Ghent is one of Belgium’s most charming towns. The medieval architecture of Ghent’s Graslei and Korenlei looks like something out of a storybook. Since my husband and I were coming from Brussels, we only had a day to visit, but that’s all you need! You can easily travel from either Bruges or Brussels. In this itinerary, you’ll find why this is one of the best things to do in Brussels (yes, I’ll explain more later), all the best things to see and do, of course where to find the best beer in Belgium, and how to spend one day in Ghent!

The ONLY Itinerary you need for One Day in Ghent

Can you see Ghent in 1 day?

Compared to Bruges where you can easily spend two days, Ghent is smaller and could even be seen in half a day if you’re tight on time. You can easily spend only one day in Ghent visiting the iconic Saint Michael’s Bridge and postcard-perfect Graslei and Korenlei, have time to enjoy a boat tour as well as delicious Belgian beer and frites!

Is Ghent a walkable city?

Due to its smaller size Ghent is an incredibly walkable city. You won’t require public transport to get around, and you can even walk from the train station if you’re coming from Brussels or Bruges. Ghent even has one of Europe’s largest car-free zones, making it easy for pedestrians to get around. Most of Ghent’s historical landmarks are situated in the city center, as well as plenty of shops and restaurants.

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Day trip to Ghent from Brussels

If you’re wondering how to get to Ghent you can easily visit from Brussels or Bruges. From Brussels, board a thirty-minute train ride from Bruxelles-Midi (Brussels-Midi) train station to Gent-Sint-Pieters. There is only one train station in Ghent, so it will be easy to navigate your way here. My husband and I always use Google Maps, which shows you the best train times and prices and how to buy tickets. You can always use the Trainline app, or Belgium offers a way to book train tickets through their website as well.

Once you arrive in Ghent it’s a half-hour walk into Ghent’s city center, or a short bus ride. If you want to stay one night in Ghent, check out this stunning 18th-century mansion bed and breakfast or stay in the city center at this Hogwarts-esque property!

Why you should visit Ghent from Brussels

Even though you’ll most likely be coming from Brussels since it’s an easy and budget-friendly city to fly into, there’s not much to see and do in Brussels. My husband and I planned to stay in Brussels to visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laekens outside the city. Looking back I wish we had stayed in Ghent and Bruges at least for a night since we spent most of the time there. Remember when I mentioned how Ghent is one of the best things to do in Brussels? It’s a very easy train ride between the two, and regardless if you’re staying in either city I would highly recommend spending time in Ghent versus Brussels.

Can you believe you can even take a train to Paris from Ghent? Here’s a perfect Paris itinerary if you’re interested!

One Day in Ghent Itinerary

Morning: Start at Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen Castle is one of the best things to see in Ghent and must be included in your one day in Ghent itinerary. This castle dates back to 1180 and has the most beautiful moat surrounding the castle that fades seamlessly into Ghent’s residential neighborhoods. What I enjoyed about Gravensteen Castle was if you sneak behind the castle near the moat, it has the most lovely views of the city. We visited on a sunny day in May, and we saw a few people picnicking, a handful of children enjoying the water, and some even launching kayaks into the moat. This moat connects to the Leie River which flows through Ghent.

Climb to the top of the Castle

You can tour the inside of Gravensteen Castle or ‘Castle of the Counts’. You can also climb to the top of the castle’s central keep, and be rewarded with beautiful views of Ghent!

Visit the Torture Museum

Even though this sounds extremely grim, the torture museum is quite popular with tourists. Since Gravensteen was used as a prison at one time, you can learn about the torture methods of the medieval period and beyond.

Climb the Belfry of Ghent

Even though I would have loved to see the views of this fairytale city from this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we arrived around a half hour before closing and tickets were already sold out. Make sure to book your tickets in advance when spending one day in Ghent.

Afternoon: Have lunch at Passion

Passion is one of the best restaurants in Ghent. Enjoy dinner and the atmosphere on their outdoor patio just opposite the Belfy and the new city hall. Make sure to try the Flemish rabbit, it’s one of their signature dishes! They also serve signature Belgian waffles. We saw quite a few other guests, who I presume were locals, with their adorable fur babies just enjoying a drink. Passion is a great spot not just for the food but the ambiance.

Check into this 18th-century Mansion B&B

If you want to relax after lunch, head to this stunning 18th-century mansion bed and breakfast in the heart of the historical center of this city. Don’t leave without dining in their luxurious chandelier and wallpaper-filled dining room, or enjoying the peaceful and beautiful outdoor garden area.

Marvel at Saint Bravo’s Altarpiece

After lunch walk a few minutes to Saint Bravo’s Cathedral. The cathedral is beautiful, but one of the best things to see in Ghent is the altarpiece or the ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’. This altarpiece is thought to be from the 1420s and is regarded as the first major oil painting in the world! It’s free to walk into Saint Bravo’s Cathedral, but you’ll need to pay a small fee to view the altarpiece. My husband and I highly recommend paying the small fee, it’s completely worth seeing it for its intricate detail and artistry.

Do you know what other city has incredible art- Paris and Rome! The Louvre in Paris is one of my favorite museums in the world, and I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous Sistine Chapel!

Graslei and Korenlei

Graslei and Korenlei offer the most iconic views of this beautiful city; make sure to bring your camera! I would advise visiting early in the morning if you’re trying to photograph this beauty without too many tourists.

Have a drink in Groentenmarkt

Enjoy a drink in Groentenmarkt which has plenty of cafes and bars along the river. Sit and enjoy a drink and the view! Another option if it’s too busy in Groentenmarkt is Korenmarkt. Korenmarkt is a lovely square with lots of cafes and bars as well, with plenty of outdoor seating!

Evening: Take in views from Saint Michael’s Bridge

Around the corner from Groentenmarkt is Saint Michael’s Bridge. The views from here of Graslei and Korenlei look like a fairytale postcard. Make sure to arrive early if you want to take a peaceful, non-crowded stroll on the bridge as it does get very busy during the day.

Take a Boat Tour

One of the best things to do in Ghent is to enjoy a boat tour along the river. Here’s a great option that specifically focuses on the medieval architecture of the skyline.

Walk around Patershol

If have time, walk around the Patershol neighborhood. The architecture here is similar to that in Graslei and Korenlei and why I recommend only strolling this neighborhood if you have time during your one day in Ghent itinerary. If you have time find the museum called Huis van Alijn; it has a lovely courtyard where you can enjoy a beer!

You can also stay at Hogwarts!

If you’re interested in staying in this magical city or finding a great hotel bar in the city center, look no further than 1898 The Post. This hotel looks straight out of a movie set, Hogwarts perhaps? Their bar, the Cobbler, is known for its unique cocktails! Here’s how to book.

Which is nicer, Bruges or Ghent?

Both places have similar medieval architecture, making them equally picture-perfect. I will say Ghent is less touristy than Bruges partly because it’s smaller with less to see and do, and it’s a university town with plenty of students and locals. Because of this, it offers the perfect experience for tourists looking for a more authentic experience.

When’s the best time to visit Ghent?

One of the best things about this city is you can visit any time of the year. Spring and summer are the best times to visit because of the beautiful spring blooms and fewer crowds in the summer as they flock to European beachy destinations. Christmas in Europe is magical and Ghent also offers lovely Christmas markets. Even though you’ll find beautiful foliage here, autumn can be busy with students returning to university for the year.

If you’re looking for other European destinations to visit in the fall, Prague offers incredible autumn colors!

Where to Eat in Ghent

Try the best beer in Belgium! Not only does De Dulle Griet known to have some of the best beer in Belgium but they have 350 Belgian beers and the largest collection of Belgian beers in Ghent! If you only spend one day in Ghent and have time for just one bar I would make it this one! They have a spacious outdoor city area if you visit during a busy time!

Other restaurants include Jaggers and Michelin-star restaurants Roots, Restaurant Karel de Stoute, and Restaurant Vrijmoed. Even though it’s more of a cafe and pastry shop than a restaurant Tartelette is also extremely popular and highly rated!

If you’re unfamiliar with Belgian beer, here’s a way to discover Belgian beer with a ‘young local’. You definitely then won’t be bored!

Things to do in Ghent

What day is Market Day?

You’ll find most markets in Ghent open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Here’s a comprehensive guide to all the best markets and their opening times.

Unusual things to do in Ghent

Ghent City Hall

If you only spend one day in Ghent don’t confuse yourself with City Hall versus Town Hall. Town Hall is a beautiful building with traditional architecture. The ‘Town Hall’ or City Pavilion is a modern architectural open pavilion that is definitely one of the most unusual things to see in Ghent.

Graffiti Street

This alleyway is open for all artists to express their creativity. The graffiti constantly changes, making it one of the most unusual things to do in Ghent!

What to do in Ghent at night

If you’re wondering what to do in Ghent at night take a stroll along St Michael’s Bridge. The views from the bridge with Graslei and Korenlei in the foreground are magical! This spot also offers the best views of Ghent and makes a day trip completely worth it!

Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:

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3 Days in Prague: How to visit Prague in Autumn

3 Day Madrid Itinerary: A Complete Guide for First Timers

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