Things to do in Ghent

Why go to Ghent

• Gravensteen Castle

  A menacing 12th-century stone fortress rising straight out of the city center, complete with a torture-instrument museum inside.

• St. Bavo's Cathedral & the Ghent Altarpiece

  Home to the Van Eyck brothers' 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,' one of the most important and recently restored paintings in Western art.

• Graslei & Korenlei Waterfront

  A jaw-dropping row of medieval guild houses reflected in the Leie River, the postcard image of Ghent and stunning at night.

• SMAK (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art)

  One of Belgium's finest contemporary art museums, with provocative rotating exhibitions that punch well above the admission price.

• Belfort (Belfry of Ghent)

  A UNESCO-listed medieval tower offering panoramic rooftop views over the entire historic city for a modest entry fee.

Good to know in Ghent

• Transit: Ghent's historic core is largely car-free and extremely walkable; tram lines 1 and 2 cover most needs for about $1.70/ride (cheaper with a day card at ~$5.50).
• Tipping: Not mandatory, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is considered generous; many locals leave nothing extra at casual spots.
• Tap water: Perfectly safe and excellent quality throughout Belgium; carry a refillable bottle to save money.
• Free-entry days: SMAK and the Design Museum Gent offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month; the Ghent City Museums card (~$30) covers multiple sites for three days.

Trip essentials