Ghent is one of Belgium’s most beautiful historic cities. It combines medieval architecture, canals, museums, lively squares, cafés and restaurants. Most of the main sights are located in or near the historic city centre and can be visited on foot.
- Sint Bavo’s Cathedral (https://www.sintbaafskathedraal.be/en/)
This beautiful 13th century Gothic cathedral is definitely worth a visit. It is home to the world famous Ghent Altarpiece (aka the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by the Van Eyck brothers. Finished in 1432, it revolutionized the art of oil painting. Parts of it are being restorated. You can actually watch the restoration process in the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) Ghent. More information: https://www.mskgent.be/en/exhibitions/restoration-ghent-altarpiece.
PS The bottom left panel was stolen in 1934 and has never been found (it has been replaced with a copy). It's a hugely popular target for amateur sleuths. The case is still open!
- The Castle of the Counts, aka the Gravensteen (https://historischehuizen.stad.gent/en/castle-counts)
Heavily restorated to make it reassume its midieval splendor, a visit to the castle that once housed the counts of Flanders should be high on your to-do list. - The boats of Ghent (https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/de-bootjes-van-gent-rederij-dewaele)
No better way to explore Ghent’s historical center than the boats of Ghent: small, open-top boats (you get an umbrella) with a tour guide.
- The Fine Arts Museum, aka MSK (https://www.mskgent.be/en)
The museum houses a high quality collection of fine art, including masterpieces by Flemish impressionists like Emile Claus. It is also the place where panels of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting by the Van Eyck brothers are being restorated. You can watch the actual restoration work (behind glass).
- The Museum of Contemporary Art, aka SMAK (https://smak.be/en)
Get your mind blown by this unsurpassed collection of contemporary art. From Marcel Broodthaers’ “289 eggs” to Panamarenko’s Doodlebug and beyond. Expect the weird, you won’t be disappointed!
- You can learn more about the city of Ghent in the STAdsMuseum, or City Museum (https://stamgent.be/en).
- The trafic-free historical center
Walk around. Look around. Go shopping. Sit down and have a drink while you watch the people hury by. Relax, enjoy ...
Around Ghent
Belgium is a compact country, and several cities can easily be visited from Ghent by train.
Bruges is one of the most popular day trips from Ghent. It is famous for its canals, medieval streets, historic market square and well-preserved city centre. It is a good option for participants who would like to experience a very classical Flemish city.
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, can also be reached easily by train. Visitors can explore the Grand Place, the Royal Galleries, the European Quarter, museums, cafés and restaurants. Brussels is a good choice for those interested in history, politics, architecture or Belgian chocolate and beer culture.
Antwerp is another excellent option for a half-day or full-day visit. The city is known for its cathedral, central railway station, fashion, design, diamonds, museums and lively riverside area. It has a different atmosphere from Ghent and Bruges and is especially interesting for those who enjoy larger cities.
When planning a visit outside Ghent, please check the current train schedules in advance. Belgian trains are frequent, but travel times and connections may vary depending on the day and time.