• Home
    • About
      • About Brianna
      • Contact Me
      • Work With Me
    • Destinations
    • Travel
      • Budget Travel
      • Short Term Travel
      • Travel Gear & Tech
    • Stories From Abroad
      • Travel Fails
      • Stories
    • Travel Resources
  • Archives

    • November 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016
    • April 2016
    • March 2016
    • February 2016
    • January 2016
    • December 2015
    • November 2015
  • Home
  • About
    • About Brianna
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me
  • Destinations
  • Travel
    • Budget Travel
    • Short Term Travel
    • Travel Gear & Tech
  • Stories From Abroad
    • Travel Fails
    • Stories
  • Travel Resources

A Budget Friendly 48 Hours in Ghent, Belgium

June 16, 2017

Ghent, Belgium is one of my favorite cities I have visited. Most people who visit only stay for the day, seeing just the very surface of what this beautiful medieval town has to offer. There is just so much to see and experience here, you’ll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

Get your Ghent CityCard

Like many cities in Europe, Ghent offers a City Card which allows you access to many of the city’s top sights and attractions for free. The card’s fee of €30 is quickly repaid by the savings you’ll experience within your 48 hours in Ghent. The card also includes free access to public transportation, free access to the hop-on-hop-off water tramway, as well as a free boat tour. If you are staying longer than 48 hours, you can consider buying the City Card that’s valid for 72 hours. You can purchase your card at the Ghent tourism office, at participating attractions, and at hotels within Ghent.

If you're planning a trip to Belgium, I beg you to make a stop in Ghent. Here are just a few of the reasons you need to visit Ghent, Belgium.

 


 

Check out the Churches

You can’t go to Europe without seeing dozens of stunning churches. Ghent certainly adds some lovely ones to the list. There are several historic churches within the city, but there are three main ones you’ll want to see. First, you’ll want to see St. Bavo’s Cathedral. This is located next to Ghent’s Belfry and is most known as being the home of the famous piece of art: The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. (If you’ve seen the movie The Monuments Men, this painting was a big part of that story.) Other notable churches to visit while in Ghent include St. Nicholas’ Church and St. Michael’s Cathedral.

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

St. Nicholas’ Church

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

St. Bavo’s Cathedral

 


 

See the Quick Sights

 

Free Walking Tour

Walking tours are always a great way to learn more about a new city. This is also a good way to see many of the main highlights within Ghent. Most walking tours will take you through the main areas of central Ghent, while explaining interesting tidbits and historical facts. I enjoyed my Ghent tour on my second day of exploring the city. But I’d recommend signing up and taking a tour as one of the first things you do here. It will help you understand a lot more about Ghent!

 

St. Michaels Bridge

Also lovingly called the “Selfie Bridge,” simply because it offers such a picturesque view that people are always stopping here for selfies! This lovely old bridge can be admired from many different places within Ghent, so keep your eyes open!

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

Korenlai & Graslei

This is an area within Ghent that is famous for its beautiful views and architecture. Using the image below, you will find Korenlai on the left side of the canal, and Graslei on the right. In the 11th century, this area was the port of Ghent, leading to it being a very popular place for merchants to set up shop. In these days, the buildings you see used to contain a post office, a grainery, a tax collector and even a brothel! Most of the other buildings here were used as guildhouses or storehouses for goods brought in via ships.

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

Fish Market

While pretty much all the buildings in Ghent are incredibly beautiful, there are those that stand out among the others. One is the old Fish Market. As the name suggests, here is where locals would come to buy fish during the Middle Ages. If you’re having trouble finding this place, the giant statue of Neptune on the top of the building serves as a good indicator that you’ve found it. The Ghent tourism office is also located here.

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

City Hall

The City Hall of Ghent is another place that stands out from the rest of the buildings. It’s easy to see that the building has a bit of a personality disorder, with the right side having very gothic architecture and the left side being more modern. The City Hall began as two different buildings, hosting the two different assemblies of Ghent’s local government. As the assemblies got bigger through time, so did their corresponding buildings. As they eventually came to become one building, they could not settle on one type of architecture, so they just kept the two sides.

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

The City Pavilion

One of Ghent’s newer buildings, the City Pavilion came to life after the city held an architectural competition. Because it does not quite follow the Medieval architecture that sweeps through the rest of the city, the pavilion is a bit of a controversial building. It holds outdoor concerts and functions, and provides great coverage for people to get out of that inevitable Belgian rain.

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 


 

Visit the Attractions

 

The Belfry

You can’t visit Ghent without seeing the city’s Belfry. An at 91 meters tall (the tallest Belfry in Belgium), it’s hard to miss.  Ghent’s belfry served many purposes during the Middle Ages: to keep public records, to watch for enemies, and to use the inner bells to alert the town through the day. Today, it provides some outrageously beautiful views of Ghent. It takes 256 winding and narrow steps to make it to the top of the Belfry. Or you can take an elevator up a few flights.

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

Graffiti Street

Arguably one of the coolest (and definitely the most colorful) parts of Ghent has to be Graffiti Street. Basically, the government of Ghent opened this alleyway for people to legally do graffiti art as a way of keeping the rest of the city spray-paint free. New works of art are constantly being added, making the walls contain layers and layers of paint. You’re welcome to add your own art too, just don’t expect it to be there for very long!

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

Gravensteen Castle

Another hard to miss building in Ghent is Gravensteen Castle (also called the Castle of the Counts). After the city of Ghent was attacked by vikings two times during the 9th century, they decided to build a castle. Throughout history, this castle has served as a dungeon, a torture chamber, a courthouse and administrative offices. In the 18th century, the building was used as a textile factory, where the workers lived inside in poor conditions. In 1907, the castle was restored and opened to the public. Today, you can visit inside the castle and learn more about the justice system of the Middle Ages.

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

Dr. Guislain Museum

For something a little more off the beaten path, consider checking out the Dr. Guislain Museum. Fun fact about me: I am fascinated by psychological disorders. I almost studied Psychology in college, but Tourism won that battle. But even still, I enjoy learning about how psychological issues were dealt with in the past. Similar to the Traverse City State Hospital I once wrote about here, the Dr. Guislain Museum is built within Belgium’s oldest psychiatric hospital. Here, you’ll learn more about psychiatric practices of the mid-1800s and the buildings’ role as an asylum. You’ll also find lots of interesting artwork inspired by the mysteries of the mind.

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 

House of Alijn

This building, used as a hospital in the 1300’s, is now one of Ghent’s most interesting museums. Each room of the museum is set up and decorated how they would have been in the 20th century. You can see many photos, listen to sound recordings, and even watch film excerpts that will transport you back in time. There is also a cafe inside you can visit free of charge.

 

Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to see Ghent is by boat. As mentioned earlier, your Ghent CityCard includes a free 40-minute boat tour with Gent Watertoerist, to learn more about the history of Ghent, and see the city from a different perspective. Not to mention, it’s a nice way to get off your feet for a bit!

There is just so much to see and experience, you'll want to plan for at least 48 hours in Ghent, if not more. Here are some of the top things you must do during your 48 hours in Ghent, while keeping your travels within a friendly budget!

 


 

Budget-Friendy ‘Noms

 

Himschoot Bakery

Located just down the road from Gravensteen Castle, this traditional bakery is hard to miss. With its stacks of bread and goodies lined in the front windows, Himschoot Bakery is a great place to stop and get a snack. Here, you can get a local pastry called a mastel. It has a donut-like shape with a light cinnamon and sugar flavor.

 

Soup Lounge

For a more filling meal on a budget, check out Soup Lounge.  Tucked away down a small street in the city center, this little cafe is often overlooked by the tourist crowds. For just €7 you can get yourself a huge bowl of hot soup, accompanied by 2 bread rolls, an apple, and a soft drink. There are also sandwiches and salads you can try, but the soup is really what you’ll want.

 


 

***

Still not convinced you need to visit Ghent? Check out these 8 reasons why you should go!

 

*Note: Thanks to Visit Ghent for providing me with a complimentary CityCard. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter to get updates on my adventures! Or check out my Instagram for pretty pictures!

 

 

 

 

Share49
Tweet
Pin560
Share
609 Shares
BelgiumBudget TravelGentGhent
Share

Belgium  / Budget Travel

You might also like

15 Free Things to do in Brussels, Belgium
November 24, 2018
13 Reasons Carry On Travel is the Bomb Diggity
August 24, 2018
How to Eat on a Budget While Traveling
February 23, 2018

31 Comments


Gokul Raj
June 18, 2017 at 7:28 am
Reply

Lovely quiet city with a great architecure. I will not miss those street art. Looks so colorful.



Rahul Khurana
June 18, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Reply

This city looks really beautiful. Loved the architecture of the castles and other buildings and I must say that ‘Selfie Bridge’ sounds so cool. You have taken us to the whole city through this comprehensive post. Also, I liked the concept of the ‘City Card’. 🙂



Kelly
June 18, 2017 at 1:30 pm
Reply

Thank you so much for sharing. I am npt super familiar with ghent but between the food and city pass and architecture and city pass, this seems like a must see city. Also would love to walk through grafitti street!



DebbZie Leksono
June 18, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Reply

Now, I kinda regret it that I skipped this city when I was visiting Belgium. Seems like there’s a bunch of places I’d be enjoying since I really love old architecture. Like St. Nichola’s church, it looks beautiful and unique. Thanks for sharing this! 🙂



Kate
June 18, 2017 at 4:25 pm
Reply

Such a beautiful and historic city. My only familiarity to this region was through the minor references to the artwork in Monuments Men. However, this detailed information has convinced me that I’ll need to visit.



Steph @ The Pink Backpack
June 19, 2017 at 11:05 am
Reply

So I had actually never heard of Ghent until reading this post but it is actually so cute! If I ever return to Belgium I will definitely try to visit. I particularly really like the St. Nicholas’ Church; the architecture is so unique and interesting. Great post!



Elisa
June 19, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Reply

Yes, yes, you convinced me to go to Ghent! And living in Paris it should not be that difficult. The view from the Belfry looks very beautiful and it would be my perfect starting point. Then I would walk along the canals. Thanks for the tips!



    Brianna
    June 19, 2017 at 4:56 pm
    Reply

    It definitely would be an easy trip from Paris! You could get there via train in just a few hours!

Agness of aTukTuk
June 19, 2017 at 4:02 pm
Reply

Ghent seems breathtaking! Thanks for the motivational post! This place is worth seeing!



Jade Mortimer
June 20, 2017 at 12:05 am
Reply

looks like a gorgeous city! great tip about the city card too!



Edith & Juan
June 20, 2017 at 3:01 pm
Reply

I enjoy getting city cards for better deals! This city looks beautiful! I especially loved the church’s architecture and graffiti street! Would be so cool to see that alley.



Paul
June 21, 2017 at 1:20 am
Reply

Ghent looks like a beautiful city to visit! I really want to visit Belgium one day and Ghent is now on my list! The city pass sounds amazing and I just wish more cities would do things like this!



Miranda
June 21, 2017 at 10:53 am
Reply

Wow the buildings and architecture style are gorgeous in Ghent! I’d love to see the various churches.



Nina | Nina Near and Far
June 22, 2017 at 11:39 am
Reply

With every post I see about Ghent I become a little more obsessed! Korenlai & Graslei looks like a stunning area!



Carmen Edelson
June 22, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Reply

Ghent was one of my FAVORITE places I visited in Belgium. However, it was only a day trip! I’d love to stay there for at least 48 hours and do everything you did! Thanks for sharing 🙂



Natasha | Meldrums On The Move
June 30, 2017 at 5:46 am
Reply

I have been to Belgium but not to Ghent before. It looks like lots of fun. I would for sure be going for some of that soup!



Jurga
July 22, 2017 at 12:00 pm
Reply

Would you believe that we live less than an hour from Ghent, but haven’t been there for years! Your post reminded me that we should make an effort to visit this summer. Ghent is such a beautiful town, isn’t it!



    Brianna
    July 22, 2017 at 12:12 pm
    Reply

    Oh gosh, if I lived that close to Ghent, I would probably visit every day!!

Lily
July 22, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Reply

Ahhh Ghent is SO high on my list!! I already know I’ll love it! Loved your photos 🙂



Daniela
July 22, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Reply

Ghent looks like the sort of the city that I would enjoy exploring on my own with my camera 🙂 The buildings are so colourful!



This Big Wild World
July 22, 2017 at 1:16 pm
Reply

The Fish Market building is so beautiful! I already love Belgium but have never been to Ghent. Thanks for the tips!



Nicole Arnott
July 22, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Reply

I’ve been to Belgium a few times and it’s one of my favourite countries in Europe but I’ve still never been Ghent. I hope to make it one day so I’ll be sure to follow this itinerary when I do!



Taylor
July 22, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Reply

Looks like you had a great time! The graffiti street was probably my favorite photo! Thanks for sharing!



Anekha
July 22, 2017 at 6:16 pm
Reply

Great post! I’d love to visit other parts of Belgium. Only been to Brussels so far which was fab!



Kathi
July 23, 2017 at 7:07 am
Reply

Oh, I’d love to go back to Belgium – Ghent looks like it has something for everyone! I love the look of the City Pavillon – so different than any building I’ve ever seen! What’s the foodie scene like? I’m vegan, so always tricky to find places with loads of options…



    Brianna
    July 23, 2017 at 8:26 am
    Reply

    Ohhh…I haven’t heard of Pavillon! Guess I’ll have to go back to Belgium….Shucks! 😉

    I did a really terrible job at eating in Europe! I was so caught up in seeing everything that I kind of forgot to eat most of the time!

Meghan
July 23, 2017 at 9:18 am
Reply

I haven’t really thought about visiting Ghent but it looks like you had an awesome time there! I love the idea of the city card because it makes things stress free and easier to convince myself to go to when it’s already included.



Valerie - Trusted Travel Girl
July 23, 2017 at 6:40 pm
Reply

I still haven’t made it there, but this post has got me dying to go! A soup lounge sounds like a perfect spot for the chilly weather. Beautiful photos!



Richelle
July 24, 2017 at 11:33 pm
Reply

This is such a great guide! I visited Bruges when I was in high school but I haven’t been to Gent. I guess I need to go back!



Cherene
July 25, 2017 at 4:52 pm
Reply

All those churches look so cool. I have heard Ghent is really awesome! Looks like you saw a lot in 48 hours:)



Baia
July 27, 2017 at 1:56 pm
Reply

I want to plan a surprise bday present for my hubby next spring and take him to Amsterdam and I thought of going to Belgium too. This is very helpful. I will note it down to check Ghent too.



Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • I’m Brianna and I’m possibly the funniest person I know. I’m a total goofball who loves to travel. I fell in love with the world in 2007, when my family and I moved to Sydney, Australia. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to see the world. I'm an ordinary adventurer here to show you how the average person can travel the world.

    Get To Know Me More

     
  • Aching For More Adventure?

    Sign up today for instant notifications of new posts and EXCLUSIVE travel tips!
    * = required field
  • Find Me On Instagram

    instagram
  • Sleep on the Cheap

  • Top 1000 Travel Blog

  • As Seen On…

  • Where I’ve Been




© Copyright 2017 Archives of Adventure // LetsBlog Theme - Theme by ThemeGoods // View this site's Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy // We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

 

Loading Comments...
 

    Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

    You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

    Click here for our full Privacy Policy

    Strictly Necessary Cookies

    Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

    If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.