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One Day in Ghent Belgium: Must-See Sights and Experiences
If you are planning a trip to Ghent Belgium and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Ghent is a port city full of Gothic buildings, cobblestone streets, canals, waterfront cafes, a castle, waffles, Gruut Beer, and Michelin-starred restaurants. But there’s so much more! This Ghent Belgium day trip itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions. Looking for more options? Scroll to the bottom for additional things to do in Ghent Belgium to supplement this itinerary. Have more time? Consider a visit to Brugge Belgium. It is possible to travel the world with limited PTO, here’s your ready-to-go Ghent Belgium day trip itinerary. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Complete Belgium Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
A Perfect Day in Ghent: Exploring the Highlights in 24 Hours
8 AM Book your train ticket to arrive in Ghent before 9 AM. The main train station is Gent-Sint-Pieters, which is half an hour away from the central station in Brussels. Tram Line 1 runs from the station to the city center every 10 minutes; the ride is 15 minutes. Alternatively, the walk to the city center is 30 minutes. Buses and trams are free on the first Sunday of the month. The city center is compact and walkable. Consider purchasing the Ghent City Card, city travel is included and you can use it as much as you like for no further cost.
10 AM Visit Gravensteen Castle, be sure to book your tickets online prior to arrival to ensure your time slot. Wander the city center streets. Be sure to walk down Werregarenstraatje, the graffiti alley.
Noon Have lunch in a café in Korenmarkt, the city’s main square. Take the Ghent Altarpiece Augmented Reality Tour (60 min) before making your way to the Belfry and taking the lift up for city views. Be sure to book your tickets online prior to arrival to ensure your time slots.
3 PM If you are visiting on a weekend make your way to Saint Bavo’s Abbey and explore the grounds. Alternatively, visit one of the city’s museums or take a canal cruise.
5 PM Make your way back to the train station for your return ride.
25 Top Things to Do in Ghent Belgium During a Day Trip
- Wander around the back streets of Patershol
- Visit the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen Castle), the audio tour is worth it
- Enjoy the view from the Belfry of Ghent
- Check out Werregarenstraatje, a graffiti alley
- Photograph the harbor sides of Graslei and Korenlei
- Take a canal cruise
- Sample Belgium beer at Bier Central
- Check out the Castle of Gerald the Devil
- Stop by the candy cart in Grote Markt for cuberdon
- See the Ghent Altarpiece at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
- Visit St Bravo’s Abbey
- People watch in Korenmarkt, the city’s main square
- Check out the art at MSK Art Gallery
- Visit Saint Peter’s Abbey
- Learn the city’s history at the STAM and industrial history at the MIAT
- Stop at the Friday Market, Vrijdagmarkt
- Have a picnic in Citadel Park
- Check out the Great Butcher’s Hall
- Spend a night out in Overpoort or Vlasmarkt
- Photograph the Masons’ Guild Hall
- Visit Kouter flower market on a Sunday morning
- Learn about Flemish traditions and customs at the House of Alijn
- Take a self-guided tour of the 18th-century Hotel d’Hane-Steenhuyse
- Browse S.M.A.K, Museum of Contemporary Art
- Learn the history of psychiatry in Belgium’s first mental asylum, the Museum Dr. Guislain
- Take a photo of Lena, Luna and Nestor at 19 Kraanlei
- Gruut Ghent brewery tour
Be sure to check Visit Flanders Belgium website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Where to Go From Here: Day Trips From Ghent Belgium
Can you squeeze another day into your exploration of Begium? Consider a visit to Bruges, Antwerp, or Brussels. Each city is easy to reach by train and has plenty of fun things to do. Bruges Belgium is one of Europe’s fairytale towns. The city is referred to as Venice of the north because it is full of beautiful canals. You will also find medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, crooked bridges, market squares, and lace shops as well as what Belgium is best known for: waffles, chocolate, fries with mayo, and amazing beer.
READ One Day in Bruges Belgium: Must-See Sights and Experiences
Brussels has been referred to as the Capital of Europe; it is the home of the European Union Commission and the headquarters of NATO. The city is full of art nouveau, cobblestone pathways, sidewalk cafes, comic book murals, a little boy famous for peeing, frites, waffles, beer and melt in your mouth chocolates.
READ How to Spend One Day in Brussels Belgium
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city. It is also the world’s diamond capital. Antwerp Belgium is gritty and a favorite of the hipster crowd. You will find coffee cafes, second-hand stores, art galleries, and vinyl record shops. In 2019, Lonely Planet awarded Antwerp as a Top 10 City in its Best in Travel Awards.
READ A Perfect Day in Antwerp Belgium: Exploring the Highlights in 24 Hours
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