What to do in Ghent

Activities, attractions and tours

A canal with boats, historic buildings, and a bridge.
A historic tower with a spire, a modern building with a wooden facade, and a cobblestone square with outdoor seating.
A canal with a white boat, historic buildings, and outdoor seating areas.
A modern architectural structure with illuminated wooden panels and a view of historic buildings in the background.
A canal with historic buildings, a bridge, and a boat.

Ghent Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Ghent has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Ghent is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Ghent to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Ghent Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Ghent.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Ghent attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

CA $18
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip
Guided Boat Trip in Ghent

Guided Boat Trip in Ghent

CA $18
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Guided Boat Trip in Ghent
Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent

Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent

CA $5
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent
Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included

Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included

CA $5
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included
Belgian Hidden Architectural Gem

Belgian Hidden Architectural Gem

CA $25
per adult
Belgian Hidden Architectural Gem
Bruges and Ghent Day Tour from Brussels

Bruges and Ghent Day Tour from Brussels

CA $157
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bruges and Ghent Day Tour from Brussels
Ghent Walking Tour with Optional Add on Boat and Beer

Ghent Walking Tour with Optional Add on Boat and Beer

CA $24
per adult
Ghent Walking Tour with Optional Add on Boat and Beer
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Top places to visit

1. Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen, also known as the “Castle of the Count,” is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The castle is a characteristic medieval fortress complete with twisting staircases, a dungeon surrounded by high walls and a protective moat. In addition to being an interesting example of centuries-old architecture, the restored castle houses several museum collections. Enjoy gorgeous views over the city.
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A historic castle with a moat, a bridge, and a canal reflecting the structure.

2. Ghent Town Hall

Ghent Town Hall, known locally as Stadhuis, is an interesting mishmash of architectural styles. A witness to more than 400 years of Ghent’s history, the building is a compelling collage of art and architecture, spanning the 15th to the 20th centuries. See the town hall, which continues to serve as an important civic center today, now housing the offices of city officials.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, a clock tower, and flags.

3. Saint Bavo Cathedral

Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral is among the most well-known landmarks in Ghent. In this towering cathedral see a stunning collection of centuries-old sculptures, religious artifacts and paintings, such as the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a polyptych panel painting with a rather unlucky history.
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A historic square with a statue of a religious scene, surrounded by old buildings and a tall church tower.

4. Belfry of Ghent

The Belfry of Ghent is one of three medieval towers that characterize the old city center. Together with Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral and St. Nicholas' Church, the belfry is among the most recognizable city landmarks. Explore its lavishly decorated interior and climb to the top, where you’ll see some of the most spectacular views in the city.
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A historic tower with a spire, a modern building with a wooden facade, and a cobblestone square with outdoor seating.

5. St. Nicholas' Church

Rising prominently over Ghent’s historic city center, St. Nicholas’ Church is one of the famous “Three Towers of Ghent.” With its grand scale and elaborate design, St. Nicholas' Church looks more like a cathedral than a church. Observe its remarkable Scheldt Gothic architecture and careful restoration work that disguises its somewhat turbulent history.
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A historic cathedral with tall spires, a bustling street with cafes, and a tram in the background.

Recommended things to do in Ghent

Number of things to do
96
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: CA $5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Ghent

Stay near popular Ghent attractions

A historic castle with a moat, a bridge, and a canal reflecting the structure.

Gravensteen Castle

9.0/10 (1,048 reviews)
One of the only remaining medieval castles in Flanders, this historic fortress provides a fascinating insight into the weaponry, culture, and drama of Ghent’s past.
See properties

Where to stay in Ghent

Find the best Ghent areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ghent
Learn more about Ghent
A historic castle with a moat, a bridge, and a canal reflecting the structure.

Patershol

Patershol is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Gravensteen Castle and House of Alijn.
A historic cityscape with a prominent clock tower and a river reflecting the buildings.

Graslei and Korenlei

While visiting Graslei and Korenlei, you might make a stop by sights like Korenmarkt Square and St. Michael's Bridge.
A historic stone tower with arched windows and a flag.

Kunstenkwartier

Kunstenkwartier is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like World of Kina and Grand Beguinage St Elisabeth.
A historic building with ornate architecture, a clock tower, and flags.

Ghent City Centre

Historic sites, cafes, and museums are some highlights of Ghent City Centre. Make a stop by Belfry of Ghent or St. Nicholas' Church while you're exploring.
A historic castle surrounded by a dense urban area with traditional European architecture.

Elisabethbegijnhof

When in Elisabethbegijnhof, you can plan a visit to Gravensteen Castle and St. Michael's Bridge, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Ghent

A river meandering through green fields, with a town in the distance and a clear blue sky.

Deinze

A calm lake with a tower and a small building on the shore.

Melle

Frequently asked questions

Is Ghent worth visiting?
Whether you want to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or try unique foods and venture into nature, there are many things to do in Ghent.
How do I spend a day in Ghent?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Blaarmeersen Recreation Area and Ooidonk Castle. Then, check out other parts of Ghent for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ghent?
The top tourist attraction in Ghent is Capitole Theatre, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Ghent?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city highlights, like Capitole Theatre, Blaarmeersen Recreation Area and Harry Malter Family Park. The average stay in Ghent is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your adventure, Brussels isn't far away.
Is Ghent a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Ghent is a good place to tour on foot. Wander between Capitole Theatre and Blaarmeersen Recreation Area. Then take a stroll around Ghent City Centre, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Stationsbuurt Noord, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ghent with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Ghent with kids.

What to do in Ghent for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Ghent, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Glass Alley or Ghent Museum of Industrial Archeology and Textiles.
Are there free things to do in Ghent?
In Ghent, Blaarmeersen Recreation Area is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a top way to explore the best free things to do in Ghent.

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