Is Ghent worth visiting? Everything you need to know about Ghent’s amazing attractions

Ghent is an amazing city located in the Western Flanders region of Belgium. It is known for its historical buildings, stunning architecture, and bustling city life. With its vibrant cultural scene, fine dining and world-renowned art galleries, Ghent is a city that’s worth visiting. In this article, we explore all the best attractions that Ghent has to offer and why it’s such a great place to visit.

What Makes Ghent Unique?

Ghent is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and it has a rich history and culture. Its location on the river Scheldt gives Ghent amazing maritime access, which has allowed it to become an important trading port since the Middle Ages. That heritage is still very much alive today, with the main square of Gravensteen hosting a lively market every week. The city itself is also home to many architectural gems, such as Saint Bavo Cathedral and the City Hall, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The epicenter of Ghent’s culture is its student population, which numbers around 60,000 people. With one of Europe’s oldest universities (the University of Ghent), the city has an energetic feel that’s palpable in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. There’s also a great art scene in Ghent, with numerous galleries, museums and art events. The biggest festival in Ghent is the Gentse Feesten, a ten-day event that celebrates the city’s culture with open-air performances and street parties.

In short, Ghent is a wonderful place to visit because of its unique beauty and culture. This guide will help you make the most of your trip by taking you through the best things to do in Ghent.

The Best Attractions in Ghent

1. Gentse Feesten: The biggest event of the year, this ten-day extravaganza celebrates Ghent’s culture through a variety of open-air performances and street parties. Featuring music from all genres, plus theatre, comedy and dance, the Gentse Feesten has something for everyone.

2. Gravensteen: This historic castle dates back to the Middle Ages and overlooks Ghent’s main square. Today it’s a popular tourist attraction and hosts events throughout the year.

3. Belfry of Ghent: This medieval bell tower houses one of the oldest bells in Belgium and offers stunning views of Ghent from its observation platform. The tower itself is illuminated at night which is a must-see sight!

4. Saint Bavo Cathedral: This stunning Gothic church houses a famous masterpiece – Jan Van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb – and hosts regular concerts and art exhibitions.

5. City Hall: This impressive building dates back to the 15th century and features stunning Renaissance architecture. Inside, you’ll find the city archives and a beautiful ceremonial hall.

6. Design Museum Gent: Located in a restored 15th-century church, this museum offers an impressive collection of 20th century design from Belgium and abroad.

7. Patershol: This charming area of town features cobbled streets lined with traditional restaurants and cafes, as well as lovely shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.

8. Graffiti Street Art: If you’re looking for something a bit different on your trip to Ghent then why not check out its vibrant street art? Just head down the Houtkaai area and explore!

Getting Around Ghent

Ghent is best explored on foot but there are some great public transport options if you need to get around quickly. All bus, trams and city bikes operate using one fare system, so you don’t need to purchase multiple tickets if you’re using multiple modes of transport during your stay. There is also a comprehensive network of waterways within Ghent, with boats offering regular cruises up and down the River Lys and Leie rivers, so you can explore the city from a unique perspective.

What Else To Do During Your Visit?

Ghent is home to some wonderful festivals that are worth checking out during your trip. One such event is Festival of Nature – a biennial event that brings together artists from all over the world to celebrate sustainability and promote green living in urban environments. Thespark Urban Art Festival is another popular event held in Ghent each summer; it showcases some of Europe’s coolest contemporary art and animates public spaces with light installations and interactive events.

There are also some great experiences you can try during your visit that will allow you to get up close and personal with local culture. For example, why not hop aboard on a Ghent beer tasting tour? You can learn about Belgian beer from an expert guide while also tasting some of the country’s finest brews – it’s an experience that’s not to be missed!

Conclusion – Is Ghent Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! As you can see in this article, Ghent offers so much more than just beautiful architecture and fascinating history. From vibrant street art to traditional bars, world-class galleries to outdoor markets – with so much to do and see here, it’s no surprise that Ghent is one of the most popular cities in Belgium and beyond. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable European experience then look no further than Ghent!