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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Flanders, Belgium

Iconic Landmarks

Ghent's skyline is defined by its impressive historical structures, each with a story.

Discover architectural masterpieces that highlight the city's rich past and present.

Landmarks Overview

  • Gravensteen: A formidable medieval moated castle dating to 1180. A look into Ghent's feudal past. Explore ramparts, turrets, and dungeons. Panoramic city views from battlements.
  • Saint Bavo's Cathedral: Stunning Gothic cathedral, a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic architecture. Home to the "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" (Ghent Altarpiece).
  • Belfry of Ghent: A 91-meter-tall medieval bell tower, an UNESCO World Heritage site. A symbol of city autonomy. Ascend for spectacular 360-degree views.
  • Graslei and Korenlei: Historic quays along the Leie River, among the most picturesque spots. Lined with well-preserved medieval guild houses. Ideal for strolling or canal boat tours.

Landmark Details and Visitor Tips

Gravensteen Castle of the Counts

  • Visitor Information: Open daily (check seasonal hours on the official website). Admission approximately €13.
  • An audio guide is available and highly recommended for historical context.
  • Insider Tips: Arrive early to avoid peak crowds. The audio guide, narrated by Belgian comedian Wouter Deprez, presents an entertaining and informative experience.
  • The castle features a torture museum, a grim but informative look at historical justice.

Saint Bavo's Cathedral & Belfry

  • Saint Bavo's: General cathedral entry is free. Altarpiece access requires a ticket (approx. €12.50), often with a VR experience.
  • Insider Tips: Book Altarpiece tickets online beforehand to secure your spot. Dress respectfully.
  • Belfry: Open daily (check hours). Admission approx. €10. An elevator provides access for most of the ascent.
  • Insider Tips: Combine your visit with the Cloth Hall at its base. Views are impressive at sunset or sunrise, though tower hours may differ.

Graslei & Korenlei: Open 24/7, free access. Visit in late afternoon or early evening when lights illuminate buildings.

Saint Nicholas' Church

  • One of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in Ghent.
  • A beautiful example of Scheldt Gothic architecture, known for its robust central tower.
  • Open daily (check hours). Free entry.
  • Located next to the Belfry and Saint Bavo's Cathedral, part of the iconic "three towers" view. Step inside for its grand interior and stained glass.

General Sightseeing Tips

  • CityCard Gent:

    Consider purchasing the CityCard Gent. It covers public transport and museum entries, for convenience and savings.

  • Walking City:

    Ghent's city center is compact and walkable. Wear comfortable shoes.

  • Boat Tours:

    A canal boat tour Offers a distinct perspective of the city's historic facades and waterways.

  • Night Views:

    Ghent's illuminated buildings at night are specifically magical. Stroll along Graslei and Korenlei after dark.

  • Public Transport:

    Trams and buses efficiently link various parts of the city. Useful for longer distances like to the train station or Blaarmeersen.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Ghent presents a diverse range of museums, catering to various interests.

Leading Cultural Spots

  • Museum of Fine Arts (MSK)

    Houses a rich collection of European art from the Middle Ages to mid-20th century, a strong focus on Flemish masters. Highlights include works by Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and French Impressionists.

  • S.M.A.K. (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst)

    Ghent's municipal museum of contemporary art, featuring a dynamic collection of post-1945 art. It presents thought-provoking exhibitions.

  • STAM (Ghent City Museum)

    Located in the renovated Bijloke Abbey, STAM tells Ghent's story through interactive exhibits. A comprehensive overview of the city's development.

  • Design Museum Gent

    Explores product design, industrial design, and applied arts from the 17th century to the present day. Features historical and contemporary pieces.

  • House of Alijn (Huis van Alijn)

    A charming folk museum offering a glimpse into everyday life and customs of the 20th century in Flanders. It evokes a sense of nostalgia.

  • Dr. Guislain Museum

    Located in a former psychiatric hospital, this museum explores the history of psychiatry and mental health, as well as art brut. It presents an unique experience.

Special Exhibits

Check individual museum websites for current temporary exhibitions and events. The CityCard Gent often includes free entry to these museums.

Museum Pass

Consider a museum pass for widespread access. It covers many attractions and often saves money if you visit several sites.

Online Booking

For popular exhibitions or specific time slots, booking tickets online beforehand is a good idea to avoid queues.

Historical Sites

Ghent's history unfolds through its well-preserved districts and ancient structures.

  • Patershol: A wonderfully preserved medieval quarter. Its narrow, cobbled streets and historic houses create an immersive atmosphere. Now known for its numerous restaurants, it retains historic charm.
  • Old Fish Market (Oude Vismijn): A beautiful baroque building from the 17th century. Formerly a bustling fish market, it now houses a restaurant and the local tourist information office.
  • Guild Houses along Graslei & Korenlei: These magnificent buildings show the city's rich mercantile history. The Guild House of the Free Boatmen, the Grain Weighers' House, and the Coopers' House, each with unique architectural details.

Natural Attractions

Ghent integrates green spaces and waterways into its urban fabric, offering natural respites.

Find tranquil escapes and picturesque views amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Parks and Gardens

Green spaces for relaxation and leisurely strolls.

Green Areas

  • Citadel Park: Ghent's largest city park. It holds the MSK and S.M.A.K. Museums and a pleasant place for a stroll or picnic.
  • Leopoldpark: A smaller, charming park near the university, popular with students and locals.
  • Plantentuin (Ghent University Botanical Garden): A beautiful and diverse botanical collection, a tranquil environment for plant enthusiasts.

Waterways and Recreation

Explore Ghent's connection to water and outdoor activities.

Aquatic and Riverside Spots

  • Blaarmeersen: A large recreational domain on the outskirts. A lake for swimming during summer, sports facilities, and green spaces. Accessible by public transport for an urban escape.
  • Rivers & Canals: Ghent defines itself by its rivers (Leie, Scheldt) and intricate canal system. Boat tours are the way to experience these waterways and see the city from a different angle.
  • Beaches, Lakes: Ghent itself does not have beaches. Blaarmeersen provides a lake suitable for swimming during summer, a beach-like experience.

Scenic Viewpoints

Capture breathtaking panoramas of the city.

Best Vistas

  • Belfry: Presents the best panoramic views of the city.
  • Gravensteen Castle: Gives excellent views from its ramparts.
  • St. Michael's Bridge (Sint-Michielsbrug): An iconic spot for photographers, the classic view of the "three towers" and picturesque Graslei/Korenlei.
  • Wildlife Viewing Areas: Limited within the immediate city center. Blaarmeersen and other outer parks may present opportunities for birdlife observation.

Religious & Industrial Heritage

Further historical sites beyond the main attractions.

Other Sites to Explore

  • Augustinian Monastery (Augustijnenklooster): A historic monastery, now part of the university. Calm courtyards for a peaceful escape.
  • Religious and Spiritual Sites: Beyond Saint Bavo's and Saint Nicholas' Church, visit Saint Michael's Church (Sint-Michielskerk) for its grand interior and art collection, including a painting by Van Dyck.
  • Industrial and Military Heritage: Ghent's past as an industrial textile center leaves traces. Some repurposed industrial buildings now house creative businesses or residential lofts, showing the city's evolution.

Hidden Gems

Artistic and Peaceful Escapes

  • Werregarenstraatje (Graffiti Alley): A legal street art alley where artists freely spray paint. Art changes constantly, a dynamic, colorful visual experience, unique in Belgium.
  • Klein Begijnhof & Groot Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth: UNESCO World Heritage sites. Peaceful, picturesque communities historically for beguines. Small Beguinage closer to center, Grand Beguinage larger, a serene escape.
  • Oud Begraafpark (Old Cemetery Park): A serene, historic cemetery transformed into a park. A tranquil escape for quiet contemplation amidst old graves and mature trees.

Historical Curiosities

  • Dulle Griet (Mad Meg): A massive medieval cannon in a small square near Vrijdagmarkt. An impressive piece of historical artillery and a photo opportunity, a sense of Ghent's past military might.
  • Prinsenhof (Prince's Court): Former residence of Charles V. Today, a quiet residential area with remnants of original palace walls and atmospheric streets. A peaceful walk away from crowds.

Hidden Gems

Venture off the main tourist paths to discover Ghent's less-known but equally captivating spots.

Graffiti Alley

Werregarenstraatje is a legal street art alley where artists freely spray paint. The art changes constantly, a dynamic and colorful visual experience unique in Belgium.

The Beguinages

Klein Begijnhof and Groot Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth are UNESCO World Heritage sites. These peaceful, picturesque communities were historically for beguines, offering a serene escape.

Dulle Griet Mad Meg

A massive medieval cannon in a small square near Vrijdagmarkt. An impressive piece of historical artillery and a photo opportunity, showing Ghent's past military might.

More Local Secrets

Prinsenhof Prince's Court

The former residence of Charles V. Today, a quiet residential area with remnants of the original palace walls and atmospheric streets.

Explore the area's history

Oud Begraafpark Old Cemetery Park

A serene and historic cemetery transformed into a park. A tranquil escape for quiet contemplation amidst old graves and mature trees.

Find a peaceful spot

Augustinian Monastery

A historic monastery, now part of the university. Its calm courtyards offer a peaceful escape from the city buzz.

Monastic Tranquility

  • Discover its historical significance.
  • Open to visitors during specific hours.
  • Enjoy the serene courtyards.

Saint Michael's Church

A grand interior with an impressive art collection, including a painting by Van Dyck. A significant religious site.

Art and Architecture

  • Admire the grand architectural style.
  • View distinguished artworks within.
  • A place for quiet contemplation.
  • Check for specific visiting hours.

Plan your museum visits strategically.

Many museums are closed on Mondays, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Verify opening times on official websites before your visit.

Hidden Gems

Venture off the main tourist paths to discover Ghent's less-known but equally captivating spots.

The Beguinages

Both Klein Begijnhof and Groot Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Peaceful Communities

  • These picturesque communities were historically inhabited by beguines.
  • They offer a peaceful, serene escape from the urban environment.
  • The Small Beguinage is closer to the center, while the Grand Beguinage is larger and more complete.

Dulle Griet Mad Meg

A massive medieval cannon located in a small square near Vrijdagmarkt.

Historical Artillery

  • An impressive piece of historical artillery.
  • Presents a fascinating photo opportunity.
  • Evokes a sense of Ghent's past military might.

Werregarenstraatje

Known as Graffiti Alley, a legal street art spot where artists freely express themselves with spray paint.

Dynamic Art Scene

  • The art changes constantly, a dynamic visual experience.
  • A unique and colorful spectacle in Belgium.
  • Great for photos and observing street art in action.

This ever-changing canvas is a testament to Ghent's urban art culture.

Prinsenhof

The former residence of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Today, a quiet residential area.

Royal Remnants

  • Remnants of the original palace walls are still visible.
  • Offers a peaceful walk away from the bustling crowds.

Explore the atmospheric streets for a sense of historical grandeur in a residential setting.

Oud Begraafpark

An old cemetery transformed into a tranquil park, offering an unique blend of history and nature.

Serene Escape

  • A serene and historic park for quiet contemplation.
  • Wander amidst old graves and mature trees.
  • A peaceful spot for reflection.

Discover a lesser-known green space that combines history with natural beauty.

Ghent's Unique Character

Medieval Charm

The city's compact center retains its medieval layout, making exploration easy and atmospheric.

Street Art

Beyond the official Graffiti Alley, keep an eye out for diverse street art throughout the city.

Canal-side Views

The waterways are central to Ghent's beauty; a boat tour or a stroll along the quays offers spectacular perspectives.

Photography Tip

For classic Ghent photos, position yourself on St. Michael's Bridge for the iconic "three towers" view, especially at twilight.