23 Best Things to Do in Ghent: Hidden Gems in Belgium’s Medieval City (2025)

Ghent’s incredible history might surprise you – this Belgian city was actually bigger than Moscow during the Dark Ages. The city still amazes me as I keep learning about its profound impact on European history.

This Belgian gem ranks as Flanders’ second-largest city after Antwerp and captivates visitors with its medieval charm and dynamic culture. The UNESCO World Heritage Belfry towers 91 meters high – Belgium’s tallest – while the magnificent Gravensteen Castle has stood since the 12th century. The city’s magic lies in its seamless fusion of old and new. You’ll find the legendary Ghent Altarpiece at St. Bavo’s Cathedral just minutes away from the ever-changing masterpieces on Graffiti Street.

My adventures through this remarkable city have taken me everywhere. The traditional markets echo 12th-century traditions, and the unique beer culture brings surprises – like leaving your shoe as security at Pub De Dulle Griet! The city offers something for everyone. You might come for the famous waterzooi, stay for the medieval architecture, or fall in love with the warm locals. Let me share 23 unmatched experiences that await you in this historic Belgian treasure.

Hidden Gems Walking Tour

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Learning about Ghent’s hidden corners shows a city packed with unexpected treasures. The best way to find these gems is through a self-guided walking adventure that starts at the iconic Saint Michaels Church.

Route Planning

Your trip starts at Korenmarkt, right at De Post number 16. The World City Trail app will guide you through medieval streets and secret passages. This clever route connects major landmarks with hidden spots and lets you explore at your own pace.

Secret Spots

The real gems lie away from the tourist paths. The Veeartsenij is home to 18 artist studios and a creative co-working space. The Dr. Guislain Museum sits in Belgium’s oldest mental asylum and has amazing exhibitions about human psychology. My favorite spot is the secret garden behind St Peter’s Abbey – a quiet haven where local students love to hang out.

Local Stories

Stories fill every corner of Ghent. The statue of Jacob Van Artevelde at Vrijdagmarkt points to England, telling the tale of how he saved Ghent’s wool trade during the Hundred Years’ War. The DOK area by the canal has grown into a lively community space that brings together local artists and musicians. Medieval buildings light up with magical effects after dark.

The Korenlei side offers perfect photo shots early morning. Fresh bread scents fill the cobbled streets while golden light creates amazing photo opportunities. You can finish this walking route in 90 minutes, but take your time to soak in each location’s unique atmosphere.

Medieval Food Trail

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Tasting authentic medieval cuisine is one of the most enriching experiences in Ghent. The city’s culinary heritage goes back to the 13th century and holds a wealth of traditional Flemish flavors.

Traditional Dishes

Gentse Waterzooi, a hearty stew from the 1200s, stands as the crown jewel of Ghent’s cuisine. The dish started with river fish but now features chicken, cream, potatoes, and vegetables. Gentse Stoverij adds to the city’s culinary fame – a rich beef stew that simmers in dark beer with brown sugar. These signature dishes show how Ghent knows how to preserve medieval recipes while adapting them to modern tastes.

Best Restaurants

Sint Jorishof creates an incredible medieval dining atmosphere right across from City Hall. Mémé Gusta and ‘t Oud Clooster serve authentic Belgian cuisine in cozy settings that celebrate traditional Flemish fare. Monasterium PoortAckere, a converted 19th-century monastery, adds a special touch to dining – guests can enjoy breakfast in what used to be a church.

Food History

The city’s culinary development weaves through its trading history. Medieval Ghent thrived on cloth trade, and the city kept 25% of grain imports from France through taxation. This practice built self-sufficiency and wealth quickly, creating the city’s resilient food culture. The surrounding swampy pastures proved perfect for sheep herding since crops wouldn’t grow. This environment shaped Ghent’s traditional cuisine, which centers on hearty, meat-based dishes.

Ghent University Quarter

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Ghent’s academic heritage shines through its university quarter, where students make up more than a quarter of the city’s 267,000 residents.

Historical Buildings

The iconic Book Tower, designed by Henry Van de Velde, proudly stands as Ghent’s fourth tower. This modernist masterpiece has protected status since 1992 and holds over three million books. The innovative De Krook library sits nearby, showing off its modern design with built-in squares and walking bridges. Built in 1826, the Aula Academica features beautiful Corinthian pillars and a spherical ceremonial hall.

Student Life

The quarter comes alive during the academic year. Students join clubs of all types, from sports teams to cultural organizations. University restaurants serve quality meals at the city’s best prices. Students love the area around Gent-Sint-Pieters station with its grand avenues. The peaceful Citadelpark ranks high on their favorite spots list.

Cultural Spots

The SMAK (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art) and MSK (Museum of Fine Arts) define the Museum Quarter. VIERNULVIER arts center sits between these landmarks and hosts many exhibitions and performances. Students get free entry to the university’s GUM forum, which lets them learn about science through doubt and art. The Ghent University Botanical Garden showcases over 10,000 plant varieties in its tropical greenhouses.

Belgian Beer Experience

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Finding authentic Belgian beer culture ranks among the best experiences in Ghent, where brewing traditions stretch back to medieval times.

Local Breweries

Dok Brewing Company serves as the life-blood of Ghent’s craft beer scene and offers an outstanding selection of interesting brews. Gentse Gruut Stadsbrouwerij crafts unique beers with herbs instead of hops and keeps a centuries-old tradition alive. New innovators like Stroom Brouwers and Brouwerij Haeseveld have expanded the city’s brewing scene.

Tasting Guide

Professional guides lead three-hour walking tours that stop at five remarkable tasting spots. Each tour costs 15 euros and lets you sample seven different Belgian beers. The tasting sessions blend historical stories with local delicacies. Guides take you through tourist spots and hidden corners to learn about brewing processes and local beer culture.

Beer History

Beer brewing and religious life in Ghent share deep historical connections. Belgian beer culture’s significance led UNESCO to recognize it as intangible cultural heritage in 2016. The city’s brewing legacy has evolved from 3,223 breweries in 1900 to today’s focused craft beer scene. Two local favorites showcase Ghent’s modern brewing expertise – 13 pils and Ne Veurvechter. The 13 pils uses only Belgian ingredients to create a pure craft pilsner without additives.

Local Markets Guide

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Ghent’s markets are fascinating places that give you a real taste of local life. The city buzzes with market activity every day, and Sundays are extra special with six different markets running at the same time.

Weekly Markets

The historic Vrijdagmarkt draws crowds every Friday morning with its fresh fish, local cheese, and Italian treats. The Groentenmarkt becomes a hub for organic produce on Fridays, where farmers from East Flanders showcase their green practices. The Kouter square hosts a centuries-old flower market that features 15 different stalls filled with Ghent’s signature azaleas and bright tulips.

Specialty Shops

The Tierenteyn mustard shop has been a Ghent landmark since 1790 and stands as proof of the city’s rich culinary traditions. Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke keeps the family tradition alive near the historic center by crafting artisanal pralines. The Post Plaza combines modern shopping with historic charm inside one of Ghent’s most beautiful buildings.

Shopping Tips

The best way to explore these markets starts with parking at P+R facilities on the outskirts and taking public transport downtown. Shopping gets even more exciting on the first Sunday of each month when most stores open their doors and the city center comes alive with activities. Ghent’s compact design helps each shopping district keep its distinct personality, with colored name signs under street markers making navigation easy.

Cultural Quarter Exploration

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Artistic energy flows through Ghent’s Cultural Quarter, making it one of Belgium’s finest destinations for cultural experiences.

Art Galleries

Kiosk Gallery makes its home in a former anatomy theater, where experimental exhibitions shine within its neo-Gothic interior. Tatjana Pieters Gallery features contemporary works by artists like Audrey Cotton and Philippe Van Snick in a breathtaking space. The Kunsthal turned a 13th-century monastery into an experimental white space for art that now hosts artist interventions and music events.

Museums

Masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century fill the halls of the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK), including works by Hieronymus Bosch and Peter Paul Rubens. The STAM (Ghent City Museum) tells the city’s story uniquely through an enormous aerial photograph spread across its floor. Belgium’s rich design heritage comes alive at the Design Museum, which stands out with its innovative displays and textile exhibitions.

Performance Venues

The MIRY Concert Hall brings music to life through four distinct series: MIRY Masters, MIRY Sundays, MIRY Vocal, and MIRY Contemporary. An Italian renaissance façade adorns the historic Minard Theater, a hidden architectural gem. The Bijloke Music Center welcomes hundreds of artists yearly in its transformed 13th-century hospital ward, now a magnificent concert hall.

Summer festivals bring the quarter to life as hundreds of artists perform on dozens of stages. The century-old Vooruit arts center can seat 1,000 spectators and has hosted legendary acts, including Nirvana in their early days.

Waterfront Activities

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A journey through Ghent’s medieval waterways is a chance to see this historic city from a different view. The city’s character comes alive through its network of canals and rivers, which create endless possibilities to explore the waterfront.

Boat Tours

Traditional boat trips operate daily in the city center, where captains guide tours in multiple languages. Visitors can enjoy a 40-minute cruise along the River Leie to discover medieval landmarks like the Graslei, the Castle of Counts, and the impressive Groot Vleeshuis. A water tram service circles the city from April to November, providing free rides with the CityCard. Private vessels with skippers cater to individual-specific experiences, perfect for intimate couples’ trips or larger family gatherings.

Riverside Walks

The historic Korenlei and Graslei waterfronts display stunning medieval guild houses. Peaceful paths lead away from the main thoroughfares to hidden gems like the meeting point of Rivers Scheldt and Leie at Portus Ganda. Informative plaques line these walks and tell the area’s rich trading history, among other contemporary architectural wonders.

Evening Entertainment

Night transforms Ghent’s waterfront into a magical sight through its award-winning light plan. The city’s eco-friendly lighting approach since 1998 creates dramatic effects on architectural features and monuments. The illuminated facades complement waterfront venues that offer various entertainment options. The historic Waterhuis aan de Bierkant, once a brothel and now a brown bar, captures authentic Belgian atmosphere. Note that you should arrive before midnight when the atmospheric lighting changes to functional streetlights.

Historic Churches Trail

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Five magnificent churches watch over Ghent’s religious heritage. Each church tells its own compelling story.

Religious Architecture

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral shows the rise of sacred architecture from a 10th-century wooden structure to a Gothic masterpiece. The cathedral’s 89-meter tower rules Ghent’s skyline. Its interior displays a blend of Gothic grandeur and Romanesque elements. Saint Nicholas’ Church represents the distinctive Scheldt Gothic style and features blue-gray Tournai stone. Saint Michael’s Church showcases pure Gothic architecture untouched by Renaissance influences, despite its unfinished 24-meter tower.

Art Collections

The Ghent Altarpiece in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral stands as the crown jewel of Ghent’s religious art. This 15th-century masterpiece spans 15 feet wide and 11 feet tall, depicting hundreds of figures across twelve panels. The cathedral also houses remarkable works by Peter Paul Rubens and Caspar de Crayer. Saint Michael’s Church displays Anthony Van Dyck’s celebrated “Golgotha” and Otto Van Veen’s “Awakening of Lazarus”.

Visiting Tips

Weekday mornings offer the best viewing experience with fewer crowds. Visitors need advance booking to see the Ghent Altarpiece, which opens from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM during summer. Modest attire suits these sacred spaces. Audio guides help visitors learn about architectural features and artworks. A convenient 5-kilometer walking route connects these churches through the historical center. Visitors can explore Ghent’s religious heritage at their own pace.

Photography Hotspots

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A lens captures Ghent’s medieval charm and reveals the city’s most captivating angles. The Sint-Michielsbrug (Saint Michael’s bridge) serves as the best spot to take photos, with sweeping views of Ghent’s iconic landmarks.

Best Viewpoints

The Emile Braune plein gives you the perfect spot to photograph the Cathedral, and you can frame both structures in one shot. The Korenlei near the canal shows stunning views of historic warehouses with their unique stepped facades. The Grasbrug bridge lets you capture enchanting views of Saint Michael’s Bridge area and its impressive historical warehouses.

Time of Day Tips

February mornings are quiet and perfect to capture Ghent. The blue hour right after sunset changes the medieval architecture into something magical. The city’s award-winning light plan lights up architectural features that create dramatic nighttime photo opportunities. You’ll get the best shots at Sint-Michielsbrug before sunrise. The golden light and occasional seagulls add extra charm to your photos.

Camera Settings

Set your aperture to f8 or f16 with ISO 100 to capture architecture. A tripod helps you stay stable and make precise adjustments for architectural shots. Shoot in RAW format and bracket your exposures from -2 to +2 stops to get maximum dynamic range. Keep ISO between 100-200 for interior shots. Only push to 400 if needed to maintain image quality.

Ghent After Dark

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Ghent comes alive at night as its award-winning Light Plan from 1998 turns the city into a magical medieval scene.

Evening Tours

The Dark Side of Ghent tour shows medieval legends and mysteries from the Sint-Michielsplein bridge. This two-hour trip takes you to the Hoofdbrug, known as the ‘Bridge of the beheadings,’ and past the Gravensteen castle ruins. The tour ends up in the Patershol quarter where you can relax in cozy bars and restaurants.

Night Photography

Architectural features stand out dramatically until midnight thanks to the city’s eco-friendly lighting design. The Graslei area is perfect for photographers, as still waters mirror the lit medieval buildings beautifully. Ghent’s innovative lighting design has earned three Michelin stars and drew over 640,000 visitors during the 2011 Light Festival.

Entertainment Options

Nightlife in Ghent runs on energy from districts of all sizes. The Overpoort street and Vlasmarkt square are the main entertainment spots. Music lovers can catch talented bands at Hot Club Gent, while Minor Swing provides an intimate jazz setting. The Charlatan plays everything from rock to house music. ‘t dreupelkot stands out with its extensive gin selection.

Ghent’s energetic residents and innovative entrepreneurs, including prominent DJs like the Dewaele brothers and Charlotte De Witte, create this vibrant atmosphere. You can explore the lit streets on your own – locals love to share their favorite spots.

Culinary Adventures

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Ghent’s culinary scene is a world of amazing flavors and food experiences.

Food Tours

Charlie’s Tasting Tour lets you explore the city while tasting local delicacies for €58 per person. The Gastronomic Walking Tour takes you through 2.5 kilometers of East Flanders’ best regional products. You’ll taste everything from traditional croquettes to artisanal chocolates that end up making a complete meal.

Cooking Classes

The Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop lets you taste Belgian beer while learning waffle-making secrets. Suzy’s Cooking Class welcomes you into her modern kitchen for 4 hours to cook traditional Belgian dishes with ingredients from local farms. You’ll tour her garden and get complete recipe guides to make these dishes at home.

Restaurant Guide

Restaurant Cocotte and ‘t Oud Clooster serve excellent traditional Belgian food. Roots creates seasonal farm-to-table menus that highlight seafood. Oak Restaurant gives you Michelin-starred dining, and Kultur Bakery serves fresh artisanal breakfast. Ghent now holds the title of Europe’s veggie capital, and BEO serves creative plant-based dishes. Pakhuis, set in an old warehouse, serves sophisticated Belgian brasserie food and is perfect for seafood lovers.

Green Spaces Discovery

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Ghent’s medieval charm conceals a network of lush green spaces ready to explore.

Parks Guide

The Citadelpark is a protected landscape that features 1,253 trees from 100 different species. Blaarmeersen, a green sanctuary near the Watersportbaan, lets visitors enjoy various sports and leisure activities. The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen nature reserve stretches across 210 hectares with wet grasslands, ditches and streams.

Garden Tours

The University Botanical Garden stands as the jewel of Ghent’s gardens. This 27,500-square-meter space houses more than 10,000 plant species. Visitors can explore:

• Tropical Greenhouse with African baobab
• Victoria Greenhouse showcasing giant water lilies
• Subtropical Greenhouse filled with citrus aromas
• Succulent Greenhouse featuring cacti collections

Nature Walks

The Gentbrugse Meersen stretches from residential areas to the River Scheldt and covers 240 hectares. The Assels area serves as a natural floodplain that attracts meadow birds, ducks, and snipes. The city’s steadfast dedication to green spaces shows in its plan to replace 15% of pavement with verdant areas. Walking trails connect these natural havens and let people enjoy hiking, cycling, and bird watching year-round.

Residents bring more life to the city by turning walls into vibrant façade gardens. Each season paints these spaces differently, from spring wildflowers to autumn foliage.

Architectural Heritage

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A walk through Ghent’s streets shows a mixture of medieval charm and innovative design.

Building Styles

Ghent’s architecture showcases remarkable progress from Gothic magnificence to Art Nouveau designs. The De Krook library represents contemporary design with its built-in squares and walking bridges. The city’s architectural world includes:

• Gothic structures like Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
• Art Nouveau townhouses along Kunstlaan
• Modern marvels such as the Book Tower

Famous Architects

Victor Horta, who was born in Ghent in 1861, helped shape Belgium’s architectural identity through his revolutionary Art Nouveau style. He used iron, steel, and glass innovatively to create buildings with open floor plans and natural light. The Hoecke-Dessel House on Kunstlaan number 41 stands as proof of Art Nouveau’s influence on Ghent’s cityscape.

Photo Opportunities

The Book Tower, designed by Henry Van de Velde, creates striking photography angles with its parallel strips of vertical windows. The City Hall displays two distinct architectural styles – Gothic detail on one side and Italian Renaissance elements on the other. The City Pavilion ended up gaining recognition for its wooden canopy and hundreds of small windows, despite critics first calling it a ‘sheep shed’.

Local Crafts Experience

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Skilled craftspeople in Ghent’s creative corners keep centuries-old traditions alive while welcoming fresh innovations.

Artisan Workshops

Visitors can experience the city’s dynamic craft scene hands-on. Graffitifun Belgium runs comprehensive workshops that teach spray techniques, design methods, and graffiti history. These sessions focus on creative expression with expert guidance and all materials provided. Christofelli’s local jewelers welcome students to small workshops that showcase traditional metalworking techniques.

Shopping Guide

Creators and collectors will find everything they need in Ghent’s craft shops. Schleiper, a two-floor art store connecting Ajuinlei and Onderbergen, offers complete art supplies. De Banier near Lange Munt specializes in crafting materials, while Ava stocks a variety of creative supplies. Fabric lovers will appreciate Stoffenidee in Burgstraat, which has become a paradise for sewists with its wool and textile selection.

Traditional Crafts

Authentic handmade goods draw crowds to the weekly arts and crafts market on Groentenmarkt square every Saturday and Sunday. Local artisans create unique pieces, from Aesaert’s leather handbags to MIGLOT’s Belgian perfumes. The city supports creative entrepreneurs like La fille d’O with their high-fashion lingerie and Paarl with their locally-made handbags. Ghent’s craft scene shows its steadfast dedication to traditional skills while welcoming modern design approaches.

Street Art Safari

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Street art turns Ghent’s medieval walls into bright canvases. This creates an open-air gallery that captures the city’s rebellious spirit.

Art Locations

Werregarenstraatje became a graffiti tolerance zone in 1995 and now serves as a public canvas where artwork changes weekly. The city now features over 885 street art masterpieces. Near Dampoort station, the Bastionstraat area displays stunning murals that blend naturally with the historic architecture. The Muide district has transformed from an overlooked area into a trendy spot full of colorful expressions.

Artist Stories

Local hero Bué The Warrior has defined Ghent’s authentic street art scene with his joyful, cartoonish characters. ROA, the city’s most celebrated artist, earned international fame through distinctive black-and-white animal murals. Joachim Lambrechts brings his unique graffiti pop art style while running a permanent gallery in London. A Colombian-Italian duo added international flavor to local walls with impressive murals during the Gentse Feesten festival.

Guided Tours

Expert guides lead street art walks and share stories about the artists and their work. Tours start at Sint-Veerleplein’s central statue, where guides carry graffiti markers that make them easy to spot. Visitors can explore beyond the city center to discover hidden gems in areas like Ghent Zuid. These tours give photography enthusiasts plenty of chances to capture the city’s evolving artistic scene.

Hidden Courtyards

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Ghent’s hidden courtyards lie behind ancient walls and weathered gates, offering peaceful retreats from bustling streets.

Secret Gardens

The St. Peter’s Abbey Garden stands as a medieval masterpiece with its reconstructed herb garden, vineyard, and orchard that follow historical models. The garden’s terraced design comes from an 18th-century renovation. Visitors can find:

• A traditional herb garden with lavender, rosemary, and thyme
• Ancient fruit trees yielding apples, pears, and figs
• Reconstructed vineyard slopes dating to the 9th century
• Ruins of a 15th-century infirmary

The Hof van Rijhove showcases a peaceful 14th-century courtyard. We designed it with medieval-style square plots and historic pear trees.

Historical Significance

St. Peter’s Abbey garden served as a vital source of medicinal herbs since the 9th century, where monks created potions and ointments. The abbey’s vineyard tells stories of medieval life, as monks had to keep taking two liters of wine daily because of impure drinking water. The Hof van Rijhove’s cellars hold a darker past – they once held Catholic nobles and bishops as prisoners.

Access Tips

St. Peter’s Abbey garden welcomes visitors all week long, but stays closed on Mondays. Students pick this quiet spot to study during summer months. A small gate at Onderstraat 22 leads to the Hof van Rijhove, which is one of Ghent’s most peaceful spaces. The best time to visit is early morning when only nearby schoolchildren’s voices break the silence occasionally.

Medieval Towers

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Three medieval towers rise above Ghent’s skyline as lasting symbols of power and wealth.

Tower History

The remarkable trio has St. Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral that form a stunning architectural ensemble. The Belfry took shape between 1313 and 1380, and we used gray limestone brought by boat from Tournai. This UNESCO World Heritage site stands 91 meters tall and is Belgium’s tallest belfry. A copper dragon sits on top since 1377 and watches over the city as its symbolic guardian.

Climbing Routes

Visitors can climb 254 steps to reach the top of the Belfry, though an elevator runs from the first floor. The climb lets you find:

• Historical exhibits on each floor
• Impressive carillon bells
• Original tower clock mechanism from 1913
• Ancient dragon weathervane display

View Points

Saint Michael’s Bridge is the only spot where all three towers line up perfectly. The Belfry gives visitors sweeping 360-degree views of the historic cityscape. The tower’s observation deck shows beautiful views of landmarks and creates perfect photo opportunities. The climb takes some effort, but Ghent’s medieval core looks breathtaking from above and makes the journey worth it.

Vintage Shopping

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A walk through Ghent’s vintage scene feels like stepping into a world where every item has a story to tell. Vintage shopping in Ghent stands out as one of the city’s most interesting activities with its mix of historical treasures and design classics.

Best Shops

Depot09 sits in a huge industrial space in the docklands where 15 Belgian and Dutch dealers showcase their vintage furniture and design objects. Wunderkammer creates a mysterious vibe with its rare vintage finds, including taxidermy birds and architectural models. We found Antiek-Depot in a former 1902 ironworks, which now houses 15 different dealers across two floors. The stunning St-John Art & Antiques makes its home in a disused baroque church and specializes in art from 1850 to 1970.

Bargaining Tips

The best deals come during weekday mornings when shops are quiet. Keep a neutral expression while you look at items. We ended up finding that making an original offer at 40% below the asking price works best. Missing price tags usually mean there’s room to negotiate.

Unique Finds

N’Importe Quoi sits near Gravensteen castle and focuses on mid-20th century modern furniture and art. The shop’s standout pieces include:

• Sleek Scandinavian sideboards
• Iconic Arne Jacobsen lamps
• Nostalgic 1960s film posters

The antiques market at Beverhoutplein and Bij Sint-Jacobs squares opens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with many more vintage treasures to discover. Sunday brings a Parisian-style book market at Ajuinlei that adds to the vintage shopping experience.

Music Scene

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Ghent thrives as a UNESCO Creative City of Music with its blend of classical grandeur and new ideas.

Concert Venues

The Bijloke Music Center stands as the heart of Ghent’s classical performances from its home in a 13th-century hospital ward. The venue seamlessly combines historical architecture with modern acoustics. The MIRY Concert Hall features four distinct series: Masters, Sundays, Vocal, and Contemporary. A magnificent chandelier lights up the ninety-meter-long salons in the Royal Opera’s stunning horseshoe-shaped auditorium, which hosts ballet and concerts.

Local Bands

Musical talent in Ghent spans various genres. The Jake Walker collective emerged from the swing dance scene and brings traditional jazz to life. ‘t Mouvement, a twenty-piece big band, creates a unique sound by mixing golden swing classics with modern Latin grooves and funk. The city supports rising artists like The Soul Circuit, whose Hammond organ-driven sound reflects the influence of legendary jazz musicians.

Festival Guide

Musical celebrations fill the city’s festival calendar:

• Ghent Jazz Festival at the Bijloke site
• Ten-day Ghent Festivities with hundreds of artists
• Stroom Festival along River Scheldt banks
• Film Fest Gent, uniquely focusing on film music

Ghent has become Belgium’s musical powerhouse with over 600 pop and rock groups. Music flows through every corner of this medieval city thanks to venues ranging from the eclectic Handelsbeurs to the brand-new Wintercircus.

Literary Ghent

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Book lovers will find a literary paradise along Ghent’s cobblestone streets. Old bookshops blend naturally with modern reading spaces in this historic city.

Bookshops

Limerick near Sint-Pieters station holds an extraordinary collection of 160 typewriters from Dutch novelist Willem Frederik Hermans. A hidden room showcases these literary relics and creates an atmosphere of wonder. Atlas & Zanzibar specializes in travel literature and maintains an extensive collection of maps and guides. Copyright takes a modern approach with its pristine books in plastic sheets that cater to contemporary readers.

Literary History

Ghent’s literary heritage thrives through its unique book exchange culture. Le Bal Infernal, a used book café, lets readers trade volumes by writing personal messages inside book covers. Book hunters gather at the Ajuinlei Book Market every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to find rare editions.

Reading Spots

De Krook, Ghent’s modern public library, stands as a peaceful oasis with its extensive reading corners and quiet study areas. The building’s innovative design creates peaceful spaces that welcome contemplation and research. Paard van Troje (Trojan Horse) combines books with comfort, as wooden bookcases filled with colorful volumes stand next to old-fashioned glass vitrines. Le Bal Infernal welcomes night owls until 3 a.m. and provides a cozy setting for late-night literary adventures.

Modern Art Trail

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Learning about modern art is one of the most engaging activities in Ghent. The city’s contemporary creativity thrives against its medieval backdrop.

Contemporary Galleries

S.M.A.K. (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art) is Belgium’s leading contemporary art institution with the country’s most important modern collection. Artists are at the museum’s heart. It serves as an experimental laboratory where current works shape tomorrow’s impact. Tatjana Pieters Gallery displays experimental artists like Audrey Cotton and Philippe Van Snick in its impressive space.

Installation Art

The innovative TRACK exhibition revolutionizes art presentation by liberating creativity from traditional museum boundaries. Curator Mirjam Varadinis foresees art breaking free from conventional spaces and places 44 unique installations across the city. The Rotor installation turns former bunkers into engaging public spaces that show how buildings capture time’s passage.

Exhibition Spaces

Kunsthal makes its home in a 13th-century monastery. The Gothic architecture transforms into experimental white space for contemporary expression. Kiosk Gallery occupies a former anatomy theater and showcases avant-garde exhibitions in its neo-Gothic interior. The innovative 019 creative hub, a decades-old welding facility near Dok Noord, arranges some of Ghent’s most compelling exhibitions.

The city shows its steadfast dedication to modern art through continuous experimentation and renewal. Under Philippe Van Cauteren’s leadership, S.M.A.K. wants to display 500 works permanently while deepening their commitment to contemporary artists.

Local Life Experience

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You can experience authentic local life in this vibrant Belgian city.

Neighborhood Guide

Patershol captivates visitors with its narrow alleys and brick houses that date back to the 10th century. The Miljoenenkwartier features stunning 1920s villas with views of romantic parks. Dok Noord quarter reflects Ghent’s development, where 19th-century industrial warehouses now serve as creative hubs and environmentally responsible housing.

Daily Rituals

Local Danish pastries called boterkoeken are a breakfast staple here. The Ledeberg Square market comes alive on Sunday mornings as locals gather to enjoy sparkling wine and fresh produce. The city shows its dedication to environmentally responsible living through community gardens and car-free zones.

Meeting Locals

Ghent’s residents welcome newcomers warmly into their social circles. New and long-time residents connect through the Facebook group “Expats living and working in Ghent”. The Taalcafe Mundial at De Centrale brings together up to 100 people twice monthly for language exchange.

The city’s balanced urban planning creates a relaxed lifestyle and builds environmental awareness throughout the community. Parks, lakes, and nature reserves make up one-fifth of Ghent. These natural spaces provide great opportunities for social interaction.

Seasonal Events

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Ghent buzzes with festivals and events all year round, making it one of Europe’s most exciting cultural hotspots.

Festival Calendar

The Gentse Feesten rules the summer as one of Europe’s biggest cultural festivals, with millions of people joining the ten-day celebration. The Ghent Festival of Flanders adds to the city’s charm with over 140 concerts that draw more than 40,000 music lovers. Music fills the air at the Bijloke site when the Ghent Jazz Festival takes over in September.

Special Activities

Winter brings magical Christmas markets near St. Bavo’s Cathedral, complete with a stunning ferris wheel. The Ghent Flower Show brightens up spring, while autumn comes alive with Jazz in the Park and OdeGand. The Film Fest Gent stands out with its unique focus on film music, offering a fresh point of view on cinema arts.

Planning Tips

You’ll want to book early during major festivals since hotels fill up fast. Each season has something special to offer:

• Spring (April-June): Perfect weather for outdoor festivals
• Summer (July-August): The city’s festival scene hits its peak
• Fall (September-November): Fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors
• Winter (December-February): Festive lights and cozy indoor events

The city keeps its magic whatever the weather, with plenty of indoor options on rainy days. Each season ended up offering its own way to experience Ghent’s rich culture.

Comparison Table

Activity	Location/Area	Best Time	Key Features	Duration/Timing	Cost
Hidden Gems Walking Tour	Starts at Korenmarkt	Early morning	Links major landmarks with hidden spots	90 minutes	Not mentioned
Medieval Food Trail	Sint Jorishof, Mémé Gusta	Not mentioned	Gentse Waterzooi, Gentse Stoverij	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Ghent University Quarter	Around Book Tower	Academic year	Book Tower, De Krook library, Aula Academica	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Belgian Beer Experience	Dok Brewing Company, Gentse Gruut	Not mentioned	7 Belgian beers, 5 tasting spots	3 hours	15 euros
Local Markets Guide	Vrijdagmarkt, Groentenmarkt, Kouter	Friday mornings, Sundays	Fresh fish, local cheese, organic produce	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Cultural Quarter	SMAK, MSK, MIRY Concert Hall	Not mentioned	Art galleries, museums, performance spaces	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Waterfront Activities	Graslei, Korenlei	After sunset	Boat tours, riverside walks, lit facades	40-minute cruise	Not mentioned
Historic Churches Trail	Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Saint Nicholas’ Church	Early weekday mornings	Gothic architecture, religious art, Ghent Altarpiece	9:30 AM – 5:00 PM	Not mentioned
Photography Hotspots	Sint-Michielsbrug, Korenlei	Early morning, blue hour	Panoramic views, historic warehouses	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Ghent After Dark	Sint-Michielsplein, Overpoort	Until midnight	Light Plan displays, night tours, entertainment	2-hour tours	Not mentioned
Culinary Adventures	Charlie’s Tasting Tour	Not mentioned	Traditional croquettes, artisanal chocolates	2.5 km walking tour	€58 per person
Green Spaces	Citadelpark, Blaarmeersen	Not mentioned	1,253 trees, sports facilities, nature reserves	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Architectural Heritage	Book Tower, City Hall	Not mentioned	Gothic, Art Nouveau, modern designs	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Local Crafts Experience	Groentenmarkt square	Weekends	Arts and crafts market, workshops	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Street Art Safari	Werregarenstraatje	Not mentioned	885+ street art pieces, weekly new artwork	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Hidden Courtyards	St. Peter’s Abbey Garden	Except Mondays	Herb garden, vineyard, medieval design	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Medieval Towers	Belfry, St. Nicholas’ Church	Not mentioned	91m tall Belfry, 254 steps, panoramic views	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Vintage Shopping	Depot09, Wunderkammer	Weekday mornings	Furniture, design objects, antiques	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Music Scene	Bijloke Music Center, MIRY Concert Hall	Not mentioned	Classical shows, jazz venues	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Literary Ghent	De Krook, Limerick	Sundays (book market)	Bookshops, typewriter collection, reading spaces	10 AM – 2 PM	Not mentioned
Modern Art Trail	S.M.A.K., Kunsthal	Not mentioned	Current exhibitions, installations	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Local Life Experience	Patershol, Dok Noord	Sunday mornings	Markets, community gardens, local gatherings	Not mentioned	Not mentioned
Seasonal Events	City-wide	July (Gentse Feesten)	Festivals, markets, cultural events	10 days (main festival)	Not mentioned

Conclusion

My time learning about Ghent’s medieval streets and hidden corners has shown me this Belgian gem provides an unmatched mix of historical wealth and modern energy. The city shows its true character through its 91-meter-tall Belfry, colorful street art, and quiet hidden courtyards.

I found a wealth of treasures in Ghent. The authentic Gentse Waterzooi tastes amazing, and the contemporary art at S.M.A.K. impressed me deeply. Markets pulse with life here, while old churches watch over the city quietly. The craft brewing scene attracts beer lovers, and the medieval towers and architectural wonders captivate history enthusiasts.

Ghent welcomes visitors warmly throughout the year, with each season bringing its own special charm. The Gentse Feesten lights up summer evenings with cultural celebrations, and winter markets create warm gathering spots near St. Bavo’s Cathedral.

Ghent ended up standing out from other European cities because of its genuine local experiences and well-preserved medieval charm. The city breathes its history through bustling markets, traditional crafts, and time-honored customs daily.