When most travelers think of Belgium, they usually picture Brussels, Bruges, or maybe Antwerp. But tucked between the country’s more famous stops is a city that is definitely underrated — Ghent. 

Now, the only reason I visited Ghent was because my friend Lotte had lived there and her family still had a property in which she offered to allow me to stay there. Even in the rain, Ghent is such a beautiful city. Walking into the city center reminded me of Harry Potter; tall Gothic cathedral, cobblestone streets, old medieval buildings and pubs. 

According to some locals I chatted with, and I’m paraphrasing here, Ghent has the canals and medieval charm of Bruges, the energy of a university city, and the food, beer, and architecture that make Belgium so easy to love. What I love most about Ghent is that it feels  a little less crowded, and a lot more local. In other words, it felt more authentic. 

I was so fortunate to have Lotte show me around Ghent for a few days, take me to some of the sights and we even discovered the best Jenever bar in Ghent!

Like I mentioned before, Ghent’s historic center looks like it belongs in a storybook. The city is filled with Gothic towers, cobblestone streets, old guild houses, and absolutely beautiful canal views with plenty of cafés and bars to choose from where you can just take your pick and sit and enjoy the view. 

I’d say the best place to start is around Graslei and Korenlei, the two famous quays along the Leie River. If you’re looking for some photo ops, this is where you want to start: medieval buildings reflected in the water, boats drifting by, people sitting along the canal — you’ll really get a feel for Ghent’s charm.

Afterwards, for one of the best photo spots in Ghent, head to St. Michael’s Bridge. From here, you can see the city’s famous “three towers”: St. Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.

It is one of those places where everything lines up perfectly: the river, the churches, the historic rooftops, and the canal below. Go during golden hour or at night when the city lights reflect off the water. 

Inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral, you’ll find one of the most famous works of art in Europe: the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Even if you are not a history fangirl like me or into staring at the inside of a cathedral for an hour, this is one worth seeing. It’s one of Ghent’s most important cultural treasures.!

Nearby, the Belfry of Ghent is another major landmark and one of the city’s most recognizable towers. We didn’t climb it, but apparently it gives you a beautiful view over the old town. It just gives me another reason to go back and visit.

One of Ghent’s biggest highlights is Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts. Lotte and I walked and paid the small entrance fee (well I did) and explored this stone fortress sitting right in the MIDDLE of the city. 

We walked through the castle, climbed the towers, and got some of the best views over Ghent’s rooftops. I believe it adds a little adventure to the city. I mean, I haven’t been to many destinations with a f*#kin castle in the middle of the city. It’s really awesome — if you’re into that sort of thing.

It’s a university city. Walking around Ghent felt relaxed, young, and just — chill! You feel me? You’ll find cozy cafés, lively squares, street art, independent shops, and great restaurants tucked into narrow side streets. It’s like a modern city encompassed by history. 

The Patershol neighborhood is a great area to wander for dinner or drinks. It has narrow lanes, rustic restaurants, and that romantic, dimly lit charm. 

You can visit Ghent as a day trip from Brussels, Bruges, or Antwerp, but it deserves at least one night if your schedule allows. The city becomes even more magical after sunset, when the canals glow and the crowds thin out.

Here are a few highlights to add to your Ghent itinerary:

• Walk along Graslei and Korenlei
• Visit Gravensteen Castle
• Take photos from St. Michael’s Bridge
• See the Ghent Altarpiece inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral
• Climb the Belfry for city views
• Wander through Patershol
• Have a shot at Pol – ‘t Dreupelkot, Ghent’s best Jenever café
• Take a canal boat ride
• Explore the street art around Werregarenstraat
• Grab Belgian fries, waffles, chocolate, and local beer

You can probably see Ghent’s main highlights in one full day, but I recommend staying overnight if possible. One night gives you time to enjoy the city after the day-trippers leave, have a relaxed dinner, and see the canalfront lit up at night.

For a first visit, one to two days is perfect.

Look, Ghent might not always get the same attention as Bruges or Brussels. Brussels is cool too, but it’s very touristy. Head to Ghent and you get the beauty, the history, the food, and vibe you want from a Belgian city, but with fewer crowds and a more local feel.

If you have a great local friend like Lotte who shows you the city from a local’s perspective, then that’s a plus!

I dedicate this post to her. She was the best guide and so kind to host me during my stay in Belgium. It’s crazy to think that we met during a group trek to Machu Picchu back in 2016 and have stayed in contact ever since.

This is why Travel fascinates me. You meet someone on a mountain in Peru, and years later, they’re showing you around one of Belgium’s coolest cities.

So if you are planning a trip to Belgium, do not skip Ghent. It might just end up being your favorite city in the country.

See you out there!