After reading our review, you will know what every tourist is obliged to see in Ghent. Taking into account the reviews and recommendations of experienced travelers and guides, we will list you the most wonderful and interesting sights of Ghent.
What is the first thing to see in Ghent?
The Belgian city of Ghent impresses not only with its fabulous beauty and hospitality, but also with a large number of historical and cultural attractions. The following excursions in Ghent enjoy maximum success among local residents and vacationers:
1. Ghent Town Hall
Different architectural styles of the facades of the Town Hall on Botermarkt Square in Ghent Dimitris Kamaras
The construction of the Town Hall began at the end of the 14th century. There are many Renaissance and Gothic elements in the architecture of the majestic building. You can explore such sights of Ghent not only from the outside, but also from the inside. The throne of King Joseph II, the stained-glass windows of the Wedding Chapel, the tiled floor-labyrinth of the Hall of Peace, made in white and black colors, the wooden arches of the Arsenal Hall are of great value.
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2. Friday Market Square
The famous Friday Market Square with a statue of Jacob van Artevelde on a sunny morning in Ghent
There are many old Gothic buildings on the main square of the city. In the Middle Ages, public executions and coronations of the country’s monarchs were held here. The Friday market, which still operates today, was equipped back in the 12th century. In the central part of the square, you can see a monument decorated with the coats of arms of various trade guilds. Visiting such interesting places in Ghent is especially recommended for gourmets: a huge number of restaurants and bars are open on the territory. Among others, there is the famous beer tavern Dulle Heats.
3. Ghent Post Office Building
The post office building and the clock tower are an architectural ensemble on Korenmark Street in Ghent Dimitris Kamaras
The date of construction of the architectural monument is the beginning of the 20th century. The Neo-Gothic building has two floors, a square bell tower with a spire and a clock, and several octagonal corner towers. The facade is decorated with three female figures and a dozen smaller sculptures – the objects symbolize Belgium and its regions. There is now a shopping mall inside the former post office.
4. Beffroy Tower
The dragon weather vane on the steeple of the Beffroy Tower in Ghent Civa61
The height of the grandiose structure, created in 1338, is more than 90 meters. In previous years, from this Beffroy watchtower, decorated with an antique clock and a dragon weather vane, citizens were informed about enemy attacks, floods, fires and other disasters. At the entrance to the Beffroy there is a staircase with four hundred steps. After overcoming them, you will be able to climb to the observation deck, which offers unique panoramas of the entire city. We have included Beffroy in our rating of the “best sights of Ghent”, taking into account the fact that there are two museums in the tower at once: with a collection of bells and an archive of previously secret documentation.
Official website: https://www.belfortgent.be
5. The Castle of Gerard the Devil
The Castle of Gerard the Devil is the oldest stone building in the city
The best option for where to go in Ghent for fans of horror and mysticism. The 13th century palace belonged to a knight nicknamed the Devil for the alleged murders of five wives. According to legend, the knight was no less cruel than the famous Bluebeard. The castle is made in the Gothic style and is considered the oldest stone building in the city. In various eras, it was used as a mental hospital, a prisoner, a monastery, and an armory. Today there are guided tours of the palace for tourists.
Feel the atmosphere of Ghent in this beautiful video!
6. Castle of the Counts of Flanders
The legendary medieval castle of the Counts of Flanders in the Belgian city of Ghent
This huge stone palace from 1157 is included in all the lists of “the main sights of Belgium” for a reason. Guides in Ghent like to say that the castle of the counts is the only building in the state that demonstrates the way of life and traditions of the Middle Ages in full. For many centuries, the Palace of Flanders was used for completely different purposes: it was a defensive fortress, a courtroom, a prisoner, a textile factory, and even a mint. Currently, there is a museum inside, in one of the halls of which the real weapons and armor of medieval knights are stored. Impressionable tourists probably should not inspect all the values of the museum complex. Several collections are based on real weapons of corporal punishment and torture. But we recommend that all guests of the castle go up to the upper level to the observation deck.
Official website: https://gravensteen.stad.gent
7. Gent-Sint-Peters Train Station
Panorama of the Sint-Peters railway station in Ghent Fréderic Louis
Initially, this luxurious railway station was a modest station. The current building was erected in the early 20th century. The last restoration was carried out in 2010. From Ghent-Sint-Peters you can travel by train to any point of the state.
8. St. Bavon’s Cathedral
Sculptural composition on the lawn in front of the Cathedral of St. Bavon on a summer afternoon
The interior of the Cathedral of St. Bavon in Ghent Ed Webster
The facility is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese. Previously, a small wooden temple was located on its territory, which was later rebuilt into this large-scale Gothic building. The most valuable relic of the cathedral is the altar, which was painted by the Eiki brothers (talented Renaissance artists).
Official website: https://www.sintbaafskathedraal.be
9. St. Nicholas Church
The Church of St. Nicholas made of gray-blue stone from Tournai on Korenmarkt Square in Ghent Dimitris Kamaras
Your trip to Ghent should definitely include a visit to one of the oldest churches in the city. Previously, there was a Romanesque chapel in its place, built at the beginning of the 12th century. However, the fire destroyed it entirely. The new building made of gray-blue stone is made in the architectural direction of Gothic. For its construction, a fundraiser was held from the townspeople. Over the long history, the temple has been rebuilt more than once. In the 16th century, it fell into disrepair, and restoration work continues to this day. Currently, only the main nave is open to tourists with a magnificent organ by A. Cavalier Colle, an altar decorated with gilding and a pulpit made of wood.
10. St. Michael’s Church and Bridge
View from the Graslei embankment of the Church and St. Michael’s Bridge on the Leye River in Ghent
A majestic 15th century temple, built in the Gothic style. The construction work continued for several hundred years. A colorful bridge stretches from the building towards the Fox (river). It is recommended to visit the bridge in order to enjoy the views of the medieval streets, towers and churches of Ghent.
Official website: https://visit.gent.be
11. The Museum of Fine Arts
The building of Belgium’s oldest Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent Paul Hermans
The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent Pavel Otdelnov
What can art lovers see in Ghent in 1 day? This museum with its numerous paintings seized from various religious associations. The opening date of the complex is 1904. It should be noted that many paintings were taken to Paris, and never returned to the city gallery.
Official website: https://www.mskgent.be
12. City Museum of Modern Art (S.M.A.K.)
The Museum of Modern Art (S.M.A.K.) on the territory of the Ghent park “Citadel” Cristina Pastor
The opening date of the museum complex is 1999. The Art Center enjoys great success due to the fact that it holds quite provocative and daring events and exhibitions. Among the permanent exhibits are paintings by Beuys, Bacon, Warhol and other famous artists of our time. In addition, guests are invited to get acquainted with samples of temporary collections imported from various fashion galleries of the country and the world.
Official website: https://smak.be
13. Museum of Industry, Labor and Textiles
MIAT in the walls of the old cotton mill by the river Leia Paul Hermans
Printing presses at the Museum of Industry, Labor and Textiles in Ghent Lalieka
The complex is located in the building of a former textile factory in the very center of the city. Local samples tell us how the Belgian industry developed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Most of the exhibits are made of textiles. In addition, all kinds of production equipment, spinning wheels and looms are on display.
Official website: https://www.industriemuseum.be
14. Pretland Entertainment Center Ghent
Indoor playgrounds for kids at Pretland Entertainment Center Ghent
If you don’t know what to visit in Ghent with the whole family, come to this entertainment complex with its numerous playgrounds. For the most part, soft rides that are safe for kids are installed here. However, some of the attractions are designed for older guests. There is a cafe on site.
15. Botanical Garden of Ghent University
Rare plant species on the territory of the Botanical Garden of Ghent University Tbc
The garden, arranged by order of Empress Maria Theresa, has quite impressive dimensions. The square is carefully monitored by numerous employees. Cleanliness and comfort are everywhere, there are many benches and benches. Huge interest of vacationers, as a rule, is caused by cacti of various types planted in the open air.
Official website: https://www.ugent.be
Ghent Attractions: what else to visit in Ghent?
We have told you about the main sights of Ghent briefly. Besides them, you should definitely see:
16. Sports and Recreation Park – Blaarmeersen
Green area around the central pond with a beach and sports infrastructure in Ghent Paul Hermans
A suburban park complex with playgrounds for children and sports games, its own sandy beach. In the warmer months, there is an opportunity to swim in the lake with clear water. An ideal place for relaxing outdoor activities, hiking and cycling.
17. Complex of protective structures of works
View from the water of the complex of protective structures “Three Towers” in the city of Ghent
The structure, also called simply “Three Towers”, is part of the fortress of the 15th century. The complex of protective structures of the Works consists of a bridge, a stepped facade located in the middle and two round towers. After the need for the defense of the city disappeared, the building began to be used as a warehouse, tavern and archive. Seminars and conferences are being held here now.
18. Grass Street and Grain Street
Grass Street (right) and Grain Street (left) – embankments on the Lys River in Ghent User:LimoWreck
These medieval streets are home to the best hotels in Ghent. As well as cafes and restaurants serving airy Belgian waffles and traditional French fries. Your trip here will be unforgettable if you decide to take a ride along the Lis River, along which the streets stretch, on cruising pleasure boats. The duration of the trip will be 40 minutes, during which you will be able to see the entire magnificent Ghent: look at the mighty walls of the counts’ palace, the Big Meat House, the Flemish facades of cottages built by local rich men of the 13th and 17th centuries.
19. Ghent Canals
Boat walk along the ancient houses along the canals of Lys in Ghent
Cityscape – Canal at night in the Old Town of Ghent
You can explore the beauty of the city by renting small boats and riding along local canals. Within an hour you will be able to see all the architectural masterpieces of Ghent, as well as learn a lot of fascinating facts about them.
20. Beer tavern Dulle Warms
The cozy interior of the iconic beer bar “Dulle Griet” at the Friday market in Ghent PMRMaeyaert
This beer bar is a real city landmark. There is always a cozy and pleasant atmosphere inside. The interior is made of wood, and converted beer barrels act as part of the tables. Looking at the ceiling, you can see crazy witches and other fairy-tale characters. At Dulle Heats you will be offered approximately 250 varieties of foam drink. However, it was not the varied beer menu that brought fame to the tavern, but an ancient ritual: when a guest orders a huge glass of local beer, he must hand over his right shoe or shoe to the bartender. The shoes are placed in a special basket that is fixed under the ceiling. If the customer cannot finish the foam drink to the end, he remains without shoes. It is returned only after the guest has completely emptied the liter flask of beer.
Official website: https://www.dullegriet.be
We hope that you will personally explore all those sights of Ghent, photos with names and descriptions of which we have selected for this article. Read also about the sights of Bruges and be inspired to travel further in Belgium.