ticket on Saturdays, Sundays, and Belgian public holidays, allowing you to enjoy 50% off return tickets for travel across the country.
Free Stopover Ticket Tips：With a standard return ticket or weekend ticket, you can stop at any station in Belgium for free once (either on the outward or return journey). For example, you can plan a brief stopover in Ghent (Gent) before heading to Bruges.
You can also book ➡️ Eurail Global Train Pass for 33 European Countries
Local Day Tours
- Bruges & Ghent One-Day Trip from Brussels

City Transport (Trams)

From Gent-Sint-Pieters station, you can take a tram to the city centre:

Tram T1 / T3: Depart from perron 2 and perron 20, arriving at Gent Zonnestraat in about 8–9 stops. A 10-minute walk from there to Korenmarkt.
Ticket Price: €2.5 one-way (unlimited transfers within 60 minutes).

Ghent Attractions Map

This map features my recommended attractions, food spots, and train station locations in Ghent.

The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!

1-Day Itinerary in Ghent

Most attractions in Ghent are within walking distance of each other. I suggest exploring the medieval town by foot and taking a boat tour!

St. Michael’s Bridge (Sint Michielsbrug)

St. Michael’s Bridge offers the most picturesque views in Ghent, surrounded by Korenlei, Graslei, the old post office, and St. Michael’s Church—perfect for postcard-worthy photos from any angle.

Address：Sint-Michielsplein, 9000 Gent

Korenlei & Graslei

These two riverbanks are the heart of Ghent, once a medieval trade hub, now home to popular cafes and restaurants. Stroll along the canal and admire the Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Address：Korenlei, 9000 Gent
Recommended Experience：Ghent: 50-Minute Guided Canal Tour of the Medieval Centre

St. Nicholas’ Church (Sint Niklaaskerk)

One of the oldest churches in Ghent, known for its unique tower design. Unlike most churches, the tower is in the centre of the building, creating stunning light effects when sunlight shines through the windows.

Address：Cataloniëstraat, 9000 Gent
Opening Hours：10:00-16:00

Ghent Belfry (Belfort van Gent)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ghent Belfry offers panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops and winding canals. Inside, learn about the history of medieval bell towers—a must for history enthusiasts.

Address：Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Opening Hours：10:00–18:00
Entry Ticket：€10 (Free with Ghent City Card)
Official website

St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

Famous for housing the renowned artwork "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb", painted by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432, this cathedral is a masterpiece of Northern Renaissance art. The Baroque interior is equally stunning.

Address：Sint-Baafsplein 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Opening Hours：8:30-17:30
Entry Ticket：Free (Fee to view The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb)
Official website

The Old Post Office (De Post)

Located in the heart of Ghent’s historical district, 1898 The Post Hotel was once a late 19th-century post office, now transformed into a charming boutique hotel after restoration. The building shares space with De Post shopping centre.

Address：Korenmarkt 16, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Opening Hours：10:00-18:00, closed Sundays

Ghent Town Hall (Stadhuis)

Built between 1519 and 1539, Ghent Town Hall showcases late Gothic architecture and elements of the Belgian Renaissance.

Address：Botermarkt 1, 9000 Gent
Opening Hours：8:00-17:00, closed on weekends

St. Michael’s Church (Sint Michielskerk)

A Gothic Catholic church, St. Michael’s Church was rebuilt after two fires in the early 12th century. The current structure may have started construction in 1440 and houses many Baroque artworks.

Address：Sint-Michielsplein 4, 9000 Gent
Opening Hours：14:00-17:00, closed on Mondays

Gravensteen

Built in 1180 by the Count of Flanders, Gravensteen Castle was inspired by Crusader castles. It served as a residence, court, and prison before falling into decay. In the 19th century, it was used as a factory. Purchased and restored by the city in 1885, it now houses a museum showcasing medieval torture instruments and an executioner’s axe. You can climb to the top for a view of the city.