Tourist Attractions in Ghent

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Ghent

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Ghent

Calm, cosy and atmospheric cities of Belgium never cease to surprise and delight tourists. Ghent is no exception – the charming capital of Flanders has retained its medieval charm and very special spirit. It is a city of majestic Gothic cathedrals and picturesque houses of wealthy trade guilds, which seem to have endeavoured to outdo each other in the elegance of their facades.

Ghent early on became the commercial and industrial centre of Flanders. For centuries, it has been a place where human rights and freedoms have been respected, traditions honoured and the future built with dignity. In summer, the city is drenched in flowers, which is especially pleasant for tourists. Once every few years Ghent holds a grandiose flower festival, which attracts half of Europe.

Top-15 Tourist Attractions in Ghent

Friday Market

 0/5

One of the oldest squares in Ghent, it has witnessed many historical events: trade guild conflicts, executions and coronations. The weekly Friday market has been taking place here since the end of the 12th century and has long since become an unshakeable tradition. The square is surrounded by buildings dating back to the 15th and 19th centuries, with a monument in the centre dedicated to Jacob van Arteveld, the leader of the 14th century anti-French rebellion.

Ghent City Hall

 4.4/5

1045 reviews

A city council building that represents a mix of architectural styles. The facade is clearly divided into two parts belonging to different eras. Here you can find elements of Gothic, Flemish Renaissance, pseudo Empire and Baroque. The Town Hall was built in the first half of the XVI century on the site of the former house of one of the trade guilds. In the XIX century several reconstructions were carried out, including a complete renovation of the interior.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Postkantoor bpost

 3.6/5

97 reviews

An architectural monument of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, built according to the project of L. Cloquet in the Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Gothic style. The facade is decorated with symbolic statues representing Belgium, Flanders and Wallonia. The smaller statues represent the Belgian provinces. Above the post office building is a traditional clock tower with a pointed spire. At the moment, the building houses a commercial centre.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Belfry of Ghent

 4.5/5

7164 reviews

In the distant Middle Ages, the tower fulfilled an important function of informing the population in case enemy troops approached the city walls, about the beginning of a fire or other disasters. In the event of such an event, a large tolling bell would start ringing. The tower was built in the XIV century and over time it has become a symbol of freedom for the citizens of Ghent. At one time, the tower housed a document on the city’s privileges.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Gravensteen

 4.6/5

27486 reviews

An ancient, powerful fortress dating back to the 12th century, one of the most visited sights in Belgium. The structure is well preserved and has survived to this day. The rulers of Flanders used the castle as a defence fortress, residence and mint. Inside the building there is a museum of arms, where magnificent medieval swords, crossbows, daggers, armour and pistols are exhibited.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Geeraard de Duivelsteen

 4.3/5

378 reviews

An ancient, gloomy castle that belonged to one of the sons of the Count of Ghent. According to legend, this character killed several of his wives, for which he was nicknamed “The Devil”. The complex was built in the XIII century in monumental Romanesque style, but later it was rebuilt several times, due to which the structure acquired a later Gothic appearance. Over the centuries, the castle has housed a monastery, a lunatic asylum, an orphanage, a prison and the city archives.

Open time

Saint Bavo's Cathedral

 4.6/5

9735 reviews

The cathedral of Ghent, belonging to the Roman Catholic diocese. On the site of the present temple there was a wooden church as early as the 10th century, later in the 11th century it was rebuilt in Romanesque style, and from the 14th century – in Gothic style. The most famous relic of the temple is the Ghent altar, painted by the Van Eyck brothers, recognised masters of the early Flemish Renaissance.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:30 PM

Saint Nicholas' Church

 4.5/5

2241 reviews

The temple is one of the oldest religious buildings in Ghent. Its history dates back to the 12th century. The predominant architectural style of the building is Scheldt Gothic, which is distinguished by the use of a special kind of blue-grey stone. The Church of St Nicholas was owned by the powerful trade guilds of Ghent. But this did not save it from partial destruction during the Iconoclastic Revolt of 1566.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saint Michael's Church

 4.5/5

839 reviews

A magnificent 15th century Gothic church located in a quiet central neighbourhood of Ghent. The church was built over several centuries until 1828. The restoration was carried out after the First World War. The picturesque St Michael’s Bridge leads from the church to the opposite side of the River Lys. It offers a stunning view of the surrounding architectural splendour of the city’s cathedrals, towers and medieval streets.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Museum voor Schone Kunsten

 4.5/5

2671 reviews

A museum with a rich and varied collection. It occupies a very honourable place in the ranks of Belgian art galleries. The basis of the museum collection was made up of works of art confiscated from the Jesuit order and other religious organisations. Later, many of the exhibits were taken by the French to Paris. Ghent has not yet managed to return an impressive part of the exposition. The museum opened to the public in 1904, and after the First World War it was opened in 1921.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art

 4/5

1697 reviews

The museum was organised in 1999. It quickly gained popularity thanks to its bold and provocative exhibitions and events. The permanent exhibition features works by E. Warhol, F. Bacon, K. Appel, J. Beuys and other famous masters of our time. Temporary exhibitions are also often organised on the territory, where exhibits from other fashionable contemporary art galleries are brought in.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Museum of Industry Ghent

 4.3/5

1217 reviews

The museum collection occupies the building of a former textile mill located in the central part of Ghent. The exhibits tell the story of the development of the local industry since 1750. A large part of the exhibition is devoted to textiles, as Ghent had already become a major centre for the manufacture and processing of fabrics in the 18th century. Weaving looms, spinning wheels, machines and other equipment are on display.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Ghent University

 4.5/5

604 reviews

The complex is part of the city’s 15th century fortress wall. It consists of two round towers, a stepped façade in the middle and a bridge. After losing its defensive importance, Rabot was used as an archive, tavern and warehouse. Nowadays, the grounds are used for meetings, lectures and seminars. The inhabitants of Ghent call the landmarks quite simply, “The Three Towers”.

Open time

Gent-Sint-Pieters

 3.9/5

2592 reviews

Ghent’s main railway station, which grew out of a small station. The modern building was built for the opening of the 1913 World Exhibition. Trains depart from the station to all directions within the country. The station is the second busiest in Belgium, so it is better to buy a ticket in advance, otherwise there is a risk of not getting on the right train. In 2007-2010 the station was the second busiest in Belgium. Ghent-Sint-Pieters was restored and renovated.

Open time

Grass Street and Grain Street

Ghent’s waterfronts, located on the River Lys, which form a harmonious architectural complex. Here are preserved historical buildings of XVII-XIX centuries. – Trade guild houses built in Flemish Revival, Brabant Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Herb Street and Grain Street are popular walking spots for tourists. Many of the houses have restaurants with summer terraces, and you can take a boat ride after a hearty dinner.