Details for Ghent
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Vibrant Ghent is well worth a weekend trip. It’s ideal for a last-minute city trip as well. Quirky Ghent offers a fascinating cultural cocktail brimming with trendy, modern urban life. Ghent is a city where people enjoy life: a chilled-out place where anything goes and a city that feels human. Its friendly, welcoming people love the good life. Don’t miss the chance to admire the world-famous masterpiece—the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers—during your weekend trip.
265,086 (2022)
Euro, €1 = 100 Cents
112 is the general number used in all countries of the European Union to contact the emergency services: police, fire brigade or medical assistance. The number operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
112
Ambulance/Fire Department/Police
+32 9 266 61 11
General telephone number Ghent Police
+32 2 475 44 99
Child Focus Belgium
+32 70 245 245
Poison Control Centre Belgium
+32 78 15 10 20
Drug hotline Belgium
+32 800 99 533
LGTBQ hotline Belgium
Arts Centre Vooruit
Arts Centre Vooruit
This bustling art centre is housed in an impressive 100-year-old monument and offers a variety of cultural events. The focus is on concerts and parties. The spacious Art Deco café and the modern patio at the side of the building are a meeting place for a snack, drink and chat.
Boat trips in Ghent
Boat trips in Ghent
Stretch your sea legs: the view of Ghent from the water is absolutely charming. Take a boat ride during your city break or weekend trip. There are various boat tours organised on the rivers and canals in Ghent. Travel back in time. Immerse yourself in the city of Emperor Charles V and discover hidden secrets. Ship ahoy! Different boat companies offer enjoyable trips on Ghent’s gentle waters. Traditional boat trips are held daily. The captain on board provides a guided tour in several languages. During the weekend, Ghent also has a water tram that navigates in a circuit around the city. Jump aboard at one of the water stops. It’s free with the CityCard!
Citadelpark
Citadelpark
The Citadelpark is a park in Ghent on the brow of a hill between the rivers Scheldt and Lys. This city park was created in 1875 on the place where the Dutch citadel of Ghent formerly stood, built between 1819 and 1831. The citadel, one of the largest and most modern in Europe at the time, was later used as an infantry and artillery barracks. It was in use until 1870. Today it is a great place to enjoy botanical abundance. Spot the name tags that were placed in front of all the remarkable trees in 2005. Here, animal-lovers can take dogs from the rescue centre for a walk. Kids aged 10 and under can have fun in the playground. When the sun is shining, this spot is where Ghent residents and students come to chill out and have a picnic. Enjoy!
City pavilion
City pavilion
The multifunctional and open city pavilion is an architectural masterpiece designed by the architects Robbrecht & Daem / Marie-José Van Hee. The roof structure and the use of glass, wood and concrete are very striking. This location can host concerts, dance performances and markets. Discover the ‘grand café’ hidden under the city pavilion: the semi-underground ‘Belfort Stadscafé en Stadsrestaurant’ is already a bubbly establishment which can cater for 300 people. Head over there for a drink, a daily special or a selection of the à la carte menu. The city park on the lower level, The Green, is surrounded by a stone wall. This is the place to be if you’re looking to relax, read or simply hang around. Stairs and ramps connect the park with the street levels higher up. Diagonal walking paths connect the Donkersteeg with the Mageleinstraat and Cataloniëstraat, inviting you to shop and enjoy a stroll. Works of art The existing art elements – the Minne sculptures and the Mathildis clock – were given a new place in the design. Spring of the Bereaved The naked youngsters look at their reflection in the water of the fountain, just like Narcissus, the Greek mythological figure did, out of narcissism. When the statue was placed here in 1937, the bourgeoisie thought it was immoral. Today no one is shocked by these naked boys. George Minne, the artist, sought inspiration in the statues on the Gothic buildings. The Roeland Bell The song “Klokke Roeland” (Roeland Bell) is probably the most famous folk song in Ghent. This bell is known as ‘The Triumphant’ and as ‘Roeland’, after the first large bell at the Belfry. The bell cracked in 1914 and was removed from the Belfry and restored. Today it is displayed on a specially designed base next to St Nicholas’ Church. Are you interested in witnessing the Ghent carillon for yourself? Then you must visit the Belfry. De Maagd The Belgian artist Michaël Borremans donated his fresco, “De Maagd” (The Virgin), to the city. It portrays a black-haired girl against a dark background. Except for a white collar, the girl is dressed entirely in black. Two crystal-clear rays of light emanate from her eyes. You can find the painting on the bell cage above the door of the lift. The artist’s signature at the back of the work, in the bell cage.
Flea market at Bij Sint-Jacobs
Flea market at Bij Sint-Jacobs
A ten-day party around ten centuries of history A square steeped in folklore. Whether you visit during the Ghent Festivities in the summer or come to the weekly flea market, there is always something going on here. It is a real hotspot for bargain hunters at the weekend. And in mid-July, it is the epicentre of the Festivities with a capital F. The main stage at St James’ Church gets the whole city rocking! Ghent Festivities Bij Sint-Jacobs, the popular square around the stately St James’ Church, has been the centre of the Ghent Festivities for decades. This was where the festivities were given a new lease of life in 1969 at Café Trefpunt, by the folk singer Walter De Buck. An old Ghent tradition was reborn. What started out as a small affair among artists around St James’ has grown into an event that takes over the entire city centre, thanks to support from Ghent city council. The ten-day, non-stop party is packed with folklore, street theatre, puppet shows, and music, and has now grown into one of the biggest street parties in Europe! Flea market treasures Before and after the Ghent Festivities, the local atmosphere is never far away at Bij Sint-Jacobs. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, this lively square is taken over by trinkets, baubles, small antiques and old junk. The flea market is a real Ghent tradition. And the market is so firmly rooted in Ghent culture that a whole host of vintage and curiosity shops have moved into the streets around the Romanesque church of St James, beside the famous antiques gallery, Gallery St-John. Bij Sint-Jacobs is the absolute place to be for collectors! A scarred fortress The mighty St James’ Church stands in the middle of the square. A rough, Romanesque fortress of God. Its imposing architecture, dating back to the 12th century, may be the reason that this old church is still standing. It has survived desecrations and an iconoclasm. It has been damaged, scarred and then repaired, restored and extended time and again. That has led to an interesting mixture of styles. The architecture is Romanesque with Gothic and Baroque elements. It is a genuinely remarkable piece of religious architecture.
Flower market Kouter
Flower market Kouter
A Sunday morning on the Kouter means a pleasant stroll around the flower market, stopping now and then for a klapke: a glass of white wine with an oyster. Bask in the elegance of life in Ghent. And why not enjoy a relaxed bite to eat at one of the great restaurants nearby. It is a favourite ritual for Ghent residents. You don’t need to wait for spring! Thanks to the daily flower market, you can see a bright tapestry of flowers every day of the year on the Kouter. But the best time of all to visit is on a sunny Sunday morning in spring. Stretch your legs in the first rays of spring sunshine, enjoy the colours and listen to music playing in the background. Blissful. If you’re lucky, a brass band will be playing in the bandstand. This is what we call the good life. Ghent’s most sophisticated gourmets gather at De Blauwe Kiosk at about eleven in the morning. This monument converted into an aperitif bar serves a glass of cava, fresh oysters and other amuse-bouches to connoisseurs at the market. Originally a hexagonal newspaper kiosk, this little building has stood on the Kouter since 1885, along with 38 other kiosks around the centre of Ghent. Today this one is the only survivor. Since 1990, it has had a new lease of life as an open-air bar. There is more here than just strolling, flowers and wine! The Kouter is also a hub of music. There is something here for everyone! The 19th-century Opera Gent building and De Handelsbeurs concert venue on the Kouter span the entire music scene, from pop, rock and world music to jazz, opera and classical music. Perhaps running through the entire offerings would be a bit much. Simply rest assured that the Kouter is the place to be if you’re a music lover. The Kouter is the perfect place to start a shopping spree in the Veldstraat.
Gentbrugse Meersen
Gentbrugse Meersen
Gentbrugse Meersen is a park and nature reserve that is still being created. You can come here for sports, play, gardening and picnics. Take a walk in the woods and discover stretches of open water populated by water birds. A piece of wild nature close to the city. The barefoot path is a 1-km long footpath that has not been laid artificially. It is a natural path which changes along with the weather and the seasons. A real treat for your feet!
Ghent Belfry, world heritage
Ghent Belfry, world heritage
Look up at the magical city skyline for a moment during your weekend trip in Ghent: you can’t miss it. The Belfry is the middle tower in the famous row of three, between St Bavo’s Cathedral and St Nicholas’ Church. A fiery dragon, the proud symbol and mascot of Ghent, guards the historic heart of the city. The Ghent Belfry symbolises the city’s prosperity and independence. The Cloth Hall, built onto the Belfry, was completed in 1907. The flamboyant Brabant Gothic style of the Cloth Hall is an ode to the industry to which Ghent owes so much. On the corner of the Cloth Hall is an old jailer’s house. The Ghent Belfry, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage, is well worth a visit. In 1402, it was the place where city privileges were kept: in a chest, locked up in the Belfry safe. The dragon, which has been up on the tower since 1377, kept an eye on the city as well as being the symbolic guardian of the belfry. The Belfry also proudly carried the alarm bell, the ‘Great Triumphant’. Today you will find this bell, nicknamed ‘Roland’ by the people of Ghent, not far from the Belfort on Emile Braunplein. Until 1442, St Nicholas’ Church was the main watchtower. In 1442, the watchmen in the tower moved across to the newly completed Belfry. Along with the bell ringers, these watchmen, or the corps of ‘men who guard the city’, served until 1869. Fire was a particular danger in Ghent. The Belfry tower is an absolute must-see! Climb the stairs, listen to the chiming sound of the carillon and enjoy the view of the vibrant city of Ghent. There is a lift from the first floor. The stunning view over Ghent is bound to enchant you. However, the Belfry is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. The Mammelokker, a legend behind bars In 1741, a building was erected between the Belfry and the Cloth Hall, which served as the entrance to the city jail. You will see a relief sculpture above the entrance. The sculpture tells an old Roman legend of a man, Cimon, who was sentenced to death by starvation. He survived his sentence because his daughter visited every day and breastfed him. ‘Mamme’ means ‘breast’ and ‘lokken’ means ‘suck’ in an old Ghent dialect. The Belfort, great fun for little dragons Ghent wouldn’t be Ghent without children and young people, so Ghent Belfry also has plenty to offer little dragons. Here you will find activities for kids aged 6 to 18 years old. Kids up to the age of 100 are more than welcome here as well ;-). Child-friendly Ghent: have fun on your weekend trip with the whole family. Do you know about the city game with Fosfor the dragon as well?
Copacobana Festival
Copacobana Festival
Every year the Sint-Baafskouterpark hosts the Copacobana Festival, a free festival at the park for all ages. Come and enjoy music, theatre and dance workshops and much, much more.
Film Fest Gent
Film Fest Gent
The Film Fest Gent has become a not-to-be-missed event on the Flemish and international cultural scene. It owes its success to events that keep making their return: dozens of quality films, major film music concerts by top composers and extraordinary exhibitions in the margin of film.
Gent Jazz Festival
Gent Jazz Festival
Every year in July jazz enthusiasts can have a great time during the Gent Jazz Festival. Renowned artists from Belgium and abroad make up the programme. Head to Restaurant Lof to enjoy lunch concerts.
Ghent Festival of Flanders
Ghent Festival of Flanders
Ghent Festival of Flanders is an international music festival where diversity, creativity and top quality are essential. Discover classical and world music in a surprising artistic way, at different exclusive locations in and around the city of Ghent. Every year you can find at least 180 concerts listed on the program, where more than 1500 national and international artists are participating. Original concepts like OdeGand and Parklife make sure that the festival attracts above 60 000 visitors yearly and leave an unforgettable experience for young and old. Go to the website to view the full programme
Jazz in the Park
Jazz in the Park
Jazz in the Park (Jazz in ’t Park) presents Belgian contemporary jazz to a large audience by organising free concerts. Discover established names and local talent, bringing light-digestible jazz as well as the more complicated genre.
The Ghent Festivities
The Ghent Festivities
A sparkling cultural popular festival with numerous performances of various national and international artists: a unique event in Europe, thanks to the varied and free offer of (music) performances, (street)theatre, exhibitions, animation for children, fairs, parades and so much more!
The Light Festival
The Light Festival
Every three years, Ghent is set ablaze with lights during the free Ghent Light Festival. This festival lights up the city with works by international light artists. The city’s nights will become the backdrop for a surprising spectacle, ingenious installations, spectacular performances and beautiful events, all based on light. Get ready to discover Ghent’s historic sites and monuments from a different angle. The Light Festival puts the internationally acclaimed Ghent lighting plan in the spotlight and gives you the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Ghent’s unique hidden charm after sunset.
The six-days bicycle race
The six-days bicycle race
Every year in November, the very best track racing cyclists compete for the victory in the legendary ‘Kuipke’ cycling stadium. Every day you can watch the race for points, the team race, the elimination race, the time trial, the super sprint and the derny. Don’t miss this spectacle!
Alice
Alice
At lunch restaurant Alice, named after the owner’s deceased mother, chef Frederic Stas brings Alice’s authentic recipes to life. Meanwhile, David Sobrie, the grandson of the famous former patisserie chef from Ghent, blows new life into old pastry recipes. The cherry on the cake? The French "boudoir chic" interior.
Barista
Barista
The name “Barista” or coffee sommelier says it all. This is the place to be if you want to enjoy a good coffee. At Barista coffee is the main attraction but the pastries and bread are also delicious. They’re all carefully baked at an organic bakery. The lunchtime menu includes soup, sandwiches, focaccia and toasted sandwiches. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a slice of homemade cake with coffee, tea or organic lemonade. Take a seat at the long tables and admire the hustle and bustle of Ghent’s Zuid neighbourhood. A few years ago “Barista Zuivelbrug” opened its doors, right in the city centre, near the bridge between Langemunt and Oudburg.
Belle Histoire
Belle Histoire
Belle Histoire, in the heart of Ghent, is more than just a coffee shop. You can have breakfast there in the morning, and for lunch you can choose from salads, rolls, toasted sandwiches, soup and quiches. In the afternoon, Belle Histoire offers a wide range of homemade pancakes, fresh cakes and pastries, waffles, ice cream and milkshakes.
Clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee
The ideal place for a relaxed breakfast in a colourful neighbourhood. Go for one of the delicious breakfast menus or just pick whatever takes your fancy. Hot coffee ready for you all day. Children are welcome.
Julie's House
Julie's House
Luscious ladies who serve delicious breakfast, traditional cakes and colourful cupcakes with a dash of old-fashioned conviviality.
Labath
Labath
Coffee bar Labath is located near the Sint-Lucas art college and a few steps from Saint Michael’s Bridge. This corner bar with gigantic windows has a big-city feel. Head over there to read the paper, work on your laptop, have a chat on the terrace and of course a cup of coffee. Both Thomas and Valentine are true coffee connoisseurs, so they’ll only serve you topquality brews, whether you prefer a regular or a “slow coffee”.
Le Pain Perdu
Le Pain Perdu
Fancy a drink, a tasty breakfast or a hearty lunch? Then Pain Perdu, with its great atmosphere, is an absolute must! It’s the place to be for the best and biggest sandwiches. The large, covered garden behind the shop provides a nice extra touch.
Madam Bakster
Madam Bakster
Madam Bakster is the place to be if you like tasty, but healthy food. All cakes and desserts are made using only natural ingredients, such as nuts, oats and dates, without refined sugar or animal products. Delicious with a cup of coffee or tea… or a cappuccino made with almond and hazelnut milk!
‘t Dreupelkot
‘t Dreupelkot
Small brown jenever cafe chez Pol, located in one of the nicest spots in Ghent. In this little pub you can choose from more than 200 kinds of Belgian jenevers, more known in Ghent as ‘dreupels’.
Afsnis
Afsnis
Cozy cafe where you can enjoy a chat. The place to be for beer lovers and a legendary spot in Ghent.
Bar Jan Cremer
Bar Jan Cremer
This coffee bar and hotspot with a wood interior and a sunny terrace – just a stone’s throw from Overpoort – serves bagels and gestreken mastellen (‘ironed buns’) with coffee or a cool pint. A go-to spot for students.
Café de Zoo
Café de Zoo
Cocktail bar — lounge cafe linked to restaurant “De Acht Zaligheden”.
Café Den Turk
Café Den Turk
The oldest café in Ghent with a beautiful brown interior and some of that typical Ghent arrogance, known for pouring the best draught beers in Ghent. Whiskies, cognacs and sandwiches ‘mee uufflakke’. The regular haunt of many local councillors who go and enjoy a pint there after council meetings. This 15th-century house was built during the same period as Sint-Jorishof around the corner. The Den Turk house was the base of the young St George’s guild (Sint-Jorisgilde). The façade is made of sand lime, which was often used for prestigious buildings in 15th- and 16th-century Ghent. The popular café Den Turk claims to be the oldest café in Ghent, and many councillors and civil servants like to pop in for a drink after their council meetings.
Charlatan
Charlatan
Popular nightlife and music café, the epicentre of the Ghent nightlife scene. The place to dance the night away during the weekend; free performances on Thursdays and Sundays; open till the wee hours; large indoor and smokers’ terrace (weather permitting) and so much more… Also known as the “House of Perdition”.
De Geus van Gent
De Geus van Gent
Beautiful cafe at the “Geuzenhuis” with a lounge area and a peculiar rounded ceiling where you can enjoy a chat; meeting place for liberal people (whether they share the same views or not) with a waterside terrace.
Dulle Griet
Dulle Griet
“Brown cafe” in an old, beautiful medieval interior decorated with cartwheels. This cafe offers the largest beer selection in Ghent: more than 500 local and international beers. Exchange your shoe for a Max beer poured in a bootshaped glass. But don’t worry, you will get it back afterwards.
A Food Affair
A Food Affair
It is all about wok in this world cuisine restaurant and healthy light dishes with refreshing taste combinations.
Aba-jour
Aba-jour
Art Deco brasserie with a view of the Leie, specialised in regional Ghent produce and beer gastronomy.
Allegro Moderato
Allegro Moderato
Traditional French restaurant in an 18th century listed building filled with splendour of days gone by: impressive chandeliers, baroque fireplaces and decorative frescos, and still it will feel like home. It has a lovely terrace with a view of historical Ghent.
Amadeus
Amadeus
Restaurant serving a liberal supply of spareribs. The Vichy-style table-cloths and nostalgic knick-knacks are reminiscent of the twenties and thirties. Be careful not to overdo, because it is ‘all you can eat’!
Ankara
Ankara
Typical Turkish restaurant with Turkish specialities (think Turkish pizza, stews and mezze) at reasonable prices. The interior is basic, with a noisy cosiness and there is quite a terrace.
Balls & Glory
Balls & Glory
Wim Ballieu’s meatball concept is a big success: meatballs with fillings served with mash or a salad. Try them at the lunch restaurant in Sint-Jacobsnieuwstraat. The open-plan kitchen allows you to see how these delicious meatballs are made. You can eat in or choose the takeaway option There’s something for vegetarians too: there is a different vegetarian alternative on the menu every week.
Borluut
Borluut
Restaurant at Korenmarkt in the heart of Ghent, housed in a 12th-century town house. The building is only a few years older than the Castle of the Counts.
Café Theatre
Café Theatre
This is the place to be for a delicious overture or a tasty encore! And the interior of Café Théâtre deserves a round of applause as well. Come here at any time of the day: for a delightful breakfast in the morning, or a quick lunch or leisurely dinner later on. In the evening, the bar staff will be happy to mix you a fantastic cocktail! It’s absolutely true: Café Théâtre is where you will officially find the Best Steak Tartare in Flanders and Brussels. Awarded first prize by the leading Belgian magazine Knack, this dish comes highly recommended. But you can also opt for one of the chef’s suggestions or three-course set menu, or you can eat à-la-carte. There is a varied selection of starters, main courses and desserts to choose from. At night the real magicians appear behind the bar. A juice with the right punch, a stiff shot from the bottle, and as if by magic a fabulous cocktail appears. The bar staff at Café Théâtre have won several prizes, so you know you’ve found the right mix! Café Théâtre is a great place for breakfast as well! The impressive coffee and breakfast menu at Café Théâtre is based on the local traditional Bloch Bakery: a household name in Ghent with a history going back 100 years. The family bakery with a name that is famous far beyond the city will spoil you with its unique pastry recipes from far and wide.
Public Transport
Public Transport
Ghent’s public transport is well organised, with a wide network of trams and buses. The buses and trams in Ghent will take you to where you want to go from early in the morning until late in the evening: for free if you have a CityCard. The CityCard Ghent allows you to use all the trams & buses in Ghent without paying extra! What if you haven’t got a CityCard Ghent with all its great benefits?! You will find a ‘Lijnwinkel’, or ticket shop, at Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, Korenmarkt and Gent-Zuid (Woodrow Wilsonplein) where you can buy tickets. Always buy your ticket in advance from the Lijnwinkel or a machine at the tram or bus stop. Tram lines 1, 2 and 4 take you from one end of Ghent to the other, passing right through the city centre.
Climate
Climate
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate, with unpredictable, volatile weather. Ghent is not far from the North Sea and has a temperate rainy climate. You can never be certain it will remain dry, but generally, spring is the least rainy of all the seasons. January and February are the coldest months, with average minimum temperatures of 0 to 1 °C. The summer months are sunny, with an average maximum temperature of 21 °C. Don’t postpone your visit to Ghent because of the weather, because it’s a beautiful city all year round. In summer, the many festivals make it a bubbly place to be and in winter, the magical evening lighting gives it an extra cosy touch. On a rainy day, you can satisfy your craving for culture with a museum visit, topped with a culinary treat in one of the many cafés and restaurants. And remember… at the end of the day, the weather in Ghent is just as quirky as the city and its inhabitants.
Electricity
Electricity
220 V
Emergency numbers
Emergency numbers
112 is the general number used in all countries of the European Union to contact the emergency services: police, fire brigade or medical assistance. The number operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 112 Ambulance/Fire Department/Police +32 9 266 61 11 General telephone number Ghent Police +32 2 475 44 99 Child Focus Belgium +32 70 245 245 Poison Control Centre Belgium +32 78 15 10 20 Drug hotline Belgium +32 800 99 533 LGTBQ hotline Belgium
Plane
Plane
Choosing to fly in for your city trip? Ghent does not have an airport of its own but is easy to reach from the two main airports in Belgium: Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
Telephone
Telephone
Country Code: 32 Area Code: 9
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