City · Belgium · Flanders

Ghent

A lively university city with a medieval castle, historic quays and a real local feel.

about 5 h

For storytellers

Why Ghent matters

Ghent has everything Bruges has, plus a younger, livelier atmosphere. A medieval castle sits right in the centre, tall guild houses line the old harbour and canals reflect the lights at night. It is a university town with plenty of cafes, music and street art. It is also home to one of the great masterpieces of European painting, the Ghent Altarpiece.

Talking points

  • The Graslei and Korenlei quays are lined with guild houses.
  • A real medieval castle sits in the middle of town.
  • The Ghent Altarpiece is a landmark of early Netherlandish painting.

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What to see in Ghent

Neighbourhood

Graslei and Korenlei

Ghent, Belgium

The old harbour quays lined with guild houses, glowing at dusk.

Castle

Gravensteen

Ghent, Belgium

A real medieval castle, with moat, towers and a view over Ghent.

Church, mosque or temple

St Bavo's Cathedral

Ghent, Belgium

The home of the Ghent Altarpiece, a landmark of early Netherlandish painting.

Tower · UNESCO

Belfry of Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

A medieval belfry that guarded the city's treasures and gives a wide view.

Neighbourhood

Patershol

Ghent, Belgium

A tangle of narrow medieval lanes behind the castle, now full of small restaurants.

Also nearby

Within about 40 km, closest first.