Often overlooked in favour of popular destinations such as Bruges and Brussels, Ghent is a stunning Belgian city with so much to offer. Spending one day in Ghent is the perfect addition to your Belgium itinerary and a great way to get off the beaten tourist track in Europe.
Nestled along scenic canals, this charming city boasts impressive medieval architecture and vibrant marketplaces. Begin your journey at the iconic Gravensteen Castle, a medieval masterpiece that offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
Meander through cobbled streets to St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the world-renowned Ghent Altarpiece. Immerse yourself in local life at Graslei and Korenlei, canal-side hubs lined with bustling cafes and boutiques.
From historical wonders to delicious cuisine (hello Belgian waffles!), you are bound to fall in love with Ghent as much as I did. This 1-day itinerary for Ghent will take you through all of the must-see attractions, ensuring you don’t miss any of the city’s top highlights!
In this guide I’ve covered everything you need to know to plan the ideal one day in Ghent, from where to eat and drink to where to stay and the best tours to book. So let’s dive in and discover how to make the most of your limited time in Ghent!
Important Information to Plan the Perfect Day in Ghent
Top Rated Tours and Tickets for One Day in Ghent
If you’re short on time and you’re hoping to see the best highlights of Ghent in just a few hours, then joining a tour is the best way to go. See a few of Ghent’s most popular city tours below.
2 Hour Walking Tour of Ghent’s Highlights
If you want to get an overview of Ghent’s top attractions in a short period of time, this tour is the perfect solution for you. A local guide will take you on an informative walking tour passing by the most famous landmarks of the city while sharing insider’s tips and historic facts along the way.
For those who want something a little different than your standard walking tour, why not try a bike tour instead? This highly-rated tour of Ghent will take you past all of the city’s top highlights while also including some off the beaten path spots.
This fun and educational tour will give you a different perspective of Ghent through the eyes of a local as you whiz through the scenic streets on a mountain bike.
The 2.5 hour urban bike tour includes bike rental, helmet, water bottle, rain jacket (if necessary) and a polaroid picture to remember the fun experience!
This iconic experience ranks as one of the top things to do in Ghent in one day. If there’s only one tour to pick, let it be this one. Sit back and relax as you float along the picturesque canals of Ghent, taking in the awe-inspiring scenes of the medieval center.
The boat tour glides underneath old bridges and passes by the most beautiful churches while your guide shares fascinating stories to accompany the journey.
The tour is offered in several different languages, see the link below for more info and to book your boat tour ahead of time (it gets very busy during high season).
If you’re planning to be based in Brussels and looking to explore more of Belgium with limited time, look no further. This popular day trip allows you to tick off two of Belgium’s most famous historic cities in one jam-packed day of sightseeing.
With a knowledgeable tour guide to lead the way and every detail planned out for you, all you have to do is show up and enjoy the day. The tour lasts for 10.5 hours and includes walking tours in both cities, transportation to all destinations, and an optional boat tour along the canals.
Ghent is easily accessible by train from pretty much anywhere in Belgium. It’s located between Bruges and Brussels making it very easy to reach in just 30 minutes from both cities.
Getting to Ghent from Antwerp is also an easy route and takes around one hour by train. Plan your journey by checking the train schedule and getting your tickets ahead of time.
Of course renting a car and driving to Ghent is also an option. Either way, Ghent makes an excellent addition to your Belgium itinerary and you’re bound to fall in love with this city as much as I did!
I loved this traditional bar with over 500 beers! Dulle Griet
Best Time to Visit Ghent
Ghent is an awesome destination to visit year round. It is typically less touristy than Bruges and Brussels so if you’re looking for a stunning city with less crowds, add Ghent to your Belgium itinerary!
While the weather is best from June – September, this is also peak tourist season so you can expect the streets to be busier during these months. Always come prepared for rain though, Belgian weather can be unpredictable at any time of year.
Are you traveling to Belgium in July? Be sure to catch the Ghent Festival for an exciting cultural experience. If you’re lucky enough to visit Ghent in December, you’ll be able to attend the Ghent Christmas Markets which take place every year in the heart of the medieval center.
Consider visiting Ghent during May/June or September for the best sightseeing experience and a higher chance of nice weather.
Exploring the scenic Korenlei quay
Packing Checklist for Your 1-Day Ghent Itinerary
Day pack – A good day pack is a must-have for your full day trip to Ghent.
Good walking shoes – This Ghent itinerary involves a fair amount of walking so be sure to have a pair of comfortable shoes.
Portable charger – It will be a long day and there will be many beautiful sites to capture so make sure your phone stays fully charged.
Travel Tripod – If you’re traveling solo (or as a couple), taking a phone tripod is the best way to get good shots in the city without asking a stranger. These are small, quick to set up and ensure that you’ll always get the photos you want without relying on other people!
Sunglasses – You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors so make sure to protect your eyes from the harsh sun.
Sunscreen – As mentioned above, keep yourself protected from the sun if you’re visiting Ghent during summer!
Umbrella – The weather in Belgium is unpredictable so don’t forget to bring a compact travel umbrella.
Rain jacket – As stated above, the weather in Belgium can change quickly no matter the season, it’s always best to come prepared.
Taste delicious Belgian beers during your day in Ghent
Where to Stay in Ghent
For ease of sightseeing, booking your hotel in a central location of the city is best. This way you will be within walking distance of the best cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions of Ghent. Find a few of the top-rated Ghent accommodations in each price range below.
Budget
Hostel Uppelink – Situated in a prime location right next to Saint Michael’s Bridge, this cosy hostel is the perfect choice for the budget conscious traveller. You’ll wake up in the heart of Ghent with all of the attractions, restaurants and cafes right at your doorstep.
Midrange
Hotel Chamade – This highly-rated hotel is located just outside of the the city center. Conveniently, the tram stops right in front of Hotel Chamade and it’s only 5 stops away from the heart of Ghent.
Luxury
B&B The Verhaegen – Stay inside a luxurious 18th-century mansion not far from the historical center. Each room features unique decorations and a large comfortable bed. The private garden offers the perfect oasis to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Are you travelling to Belgium from overseas? If you are, then you’ll need to get travel insurance before you go.
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Ghent is a very walkable city with all of the main attractions located fairly close together in the historic center. By following this 1-day Ghent itinerary, you’ll be able to maximise your time and have an enjoyable day of sightseeing.
With one day in Ghent you will get to see all of the city’s top highlights, try a few different restaurants/pubs and spend some time browsing the shops.
Whether you are taking a day trip to Ghent or spending the night, one day in Ghent is the ideal amount of time.
Most tourists visiting Belgium make it a priority to see the fairy tale city of Bruges, Ghent’s neighbour to the west. Don’t get me wrong I love Bruges, it’s absolutely beautiful!
However Bruges has become so popular and so busy that it can be hard to even walk through the narrow streets during the summer. The queues for attractions are very long and the restaurants are incredibly crowded.
If you’re travelling to Belgium during peak season, I would highly recommend visiting Ghent instead. Ghent is just as charming with a fraction of the crowds! In terms of beauty, history and overall vibe I found Ghent to be just as impressive as Bruges.
With its majestic castle, picturesque canals, quaint old pubs and fascinating history, Ghent is definitely worth visiting.
Postcard worthy views around every corner in Ghent
Historic Facts and Info About Ghent
Medieval Prosperity: Ghent was founded in the 7th century and rapidly grew into one of Europe’s most prosperous cities during the Middle Ages thanks to its bustling trade and textile industry.
Historic Capital: Ghent is the second largest city in the Flanders region of Belgium after Antwerp. It’s also one of the oldest cities in Belgium giving it the title of “historic capital of Flanders”.
Medieval Fortress: The iconic Gravensteen Castle, often referred to as the “Castle of the Counts,” was constructed in the 12th century by Philip of Alsace, the Count of Flanders. It served as a symbol of the count’s power and authority.
Ghent Festival: The Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten) is a lively cultural event that has been held annually in July since 1843, attracting thousands of visitors with music, theatre, street performances, and more.
Ghent Altarpiece: Created by Jan and Hubert van Eyck in the 15th century, the Ghent Altarpiece is a renowned multi-panelled painting which is currently housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. It is considered a masterpiece of European art.
Enjoying a sunny day of sightseeing in Ghent
Ghent 1-day Itinerary Map
Below is a map of all the best places to visit in Ghent in one day. Luckily Ghent is a very compact city which means you don’t have to worry about catching trains or buses to travel between attractions.
Simply follow the stops on this map that I created to make the most of your one day in Ghent. To view the map in a larger screen, click the button on the top right corner to open a new window and see all of the attractions listed in order.
How to Spend One Day in Ghent – The Best Things to do in Ghent in One Day
Start Your Day at Gravensteen
Aim to start your day at one of Ghent’s most popular tourist attractions: the striking Gravensteen Castle. Located alongside one of Ghent’s canals, this medieval wonder resembles a scene from a fairy tale.
Gravensteen is also known as the Castle of the Counts and has a turbulent history that goes all the way back to the 12th century. If you want to learn more, you can tour the castle with an audio-guide that’s included in the price of your ticket.
If you choose to enter the castle, keep in mind it will take at least an hour out of your day in Ghent. In my opinion, it is worthwhile to learn more about the castle and city’s dark history during the middle ages.
My favourite part of visiting Gravensteen was the epic panoramic view of Ghent that can be seen from the top of the castle.
Tickets: €13/ adult, €2.70/students, free/12 yrs and under
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Explore the awe-inspiring Gravensteen Castle
Wander Through Graffiti Street
Next up on your Ghent itinerary is only a 5 minute walk from Gravensteen and it won’t take much time out of your day. If you’re a fan of street art, don’t miss Graffiti Street which is located in a small alley called Werregarenstraat.
The artwork on this street is ever-changing with new designs being added to the walls each week. A short stop to admire the vibrant street art and snap a few colourful photos is all you need before continuing your tour of Ghent.
