Ghent Festivities (Gentse Feesten)
One of Europe's largest city festivals, filling Ghent's centre for ten days each July with music, theatre and street art.
PlizioGo
A traditional creamy stew with chicken or fish, found in the Patershol district.
Raspberry-flavored cone-shaped candies from street carts on the Groentenmarkt.
Brewed with a spice mix instead of hops, try it at the city brewery.
A bustling Friday market for fresh food, textiles, and local goods.
Historic shop on Groentenmarkt for sharp, locally made mustard.
The city's main shopping street for major brands and fashion.
A remarkably quiet and well-preserved beguinage to stroll through.
The largest park in the city, great for a relaxing walk away from the bustle.
Water temperature…
Ghent is a dynamic and historic university city in Flanders, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval city center. Situated at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers, the city flourished during the Middle Ages as one of the most important and wealthiest centers of the European cloth industry. The architectural heritage from this era, including the formidable 12th-century Gravensteen water castle and the impressive guild halls along the Graslei, bear witness to this prosperity. Ghent is also home to the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers, a masterpiece of Flemish painting. Today, Ghent is not merely a museum city but a lively metropolis boasting Belgium's third-largest port, a thriving cultural scene, and one of Europe's largest car-free city centers.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 60 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 64 | 76 | 81 | 57 | 67 | 73 | 79 |
See what it looks like near Ghent right now.
Ghent: UGent Volkssterrenwacht · 1.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day with a breathtaking view from St. Michael's Bridge, the perfect photo spot. Spend the morning exploring Ghent's historic heart, strolling along the Graslei and Korenlei and admiring the majestic churches. Spend the afternoon delving into the medieval past at the Gravensteen and getting lost in the charming alleys of Patershol. End your day at the bustling Vrijdagmarkt, soaking up the local atmosphere with a drink at one of the many cafés.
Morning at St. Michael's Bridge shows Ghent in a moody grey, with raindrops dancing on the canal surfaces. At noon, the monumental churches and the cathedral offer a grand shelter from the wet streets. In the afternoon, we explore the weather-proof chambers of Gravensteen Castle. The evening ends warmly and dry in one of the cozy pubs in the winding Patershol district.
A frosty morning along Ghent's canals, where mist hangs mystically over the water. At noon, we warm up within the walls of the historic cathedrals. In the afternoon, the early twilight shadows cast a fairy-tale light over Gravensteen Castle. The evening turns cozy at Vrijdagmarkt with hot chocolate and festive winter lights.
Exploring Ghent by bike is a delight. Start at the photogenic St. Michael's Bridge, then pedal to the medieval Gravensteen. Enjoy a lunch break in the bustling Vrijdagmarkt before experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of St. Bavo's Cathedral. In the afternoon, ride through the Citadelpark to the art museums, MSK and SMAK. Finish your tour in the charming alleys of Patershol, where a delicious dinner awaits.
Despite the rain, Ghent is a cycling city: in the morning, we glide along the wet riverside paths. At noon, we find shelter in the large museums on the southern edge of town. In the afternoon, we cycle back to the center to the castle. The evening winds down in Patershol, where bikes are parked safely under the eaves.
Winter cycling along the Leie reveals Ghent's quietest side. At noon, we reach the grand museums in Citadelpark for a cultural warming break. In the afternoon, we head back through the festively lit old town. The evening ends in atmospheric Patershol, where the cold stays outside the door.
Using a car allows you to conveniently explore different districts of Ghent. Start your day in the northern center, parking at Vrijdagmarkt and exploring the Gravensteen castle and picturesque Graslei on foot. In the afternoon, drive south to experience the spiritual calm of St. Bavo's Cathedral, followed by an immersion in the impressive art collection at the MSK. This route combines short drives with pleasant walks.
By car, we explore Ghent comfortably and dry: the morning starts in the Vrijdagmarkt underground garage. At noon, we drive to the castle and then to the canals. In the afternoon, we park at Kouter and visit the cathedral. The day ends in the museum district, simply leaving the rain outside.
Winter comfort in Ghent: we start in the warm Vrijdagmarkt underground garage. At noon, we visit the castle and the festively lit canals. In the afternoon, we park at Kouter and enjoy the atmosphere of the cathedral. The day ends in the heated museum district before driving back relaxed.
An imposing 13th-century castle in the center of Ghent.
A historical mansion in Ghent now used as a cultural space.
A significant medieval moated castle located in the heart of the city.
A former Dominican monastery that now serves as a cultural center for Ghent University.
A significant arts center and historic festival hall in Ghent.
St Stephen's Church, a Catholic church in Ghent.
Dulle Griet cannon in Ghent, a large bombard from the mid-15th century.
