10 tips for a city trip to Ghent
Tips for a weekend in Ghent
Visit a trendy food market
Lovers of trendy food outlets will be in for a treat. In Ghent, you will find several indoor food markets in authentic locations with organic products, exotic street food and traditionally brewed beers. Stroll through the daily fresh food market CRU or taste locally brewed beers and finger food in Hall 16, located in an old warehouse at the port.
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Dine vegetarian in Europe's veggie capital
Did you know that proportionally Ghent has more vegan and vegetarian restaurants than major cities like Paris or London? Taste the culinary arts with animal-friendly ingredients by award-winning chef Vrijmoed in the two-star restaurant of the same name. Or be surprised at De Appelier, which daily serves new fresh vegetarian day-specials.
Dining out in Ghent: tips for the best restaurants
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Local tip: beer tasting at a brewery
Be surprised by the rich selection of Belgian beers in the vibrant city of Ghent. Taste different types of beer and learn more about the brewing process on a tour of one of the local breweries. A must when visiting Ghent: the city brewery Gruut, where they do not brew with hops but with herbs.
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Take a historic city walk
During your city break in Ghent, a historic city walk is a must. After all, Ghent has a rich history dating back to the year 630. In the historical city centre, stroll through the winding streets of the Patershol, admire St Bavo's Cathedral, climb the steps of the Belfry and enjoy views over the entire city. Discover the most beautiful walking routes in Ghent here
Admire street art on your city break
Ghent is a trendy city of culture and this is reflected in the colourful artworks scattered all over the city. The street is a canvas for street artists, who are more than welcome here. The Flemish city even developed the Sorry, Not Sorry Street Art map, where you can discover the most beautiful graffiti artworks via different routes.
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Day of culture at the arts centre VIERNULVIER
Are you looking for art and culture tips for your weekend break in Ghent? Then check out the current programme of arts centre VIERNULVIER. This vibrant cultural hub is located in the 100-year-old monument De Vooruit and offers numerous cultural events such as theatre, dance, concerts, lectures, art and a lively café.
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Contemporary art at the SMAK
Lovers of contemporary art cannot skip the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK) during their weekend in Ghent. Besides a permanent collection of top national and international works from pop art, minimal art and conceptual art, the museum also changes artworks by eccentric contemporary artists from all over the world every three months.
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Surrounding Saint-Jacobs: fashion and vintage shops
For unique and artistic shops, the lively Rond Sint-Jacobs neighbourhood is the place to be. This charming neighbourhood is full of unusual shops selling fashion, design and vintage. You will also frequently come across quirky art galleries here. A tip for the weekend: on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you can browse the second-hand and antique market here.
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Highly recommended: cruising on the River Lys
You can also experience the beauty of this vibrant Flemish city from the water. Rent your own boat and explore the best places in Ghent. Or enjoy a fully catered package where you can enjoy a carefree cruise. Do you prefer a more active cruise? You can also discover Ghent by kayak or canoe.
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Weekend getaway: charming accommodation
End your weekend in Ghent with this final tip: a magical overnight stay in the charming and luxurious boat Juno Boat. The boat has three bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace and a cozy patio where you overlook the river Leie. Just steps away, you will find the Citadel Park where many leading museums are located. This central location makes it the perfect accommodation for your city break in Ghent.
Find more hotels in Ghent here
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To Ghent by train
Whether you go shopping for a day or visit a few fun museums, the best way to reach Ghent is by train. You have two options when travelling to Ghent: Intercity Brussels and Eurostar.
With Intercity Brussels
With Intercity Brussels, you will travel from Amsterdam Centraal to Ghent in 3.08 hours. The lowest single fare in second class for this route is € 32. Book your ticket at least 3 days in advance to take advantage of the low price of the Early Bird rate. The availability is limited.
With Eurostar
With Eurostar, you will travel from Amsterdam Centraal to Ghent in 2.17 hours. The lowest one-way price in second class for this route is € 37 .
Book from the station nearby. The journey then has a fixed maximum price of € 9 in second class and € 15 in first class. Moreover, you only have to check in once and receive travel information on the entire route. The sooner you book, the cheaper the train tickets. You can book Eurostar 7 months in advance.
Vanaf Amsterdam Centraal bent u met Eurostar in 2.17 uur in Gent. De laagste prijs voor een enkeltje in de tweede klas is voor dit traject € 37 .
Tips Ghent
Day out Ghent
Read our tips to make the most of your day out to Ghent.
Restaurants in Ghent
If you are ready for a bite to eat, these tips will help you know where to find the best restaurants in Ghent.
The 8 best museums in Ghent
Are you interested in art, industry, history or science? Ghent has museums in each field.
Shops in Ghent
A day of shopping in Ghent never gets boring, so it's smart to know where the best places to be are.
Walking tours Ghent
If you want to celebrate life, go to Ghent. Centuries-old guild houses adorn the historic city centre.
Weekend getaway Ghent
Ghent is a great destination for a weekend getaway close to home. In the city centre, you can stroll through narrow alleyways and across charming squares.
Take the train to a castle
Feel like an emperor, king or knight for a day... Visit a castle or palace across the border.
Hotels in Ghent
Spend the night in the centre of Ghent and choose a boutique hotel, a luxury spa hotel or a friendly hostel.