What Activities Are There to Do in Ghent?

Ghent is one of Belgium’s most popular cities and it is certainly much-loved by tourists, with its rich history and culture making it an ideal destination for families, couples and even solo adventurers. Ghent is well known for its restaurants and its riverside setting, but there is a lot more to do than just enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. In this guide, we will take a look at the many activities you can do in Ghent so that you can make the most of your time in the city.

1. Enjoy a Tour

Ghent has plenty of interesting attractions, so why not join a guided tour? One of the most popular tours is the Ghent City Tour, which takes about two hours and costs €14 (about £12). The tour includes a visit to a number of the city’s museums, galleries and monuments. You’ll also be taken to some of the city’s hidden gems such as the Bijloke Abbey and Saint Bavo Cathedral. The tour also includes a boat trip through the city’s old canals – a great way to take in the city from a different perspective.

2. Visit Museums

Ghent is brimming with museums, offering something for everyone. The International Museum of Decorative Arts and Design contains an impressive collection of artefacts spanning centuries of decorative arts. Plus, there’s the Museum of Fine Arts with its stunning collection of Renaissance and Baroque artworks, as well as the Gravensteen Castel, which houses the Judicial Museum. History buffs will love the Museum of Industry which showcases Belgium’s industrial activity over the centuries, while art lovers should check out the Design Museum Ghent, which focuses on contemporary design and fashion.

3. Enjoy Entertainment

Ghent is famous for its live entertainment, with a host of theatres, cabarets and music venues providing something for everyone. The splendid 18th-century opera house, the Vlaamse Opera, holds regular shows and performances, while the De Centrale Concert Hall often features jazz and folk music concerts. During summer you’ll find a host of open-air events and festivals featuring comedy, theatre and poetry readings. Street theatre is also popular during this time, with plenty of mime artists and street musicians to watch.

4. Visit Historical Sites

Ghent is oozing with historical sites and monuments which offer insight into the city’s captivating past. The stunning 13th-century Saint Bavo Cathedral is particularly noteworthy, while there are plenty of other churches such as Sint-Jacobskerk, Sint-Nicolaaskerk, Sint-Joriskerk and Sint-Anna-ter-Muiden worth visiting. Moreover, there are many grand townhouses dating back as far as the 15th century located throughout the city centre. The Gravensteen Castel is also worth seeing – this 12th-century castle was once used as a courthouse and now houses an impressive judicial museum.

5. Stroll Through Parks

One of Ghent’s most popular attractions is its stunning parks and gardens. The Citadelpark is particularly noteworthy and a great spot for romantic walks. The park contains two boating lakes – perfect for some scenic rowing – as well as a abundance of trees and plants that add to its beauty. The Drongen Woods are situated to the north of Ghent and offer lovely scenic views along with plenty of wildlife and colourful flora that spread across its 400 hectares of land.

6. Dining Out

Ghent has plenty of traditional Belgian cuisine to enjoy – don’t leave without tasting some fish stewed in white beer sauce or some Flemish stew – but there are also plenty of international options available too. Grand Cafés such as London Cafè Brown and Cafè Prelude offer great menu choices, while there are plenty of restaurants serving Italian, French and Asian food. Popular dishes include carbonades flamandes (Flemish beef stew) served with mashed potatoes and chicons au gratin (endives with ham) accompanied by fries or croquettes.

7. Shopping

Ghent’s historic centre boasts plenty of shopping opportunities, with plenty of fashion boutiques, jewellery shops and antique stores that make great souvenirs. The city also has many marketplaces where you can buy everything from handmade jewellery to clothes and more, while Vinçon is one of the main department stores in downtown Ghent.^[1] In conclusion, Ghent has something to offer everyone – whatever your interests may be. You can explore its history with a tour or guided visit to one its grand churches or castles, or spend some time enjoying its many museums or parks. If shopping or dining out are your things, then Ghent has plenty to offer in that department too. With so much do in one city, you’ll be sure to make the most of your trip to Ghent!