If you want to explore Ghent in a few hours, this a perfect visit guide for one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium.
Ghent is the provincial capital of East Flanders and Belgium’s third largest city, after Brussels and Antwerp. During the Late Middle Ages, Ghent grew to be one of northern Europe’s largest and richest cities, with a population of almost 50,000 in 1300. Ghent declined in importance after the end of the 16th century, leaving an extremely well-preserved mediaeval core that is now a popular tourist destination.
In the present era, Ghent has reclaimed its economic significance and has an excellent university that draws students from all across Europe. Because of this, it has a vitality and strength that other Belgian cities lack. This influx of students contributes to a vibrant cultural scene, fostering innovation and creativity throughout the city. In this sense, it is a must-see location that perfectly combines the modern with the classic.
The perfect guide to a few-hour visit in Ghent
Ghent is situated halfway between Brussels and Bruges. These cities are two of the most visited tourist destinations in Belgium. As a result, a lot of travellers only visit it briefly or skip it entirely. If you just have a few hours, you can use our guide to plan a perfect visit and make the most of every moment, even if the city really needs two or three days to fully explore.
Belfort and Sint-Baafsplein
From Sint-Baafsplein, we will start our brief tour of Ghent’s historic centre. This spot sits in the centre of Ghent and is unquestionably the city’s most striking square. Here, the three sides of the square are adorned with three buildings that are significant to the city’s life: Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, the mighty Belfort, and the magnificent Civic Theatre. Additionally, the square is encircled by numerous charming cafes and restaurants as well as elaborate building facades.
Standing 91 metres tall, the Belfort is a unique landmark for the city. Originally constructed in 1313, it underwent renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries. The building is available to the public, and a lift takes you to a platform 65 metres above the ground where you can take in the cityscape. The Belfort is adjacent to the Cloth Hall, a stunning Flemish-Gothic structure that served as the hub of the city’s cloth trade during the mediaeval period.
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
Across the square, the city’s magnificent cathedral undoubtedly commands attention and establishes its presence. Because it was constructed in phases, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint Baafskathedraal) has elements of Gothic art and architecture from distinct periods. The church’s vastness, striking stained glass windows, and intricate sculptures all make an impression on guests. However, the artwork shown in a tiny side chapel is what distinguishes the church and is motivation enough for visiting it.
And this work of art is none other than “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” (aka The Ghent Altarpiece). It is a monumental multi-panel altarpiece by Jan van Eyck, the first of the great early Flemish painters, and his lesser-known brother, Hubrecht. It is regarded as the most significant Renaissance artwork in Northern Europe and was finished in 1432. The painters used innovative techniques to create this one-of-a-kind painting that impresses the people for hundreds of years. In addition, it represents the ultimate manifestation of the Christian religion’s core values. After completion, the piece was at risk of being destroyed and was stolen multiple times before it was finally placed in the chapel, concealing an amazing past.
We advise you to use the official website to buy your tickets in advance for the visit to the Ghent Altarpiece.
Saint Nicholas’ Church and Korenmarkt
As you continue onwards behind the Belfort, you will come to a lovely garden with the church of Saint Nicholas (Sint Niklaaskerk) towering above it. The merchants of the city worshipped their patron saint at this church. Constructed during the 13th and 15th centuries, it is a quintessential example of the rigid Scheldt Gothic architectural style. The church’s interior features striking architecture but sparse ornamentation due to Protestant destruction in 1566.
The magnificent Korenmarkt starts directly in front of Saint Nicholas. Grain arrived in the city along the Scheldt and Lys rivers, and it was exchanged here almost a millennium ago. Because of this, Korenmarkt developed into Ghent’s commercial centre during the Middle Ages. Later, postal coaches started arriving and departing from the square. As a result, in the beginning of the 20th century, the large post-office building was built here. This architectural marvel has been repurposed into a hotel, bar and business complex.
Saint Michael’s Bridge
Immediately after Korenmarkt, you will see the majestic and picturesque Saint Michael’s Bridge (Sint-Michielsbrug) across the Lys River. The current stone bridge was constructed between 1905 and 1909, following the completion of the post office building, to replace a previous turntable. In the middle of the bridge, there is a symbolic lamp with a bronze statue of Saint Michael.
Aside from the amazing structure, what leaves every visitor stunned is the spectacular outlook. One of the most iconic views of the city is the vista from the bridge, which looks both towards the cathedral and across the river. The view towards the Graslei and Korenlei, in particular, is like opening a window into time, revealing mediaeval Ghent, the renowned commercial city, in all its magnificence.
Graslei and Korenlei
Going down the stairs from the stone bridge, the most impressive aspect of the city unfolds in front of you: the two banks of the Lys, Graslei and Korenlei, that meet at the modest Grasbrug Bridge. We could call this Ghent’s living room, with majestic structures and elaborate facades taking the stage. This was formerly the lively and busy port of the city, where ships loaded and unloaded their valuable cargo. Among the buildings of many wealthy merchants and professional societies, the Cooremetershuys, now an accessories store, stands out in Graslei. During the Middle Ages, the official maize measurer reigned over the grain trade from this building.
The entirely renovated facade of the Guild House of the Free Sailors is also highly noteworthy. This edifice has received significant investment over the years, and this is evident in its elaborate decorations. In Korenlei, two elegant gilded swans glide in opposite directions along the restored facade of the Mariott hotel. The one swan swimming to the left used to represent women, while the other swan swimming to the right represented alcohol, and the depiction makes you wonder about the initial use of this building.
On the banks of the river at both ends of Grasbrug Bridge, you can take boats to go touring on the city’s canals.
Groentenmarkt
Just a few hundred metres from the Grasbrug Bridge and following the Pensmarkt, you will find yourself at the Groentenmarkt. Nothing in the current appearance of the square bears witness to the beginning of its history as a place of executions. The course of the square changed in the 19th century when a water pump was placed in its centre. It is shaped like an obelisk and has two semi-circular water reservoirs which used to hold the water that was pumped up via a manual mechanism. The pump was placed on the square for the vegetable hawkers who sold their goods here. Hence the name “Groentenmarkt”, which means “vegetable market”.
However, the square is also home to the city’s two distinct gastronomic gems. The first is the genuine sweet cuberdons sold in distinctive colourful stalls, while the second is Tierenteyn mustard. Tierenteyn shop sells authentic Ghent mustard, which has a history dating back to 1818. The shop on the square, which has maintained its interior unchanged since 1860, sells the company’s famed products, which include pickles, dressings, and vinaigrettes in addition to refined and spicy mustard variants.
Gravensteen
Leaving the square and crossing the bridge at the northwest end, you will find yourself in front of Gravensteen‘s magnificently maintained castle. The enormous stone castle originally served as the Flemish seat. It was built in 1100, although the majority of its parts have been added since then.
Following the fall of the counts, the castle served as a garrison, prison and cotton mill. To see and explore its interior and walls, you must pay an entrance fee (historischehuizen.stad.gent). The upper floors of the castle also host a large collection of mediaeval torture instruments.
The finest spot to see the castle in all of its glory is from the Hoofdbrug Bridge.
Patershol
The Patershol neighbourhood is located opposite the castle entrance, north of the Kraanlei riverbank. The charming lanes and low brick homes were built in the 17th century to accommodate weavers working in the city’s cotton mills. Following a period of decline from the 1980s to the present, the region has emerged as a popular destination for luxury restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Huis van Alijn, the city’s best folklore museum, is located also here amid a row of whitewashed buildings that were originally used as a children’s hospital. The hospital was established in 1363 as an act of penance by the Rijm family for the murder of two members of the rival Alijn family.
Dulle Griet
Returning to the opposite side of the city from Patershol through Zuivelbrug Bridge, you will notice the large red cannon named Dulle Griet. It is painted red because it is also known as the “great red devil”, and its story began in 1578, when it arrived in Ghent to enhance its defences.
Graffiti Street
Ghent is generally graffiti-friendly. The city devised an ingenious plan in 1995 to establish the country’s first legal graffiti street on Werregarenstraatje. From the Dulle Griet, take Langemunt and turn left onto Onderstraat. On this street, seek for the small opening on the right that leads to the vibrant Graffiti Street. As you go down the street, a world of hues and images will surround you. It is a free-spirited environment that changes every day as street artists paint their works and messages on the walls, covering up the previous ones. There is only one unwritten rule: “Don’t cover up the work of the previous one if yours isn’t better.”
Ghent City Hall
After leaving Graffiti Street and immediately turning left onto Hoogpoort, the City Hall should be the final stop on the way back to where we started on Sint-Baafsplein. This intriguing building is divided into two sections, making it a fascinating sight. The facade on the Hoogpoort side displays the spectacular Late Gothic style from the early 16th century. This style contrasts sharply with the Renaissance style on the Botermarkt side. In addition to the city hall, this is where you will find Café Den Turk, the city’s oldest cafe.
Gastronomic delights in the centre of Ghent
These are four gastronomic treasures that you can experience during your tour of the city centre.
Cuberdons
As previously pointed out, cuberdons are a traditional Ghent confection available at stalls on Groentenmarkt square as well as in various local businesses. Because of their conical appearance, they are sometimes called neuzekes (little noses). They’re basically raspberry-flavoured, with a candy crust and syrupy filling. The recipe for cuberdon was found by chance by a Ghent chemist looking for a means to extend the shelf life of his medications. It is a delicacy that you must experience and will astound you with its uniqueness.
Chocolate
Belgian chocolate is regarded as one of the greatest in the world, and Belgian chocolateries are renowned for the quality of their goods. Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke is widely regarded as Ghent’s best chocolaterie. Two generations of chocolate producers sell the best traditional Belgian chocolates at their stores in Ghent’s mediaeval city core. During your tour, you will pass by their most popular store, right next to Belfort (Sint-Baafsplein 15), which sells a wide range of products and serves an unforgettable hot chocolate drink.
Frites
Fried fries (called frites in Belgium), as well as mussels, can be considered the national dishes of the Belgians. Despite their international name, French fries are a Belgian invention, and in every corner of the country you will find all kinds of shops serving them. There are two places to get really good frites in Ghent’s centre, notably Groentenmarkt. One is a little local shop called Frituur Bij Filip, which only sells takeaway, and the other is a restaurant from the well-known Frites Atelier brand.
If you choose Frites Atelier, you should definitely try the potatoes served with their Flemish stew.
Soups
For the people of Ghent, soups are both a primary meal and a favourite snack. There are eateries in the city that serve exclusively soups. Patershol’s Souplounge (Zuivelbrugstraat 4) is a quaint restaurant. Four varieties of delicious handmade soups are available each day, along with bread, a piece of fruit, and delectable toppings. For an informal lunch with the locals, it’s the ideal spot.
A visit to the past with an eye to the future
Although a few hours in this lovely city is insufficient, this guide will give you an adequate overview of it. Ghent will not disappoint any visitor with its one-of-a-kind mediaeval centre and stunning structures nestled amid gorgeous canals. Although history and tradition are everywhere, Ghent is a modern, vibrant and dynamic city very well organised. Modern shops, trendy cafes, and lively eateries seamlessly blend with the ancient architecture, creating an atmosphere that is both charming and invigorating.
Whether you’re wandering through the cobbled streets or enjoying a boat tour along the canals, Ghent offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to return. A tour of the city is a visit to the past with an eye on the future.
