Ghent City Center
Ghent City Center
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
5,505 reviews
Excellent
4,140
Very good
1,155
Average
126
Poor
36
Terrible
50
Alistair
Lyneham, UK16 contributions
Dec 2022
Myself and my other half were lucky enough to walk around the city at the start of December, unfortunately before the market opened but we enjoyed it nonetheless. A very picturesque city, you can enjoy the different variations of architecture, from Medieval, Gothic, through to modern. There is plenty to see and we saw it during the day and night.
At night it was fairly busy and we took in some lovely sights and sampled a couple of the pubs, restaurants and bars. we had a great time wandering around and i would definitely recommend it as a day trip visit or mini weekend break.
At night it was fairly busy and we took in some lovely sights and sampled a couple of the pubs, restaurants and bars. we had a great time wandering around and i would definitely recommend it as a day trip visit or mini weekend break.
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlarghBlargh
Birmingham, UK358 contributions
Apr 2022
We usually always go to attractions when visiting a new place but, although I'm sure there is lots to do, simply just wandering about the centre and soaking in all the historic buildings is more than enough, even if you're there for a few hours. Every new street we turned on seemed to have more fabulous architecture, it's probably one of the most lovely city centres I've been in. I'd love to come back one day to explore further but if you only have a few hours, don't worry about doing anything in particular as it is just a cute place to stroll around with great bars and food options too.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monu D
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India538 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
Our visit to Ghent was a day trip from Brussels. The train took 30 minutes and then we took the tram to the city centre. After checking the prices of different types of fares for the tram we bought the 10 journey tickets as it was cheaper than buying 2 single journey tickets.
We got off the tram at Gravensteen and walked through the old town ending at Korenlei and Graslei. This entire stretch is so beautiful with lovely architecture, bridges, canals, churches and is also full of cafes, restaurants and various shops. Some of old buildings have the date of construction engraved on the facade. Most of the tourist attractions of Ghent are all in the city centre.
We also discovered in the Koren Market area lots of metal discs embedded on the street which were depicting the lifestyle and culture of the locals of yesteryears.
Unfortunately we had to leave Ghent before it got dark and we could not get to see the lit up town, specially Graslei & Korenlei, which I believe looks stunning at night.
We got off the tram at Gravensteen and walked through the old town ending at Korenlei and Graslei. This entire stretch is so beautiful with lovely architecture, bridges, canals, churches and is also full of cafes, restaurants and various shops. Some of old buildings have the date of construction engraved on the facade. Most of the tourist attractions of Ghent are all in the city centre.
We also discovered in the Koren Market area lots of metal discs embedded on the street which were depicting the lifestyle and culture of the locals of yesteryears.
Unfortunately we had to leave Ghent before it got dark and we could not get to see the lit up town, specially Graslei & Korenlei, which I believe looks stunning at night.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
93 contributions
Feb 2023
It has been many years since we visited Gent , we stayed in a hotel in the centre of town (about 1 km from the main square). In February it was not that busy with tourists. The city centre is clean and the architecture quite stunning. For us the main problem was the cyclists in the centre of town , they are everywhere and speed everywhere and expect you to get out of the way, they do not warn you of their presence, you really need eyes in the back of your head sometimes. Another potential problem are the trams in the centre of town , the pedestrian paths and the road are at the same level , when the paths are busy you can quite easily be walking where the trams run, on several occasions we found ourselves only a couple of centimetres from a moving tram. The centre of town has a large choice of restaurants , to visit the attractions it is quite expensive e.g. 12 euros / person to visit the small castle in the centre of town. You can get a city pass for 38 euros (pass to attraction and travel). For a weekend visit not sure its good value. The city centre is not that big most of the attractions are within walking distance.
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
siegfried_flanders
Aalst, Belgium121 contributions
Sep 2022
There might be more tourists in ghent than inhabitants of the city.
It’s flooded with people holding their cellphones, making pictures of the surroundings and capturing selfies like there is no tomorrow.
The city used to be invaded by students from western Flanders and this has changed. The city is flooded by Dutch tourists and people from all over the world which is terribly awesome. The vibe is touristy and feels like it has surpassed Bruges as the Belgians tourist capital.
Intriguing to observe if you like big crowds of people
It’s flooded with people holding their cellphones, making pictures of the surroundings and capturing selfies like there is no tomorrow.
The city used to be invaded by students from western Flanders and this has changed. The city is flooded by Dutch tourists and people from all over the world which is terribly awesome. The vibe is touristy and feels like it has surpassed Bruges as the Belgians tourist capital.
Intriguing to observe if you like big crowds of people
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John S
Ashford, UK27 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Unless you want to attend the 10 day annual summer arts festival, avoid the immediate aftermath for at least a week. We arrived 2 days after it ended and many parts of the the city were a horrible smelly mess of litter and noisy deconstruction works.
Worse still, most of the favourite bars were closed. No doubt the proprietors were taking a well earned rest. Despite this, we enjoyed the experience and everyone was friendly and obliging.
Worse still, most of the favourite bars were closed. No doubt the proprietors were taking a well earned rest. Despite this, we enjoyed the experience and everyone was friendly and obliging.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claude H
Brussels, Belgium52 contributions
Jan 2020 • Business
The city including its center is gorgeous no doubt and we have been coming here probably >50 times.
The problem today is the mobility if you are a tourist or on business and have to take your car. I have EV which at least allows me to get into the city. Great but why are the few loading spots reserved for shared vehicles only? Secondly there is an ununderstandable system of one ways and restricted areas developed by some kind of genius that even the GPS cannot absorb. Count for at least 100 euro a day in fines ( I suspect this might be the city’s objective in the end). In the end we couldn’t get to the hotel, there was no parking space and when we finally got in and out of an astronomically expensive public lot (vrijdag markt) we ended up getting fines for driving in and out of the parking lot. There must be some local demonish mind acting here? Geraard den duivel maybe ?
The problem today is the mobility if you are a tourist or on business and have to take your car. I have EV which at least allows me to get into the city. Great but why are the few loading spots reserved for shared vehicles only? Secondly there is an ununderstandable system of one ways and restricted areas developed by some kind of genius that even the GPS cannot absorb. Count for at least 100 euro a day in fines ( I suspect this might be the city’s objective in the end). In the end we couldn’t get to the hotel, there was no parking space and when we finally got in and out of an astronomically expensive public lot (vrijdag markt) we ended up getting fines for driving in and out of the parking lot. There must be some local demonish mind acting here? Geraard den duivel maybe ?
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry C
Bicester, UK529 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Lovely old buildings with great history and pedestrian friendly (watch out for the cyclists though ). Weather was against us a bit but plenty of places to duck out of the rain. We bought Ghent City Cards which cost €42 for 72 hours and this saved us quite a bit of money and hassle by not having to buy separate tickets for various activities including boat trip, Castle entrance and use of buses and trams.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MissyJo Menopausal Motorhomer
Ackworth, UK14 contributions
Dec 2022
Well, well, well - what a hidden little gem of a city you are! Now I liked Bruges (alot), but I loved Ghent. It's gothic and dark like an angry big sister. It's got everything Bruges has but bigger and better. The cathedral spires are in abundance. The markets cover the streets of the city squares. The food places are so varied and exciting - we had lunch at a great little place near the library called Soep Plus. Whilst we waited 5 hours for our slot to visit Gravensteen (which was worth it), we sampled a beer in the Waterhuis Bierkant. Travelled in my motorhome and stayed at Urban Gardens campsite. We will be back!
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan R
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom1 contribution
May 2022 • Couples
Definitely visit Gravensteen Castle and use audio guide; very informative and funny. Also go up the Belfrey; wonderful views from the top. Consider buying a City Card which covers many attractions plus tram and hop-on hop-off watertram. Get this from information centre near the castle. The Mystic Lamb altar piece is worth visiting but you need to book a time slot.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dave c
Wallasey, UK13 contributions
Hi Ron. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but think you are talking rubbish. Cheers Dave
carloszoe
Coulsdon, UK217 contributions
I am traveling with a group of 39 people in August and we are staying in Liege where our training is. But in the way back to the ferry we like to stop and spend the day somewhere. Is Ghent worth stopping at and will entertain all ages? What is there to actually do there? We have stayed in Bruges before so don't particularly want to stay there again.
JimDon17
Melbourne, Australia36 contributions
Ghent I think is better than Bruges. Beautiful city with canals and lots of history. Yes and good for everyone. Probably not so much for small children.
Burdie
Osdorp, The Netherlands9 contributions
I am considering a wknd to Gent. I am 42 years old and prefer architecture and historical viewings sightseeing good food and shopping over days and a more social/open style drink at a club or bar at night. Any tips to see or recommendations for a good fun night out?
I know this is a bit random but I am orientating on thinggs to do while there.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me
SigriedV
Temse, Belgium121 contributions
We really like the bars at Vrijdagmarkt and also at this square, you can see the very beautifull building of Bond Moyson.
There's a hip food market not far from the Vrijdagmarkt: Holy Food market. Maybe a little expensive for what you get to eat, but located in an old church and very nice to hang out. At the other bank of the river, also located in the center, you can find Abajour. A nice restaurant/bar with a beautifull view on the river Leie. Don't forget to try a special beer. The bar 'Bierhuis aan de waterkant' is a very good choise to try something you don't know yet... If you're looking for an Italian restaurant, I can recommend: Nonna Stella. Very nice food and... you better hope you need to wait for a table so you can have a drink in the bar under the restaurant. I'ts like a time travel to the 60's. Speeking of time travelling, I think you should visit the 'Huis van Alijn'. Try to find the 'grafiti road' and just wander around through a very nice city. Take a boat trip on the Leie just to see the city from an other angle. Enjoy your trip!
nikita g
3 contributions
Hi friends
I am visiting Brussels in June and would like to take a day trip to Ghent.
Please suggest the train routes from Brussels to Ghent and what kind of ticket is available?
John Wentworth-Foster
Hythe, UK140 contributions
There is a service from Brussels to Ghent. The main station in Brussels covers all destinations. Check when you buy your ticket for times.
HassettFam
Castle Pines, CO105 contributions
Looking to spend 3 nights in Brussels or Ghent (knowing we can easily get to Antwerp, Bruges, etc). Is Ghent too similar to Antwerp and Bruges and we should therefore stay in Brussels instead of Ghent (for variety?). Thanks!
Glenn B
Niagara Falls, Canada60 contributions
Ghent and Bruges have some similarities as quaint historic towns. Antwerp is a bit bigger but not as large as Brussels. Personally a shorter visit to Brussels and more time in Ghent and Bruges is the way I would go.
Travelbis B
3 contributions
Bonjour,
Nous avons l'intention de passer la journée du 24 decembre 2018 à Gand. Les magasins sont-ils ouverts et jusqu'à quelle heure ?
Merci
lluisc1968
Pineda de Mar, Spain673 contributions
Buenos días.
Bélgica celebra la nochebuena y Navidad, eso significa que el día 24 SI estaran abiertas las tiendas pero muy probablemente cerrarán al mediodía o antes del horario de cierre habitual. Yo aconsejaría ir a primerísima hora para visitar esta bella ciudad.
Donna B 5302
Saco, ME52 contributions
Hi, thanks for your review. I am visiting Ghent in April and I can't seem to find hours or seasons for the ferris wheel. Was it open and operational when you visited in January? Thanks for the help!
DonnaB
Kristof V
Ghent, Belgium100 contributions
Hi the wheel is only there part of December and the beginning of january. Anyhow Ghent is a great city to visit anytime of the year. Also have a look at this very special place you could stay if you would come, it is nr 1 of the guest houses in Ghent
, it is called Gandaroomsandsuites
Good luck
Maria1685
Buenos Aires, Argentina67 contributions
Hola, voy a ir a bruselas y queria visitar gante si o si.. ademas de brujas. como hago para ir en ttren o no se si hay bus...creo q hay dias a mitad de precio el tren... voy con mi hijos de 15 años gracias
lluisc1968
Pineda de Mar, Spain673 contributions
Hola. Yo fui en coche particular. Pero hay autobuses que te llevan a Gante. Otra opción, si vas y vuelves en un solo dia,es coger un tour gratis en español desde bruselas y ellos se encargan de la logistica. Pagas el viaje + la voluntad que quieras darle al guia. Es una ciudad preciosa y vale la pena ir con guia. Tambien me parece que hay una ruta a Brujas y Gante el mismo dia desde Bruselas. Son ciudades que te enamoraran.
Steve C
Los Osos, CA13 contributions
I am planning to visit Ghent for a few days but also want to visit Bruges. Is there a day trip to Bruges or would it be best to spend a night there before returning to London?
AllanJGJ
Wellington, New Zealand3,685 contributions
Hi - there are no doubt tours you could take, but it's easy to do it without one. Trains (and buses?) apparently leave regularly from Ghent station and reach Bruges station within half an hour.We've been to Bruges on a previous trip and parked at Bruges station so I know it's an easy stroll to the historic centre from there. Enjoy climbing the tower!
Regards, Allan
Ghent City Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ghent City Center
- We recommend booking Ghent City Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 11 Ghent City Center tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Ghent City Center:
- Private Highlights Tour, with a local guide! (From $110.39)
- Private "Off The Beaten Path Tour", with a local guide! (From $193.18)
- Ghent Small-Group Tasting Tour with Local Guide (From $65.13)
- Ghent Private Tasting Tour with Local Guide (From $220.77)
- Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Ghent (From $275.96)
- Hotels near Ghent City Center:
- (0.02 mi) A cite 2
- (0.04 mi) 1898 The Post
- (0.09 mi) Hostel Uppelink
- (0.09 mi) Novotel Gent Centrum
- (0.14 mi) Ghent Marriott Hotel
- Restaurants near Ghent City Center:
- (0.01 mi) Le Pain Quotidien Korenmarkt
- (0.02 mi) McDonalds Korenmarkt
- (0.02 mi) Poule & Poulette
- (0.02 mi) Mamma Roma Ghent Korenmarkt
- (0.02 mi) EXKi Gent