Weekend getaway Ghent
City trip Ghent with Eurostar or Intercity Brussels
- From € 32 one-way trip with Intercity Brussels
- From € 37 one-way trip with Eurostar
- In less than 3 hours in the heart of Ghent
- Comfortable travel and arrive well-rested
Weekend getaway Ghent with the train
Ghent is a great destination for a weekend break close to home. In the historic city centre you can stroll through narrow alleyways and charming squares. Each building is more beautiful than the next! Moreover, Ghent is bursting with shops, places of interest and tasty addresses. What more could you ask for? A citytrip in Ghent is more than worth it.
Graslei and Korenlei
The entire inner city is beautiful, but, without a doubt, the most beautiful part is the area around the Graslei and Korenlei. In this former harbour area there are historic buildings that mirror the Lys. It's the place to sit down on a terrace or make a selfie at the quay during a weekend in Ghent. You can, of course, also view the Graslei and Korenlei from a canal boat.
The Castle of the Counts
A sight not to be missed during your citytrip in Ghent is The Castle of the Counts. This massive castle stands in the middle of the city centre. In the Middle Ages, it was better to stay away from it: terrible instruments of torture awaited people there, such as thumbscrews or the forgetful well. Don't worry, now you'll be welcomed with open arms.
The home of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
St Bavo's Cathedral, in the heart of Ghent, will catch your eye from afar. Plan a moment during your weekend break to admire the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb at the church. This impressive alterpiece was painted on oak panels by the van Eyck brothers. A world-famous masterpiece!
Shopping in Ghent
Shopaholics face a challenge here, because Ghent has the largest shopping and walking area in Belgium. Make a killing during your weekend! Are you interested in the bigger chains? Then start in the Veldstraat. For boutiques, go to the Jan Breydelstraat. Do you like antiques? Then visit the antiques market next to the Sint-Jacobskerk.
A neuzeke for the road
Ghent is also a winner in the culinary department. You never have to search long for a restaurant or café. During your weekend break, try a local dish such as Gentse Waterzooi (a soup that’s a complete meal) or Gentse stoverij (a local meat stew). Prefer candy? Then buy a neuzeke!
Ghent Festivities in July
Every year, the city turns upside down at the Ghent Festivities. During the second half of July, the city hosts a grand 10-day festival. There are performances throughout the city with music, street theatre, fair, parades. In short: party!
Tips to book cheap traintickets
For Intercity Brussels you can buy tickets from 180 days before departure. Up until 3 days before departure, you are able to buy our Early Bird tickets: tickets with a significant discount. The availability is limited.
General tips for getting the cheapest tickets
- Book as early as possibly to have the most chance of getting the cheapest tickets.
- Travelling in the evening is often cheaper.
- For a weekend getaway, travel Sat-Sun-Mon instead of Fri-Sat-Sun.
- Book online to avoid booking fee.
Weekend getaway Ghent
The 8 best museums in Ghent
Are you interested in art, industry, history or science? Ghent has museums in each field.
Hotels in Ghent
Spend the night in the centre of Ghent and choose a boutique hotel, a luxury spa hotel or a friendly hostel.
Tips Ghent
These 10 tips will make sure you have the best city trip to Ghent and not miss a thing.
Walking tours Ghent
If you want to celebrate life, go to Ghent. Centuries-old guild houses adorn the historic city centre.
Day out Ghent
Read our tips to make the most of your day out to Ghent.
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.
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.