Ghent, a city of canals, medieval towers, and vibrant street art, lies just 30 minutes by train from Brussels. With its compact historic centre and rich cultural offerings, it makes for an ideal day trip. This article provides a detailed itinerary, practical tips, and local insights to help you make the most of your visit.
Getting There: Train from Brussels
The most convenient way to reach Ghent from Brussels is by train. Trains depart from Brussels Central, Brussels South (Midi), and Brussels North stations. The journey to Gent-Sint-Pieters station takes approximately 30 minutes on an InterCity (IC) train. A standard return ticket costs €16.80 for adults (as of 2025). You can buy tickets from SNCB/NMBS machines or via the SNCB app. For frequent travellers, consider a STIB combo ticket, though it does not cover intercity rail. From Gent-Sint-Pieters, take tram line 1 (direction Flanders Expo) or bus line 3/4 to the city centre. A day pass for De Lijn (Flemish public transport) costs €7.50 and covers all trams and buses in Ghent.
Morning: Medieval Marvels and Canals
Start your day at the Gravensteen Castle (Castle of the Counts), a medieval fortress built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace. The castle is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (last admission 17:00). Entry costs €12 for adults, €10 for students and seniors. The audio guide is included and provides detailed historical context. Climb the ramparts for panoramic views of the city. After exploring the castle, walk along the Graslei and Korenlei, two picturesque quays lined with guild houses. The architecture reflects Ghent's medieval prosperity. Don't miss the Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraat), a legal graffiti alley near the city centre. For a quick coffee, stop at Mokabon (Oude Houtlei 1), a local roastery serving excellent espresso for €2.50.
Late Morning: Saint Bavo's Abbey and Cathedral
Next, head to Saint Bavo's Abbey ruins, located in the Bijloke Museum complex. The abbey dates back to the 7th century and was once one of the most powerful in the Low Countries. Today, the ruins are part of the STAM (Ghent City Museum). The museum costs €8 for adults and offers fascinating exhibits on Ghent's history. Alternatively, visit Saint Bavo's Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece housing the famous Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by Jan van Eyck. The altarpiece is displayed in a special climate-controlled chapel. Entry to the cathedral is free; viewing the altarpiece costs €12.50. Book tickets online to avoid queues. The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 13:00-17:00.
Lunch: Local Specialties
For lunch, try traditional Flemish cuisine at De Graslei (Graslei 7), a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the canal. Their waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew) costs €18.50. For a quicker option, visit the Groentenmarkt food market, held daily except Sunday, where you can sample local cheeses, bread, and the famous Ghentse neuzen (almond cookies shaped like noses). A portion of cookies costs €3. Vegetarians will appreciate De Vrijmoedige (Burgstraat 11), a vegan café serving hearty bowls for €12. Ghent is known as a vegetarian-friendly city, so options abound.
Afternoon: Museums and Street Art
After lunch, explore the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) or the Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst (SMAK). MSK (Coupure Rechts 1) houses a collection of Flemish art from the 15th to 18th centuries, including works by Hieronymus Bosch and Peter Paul Rubens. Entry costs €12. SMAK (Jan Hoetplein 1) focuses on contemporary art and costs €12. Both are closed on Mondays. Alternatively, take a self-guided street art walk using the Street Art Trail map available from the tourist office. Ghent has over 100 street art pieces, including large murals by international artists like ROA and Bonom. The trail takes about 1.5 hours and passes through the Patershol neighbourhood, a former working-class area now filled with trendy cafés.
Late Afternoon: Relax by the Water
In late afternoon, take a boat tour on the canals. Several operators offer 40-minute tours for €10 per adult. Gent Watertoerist (Graslei 1) runs tours every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 18:00. The tour provides a different perspective on the city's architecture. Alternatively, rent a pedal boat from De Bootjes van Gent (Burgstraat 1) for €15 per half hour. For a quieter experience, walk along the Coupure, a tree-lined canal with beautiful mansions. Stop for a beer at Dulle Griet (Vrijdagmarkt 50), a historic pub serving over 250 Belgian beers. Try a local Ghent beer like Gruut or a Trappist Westvleteren (if available). A pint costs around €5.
Evening: Dinner and Departure
For dinner, book a table at Pakhuis (Schuurkenstraat 4), a former warehouse turned restaurant serving modern Belgian cuisine. Mains range from €22 to €30. Another option is De Foyer (Zwarte Zustersstraat 1), a brasserie in the NTGent theatre, with a fixed-price menu at €35. After dinner, catch a train back to Brussels. The last direct train to Brussels departs around 23:00, but check the SNCB app for real-time schedules. If you have time, enjoy a nightcap at Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant (Groentenmarkt 8), known for its extensive beer list and canal views.
Practical Tips
- Opening hours: Many museums are closed on Mondays. Check websites in advance.
- Museums Pass: The Ghent City Card (€30 for 48 hours) includes entry to most museums and a free boat tour. Available at the tourist office (Sint-Veerleplein 5).
- Weather: Ghent is rainy; bring an umbrella. The city is very walkable, but comfortable shoes are essential.
- Language: Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
- Budget: A day trip budget (excluding transport) is around €60-80 per person for meals, attractions, and a drink.
Why Ghent Over Bruges?
While Bruges is often called the "Venice of the North," Ghent offers a more authentic, less touristy experience. Ghent has a vibrant student population (over 70,000 students), which fuels a lively café culture and nightlife. The city is also more compact, making it easy to explore on foot. For those interested in craft beer, Ghent has numerous breweries and beer bars. Additionally, Ghent's street art scene is world-class, and its food scene is innovative, with many zero-waste shops and urban gardens.
Combining with Other Day Trips
If you have more time, consider combining Ghent with a visit to Bruges or Antwerp. Both are within 30 minutes by train from Ghent. For a longer stay, explore the Brussels expat guide for tips on settling in Belgium. Ghent also hosts several annual festivals, such as the Gentse Feesten (July) and the Film Fest Gent (October), which can enhance your visit.
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