One Day in Ghent, Belgium: Gothic Towers & Meatballs

You’ll likely catch yourself saying, “It’s so cute!” on your visit to Ghent, Belgium.

I mean, it’s definitely that, but it isn’t as polished as picture-perfect Bruges. I like that about Ghent. You still get medieval streets, river views, and huge historic squares, but it never gives theme park. 

With just one day in Ghent, you can cover the highlights on foot, eat very well, and still have time to wander along the water, wondering how a city this pretty is also this low-key. We really liked this one!

Is one day in Ghent enough?

One day in Ghent is enough to see the highlights.

In a single day, you can comfortably cover the essentials, like Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, the historic center, and Gravensteen. That already gives you a strong sense of why the city is so loved, especially if you walk everywhere.

Where one day starts to feel tight is if you’re really into lingering. Ghent is very good at slow travel moments, like sitting along the river or wandering around the neighborhoods beyond the core. 

We would have used a second day to see more museums and explore areas like Patershol, but we didn’t feel sadness over limiting ourselves to a Ghent day trip.

How to Spend One Day in Ghent

You can spend one perfect day in Ghent like this:

• Start at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.
• See the views from the Belfry of Ghent.
• Admire Ghent City Hall and the guild houses.
• Eat lunch at Balls & Glory.
• Stroll the Leie.
• Tour Gravensteen.
• Snap photos along Werregarenstraat.
• Enjoy dinner in the historic center.

One Day in Ghent Itinerary

We visited Ghent on a day trip from a smaller Belgian town that I wouldn’t recommend for most travelers, but if you’re starting here first thing, coffee may be in order. Peaberry Coffeebar looked very cute, and it’s super close to your first stop.

Stop 1: Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

We started in front of Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and the square definitely made us feel like we’d arrived. 

The cathedral itself is one of Ghent’s most important historic sites. Construction began in the 10th century as a Romanesque church and gradually evolved into a Gothic structure, with centuries of additions layered into its design. 

Inside, it’s most famous for housing the Ghent Altarpiece, or “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” by the Van Eyck brothers. This thing has been stolen, hidden, restored, and even targeted by Napoleon and the Nazis over its long history.

Note: While the church is free to enter, you’ll need to pay a fee to see the altarpiece.

The cathedral dominates the space, but the Monument to Jan Frans Willems and the fountain-filled plaza surrounding it draw some attention. Even if you just take in the exteriors, take a minute to…take in the exteriors. 

Stop 2: Belfry of Ghent

A short walk brings you to the Belfry of Ghent, part of the trio of medieval towers that define Ghent’s skyline alongside Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and Saint Nicholas’ Church.

Now, we’ve been up a lot of towers, so they can be a tough sell when it’s an option at a new destination, but I’m gonna go ahead and say this one was worth it.

Fun fact: The Belfry dates back to the 14th century and was originally a place to store important city charters and bells that ran daily life in the city.

It was like an old-timey alarm system, marking time, warning of fires, and signaling important events, like celebrity marriages, I imagine. I made that last part up, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility. 

Today, you can ascend to the top by elevator for most of the way to panoramic views over Ghent’s historic center. The views are SO good, and what makes this a worthwhile stop. 

There is a series of narrow interior stairs to reach the very top, which can feel tight in places. If you’re sensitive to this, it may be a miss for you.

Along the way, you’ll pass exhibits about the history of the structure, plus dragons. You can either take the elevator back down if needed or take the stairs. Entry tickets are required, but we had no problem getting them upon arrival on the morning of our visit. 

I’ve read that they sell out later in the day, so if you have a tendency to dilly-dally, book them ahead online.

READ MORE: Love a good tower? Bologna is lousy with ‘em. Let me plan your trip with this guide!

Stop 3: Ghent City Hall & Saint Nicholas’ Church

Next up is the ornate Ghent City Hall. This building is a little Gothic, a little Renaissance, with a detailed facade. The City Hall was built over several centuries, starting in the 16th century, which explains the identity crisis. 

We didn’t go inside, but guided tours are available if you want to learn more about not only its function as an administrative building, but also to see its intricate rooms. 

A few steps away, you’ll spot Saint Nicholas’ Church, with its large dome rising above the rooftops. You’ll keep catching glimpses of it from different angles throughout the center. The inside is dark, almost austere, but it’s free to enter if you’re curious. 

Stop 4: Masons’ Guild Hall

This is where Ghent really starts cooking, and you should let it. 

The central area around Ghent City Centre is pretty friggin’ striking. Historically, this area was the commercial and political core of medieval Ghent, when the city was one of the wealthiest trading hubs in Northern Europe. 

Fun fact: Each guild, from bakers to masons to merchants, had its own building along these squares, and their façades were designed to show off their wealth and influence. If you pay attention, you’ll notice so many over-the-top details. These were status symbols.

One of the best examples is the former Masons’ Guild Hall. You might do a double-take when you see it today, because it’s now home to an O’Tacos. 

Don’t scoff about O’Tacos, by the way. It’s the fastest-growing fast food chain in France, and I was happy to see it’s made it to Belgium.

Anyway, food that is neither a taco nor vaguely Irish aside, this whole stretch is where you see how layered Ghent really is. It’s not as neatly packaged as some centers, but I was digging the more chaotic energy here.

Stop 5: Lunch at Balls & Glory

You’ve had a good morning of tourism. Now it’s time for some meatballs!

Our pick was Balls & Glory, which lived up to its name. You will, in fact, eat meatballs here, and they will be glorious.

This is comfort food done properly. Think Belgian meatballs with fillings like lamb and mushroom-truffle, plus rotating sides and homemade lemonades. There are vegetarian options for those who want to skip the meat in their balls.

This one is more of a fast-casual spot, so you’ll have plenty of time for more fun post-lunch, too, and despite the premise, I didn’t think it was all too heavy.

Stop 6: Leie River 

After lunch, you’ll pass by Saint Michael’s Church to get to one of the most photogenic stretches of the city, the waterways and stone bridges around the old center. This town is lousy with postcard moments, seriously.

This is also where you might recognize those classic reflections in the water that make Ghent so popular on social media.

Note: Technically, what you’re seeing are former river quays along the Leie rather than traditional canals.

The stretch around Graslei and Korenlei is the best, as that’s where you’ll get views of the guild houses. 

If you’d like to linger, have at it. Grab a drink, sit along the quay, and lean into the vibes, or save the lounging for after your next stop, as it’s a biggie.

Stop 7: Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)

This is your medieval deep dive in Ghent. Gravensteen is a fully intact 12th-century castle sitting right in the middle of the city.

Built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, Gravensteen (literally “Castle of the Counts”) was designed as both a residence and a show of power. 

We really liked wandering through the narrow staircases and checking out the exhibits, including one displaying medieval torture devices. If you’re new here, I’m really into dark tourism.

The real highlight, though, is climbing to the top. From the ramparts, you get sweeping views over the historic center and the Leie River. 

You’ll also pass by medieval toilets with signage warning people not to use them for their medieval purpose. It made me question wtf tourists had been doing before the signage.

Entry comes with an audio guide, which I’d highly recommend that you listen to, as you’ll miss quite a bit of context otherwise. Give yourself at least an hour here. 

Stop 8: Werregarenstraat (Graffiti Street)

Make your way back to the center via Werregarenstraat, or Graffit Street, a narrow alley completely covered in ever-changing layers of legal street art. It’s a chaotic burst of color right in the middle of the medieval center.

I love street art when it’s purposeful or sends a message, but I get bummed out by run-of-the-mill tagging of the likes of “Jamie and Tonya forever” on historic buildings. This is a planned section dedicated to artistic expression.

While graffiti artists may not like to be boxed in like that, I love that the city has space set aside for those who love art and preserving the integrity of a place.

A guy was singing deep catalogue Beatles songs while we were there, too, which added to the mood.

Stop 9: Dinner

If you’re not hungry just yet, return to the riverfront for a beverage and give yourself some time to relax. For those who like to tuck in early, Ghent has loads of options that aren’t loads of meat. 

We had to return to our accommodations for our pooch, but Pakhuis was at the top of our list. Housed in a former warehouse, it serves seasonal, modern Belgian dishes. 

Amadeus Ghent is a Belgian institution known for its all-you-can-eat spare ribs. It’s not fine dining, but it’s reliably popular. There are two locations in the city center, one near the Korenmarkt area and another along the riverfront. Reservations are required.

For pizza, Neo is a local favorite, and Talloor D’or was on our list for a fine dining option.

With More Time in Ghent

If you’re staying longer than one day in Ghent, there’s more to see! Here are a few more Ghent attractions to fill up a weekend:

• Explore STAM – Ghent City Museum for an interactive look at how the city has evolved over time.
• Take a boat ride along the Leie River for a different perspective of the Graslei and Korenlei guild houses.
• Wander through Patershol, Ghent’s oldest neighborhood.
• Visit the Design Museum Gent for a mix of historical and contemporary Belgian design exhibitions.
• Explore the Portus Ganda area for a quieter riverside atmosphere away from the main historic squares.
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) for a deeper look at Flemish masters and European classical art.
• Book a food tour or a chocolate tasting tour to enjoy the more culinary side of Ghent.

READ MORE: Food tours are one of my favorite ways to enjoy a new city, but there are ways to do them right/wrong. See my guide before you book!

Interested in exploring your options for guided experiences while in Ghent? Here are a few highly-rated options that looked like a lot of fun:

Best Time to Visit Ghent

Ghent is great year-round, but the best time to visit is late spring through early autumn when the canals, squares, and terraces are at their best. 

May to September tends to bring the most reliable weather and the most energy in the city, especially around the riverfront. Summer can get busy, but it still feels more relaxed than Bruges or Brussels.

Winter has its own charm too, especially around the Gentse Winterfeesten, or Christmas market season, but expect shorter days and more indoor-focused sightseeing.

How to Get to Ghent

If you’re arriving from abroad, most international travelers fly into Brussels Airport, which is about an hour away by train. From there, it’s a straightforward connection to Ghent.

Antwerp is also easy to reach if you’re combining Belgian cities or coming via Amsterdam Schiphol.

Belgium’s train network is excellent, and Ghent is well connected to Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and other major cities. This is often the simplest option if you’re already traveling within Belgium or nearby countries.

We drove into Ghent from outside the city, which is easy enough, but the city center is part of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). This means you may need to register your vehicle depending on where it’s from.

If you’re driving in:

• Check your car eligibility for Ghent’s LEZ before arrival. (Foreign plates often need registration)
• You may need to register your vehicle online in advance if it’s not automatically recognized.
• Fines are automated, so it’s worth double-checking rather than guessing.

Even better, you can avoid the LEZ altogether. We recommend leaving the car just outside the core and walking in. We used Parking Gent Zuid near the center. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the goods and reduces potential stress about the LEZ.

Ghent also has an easy-to-use network of trams and buses operated by De Lijn, which connects the train stations and neighborhoods outside the center. Tickets can be bought via app, machines, or onboard.

Where to Stay in Ghent

We didn’t stay overnight in Ghent on this trip since we drove in, but if you do, the best areas are all very walkable and compact. The Historical Centre is best for first-timers, as you’ll be steps away from the top things to do in Ghent. 

Anywhere along the river is very scenic, and Patershol is popular with tourists who like a quieter neighborhood.

Use the map below to explore all of your options:

Is Ghent worth visiting?

Ghent is definitely worth visiting. This is one of Belgium’s most balanced cities. It’s historic but lived-in and beautiful but not overly curated. It’s also compact enough that you can see a lot in just one day in Ghent.

That’s as much time as we had, but it was easily one of our favorite stops on our road trip through Belgium.

Planning more travel in the region? Check these out:

• An Insider Guide to Belgium’s Best Beer
• Planning One Day in Maastricht
• A Guide to the Best of the Hague
• Is Utrecht Worth Your Time?
• Planning a Trip to Rotterdam

Some guides for France, just in case:

• Plan a Trip to Charming Lille
• Plan a Day in Monaco From Nice
• A Christmas Guide to Strasbourg
• Spend a Spring Day in Giverny
• Should You Plan a Visit to Brittany?

Want to see more?