Ghent
Plan Ghent with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Step onto the Graslei in Ghent on a quiet morning and the river Leie reflects a perfect row of medieval guild houses, their stepped gables painted in soft gold by the rising sun. Bells ring out from the Belfry, a tram glides past St Nicholas' Church, students cycle over the cobbles with bags of warm bread, and across the water the towers of the Castle of the Counts rise grey and solid above the rooftops.
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Ghent grew rich in the Middle Ages on the cloth trade and was once one of the largest cities in northern Europe. Today it is a lively university city in the Flemish region of Belgium, where castles, cathedrals and canals sit beside modern art, green parks and a largely car-free centre. It feels authentic and lived-in, a real city rather than a museum.
Why include Ghent in your itinerary?
- A medieval skyline without the crowds. The towers of St Nicholas' Church, the Belfry and St Bavo's Cathedral stand in a single line above the old centre, and Ghent's historic heart is as beautiful as any in Belgium, yet it remains more relaxed and less crowded than many famous neighbours.
- A city best seen from the water. The Leie and the Scheldt rivers meet in Ghent, and its canals pass guild houses, monasteries and hidden gardens. Gliding through the centre by boat reveals façades and corners that you never notice from the street.
- Great art and living culture. St Bavo's Cathedral holds the celebrated Ghent Altarpiece, a fifteenth-century masterpiece, while excellent museums, a busy cultural calendar and a large student population keep the city young, creative and full of energy.
Signature experiences in Ghent
Guided Boat Trip through the Medieval Centre
An open boat leaves from the Graslei and Korenlei and winds through the heart of Ghent, beneath low stone bridges and past the Castle of the Counts, the old Fish Market and the Patershol quarter. A guide tells the stories behind the merchant houses and the city's rise as a medieval trading power. It is the most relaxing introduction to Ghent and lovely in every season.
Hop-On Hop-Off Water Tram
Explore Ghent at your own pace by water tram, a hop-on hop-off boat service that links landmarks along the rivers and canals. Ride from the historic centre towards the museums, parks and quieter waterside districts, step off wherever you like and rejoin later. A day ticket turns the city's waterways into a scenic and practical way to move between sights.
The Castle of the Counts
The Gravensteen is a moated stone fortress from the twelfth century, rising right in the old centre with battlements, towers and dark corridors. Climb to the ramparts for a sweeping view over the rooftops and spires, and discover the castle's long history as a seat of power, a courthouse and a prison. It is a highlight for families and history lovers alike.
St Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry
St Bavo's Cathedral is a treasure of Gothic architecture that houses the Ghent Altarpiece, one of the most admired paintings in Europe, now displayed with modern visitor technology that brings its details to life. Next door, climb or take the lift up the Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage tower, for one of the best views over the city's three towers and canals.
Patershol, Markets and Local Flavours
The Patershol is a maze of narrow medieval lanes, where craftsmen once lived and now filled with small restaurants. Nearby, the Friday Market square hosts a weekly market, and stalls around the centre sell crisp waffles, golden fries and cuberdons, Ghent's purple cone-shaped sweets. Try waterzooi, the city's creamy stew of chicken or fish with vegetables, served in traditional eateries.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Ghent
The Historic Centre
Around the Graslei, the Korenlei, the Korenmarkt and St Bavo's Square, the historic centre puts the main sights, boat landings and shopping streets within a few minutes' walk. It is the best area for first-time visitors and short stays. The centre is largely car-free, safe and lively in the evenings, with beautifully lit façades along the water.
Patershol and the Friday Market
Just behind the Castle of the Counts, the Patershol is a charming quarter of cobbled alleys and restored houses, very quiet at night despite being central. The nearby Friday Market square is surrounded by cafés and shops. This area suits couples and travellers who want atmosphere and character while staying close to everything.
Citadelpark and the Arts Quarter
South of the centre, near the main railway station, Citadelpark is a large green park surrounded by the Museum of Fine Arts and the museum of contemporary art. The streets around it are residential, elegant and calm, with good tram links to the old town. It is convenient for train travellers and ideal for families and museum lovers.
Sluizeken and Sleepstraat
North of the Patershol, the Sluizeken area and Sleepstraat form the heart of Ghent's Turkish community, with bakeries, grocery shops and many restaurants where halal food is easy to find. The atmosphere is authentic and everyday rather than touristic, and the historic centre is only a short walk or tram ride away.
How long to stay in Ghent and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend two nights in Ghent. One day for the Castle of the Counts, St Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry and a guided boat trip, and a second day for the museums, Citadelpark and the water tram at a slower pace. With three nights, add a half-day trip to Bruges, only a short train ride away.
How to pair it
Ghent pairs perfectly with other Belgian cities, all close by train. Bruges is about twenty-five minutes away, Brussels about half an hour and Antwerp under an hour. A five-day trip combines Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. In a week, add Antwerp, and with ten days include the Belgian coast at Ostend or the Ardennes hills in the south for nature and fresh air.
Best time to visit Ghent and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Ghent is from April to June and in September, when days are mild and long, ideal for boat trips and walking along the canals. July brings the Ghent Festival, more than a week of music and street performances that fills the old centre. December is atmospheric, with a Christmas market and lights, while winter days are short, cool and damp.
The daily rhythm
Ghent wakes with cyclists and trams. Morning is the best time for the castle and the cathedral before groups arrive. Lunch is often a quick bite or soup in a café, and afternoons suit a boat trip, a museum or a stroll along the Graslei. In the evening the illuminated towers and canals make the old centre glow, and locals gather along the waterfront.
On-the-ground logistics in Ghent
Arrival
Brussels Airport (BRU) is about fifty minutes to an hour from Ghent by car, and trains link the airport with Ghent via Brussels. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is about an hour and a quarter away. Ghent's main station, Gent-Sint-Pieters, has fast trains from Brussels in about half an hour, with a tram to the centre. We arrange private transfers from the airport or the station.
Getting around
Ghent's historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. Trams and buses connect the main station, the old town and outer districts, and the water tram offers a scenic alternative. Much of the centre is closed to private cars, so taxis and transfers stop at the edge of the pedestrian zone. Bicycles are everywhere, so always watch the cycle lanes.
Local etiquette tip
Ghent is relaxed and open-minded, with a strong local pride in the Flemish language and culture. Dutch is spoken locally, and most people speak excellent English; a simple hello in Dutch is appreciated. Keep your voice low in churches, respect quiet hours in residential areas and never walk in cycle lanes. Tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated.
Must-do things in Ghent
- Glide through the medieval centre on a guided boat trip
- Walk the ramparts of the Castle of the Counts
- See the Ghent Altarpiece in St Bavo's Cathedral
- Take in the view from the top of the Belfry
- Photograph the Graslei and Korenlei from St Michael's Bridge
- Ride the hop-on hop-off water tram along the rivers
- Wander the medieval lanes of the Patershol
- Taste waterzooi and Ghent's purple cuberdon sweets
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts beside Citadelpark
- See the old centre's towers lit up after dark
Do’s and don’ts in Ghent
Do
- Do look both ways for bicycles before crossing
- Do visit the castle and cathedral early in the morning
- Do wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones
- Do carry a light rain jacket in every season
- Do take the tram from the station to the centre
Don’t
- Don't walk or stand in the cycle lanes
- Don't drive into the car-free centre
- Don't try to see Ghent only as a short stop between trains
- Don't speak loudly inside churches and museums
- Don't leave bags unattended in busy squares
Ghent at a glance
Plan Ghent with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Ghent.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Ghent?
First-time visitors usually stay in the historic centre, near the Graslei, the Korenmarkt or St Bavo's Square, so that the castle, the cathedral and the boat landings are all within walking distance. For a quieter, greener setting close to the station, the area around Citadelpark is excellent. Our team can suggest a hotel and arrange your private transfer.
Can Ghent be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Ghent is a popular day trip from Brussels or Bruges, but a single day feels rushed. Staying at least one or two nights lets you enjoy the illuminated centre in the evening and the quiet canals in the morning. We arrange train tickets, private transfers and boat trips to fit your plans.
Is halal food easy to find in Ghent?
Yes. Ghent has a large Turkish and North African community, and halal food is easy to find, especially around Sleepstraat and the Sluizeken area north of the centre, where there are many bakeries and restaurants. You will also find halal options near the main station and in other districts.
Is Ghent tourist friendly?
Very. Ghent welcomes visitors from all over the world, signs are clear, public transport is efficient and most people speak English. The centre is compact and largely car-free, which makes walking easy and pleasant. Boat trips and the water tram are simple ways to enjoy the city without long distances.
Is it safe to travel to Ghent now?
Ghent is generally considered a safe city for visitors. As in any busy place, watch for pickpockets in crowded squares and on trams, and take care around cyclists and trams in the narrow streets. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Ghent?
The must-do things in Ghent include a boat trip through the medieval centre, the Castle of the Counts, the Ghent Altarpiece in St Bavo's Cathedral, the view from the Belfry, the Graslei and Korenlei, the Patershol quarter and the old town lit up at night. We help you plan these in the best order.
How many days do you need in Ghent?
Two days is ideal for Ghent: one for the castle, the cathedral, the Belfry and a boat trip, and one for the museums, parks and the water tram. One day covers the highlights at a quick pace, while three days lets you add a relaxed trip to Bruges.
What can I book in Ghent with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, attraction tickets and private airport transfers, including Ghent Medieval Centre Guided Boat Trip. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Ghent?
Brussels Airport (BRU, Zaventem) is about 12 km north-east of the Grand-Place; Bruges is about an hour and a quarter by motorway, Ghent 50 minutes, Antwerp 40 minutes. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Ghent?
Ghent's main railway station has fast trains to Brussels in about 30 to 35 minutes and to Bruges in about 25 minutes, and trams run from the station to the old centre; trains from Brussels Airport take around an hour. A private car is the simplest choice with luggage, from Charleroi Airport, from the cruise port at Zeebrugge, or straight to a hotel inside the car-free centre. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Ghent?
Among them: Ghent Medieval Centre Guided Boat Trip. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Ghent?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.