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

Ghent is a city in Belgium that has a long and rich history and is known for its vibrant culture and beautiful architecture. This quaint city is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore a unique European destination. Ghent is rich in culture and history, from its vibrant nightlife to its fascinating churches and monuments. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a cultural escape, Ghent has something for everyone.

History of Ghent

Ghent has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but it is believed to be founded by a group of Celts known as the Belgae in the second century BC. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was an important port city and a major trade center. It was one of the most powerful cities in Europe at the time, and it was a major center of learning, culture, and commerce. Ghent was besieged by French forces during the Napoleonic Wars and annexed by France in 1795. After Napoleon’s defeat in 1814, Ghent was returned to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was formerly part of the Netherlands until Belgium became an independent country in 1830.

Today, Ghent is a thriving city with a population of nearly 250,000 people. It has a vibrant nightlife, a thriving art scene, and plenty of attractions to explore. The city is known for its canals, cobbled streets, and centuries-old buildings, making it one of Belgium’s most attractive cities.

Famous Attractions in Ghent

Ghent is known for its many historic monuments and attractions. Among the most famous are the Castle of the Counts, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and Gravensteen Castle. The Castle of the Counts is a former medieval castle that now houses a museum and is a popular destination for tourists. St. Bavo’s Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral that was built in the 12th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gravensteen Castle is an iconic castle that was built in the Middle Ages and is now a popular tourist attraction.

Other popular attractions in Ghent include the Belfry of Ghent, the Graslei and Korenlei riverfronts, and the Museum of Fine Arts. The Belfry of Ghent is a medieval bell tower that stands tall over the city’s skyline and is one of its most recognizable landmarks. The Graslei and Korenlei riverfronts are two canals lined with beautiful buildings that are popular spots for tourists to explore. The Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of artwork from around the world, ranging from classical to modern art.

Unique Things to Do in Ghent

Ghent offers plenty of unique activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the best ways to explore the city is by taking a canal cruise through the canals of Ghent. A canal cruise will give visitors a chance to see some of Ghent’s most impressive sights from a different perspective. There are also guided tours available that will take visitors through some of Ghent’s most famous attractions.

Food lovers will be delighted by Ghent’s culinary scene, which offers plenty of delicious local dishes. The city is known for its waffles, which are made with dough that contains crushed sugar cubes. There are also many restaurants that serve traditional Belgian cuisine such as mussels, fries, and carbonade flamande (a type of beef stew).

Ghent also has plenty of shopping opportunities ranging from small independent boutiques to large department stores. The city’s shopping district is located in the historic center and is home to many shops selling clothing, jewelry, art, antiques, and more.

Book an Example Tour with Viator

If you’re looking to explore Ghent with a guided tour, Viator offers a number of options for visitors to choose from. One of the most popular tours is the “Ghent Highlights Tour” which takes visitors on a journey through some of Ghent’s most iconic attractions such as St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Gravensteen Castle, and the Castle of the Counts. This 3-hour tour also includes stops at some of Ghent’s best restaurants for tastings of traditional Belgian cuisine.

A great way to learn more about Ghent’s history is by taking the “Ghent History Tour” which takes visitors back in time as they explore some of the city’s oldest buildings and monuments. This 2-hour tour includes stops at some of Ghent’s most important historical sites such as St. Peter’s Abbey and St. Bavo’s Cathedral as well as guided walks along some of the city’s charming cobbled streets.

To book either tour, simply click on the link below:
Book a tour in Ghent.

Book an Example Tour with GetYourGuide

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, GetYourGuide offers many interesting day trips from Ghent that will take you outside of the city to explore some of Belgium’s famous sights. One of the most popular tours is the “Day Trip from Ghent to Bruges” which takes visitors on a full-day journey through Belgium’s most picturesque cities including Bruges, Damme and Sluis. This tour includes visits to some of Bruges’ most famous attractions such as Burg Square, Belfry Tower and Market Square as well as stops at various local shops and restaurants so you can sample some traditional Belgian cuisine.

Another popular tour offered by GetYourGuide is the “Day Trip from Ghent to Antwerp” which takes visitors on an exciting journey through two of Belgium’s most vibrant cities – Antwerp and Ghent. This tour includes stops at some of Antwerp’s top attractions such as Cathedral of Our Lady, MAS Museum, Rubens House Museum and much more.

To book either tour, simply click on the link below:
Book a tour in Ghent.

Conclusion

Ghent is truly an amazing city with something for everyone to enjoy. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture and history, Ghent is an unforgettable destination that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, Ghent has something for everyone to enjoy. With plenty of attractions to explore and plenty of experiences to be had, there’s no doubt that you won’t regret your visit to this beautiful city.