Ghent Attractions: A Detailed City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Ghent is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and has been a popular destination for tourists for centuries. Located in the Flemish region of Belgium, this city is full of history, culture, art, and nightlife. With its cobblestone streets and picturesque canals, Ghent is a city unlike any other.

Ghent has been around since the Middle Ages and has a rich history of trading and commerce. In the Middle Ages, Ghent was known as the “capital” of the Low Countries, and it was an important center for the wool trade. In the 19th century, Ghent’s economy shifted towards manufacturing and industry, with textile production and printing being some of the most important industries. Today, Ghent is a thriving city with a vibrant culture and a unique identity.

Ghent is home to a population of approximately 260,000 people and is Belgium’s second largest city after Brussels. It is a major port city on the River Schelde, and is well-connected to the rest of Europe by train, bus, and air. The city is also home to several universities, making it a popular destination for students.

Ghent is also known for its art and culture. The city has an impressive selection of museums and galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of History, and the Stadshal Ghent (City Hall). The city also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, such as the Ghent Music Festival and the Ghent Jazz Festival. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s charming cobblestone streets and canals.

Ghent is also well-known for its nightlife. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from. The city is also home to several unique bars and pubs that offer unique experiences.

When it comes to sightseeing, Ghent has plenty to offer. The historic center of Ghent is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are many historic monuments and buildings to explore. The Graslei and Korenlei canals are lined with gorgeous medieval buildings, and the Belfort Tower is an iconic sight in the city. Other popular sights include St. Bavo’s Cathedral, St. Nicholas’ Church, and Gravensteen castle.

Ghent is also famous for its food and drink. With its unique location on the Schelde, the city has a long tradition of seafood dishes, such as waterzooi and kreeft. The city is also known for its waffles and chocolates, which are popular treats for locals and visitors alike. There are also many restaurants serving up delicious Belgian cuisine in traditional settings.

Tours in Ghent

When visiting Ghent for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help tourists get to know this beautiful city better, we have compiled two popular tours that will take you through the city’s main attractions.

Ghent City tour

The Ghent City Tour is a great way to explore Ghent’s most famous sights. The tour starts at Gravensteen Castle and continues through the historic center of Ghent. Along the way, you will stop at some of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks, such as St. Bavo’s Cathedral, St. Nicholas’ Church, and Graslei and Korenlei canals. You will also get to explore some of Ghent’s hidden gems, such as the beguinage or Patershol neighborhood. During the tour you will learn about the city’s history from your knowledgeable guide who will share interesting details about Ghent’s past, present, and future.

Book this tour to explore Ghent’s most famous sights with a knowledgeable guide.

Ghent Food Tour

The Ghent Food Tour is a great way to sample some of Ghent’s most beloved dishes. The tour starts at Vrijdagmarkt Square and continues through some of Ghent’s most picturesque streets and canals. You will get to explore some of Ghent’s unique neighborhoods while sampling local delicacies such as waterzooi, kreeft (Flemish lobster), waffles, and chocolate. You will also get to visit some of Ghent’s top restaurants along the way and learn about the city’s culinary culture from your knowledgeable guide.

Book this tour to sample some of Ghent’s most beloved dishes with a knowledgeable guide.

Other Attractions in Ghent

Aside from these two popular tours, there are plenty of other attractions in Ghent to explore.

The Groeningemuseum

The Groeningemuseum is a must-visit attraction in Ghent. This museum houses an impressive collection of 15th century Flemish artworks by some of the most renowned masters of the period such as Jan van Eyck, Hubert van Eyck, Dieric Bouts, Hans Memling, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hugo van der Goes. The museum also houses masterpieces from other European painters such as Albrecht Durer and Pieter Bruegel the Elder as well as some modern works by artists such as Paul Klee and Marc Chagall.

Design Museum Gent

The Design Museum Gent is one of Ghent’s most popular attractions. This museum showcases design from all around the world from various periods in history. The museum houses an impressive collection of furniture, clothing, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, glassware, metalwork, and more from different historical periods such as Ancient Egypt to modern-day designers. Visitors can explore an interactive exhibition that showcases different design trends throughout history as well as an education center where they can learn more about design theory.

STAM – Ghent City Museum

STAM – Ghent City Museum is another popular attraction in Ghent that should not be missed. This museum chronicles the history of Ghent from its earliest days to present day with interactive displays and exhibitions that tell stories about the people who lived in this fascinating city through the centuries. Visitors can also explore several temporary exhibitions throughout the year that showcase different aspects of life in Ghent such as culture, art, history, science, nature, and more.

Conclusion

Ghent is an incredibly beautiful city that has something for everyone to enjoy. From its impressive monuments and museums to its vibrant nightlife scene and delicious local cuisine, there is no shortage of things to explore in this charming Belgian city. And with two popular tours available to take you through some of Ghent’s most iconic sights as well as plenty of other attractions to explore such as museums, galleries, churches, parks, shops and more – there is no shortage of things to do in Ghent!