Ghent, Belgium, is a hidden gem that perfectly blends medieval charm with a vibrant modern culture. While often overshadowed by Bruges and Brussels, this lively city is packed with stunning architecture, delicious food, and a thriving arts scene.
If you have just 24 hours in Ghent, here’s the ultimate one-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Table of Contents
🌅 8:00 AM – Start Your Day with Breakfast at Café Labath
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Labath, one of Ghent’s best coffee spots.
☕ What to Order:
- A strong Belgian coffee or a creamy cappuccino
- A fresh croissant or a hearty avocado toast
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a more traditional Belgian breakfast, try Pain Perdu (Belgian-style French toast) at Le Pain Quotidien.
🏰 9:00 AM – Explore Gravensteen Castle
No trip to Ghent is complete without visiting Gravensteen Castle, also known as the Castle of the Counts.
🏰 Why Visit?
- This 12th-century fortress looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
- Inside, explore medieval torture devices, knight armor, and ancient dungeons.
- Climb to the top for panoramic views of Ghent.
🎟️ Entrance Fee: ~€12
📍 Location: Sint-Veerleplein 11
🚶♂️ 10:30 AM – Stroll Along the Graslei & Korenlei
Take a leisurely walk along the Graslei and Korenlei, two of Ghent’s most picturesque streets along the river.
🌟 Why Visit?
- The area is lined with stunning medieval guild houses.
- A perfect spot for photos and people-watching.
- Grab a Belgian waffle from a street vendor for a quick snack!
🖼️ 11:00 AM – Admire the Mystic Lamb at St. Bavo’s Cathedral
Head to St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to one of the most famous paintings in the world—The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck.
🎨 Why Visit?
- The painting is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
- The cathedral itself is awe-inspiring with Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows.
🎟️ Entrance Fee for the Mystic Lamb Painting: ~€12
📍 Location: Sint-Baafsplein
🍽️ 12:30 PM – Lunch at Du Progres
By now, you’ll be hungry, and Ghent has amazing Belgian cuisine to offer!
🍴 What to Eat at Du Progres:
- Gentse Waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew)
- Stoofvlees (Belgian beef stew) served with fries
- A local Belgian beer like Gentse Strop
💡 Pro Tip: Want a vegetarian option? Try Tasty World for delicious plant-based meals!
🚢 2:00 PM – Take a Canal Boat Tour
The best way to see Ghent in a short time is by taking a canal cruise.
🚤 Why Take a Boat Tour?
- It offers a relaxing way to explore the city’s history.
- You’ll pass by hidden medieval gems and charming bridges.
- Some tours include local stories and legends told by expert guides.
💰 Cost: ~€10-15
📍 Tours Depart From: Graslei
🖼️ 3:00 PM – Visit the MSK or SMAK Art Museums
If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the chance to visit:
🎨 MSK (Museum of Fine Arts): Features classical and Renaissance artworks.
🎨 SMAK (Museum of Contemporary Art): Perfect for those who love modern and experimental art.
💰 Entrance Fee: ~€10-15
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer history over art, visit STAM Museum, which tells the story of Ghent’s past and future.
🛍️ 4:30 PM – Shopping & Souvenirs at Vrijdagmarkt
Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or unique Belgian gifts at Vrijdagmarkt, one of the city’s historic squares.
🛍️ What to Buy?
- Belgian chocolate from Van Hoorebeke Chocolatier.
- Traditional mustard from Tierenteyn-Verlent (a Ghent specialty).
- Local Belgian lace and crafts.
📍 Location: Vrijdagmarkt Square
☕ 5:30 PM – Afternoon Coffee & Dessert at Julie’s House
Before heading to dinner, treat yourself at Julie’s House, famous for its homemade cakes and pastries.
🍰 What to Order:
- A slice of Belgian chocolate cake
- A traditional speculoos tart
- A latte or hot chocolate
📍 Location: Kraanlei 13
🍻 6:30 PM – Enjoy Belgian Beers at Dulle Griet
Belgium is world-famous for its beers, and no trip to Ghent is complete without a stop at Dulle Griet, a legendary beer pub.
🍺 What to Try:
- Gruut Beer (Ghent’s local beer).
- Delirium Tremens (a strong Belgian classic).
- Dulle Griet’s famous “Max” beer—but beware, you have to leave one of your shoes as a deposit for the glass!
📍 Location: Vrijdagmarkt 50
🍽️ 8:00 PM – Dinner with a View at De Graslei
For a perfect final meal, dine at a riverside restaurant along the Graslei.
🍽️ Recommended Restaurants:
- De Graslei (great for seafood and Belgian classics).
- Pakhuis (a stylish brasserie with local specialties).
- Otomat (for unique Belgian-style pizzas).
🌙 10:00 PM – Night Walk & Scenic Views from St. Michael’s Bridge
End your day with a peaceful night walk to take in Ghent’s magical evening lights.
🌉 Best Night Views:
- St. Michael’s Bridge, offering a postcard-perfect view of Ghent.
- The illuminated Gravensteen Castle at night.
- The Korenmarkt Square, buzzing with nightlife.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have energy left, grab a nightcap at one of the many cocktail bars in Patershol.
🏨 Where to Stay in Ghent?
For an overnight stay, consider:
🏨 1898 The Post – A luxury boutique hotel with historical charm.
🏨 Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel – Elegant & centrally located.
🏨 Backstay Hostel – Budget-friendly and great for backpackers.
🚆 Getting to Ghent & Getting Around
- From Brussels: A 30-minute train ride from Brussels Central Station.
- From Bruges: A 25-minute train ride from Bruges.
- Getting Around: Ghent is walkable, but you can also use trams or rent a bike.
Final Thoughts: Why Ghent is Worth Visiting
In just 24 hours, you can experience medieval castles, Belgian beer, world-class art, and incredible food—all in a less touristy, more authentic setting than Brussels or Bruges.
📌 So, are you ready to explore Ghent? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 😊✨
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