visit gent bike

Ghent on a bike

© Piet De Kersgieter

Stad Gent-Dienst Toerisme Photo by Martin Corlazzoli

Start: Ghent

Our cycling adventure begins at Gent-Sint-Pieters , one of the busiest train stations in the country. From there, we head straight to one of the favourite spots for many people living in Ghent: the Blaarmeersen . This gigantic sports and recreation park offers a wide range of sports and games options, as well as a convivial sunbathing area, a nice beach and a huge swimming lake. Especially in nice weather, it is a great place to be.  

Unspoilt nature

From the Blaarmeersen we cycle onwards towards the Lys, which winds its way into Ghent along this road. Where the river crosses the canal, we turn left. On that virgin asphalt, the two-wheeler reigns supreme. Cars are permitted, but are not allowed to overtake cyclists. We whistle on our way, and a little further ahead we turn left again. We reconnect with the Lys, which takes us towards the Bourgoyen . This breathtaking nature reserve on the outskirts of the city covers more than 200 hectares. The nature is unspoilt with vast marshes and tens of thousands of birds that hatch their eggs here. From the numerous walking trails, it is a joy to behold. 

Two heritage gems

After that green intermezzo, we press on. Passing the western cemetery , we have to navigate the traffic for a short while before we can get back on a traffic-free cycle path. This takes us towards the centre of Ghent where two historical monuments are waiting to welcome us with open arms. First we cycle past the Prinsenhof . Centuries ago, this was a walled residence for the Count of Flanders. In the year 1500, Emperor Charles V was born there. He would later lead an empire the size of the former Roman Empire.

From the Prinsenhof, which today is a picturesque residential area, we ride on for one more minute. This brings us to the gates of the Gravensteen Castle . This medieval moated castle still stands proudly in the heart of Ghent. If you visit the castle, you can learn more about the eventful history of this building, the turbulent political and social history of the city and the knights culture in the 12th century.  

Relax at the docks

Now that we have gained some knowledge, we can move on. We cycle right through the convivial city centre. After some twisting, turning and winding, we arrive at another edge of the city. We have come to the Houtdok . This is one of the old docks in Ghent that is getting a complete makeover. Cycling along the graceful walking promenade, we arrive at Kapitein Zeppospark . We have reached the halfway point on our bicycle trip; time for a break. We park our bicycles, take a breather, and enjoy the restful water.

With batteries recharged, we continue our journey. A dedicated cycle path takes us further along the old docks . The area is in full development, although a historic blue crane still reminds us of the neighbourhood’s harbour past. We ride on, past the busy Dampoort roundabout, towards the Scheldt. Besides the Lys, this is the other river in the twin-river landscape of Ghent. 

Lovely greenery

A low-traffic towpath along the Scheldt leads us automatically towards the Gentbrugse Meersen . This recently developed park and nature area has plenty to offer: sports, relaxation, fauna, flora, footpaths and cycling paths. The little ones can enjoy themselves in a huge playground. After getting acquainted with this greenery, we hit the road again. Along the water, we cycle straight back to the city centre. There, the tower of Saint Bavo’s Cathedral adorns the Ghent skyline. The cathedral is well worth a visit. Inside you will find The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb . This painting by Jan van Eyck is one of the masterpieces of European painting. It also has a particularly turbulent history. It is known as the most stolen painting ever. You can get to know all these stories better in the state-of-the-art visitors’ centre . 

Michiel Devijver

Finish: Ghent

After that rollercoaster, we ride on again. Unfortunately, we have now reached the final kilometres. Via the city library De Krook , a contemporary architectural gem, we reconnect with the water. That takes us back to Sint-Pieters station. There we can put our bicycles on the train and head for another destination. But we will postpone that for a little while. Ghent still has so much to offer . Would you like to come back so that you and your bicycle can get to know it even better? That would be delightful. 

• Parking: Parking Gent-Sint-Pieters, Parking Gent-Dampoort
• Public transport: Station Gent-Sint-Pieters, Station Gent-Dampoort
• Bicycles for hire: De Fietsambassade
• Nodes: This route is not located on nodes. Ask for the brochure from Visit Gent inquiry desk, Fietsambassade or use the GPX.

Also interesting

Cycling past castles.

Jan van Eyck

48 hours in Ghent, Europe's best-kept secret

• Become a Spotter

Discover Ghent by bike

Do you feel like discovering the beautiful city of Ghent ? This bike route is the perfect way to do so! It’s highly recommended and it takes you past all the must-sees in Ghent. The route is 39km long and is doable for every recreational biker! Alongside this road, we’ve selected some wonderful spots together with our Spotters you cannot miss while visiting Ghent. What are you waiting for? Grab/Rent yourself a bike and discover Ghent with us.

We’ve customised the bike route a little bit. Actually, the only thing that’s different is the starting- and ending point of the trail. Because we wanted you to start your excursion with a nice cup of coffee, we decided to let the route depart from here. The starting point is right in the middle of the city centre.

If you want, you can turn this bike route into a whole day activity, combined with our spots. I would recommend leaving in the morning or early noon to enjoy a whole day of discovering Ghent by bike! This way you will finish the itinerary in the evening, the perfect time to have dinner and some drinks afterwards. You can find the bike route we’ve selected at the end of the article. The spots that are aligned with this route can easily be found in the app.

Want to discover all spots with us? Download our Spotted by Locals app  to discover all spots!

Image by Visit Gent

Km 0 till 12

The starting point of our route is Peaberry , the perfect place to start the day. This coffee bar is less than a minute away from Bisdomplein. The place has a really relaxing atmosphere around it and offers you a wide choice of coffee or tea. Feeling like a Sunday treat? You can also eat cake here, that makes it just the perfect spot, right?

Image by Tahnee Naesen

After getting your daily dose of caffeine and maybe a little snack, it’s time to start riding your bikes! After twenty or twenty-five minutes, you will arrive at the second spot. This time it’s time for some culture. STAM is the city museum of Ghent and is located in an old abbey. This building has many stories to offer and magnificent rooms to explore. Inside you will get an overview of the rich history of Ghent, using the most modern techniques.

Ghent is very proud of this new museum and no wonder, history has never been so exciting. What about doing your own research on the stolen part of the famous painting “The adoration of the mystic lamb” by Van Eyck? In one sentence: If you haven’t been to this museum, you haven’t been to Ghent!

Image by Nick Provoost

After viewing this magnificent museum, it’s time for a drink! And for those who are hungry, you can also have lunch here! Take a well-deserved break after covering the first twelve kilometres of the day! De Walrus is a great neighbourhood meeting place on the corner right next to the Coupure canal. Not many tourists make it to this mainly residential area of town, so you can be sure you’ll get a true slice of Ghent living if you come here for a drink or a bite to eat.

There’s a bit of everything at De Walrus – a bar with stools where you can chat to the staff, retro restaurant tables, a big sunny terrace with colourful beach-themed murals out the back, live bands playing on a Saturday night, and even a little play area with toys for kids. Food-wise it’s also a steal. They have some standard classics like chilli con carne, spaghetti bolognaise etc, but nothing is more than 15 euros so it’s really good value, especially as you can easily pay twice as much for something similar in the centre of town. They also always have a vegetarian special and lots of vegetarian/vegan-friendly options. Everything is freshly made in house.

Image by Heather Sills

Km 12 till 24

A couple of drinks, maybe a nice meal in your stomach and probably a nice conversation with a local later, it’s time to continue our bike day trip through Ghent! Our next stop is the Hospital Parking , this place gives you a very nice view of the city!

This parking lot actually won second place in the ‘World’s Coolest Car Park Competition 2018’ . It’s an architectural gem designed to give the hospital a landmark in the city skyline. The 360-view you find here is a really attractive summary of the city.

Image by Bennie De Meulemeester

After seeing the whole city of Ghent from above, it’s time to discover the parallel universe of Bar Bricolage . This area of the city is undergoing redevelopment. Entering Bar Bricolage is like stepping into a tranquil paradise with boardwalk paths over sandy grounds, birds singing in the leafy trees, and butterflies fluttering about. If the weather is good, entering Bar Bricolage might feel like you’ve been transported to some backpacker beach bar in a tropical part of the world.

As it’s all outside, Bar Bricolage is only open during the summer months, and it’s the perfect place to grab a well-deserved beer or a cocktail and put your feet up for a while. Good to know: if you arrive at Bar Bricolage you’re already more than halfway there, so have a little break in this chilled paradise before continuing your discovery of the city of Ghent.

Km 24 till 39

Follow the last part of the route and ride your bike next to Ghent’s beautiful waterways until you arrive at Patershol . This is the perfect place in Ghent to take a stroll through an authentic historical setting, ‘t Patershol is the medieval heart of Ghent. This cosy, picturesque neighbourhood is hidden in the shadow of the glorious Castle of the Counts. The pattern of streets has been the same since medieval times and is worth a visit. Although it seems like a tiny place, there are currently 500 families living there, among them a lot of artists, such as the Belgian-Argentinian painter Cecilia Jaime. Furthermore, this entourage is home to some specialist shops and art galleries and houses some good restaurants. Good to know: when you’ve arrived at Patershol, the rest of the spots are within walking distance. So for those who are tired, no need to ride your bike any further, you made it!

The next stop on our route is Appelbrugparkje , only two minutes away from Patershol, it is located just outside of the medieval centre. This cosy chilling place is the perfect one to catch some afternoon sun while sitting by the water. Or when with friends you can grab some drinks from the store to enjoy the splendid view of the Great Butchers’ Hall from this green spot, alongside the Lys river.

Image by Stad Gent – Dienst Toerisme

After a day filled with riding your bike and discovering the beautiful city of Ghent, you’re probably hungry and in for a good meal. Head to De Gekroonde Hoofden for the best spareribs in town! It is one of the famous spare rib restaurants in Ghent, located in the Burgstraat near the beautiful Gravensteen castle and close to the cosy area of Saint-Veerle Square.

“De Gekroonde Hoofden” is the Dutch translation for “The Crowned Heads” and refers to the Counts of Flanders. On the facade, you can see the busts of the 14 Counts of Flanders who ruled over the wealthy area since the 9th century. No wonder that besides a restaurant this is also one of the city’s finest renaissance buildings.

Image by De Gekroonde Hoofden

After dining, have a stroll through the city and enjoy Ghent and its magical city lights. When the sun sets, a new city arises. Walking around in the city after nightfall is a real recommendation because that’s when a thousand lights are switched on and Ghent turns into a picturesque scene. At night you can really see Ghent’s medieval character come alive. No wonder the famous Michelin guide awarded the Light Plan three stars.

Ghent by night, it feels like being inside a fairytale. Do it well before midnight, because Cinderella-wise the functional lighting then takes over from the atmospheric illumination.

To end the night in style, for those who are not too tired yet, head to  Damberd to discover jazzy Ghent. This might be the best example of what they call a  Belgisch bruin café (Belgian brown bar). It is one of the oldest bars in town, yet it’s very popular. The name has not changed since the 18th century and refers to the fact that it was a popular place to play chess.

The interior dates back to 1936 when two customers made a drunken bet. They would redecorate the interior in one single day. The result can still be seen in the nine panels offering historical views of the city. Today the owners describe the atmosphere as hip, anarchistic-libertarian, artistic, international, rebellious, Burgundy joie de vivre, marginal and musical and this might all be correct. Here you’re at the perfect place to discover a typical Belgian bar. You can try out one of the many beers or just go for a coffee, along with some jazz music.

Read more or download a .GPX here

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• How to ride
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Biking in Ghent – Guide to get around on two wheels

Biking in Ghent was not always this easy. 20 years ago the city was congested and did not have the right infrastructure to help people more around. The local government decided the best thing to do was to roll out a plan to turn Ghent into a cycling city. Since then, the bike infrastructure has improved massively and Ghent has transformed into one of the best European cycling cities. So if you are new to cycling in Ghent, Donkey Republic has you covered with this introduction to the basic Belgian cycling rules and the best spots to visit when you first get on the saddle. 

Safety first – Get to know the basic rules for biking in Ghent

When biking in Ghent, you should follow the basic Belgian cycling rules: 

• Don’t cycle while you are intoxicated because it is dangerous and if caught, you will be fined by the police.
• You can cycle beside your friend as long as you are not blocking the way for people cycling opposite or behind you. 
• Use your hands to signal when you are turning left or right

Must-haves on your bike: 

• Two functioning brakes – front and rear
• A functioning bell
• Yellow or white front reflector, reflectors on the pedals  and reflective strip on each side of the wheels
• Front and backlights, which not necessarily need to be installed on the bike; you can also wear them. If caught without functioning lights, you could receive a fine of €55
• Wearing a helmet is not mandatory but highly recommended. 

Now that you know the basics of cycling rules, let’s get onto the saddle and ride around Ghent’s best spots: 

Ghent is one of the northern historical and architectural gems of Europe- with castles, sparkling canals, medieval architecture and really good beer of course! The easiest way to enjoy all of these things is by bike, so here are the top places you should not miss: 

The castle of the Counts 

The castle is the only medieval castle in the Flanders. It is not only astonishing from the outside but visiting it will give you a vivid picture of the 12th-century heraldic culture.   

St Michael’s Bridge

The picturesque scenery from Ghent’s most famous bridge explains why people fall in love with the city so much. Slow down here and discover postcard-perfect views of Graslei and Korenlei , Old Fish Market , St Michael’s Church , and Het Pand . 

Ghent Belfry

It isn’t difficult to spot the biggest belfry in Belgium. The Ghent Belfry is the middle medieval tower out of the three standing in between St Bavo’s Cathedral and St Nicholas’ Church. Make sure to try and catch a carillon concert on the first Friday of each month from 8 – 9 pm.

 Grasley and Korenlei

Since the 11th-century ships been docking at this beautiful canal. Its fascinating facades reflect in the river Lys, making this a perfect spot to relax at a café and watch the world go by. 

This area is a particularly charming spot in the city. Strolling on the cobblestoned streets, you might feel you are traveling back to the Middle Ages. The picturesque little streets are packed with unique, cosy restaurants, pubs and bars. If you are into culinary experiences, you’ll find a wide variety of cuisines from Flemish to Indonesian.

+1 Donkey tip: Drink some World-famous Belgian beer with traditional kroakemandels 

Ghent is also known as the city of beers and is mostly famous for its hopless beers and herb flavoured ales. So, where should you go to drink one or two pints of the best beers in Ghent? Some favourite spots of the local Donkey Squad are:

• De Dulle Griet , the beer drinkers heaven
• ‘t Velootje Bar , the weirdest bar in Belgium with hanging bikes on the wall. If you are a lover of bikes or ruin pubs, this place is a must-go! 

• Waterhuis aan de Bierkant , if you’d love to have a wide variety of beers as they have more than 150 types on their menu. 

Lastly, don’t forget the golden rule: drink responsibly and, as always, enjoy the Donkey ride!

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TheSquare.Gent

Your guide to expat life in gent, belgium, all about biking in ghent.

What is the best way to get around in Ghent? By bike! With many bicycle paths and bike racks available in and around the city plus a relatively flat terrain, Ghent is the perfect city for biking.

In this post you’ll read about where you can buy, rent, fix and park a bike. Or what to do if your bike gets stolen and how you can avoid it. You’ll also find tips on biking safely, and routes in and around Ghent. This post is about recreational biking and not about mountain- or race biking.

Where can I buy a second hand bike?

A popular question asked by newly arrived Gentenaars is often: “Where can I buy a second hand bike?” Here are some options:

• Second hand shops e.g the kringloopwinkels , see locations and opening hours here .
• Many bike repair shops also sell 2nd hand bikes, e.g http://www.fietsenmaeker.be/ near St Pietersplein.
• On Oude Beestenmarkt you can find a small bike market every Sunday from 7:00-13:00
• Twice a year the city of Ghent organises a 2nd hand bike market. Check for updates (in Dutch) here .

You can also find second hand bikes online, e.g via 2dehands  and Facebook groups such as Second Hand Market GENT.

Where do I buy a new bike?

• For buying a new bike, check our Fietsenmakers .
• You can also find bikes at bigger sport shops such as Decathlon or Matrabike just outside of Ghent

Renting a bike

Do you have guests coming over for a visit and need to rent a bike? Or perhaps your own is getting a repair and you need a replacement. Not to worry, here are some options:

• Fietsambassade has three spots in Ghent; behind the Sint-Pieters train station on Voskenslaan, Centrum (under the Stadshal) and next to the Dampoort train station. Here you can rent bikes (in most cases you need to reserve 48hrs in advance!), tandems and even shopping bags for bikes. You can also have your bike repaired. Prices range from 9€ (half day) to 34€ for a week. You can even rent a bike for a whole year for 250€. Tailored packages of various rental periods are available. 
• How does it work? You sign up online and pay the yearly fee of 12€ (see latest rates here ). Bring the card and pin code you received when signing up to the station where you want to rent a bike. Follow the signs for ‘fietspunt’ or ‘point-vélo’ (‘bike point’). Once there, you can either use the automatic key distributor (24/7) or you can seek the help of a ‘bike point’ employee during opening hours. You get a statement of your monthly usage via e-mail and pay it as you chose when signing up; via direct debit or bank transfer. In Ghent the bike hire is 3.15€ a day. You can hire max 2 bikes in one go with one account.
• You can also rent bikes from some bike shops.
• Via this website (in EN!): Swapfiets you can rent a bike on a monthly basis,15€ for students, 17.50€ for non-students. No deposit needed, 1-month cancellation notice + all service, maintenance and repairs are free.
• Alternatively, you can go for bike sharing company Donkey Republic , which offers monthly memberships (9€ or 18€) as well as pay-as-you-go rentals. They have a number of pick-up/drop-off points around the town and you can register simply via their app.

Repairing your bike

• As mentioned before, you can fix your bike at Fietsambassade at three spots in Ghent: behind the Sint-Pieters train station on Voskenslaan, Centrum (under the Stadshal) and next to the Dampoort train station.
• There are many small bike repair shops across the city, search term suggestion: “ fiets herstellen Gent “

Street-smart biking

• Do not put your wheel into the tram tracks ! Your journey will come to an immediate halt and you will fall off your bike and hurt yourself. The best way to avoid this is to cross the tracks when possible at a 90 degree angle.
• Wet cobble stones are really slippery.
• Use your arms to indicate where you are going.
• When cycling close to pedestrians, remember that that they have priority. The best thing you can do is to be nice, hop off and lead your bike through the masses. If you can’t do this, then try to cycle facing the people rather sneak up behind them. This way they will more likely step aside. Or use the bell.
• Can’t bike at all? Ghent’s sport department is looking after you by organising bike-lessons for adults, 10 lessons for 15€. See more at this Dutch-only website .

Parking a bike

There are many, but somehow never enough, bike parkings with many racks in and around Gent. You can find out where they are on the interactive map via this link  –  just tick the box for “fietsinformatie”.  

The biggest ones you can find are situated at the train stations where you also can rent a permanent spot to park your bike at. The Gent St. Pieters station is currently adding a lot of space for bikes in connection with the ongoing renovation. Other ones are under the Stadshal, under the St. Michiels bridge near the Korenmarkt and next to Vooruit. See more info (in Dutch) here . Mind the closing times to avoid not being able to get to your bike at night. 

You can find pumps to fill your tyres with at Zuid (this one often doesn’t work) and under the St. Michiels bridge. Fietsambassade helps you with a pump under the city hall and at the train stations.  

You can wear bike lights attached to your clothes, bags or bike itself. Besides bicycle shops you can find bike lights at larger supermarkets and shops like Hema. Lights are mandatory by law when you’re biking at night. Defect lights or no lights can cause you a fine of 55€.

Safety rules

You are allowed to bike next to your buddy, except when you’re passing another cyclist, are blocking the way for someone cycling in the opposite direction as you or when a vehicle/other cyclist is passing you.

Avoid biking when you are intoxicated by alcohol. If you get caught by the police you risk getting a fine or having your driving licence taken away. Yes, same rules apply whether you are travelling by car or by bike – the limit is 0,5% promille.

The regulations state your bike should have:

• two well-functioning, independent brakes, front and rear
• a bell that can be heard up to at least 20 meters
• a well-functioning yellow or white front light
• a white reflector on the front
• a well-functioning red back light
• a red rear reflector
• two yellow or orange-reflectors on both sides of the two wheels and / or a white reflective strip at both sides of each wheel
• a yellow or orange reflector on either side of the two pedals
• lights should not necessarily be installed on the bike. You may wear them yourself on your clothes or backpack. Defect lights or no lights can cause you a fine of 55€.
• a helmet is not mandatory but recommended. Same goes for a high visibility vest when cycling in the hours of darkness.

Anti-theft tips

• Register your bike for free at any of the Fietsambassade points or at the depot  (near Sterre; Maaltebruggestraat 191 – 9000 Gent) Check the opening hours before you visit as it is generally open only a few hours every afternoon. The procedure only takes a few minutes and you get a small plate with numbers engraved attached to your bike.
• Pimp up your bike; the more noticeable your bike is – the less attractive it will be for thieves. Think bright colours and accessories which are not attractive and difficult to take off.
• Always secure your bike (even if you leave it for just a second). An urban rule in Ghent states that if you left your bike it unlocked it’s for anyone to take. I haven’t found a Belgian native yet who has not “borrowed” a bike.
• Secure your bike to a pole, fence, bike stand etc. (never to a traffic sign). Yes, otherwise it might end up at the bottom of the closest canal.
• Leave your bike in a safe and visible place (preferably a bike shed or stand). Avoid dark or abandoned places. Bike thieves might arrive with a van to places where they are not likely to get caught and just lift in bikes at the back of the van, locked or not. This is also another reason to secure it to something.
• Use a sturdy lock. Preferably two.
• Check that your bike doesn’t have handles for opening the screws for replacing your front wheel, adjusting the saddle or steering, otherwise these parts might just disappear. Replace the handles with sturdy screws at a bike repair shop.

If your bike gets stolen anyway

• Register your bike as stolen online via Police On Web (you must fill in your form in either Dutch, German or French – choose the language at the top of the page)
• Did you happen to leave your bike at a temporary place? Then it might have been taken to the depot.
• Check your bike number (if you registered it!) on http://www.gevondenfietsen.be/ . If you get a hit, you can pick it up from the depot. Remember to bring your Belgian ID or a purchase receipt.

Special bikes

As a bike city, in Ghent you can expect a lot of variations of bikes. Think the foldable bike, the multi carrier Cargo Bike “bakfiets”, tandem bikes for 2 or more people, a bike you can sit back in…

Electric bike

Electric bikes are available e.g via fiets.be n ear the St-Pieters station. You can also find tandem bikes here. Check with your employer for possible subsidies for getting an electric bike! 

Foldable bike

A popular means of transport especially for the train commuter is the foldable bike. Many of the above mentioned retailers offer them. You can also order one online via the Dutch website Vouwfiets . 

Did you know you can rent a Cargo Bike via the car sharing company Cambio? And that the city of Ghent subsidises it? If you live in the Rabot area you can also do cargo bike sharing within the neighbourhood. More info (in Dutch) is available here .  

Routes and tours in and around Ghent

You can arrange a private tour with guides showing you the tourist parts of Ghent with Gandante and Vizit .

You can also view self guided routes for the surroundings of Ghent or make your own route using the node planner by the city of Ghent here.  The Square.Gent also has a post recommending  3 Scenic Riverside Biking Routes.

Train + Bike

You can also take a bike on the train and bike around at your final destination. Fold-able bikes travel for free. Normal bikes are 4€ per journey (on top of your normal passenger ticket). See more at the NMBS website .

Where not to bike

See the updates for which streets are closed to cyclists and avoid a 55€ fine for biking where you shouldn’t in our English guide to the mobility plan of Ghent here .

Do you have tips for biking in Ghent? Add comments below!

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• Ghent by bike
• 4 guided bike tours
• fun and safe!

This tour provides a mix of (nearly) everything Ghent has to offer. You bike through the city with a local for 3 hours. Discover the highlights of this bike tour here.

• Wednesday to sunday 10am or 2.30pm
• Duration: 2,5 - 3 hours
• Price: € 40/pp

A magical cycling tour along picturesque flood-lit buildings. You will gain a whole new perspective on the city during this 2-hour cycling tour. Discover the highlights of this tour here.

• Booking for groups only
• Duration: 2 hours    
• Price: € 325 up to 10 people   

Experience Ghent’s free spirit through a mix of graffiti, architecture and street art. Discover why this 3 hour cycling tour will appeal to you

• Upon reservation for at least 6 people     
• Duration: 3 hours
• Price: € 50/pp

This tour will surprise even those who are already familiar with Ghent. You will visit neighbourhoods ranging from upper class to working class. Discover more here.

• Upon reservation for at least 8 people  
• Duration: 3 hours  

21 bike types

5  Bike Points

100%  Ghent

Social employment

The cycling coach

You are a student and you would like to rent a bike?

Bicycle tour in historic Ghent

• Use of bicycle
• Bicycle helmet
• Voetweg 46, 9000 Gent, Belgium The starting point is near Sint-Pietersplein, gray gate next to cafe Molotov
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• St Bavo's Abbey
• De Boekentoren (The Tower of Books)
• Our-Lady Ter Hooyen
• Sint-Pieters-abdij

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Voetweg 46 Voetweg 46, 9000 Gent, Belgium The starting point is near Sint-Pietersplein, gray gate next to cafe Molotov See address & details
• 1 Sint-Pieters-abdij Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 2 De Boekentoren (The Tower of Books) Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 3 Bijloke Music Centre Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 4 Groot Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 5 Prinsenhof Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 6 Dok Brewing Company Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 7 Portus Ganda Marina Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 8 St Bavo's Abbey Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 9 Our-Lady Ter Hooyen Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 10 Muinkpark Stop: 10 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• adventerousfamily 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect way for a family to explore Ghent My family (kids ages 11,15,18) and I did the Ghent by Night tour. We had a wonderful time and learned a lot of interesting facts about Ghent. The tour guide, Tim, was very nice and his excitement and love for the city really showed. He showed us many interesting and beautiful parts of Ghent and gave us ideas of places to return to on our own. The bikes were in excellent condition and the ride was safe and enjoyable for our whole family. Would definitely recommend to others, a perfect way for all ages to explore Ghent! Read more Written April 2, 2024
• 165stephane 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get an extensive overview and history of the City of Gent! Excellent tour with knowledgeable guide who showed flexibility to adapt the tour to everyone! Good overview of history of Gent as a town covering the different districts of Gent. The tour doesn’t cover the typical aspects of the city ( cathedral, market place,…..) Read more Written August 16, 2022
• elisefoubert 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles EXCELLENT Tout était parfait, Tim est un guide passionné et bienveillant. Il s'adapte à ses différents clients et maîtrise très bien son sujet. Il a même ajouté une touche historique personnelle à la visite, c'était top! Le tour est très bien organisé et accessible à tous. Les vélos sont de bonne qualité et le timing est idéal. Si vous recherchez une façon unique de visiter Gand, c'est le tour qu'il faut réserver! STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND BOOK THIS TOUR, RIGHT NOW!! Very unique experience, Tim is the perfect guide, has a lot of knowledge and even added his personal touch of history about Ghent. Well organized, the bikes are good qualities and the timing is perfect. The bike walk is easy and doable for all ages. He can do the tour in different languages and is easy going. Even if I'm from Belgium, I discovered Ghent in another perspective! We couldn't be more happier about it. Good value for your money, GO FOR IT! :) Read more Written October 28, 2019
• liekswaanen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles See Gend/Gent on a bike! The way to see, feel, enjoy all of the city of Gend is to go on the city cycle tour with Tim! Het was heel plezant, merci Tim! Read more Written September 14, 2019
• sietsepiets 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles best bike tour ever Tim has that aura that only happy people have: he escaped the rat race and is now doing something he loves. And that reflects in the bike tour. I am born and bred in Belgium and had been in Gent a couple of times, but I can honestly say that 80% of what we saw on this tour was completely new to me. Most importantly, I had a 13-year old boy with me and Tim knew exactly how to keep him interested. Not only was it fun, it's also super safe, because we never cycled near heavy traffic. I told other people living in the city about it, and they were convinced to book a tour themselves :) So yes, I recommend this activity 100%! Read more Written August 6, 2019
• kakao99 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do if you ever go to Ghent This was the highlight of my travel to Belgium with my son. Tim knows so much about the history and culture of Ghent and has particular expertise in the street art scene. Read more Written August 1, 2019
• beckyblair 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great bike tour around Ghent! I was visiting Ghent just for part of the day and I really wanted to tour the city by bike as it’s really the best way to get a more personal look at a city while covering more ground than a walking tour. I emailed Tim and he got back to me right away and gave me directions to his shop. Another lady joined us from Amsterdam and Tim conducted the tour in perfect English and Dutch. Tim was great at leading us through the streets safely and we made quite a few stops where he shared the history, geography and culture of the city. There was a festival going on so we weren’t able to access the immediate downtown core but he still took us in and around and added in some other elements so it didn’t feel at all like we were missing out. It was a great tour! I would highly recommend contacting Tim if you are interested in learning more about Ghent by bike! Read more Written July 26, 2019
• RuijterF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing tour with enthusiastic guide Tim! We recommend this tour to everyone who is going to visit Ghent for the first time. Tim is a professional enthusiastic guide who’s gained a lot knowledge about his hometown. He told us all the ins and outs of the city! Read more Written July 18, 2019
• Dreamer364416 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles City cycling Gent A very nice tour around Gent,good guide and super bikes. I have seen more in three hours then i have seen my last three trips to Gent. Recomended highly. Aleks and Fia (Norway) Read more Written July 6, 2019
• marije86 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommended! I went on a cycling tour with Tim on my own with two other couples. Tim provides bikes, a lot of knowledge, but mostly a great atmosphere: all participants talked to each other and I felt free to ask a lot of questions. The tour really takes you to places you wouldn’t go to otherwise and I really enjoyed all of them. Highly recommended for all visitors to the beautiful city of Gent! Read more Written July 1, 2019
• Norbert348 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles See more from Gent You can walk through the center of Gent, but in a 3 hours bike tour you will see and learn more about bigger Gent. Absolute a great extra during your stay in Gent. Read more Written June 4, 2019
• Dirk B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great afternoon in my own city. We booked Tim for a cycling tour for 3 hours. ( 6 adults) As citizen from Ghent, Tim showed some nice surprises for us and we really enjoyed the trip he made with us. I really learned new things about my own city. Nice job ! Read more Written May 20, 2019
• alphonseb2019 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very nice tour Tim told us about everything we should know about Ghent. He has some fun suprises and it is worth doing when you’re in Ghent. Read more Written May 12, 2019
• 1970sarah- 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Day Out! We booked for 2 adults and 2 Children, aged 10 and 8 and had a great day touring around Gent. Tim kept the children entertained with quiz questions, local treats and a tour of the Cities Graffiti! Despite a few droppals of rain it was a success and would recommend this tour as a interesting way of exploring the city! Read more Written May 2, 2019

More to explore in Ghent

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Bicycle tour in historic Ghent provided by CityCycling.Gent

Rent a bike

Rent a bike at the 'Fietsambassade'.

Bicycles can be rented at the " de Fietsambassade ". There are different kinds of bicycles: basic bikes, yellow bikes with gear, comfort bikes and even folding bikes! A strong and practical bicycle lock is included in the rental price. The use of the bicycle lock is necessary to discourage thieves, but it’s even better to use two locks. Bicycle thefts happen every day.

Your bicycle has dissapeared?

Bicycles that are not safely secured or seem to be neglected are often collected. Bicycles outside the city centre and in the Ghent suburbs are subject to the same treatment. Such initiatives are to prevent that bicycles are stolen or keep withering away. Sometimes bike sheds do get cleared due to an upcoming event, but it is announced at least one week before the event. Check if they have found it on " Gevonden fietsen " (only in Dutch) and if you see your bike, go to the " de Fietsendepot " to collect it. Bring a piece of evidence so you can proof it is yours (key, leasing agreement,...).

Is your bicycle stolen?

Report the theft to the police within 24 hours, and try to notify de Fietsambassade as soon as possible (at the latest within five working days). Provide a copy of the police report, the registration number and the keys of the bicycle locks. The sooner de Fietsambassade is informed, the better they will be able to assist you in retrieving the stolen bicycle.

Furthermore, you will be given a replacement bicycle for the remaining rental period. You will only have to pay a new deposit. If the stolen bicycle is retrieved within six months, this sum will be refunded – possibly reduced by the costs of repair. Did you fail to report the theft in time, or were you unable to hand the keys as proof that your bike was securely locked? Your deposit will not be returned to you, and a fine of 150 euro for a standard bicycle or 100 euro for a second-hand model will be imposed.

Anti-theft tips:

• Always secure your bike (even if you leave it for just a second).
• Secure your bike to a pole, fence, bike stand etc. (never to a traffic sign).
• Use a sturdy lock.
• Make sure that removing your bike takes some time (e.g. use two locks).
• Leave your bike at a safe and visible place (preferably a bike shed or stand). Avoid dark or abandoned places.

Another way to prevent bike theft is registering your bike. This means a number is engraved into the frame of your bike. Registering is free at the bike repository (Kattenberg 2).

All fields are mandatory, unless indicated otherwise.

Bicycle-friendly accommodation

B&B Huisje Kakelbont

Ibis Gent Centrum Kathedraal

Ibis Gent Centrum Opera

B&B Villa Emma

B&B Four Corners

B&B Marcel de Gand

Atlas B&B

The verhaegen

B&B d'Apotheeke

B&B Expo 13

Marriott Ghent

B&B Su‘ro

Holiday Inn Express Gent

Hotel Cathedral

B&B Lieven Bauwens

B&B Bij MoeMee

Discover Ghent and its surroundings by bicycle

Are you in need of some fresh air during your visit to Van der Valk Hotel Gent? Then you have come to the right place! In and around Ghent, you can enjoy cycling and nature. You can also easily visit the historic city centre by bike.

Check out the most beautiful cycling routes in and around Ghent or the sights you can visit by bike below.

To make it possible for everyone to take a bike ride, we also offer bike rental. Visit the page below for more information! Currently, you can only rent e-bikes from us.

Bike rental Explore Ghent and its surroundings by bike? You can hire an e-bike from us for €30 for a full day and €20 for half a day. Would you like to reserve your e-bike in advance? You can do so via [email protected] .

• Half day (max 5h): €20/bike
• Full day (max 10h): €30/bike

The most beautiful bicycle routes in and around Ghent

Sightseeing by bike

Bicycle rental at Hotel Ghent

Bicycle routes from Wielerverhaal

Is Ghent worth visiting? 16 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ghent in 2024 

This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer .

If you’re asking yourself “Is Ghent worth visiting”, you’ve come to the right place!  

I live about 45 minutes away from the city and have been there countless times.  

Ghent is often the little brother of the three major Belgian destinations: Brussels , Bruges , and Antwerp . That means that fewer tourists make their way to the capital of East Flanders, but there’s no reason to skip it!

However, if I tell you that Ghent is one of my favourite cities of all time you might have an inkling what my answer will be to the original question of whether or not Ghent is worth visiting. 

I’ll explain 16 reasons why exactly you should put Ghent on your Belgium itinerary, and then I’ll also add some practical details like what tours to take, where to stay, and the best time to visit.  

Is Ghent worth visiting?   

The short answer to this is “Yes”. ( You didn’t see that one coming, right? ) 

No, truly, Ghent, Belgium has so much to offer to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.  

Brussels can be a bit bland compared to the other major destinations in Belgium and Bruges is usually seriously overcrowded, but Ghent? Ghent has it all.  

✔️ A fairytale historic centre  ✔️ Canals with boat rides  ✔️ More locals than tourists  ✔️ A young and eco-minded vibe  ✔️ A castle IN the city centre 

You can see all the sights in a single day , but if you have more time to experience Ghent, I’d totally recommend you do so. It’s also a great base for further explorations in Belgium. 

What is Ghent famous for?   

Ghent is famous for its “Three Towers”. The towers of the Belfry, the Saint Nicholas Church, and the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral can be seen from everywhere in the city and make the city unique.

Besides that, Ghent is well known as the vegetarian capital of Belgium and is often seen as the most eco-friendly city in Belgium . 

Oh and don’t forget the Medieval city centre with its many canals , obviously. 

Is Ghent Belgium safe?   

Taking rank one in the list of the top 10 safest places to visit in Belgium, Ghent is certainly a safe place for tourists but with a low crime index of 26.51 in 2022, Ghent is also a very safe place for locals.  

I’ve never felt unsafe walking the streets in Ghent, not even at night.  

Reasons why you should visit Ghent   

1. less touristy atmosphere   .

Belgium is often disregarded as a travel destination (many people are even wondering whether Belgium is situated in Germany or even whether Belgium is a country or not!). When people do come to visit, they usually limit their time to Brussels and/or Bruges.  

So it doesn’t come as a surprise that Ghent receives a lot less tourists. 

The fewer tourists around, the more you’ll be able to explore the city freely and go to tourist destinations with ease .   

2. Medieval architecture and canals   

Although not as famous as Bruges, the historical centre of Ghent is just as fairytale-like . You’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, Medieval architecture and plenty of charm .  

Ghent is a fairly small city and especially the historic centre is easily walkable . Use your legs to discover all these history-oozing places!  

Make sure to visit The Castle of the Counts – it’s pretty unique to find a Medieval fortress in the middle of a city! Other Medieval sights include The Great Butcher’s Hall and The Belfry. 

Hop on a boat tour to admire the city from a different perspective or – if you’re feeling a little more adventurous – book yourself a kayak and paddle around Ghent’s canals yourself! I highly recommend this fun activity!  

Among the most visited destinations in the area are the Graslei and Korenlei, where ships used to dock in the 11th century. Now, it’s one of the most popular spots for locals , especially when the sun is out!

Grab a coffee and watch the tourist boats go by while enjoying the hustle and bustle of a mid-sized city.  

  3. Incredible art scene and museums   

Art is another factor that makes Ghent a great place to visit.  

In a small city like Ghent, you will certainly find grand displays of galleries from world-renowned artists who visit the city for special art festivities.   

Among the top five museums in the city are the following:   

🖼️ Ghent City Museum (STAM)   

This museum is located at the Bijloke Site – a cultural haven in the city – and is easily recognised because of its modern exterior surrounded by historical buildings.  

At STAM , you can discover the story of Ghent and all its layers. 

🖼️ Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK)   

With an international reputation, this museum showcases galleries that feature global artists. Unlike other traditional museums in the city, SMAK is known for its rebellious streak.  

Instead of sticking to the usual art displays that traditional museums are known for, SMAK is not afraid to go unconventional.   

Rebellious presentations that are often controversial make SMAK one of the most visited museums in Ghent and is recommended for art enthusiasts who want to see and experience something different. 

🖼️ Design Museum Ghent   

The Design Museum in Ghent is the place to be if you’re interested in design in all its forms. Other than exhibits that showcase the evolution of design from the 15 th Century until now.

It also puts attention to Belgian design specifically and to how strongly design is interwoven with daily life. 

💡 Good to know : Right now, the Design Museum is undergoing reconstruction and is set to reopen in 2026.  

🏭 Industriemuseum   

At the Ghent Industrial Museum – located in a former cotton fabric – you can learn more about the industrial history of Ghent and the rest of Europe.

The museum houses quite an impressive collection of textile and printing machines .  

🖼️ Museum of Fine Arts (MSK Gent)  

Known as the oldest museum in Belgium (dating back to 1798, that’s older than Belgium itself!), the MSK Gent has an enormous collection of more than 15.000 paintings and sculptures and also houses its own library with art on paper.

On top of that, it’s an expertise and learning centre for 19 th and 20 th Century art. 

4. Colourful Street Arts   

It’s more of a museum out in the open; the colourful street arts of Ghent showcase the exceptional art of local artists.  

Most visitors will only pass by the well-known Graffiti Alley, but follow the Sorry, Not Sorry street art walk for a full experience.  

5. Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen)  

How often can you find a full-blown Medieval castle in a major city ? Guess what, Ghent has it!

The Castle of the Counts is an impressive building that is reason enough on its own to visit Ghent.

Admire the outside during a boat tour , but make sure to go in as well. They have a pretty impressive torture equipment collection.  

6. The Three Towers   

As I’ve mentioned before, there are three towers that make up Ghent’s picturesque skyline: The Church of Saint Nicholas, St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Belfry.   

⛪ Church of St. Nicholas   

The impressive church is a major site in the city – located in the heart of the city at the Korenmarkt. It has a unique tower that is not situated above the entrance but instead was built on top of the cross between the transepts and nave.  

⛪ St. Bavo’s Cathedral   

St. Bavo’s Cathedral is home to one of the most famous art pieces in Belgium : The Mystic Lamb, an altarpiece painted by the famous Flemish Master Jan Van Eyck .  

Its history is one of theft and intrigue (the panel of the Just Judges is still missing to this day!) and you can learn all about it in a 40 or 60-minute Augmented Reality tour .  

The altarpiece is under restoration at this moment (a delicate task that you can see in real-time at MSK Gent) and the panels have been replaced by high-quality photos. 

🕒 Belfry   

The third tower is Ghent’s Belfry. Together with 55 other Belfries in Belgium and Northern France, it is a Unesco World Heritage site.

Climb the tower for glorious views over the city and look up from the ground to spot the fiery dragon – Ghent’s mascot and protector that has been guarding the city since 1377 .  

7. St. Michael’s Bridge   

The St. Michael’s Bridge is one of Ghent’s most well-known sights and well worth a visit when you’re in the city. It’s a popular selfie spot as you can take wonderful pics with views of the Gras and Korenlei with the Castle of the Counts in the background.  

The bridge itself is a stunning work of art and adds a romantic touch if you’re planning a couple’s trip to Ghent . 

It’s also the only spot in the city where you can photograph the Three Towers all at once. However, you’ll have to find the right spot as there’s a tram track and quite a lot of traffic passing by.  

8. Beautiful neighbourhoods   

Besides its art, history and culture, Ghent is known for its charming neighbourhoods.   

Patershol   

If you love to explore the culinary corner of the city , Patershol, Ghent is the best place for you to visit. From traditional to world cuisine, everything in Patershol is worth tasting and exploring for gastronomic adventurers.   

But don’t forget to stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys either. There’s a lot of charm packed in this area! 

Prinsenhof   

Known as one of Ghent’s hidden gems, the Prinsenhof was originally a walled manor with 300 bedrooms, a zoo and a sensory garden and it was here that King Charles was born in 1500.

💡 Good to know : Nowadays, the only remaining part is the Dark Gate ( De Donkere Poort ) but the neighbourhood is well worth a visit regardless.  

It’s also the best place to learn about the nickname of the Ghentians ( De Stroppendragers – the Noose Bearers), something you can do during a boat trip in Ghent.  

💡 Good to know : Visit during the first weekend of September when the Prinsenhof Festivities are held.   

9. Vibrant nightlife   

Ghent is first and foremost a student city, so you’ll find no shortage of places for a drink or dancing.

💡 Good to know : Belgian students go home on Friday afternoon only to return on Sunday evening, so the main party night is Thursday evening. 

The student hotspot is the Overpoort, but you’ll find plenty of nightlife in the Oude Beestenmarkt and the Vlasmarkt , a paradise for those who want to explore the city while also embracing its beauty at night.   

Recommended cafes are Hot Club Gent (Jazz), Missy Sippy (blues) and Abacho 2K18 (silent disco).  

10. Festivals 

Ghent has a young and alternative vibe – which is something you’ll notice in the number of festivals that are held each year. 

🎉 Gentse Feesten 

De Gentse Feesten is the number one event for every Ghentian. Don’t miss these 10 days of (mostly free) culture, street theatre, music, food and more.

Except if crowds are not your thing – in that case, you might want to avoid Ghent during the Gentse Feesten. 

💡 Good to know : The festival usually starts on the 3 rd Friday of July. In 2023, the Gentse Feesten are held from Friday, July 14 until Sunday, July 23.

📽️ Film Fest Gent 

Film Fest Gent is Belgium’s largest international film festival and is held yearly in October. During this festival, you can watch the (Belgian) avant-première of more than 100 movies and film music concerts. 

There’s a large focus on film music and films outside of the regular offer. 

🎷 Gent Jazz Festival 

If Jazz is your thing, plan your visit to Ghent in July. The city’s cultural plaza, The Bijloke site, forms the décor of the Gent Jazz Festival. 

Both international stars and new talent is featured during the 10 days of the festival. 

11. A vegetarian capital   

Ghent calls itself proudly “the vegan capital of Europe”. The city invented a weekly vegetarian day (no schools in Ghent offer meat or fish on that day for lunch) and you’ll find an abundance of vegetarian and vegan restaurants throughout the city.  

Head over to Le Botaniste (vegan), Epiphany’s Kitchen (vegan), BOON (vegetarian), De Panda (vegetarian) and De Frietketel (friterie with lots of vegetarian/vegan options). 

12. Large pedestrian shopping district   

Ghent is also well-known for its pedestrian shopping district. The Veldstraat is Ghent’s premier shopping and it offers a wide range of international brands.   

13. More affordable than other cities in Belgium   

Compared to other cities in Belgium, Ghent is one of the most affordable destinations to visit .

So, if you are on a budget and you simply want to embrace the magic of Europe, do not forget to add Ghent to your itinerary.   

14. Typical products from Ghent   

🍬 neuzekes (purple candy)   .

A nose-shaped candy, Neuzekes are also known as Cuberdons or Ghent’s Purple Noses.

This original Ghentian candy is sold on the Groentenmarkt (nowadays only by one stall after a year-long dispute between the two salesmen ended in a conviction for one of the two), but you can also find the candy in many shops throughout Belgium. 

The original candy is purple with a thin crust and a syrup-like raspberry filling . However, nowadays you can find them in all colours and flavours. But for the Belgians, the purple one remains the only real Cuberdon.  

💡 Side note: Neuzekes are not your average candy. You either love them or hate them. There mostly enjoyed by adults, so don’t buy a big bag for your kids without letting them try it. As much as we love candy, both me, my wife and our daughter don’t like them at all.  

🍲 Gentse Waterzooi   

Gentse Waterzooi is a traditional Flemish Stew that has two unique variants; one is made with chicken and the other is made with fish.

The soup is made with carrots, leek, potatoes, and heavy cream, giving you a rich, creamy taste. The broth and egg make the sauce thick.  

We recommend stopping for a chicken or fish stew meal at   ‘t Klokhuys , located at the heart of Ghent. 

The restaurant is famous among locals and tourists for its  Gentse Waterzooi , but it’s also the best spot for tasting that other Belgian favourite dish : beef stew ( Stoofvlees/Carbonade à la Flamande) .  

15. Easy to get around    

Not only does Ghent have reliable and easy public transport, but the centre of the city is totally walkable . You won’t need to rely on anything but your legs if you want to see the main sights.  

Other easy ways to make your way to the other side of the city are bicycles and steps. 

16. Just a short train ride away from the other major cities   

Ghent may be small, but because it is close to other major Belgian cities like Brussels and Bruges , I actually recommend making it your base to explore Belgium.  

From one of the two train stations (Gent Sint Pieters and Gent-Dampoort), you can make your way to Bruges, Ostend, Antwerp, or Bruges within 30 to 40 minutes.  

Things to do in Ghent   

We’ve already covered the main sights in Ghent, but if you’re looking for some fun things to do , let me suggest some really cool tours. Wandering around is a great way to get a feel for a new city, but it’s not until you book a tour that you’ll discover hidden stories and fun details.  

👉 Go on a walking tour   

Take a historical walking tour that focuses on the Legends of Gent. This experience gives you a closer look into the city’s past while also giving you access to some of the most interesting destinations in the area on foot .   

👉 Discover Ghent through a boat trip   

In a city full of canals, you really can’t go home without booking a guided boat trip . I can totally recommend these 40-minute trips – we sure loved ours! They’re short, fun and full of historical anecdotes.  

👉 Indulge in Belgian chocolates   

Love chocolates? Belgian chocolates are not only exceptional in taste ; they are also created through a unique and delicate process.   

Join a Small-Group Chocolate Tour with a Local Guide. To learn more about Belgium’s most popular export product!  

💡 Good to know : if you’re looking for hands-on experience making chocolate art rather than just tasting it, book a chocolate-making workshop in Bruges or Brussels . 

👉 Enjoy beer-tasting with the locals   

More interested in that other Belgium treat? When in Ghent, book one of the beer tastings led by a local and learn more about the 2000+ different Belgian beers .  

👉 Ride a bike around Ghent 

If you’re looking for a more active pass-time, book an off-the-beaten-track bike tour through Ghent and combine a workout with some of Ghent’s best-hidden gems. 

Where is Ghent located in Belgium?   

Ghent is the capital of the province East Flanders and is located in the middle of the line Brussels – Bruges.  

Ghent Belgium map   

How to get to Ghent   

The easiest way to travel between cities in Belgium is by train. You can reach Ghent from Bruges in 30 minutes and from Brussels , Antwerp or Ostend within 40 minutes .  

You may also use your private car to get to the city, but make sure to book a hotel with private parking as parking spots are scarce and expensive in the city . 

💡 Good to know : booking door-to-door private transport is always the most convenient option and when travelling as a family or in a group might even turn out cheaper than any of the other options. 

How to get around Ghent   

🚶 walking   .

If you want to soak yourself in the beauty and grandeur of Ghent, walking is the best way to get around the city.

You can choose to either walk around on your own or book a local walking tour in Ghent that will let you explore the city with the help of a local guide.  

The advantage of going on a walking tour is that you not only get to enjoy Ghent at your own pace, but you will also get the chance to know the people and experience their culture on a more personal level .  

Getting great pictures is also easy because you can stop anytime you want at any spot that catches your attention for a quick photo op.  

🚴‍♂️ Biking   

If you are a bike enthusiast, Ghent offers several bike tours that you can sign up for. If you want to do it on your own, you may also rent a bike and be on your way to explore the city on wheels ( Blue Bikes ).  

Like most Belgian cities, Ghent offers a bicycle-sharing platform that allows you to rent a bicycle for 30 minutes and drop it off at one of the many stations around the city (Trapido). 

💡 Good to know : Just remember that if you are on your own, you need to be mindful of all the traffic regulations in the city to avoid any problems during your visit.  

🚌 Public transportation   

Even the destinations that are a bit further away from the historical centre can be reached within a 30-minute walk (with the exception of the Blaarmeersen). But you can choose to use trans or buses to get there too.   

Where to Stay in Ghent   

There are several comfortable and affordable accommodations around Ghent. Here are my top choices for every type of traveller:

🛏️ (€) Hostel: Hostel Uppelink  

Hostel Uppelink is a solid choice when visiting Ghent as a backpacker. Located just across the wonderful St Michaels bridge, you’re staying in the very heart of the historic centre and you even get to enjoy the view of the Three Towers right from your bedroom window!

On top of the cheap breakfast buffet (€6.90pp), you’re also able to rent kayaks or tag along with a free walking tour. A kitchen, washer & dryer and free wifi, make this hostel stay complete.  

🛏️ (€) Budget hotel: Rodelijv

Rodelijv is a recent small hotel that is definitely one of your best options if you’re looking to stay in Ghent on a budget. With bright, airy rooms and a friendly owner, you’ll be sure to have a solid base to explore the city.

The hotel is located just outside of the neighbourhood ‘t Patershol and it’s a mere 9 minutes on foot to the Gras and Korenlei . 

🛏️ (€€) Midrange hotel: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel

The Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel is one of the funkiest accommodations you’ll find in Ghent. With beautifully decorated rooms, amazing roof terras that offer spectacular views over the city and a tasty breakfast buffet , there’s no reason not to choose this hotel for your stay.  

🛏️ (€€€) Luxury hotel: 1898 The Post  

1898 The Post is a spectacular small hotel located in the old post building (hence the name). This unique hotel in Ghent was voted one of the top 500 hotels in the world by Travel+Leisure, so you know a stay here will make a  lasting impression.

The rooms have a cosy and warm design and each room has received a unique touch.

The cocktail bar downstairs, The Cobbler, is the perfect place to finish up a day of exploring the city. 

When is the best time to visit Ghent?   

Ghent is charming all throughout the year. During the summer months, you’ll be able to enjoy better weather, more daylight (the sun sets around 10 PM in Belgium!) and plenty of summer bars and festivals .

The city will be calmer though as the students have gone home for summer and many locals will be travelling abroad. 

💡 Good to know : Visit Ghent in December or January for a fairytale-like feeling thanks to the winter festival and the light festival. 

How many days in Ghent is enough?   

If you don’t have much time, one day is enough to see the highlights of Ghent and get a good feel of the city. 

But if you have at least two to three days, you can add some cool museums to your itinerary and explore a couple of the hidden gems .  

Frequently Asked Questions   

🌃 is ghent safe to walk at night  .

Yes, overall Ghent is safe to walk around at night , especially in the historic centre. However, there are some areas that you might want to avoid at night if you’re a solo female traveller.

The Citadel Park for one and lately, there have been drug rapes mentioned at student party the neighbourhood of Overpoort.  

🏰 WHAT IS THE PRETTIEST PART OF GHENT?   

Ghent has a lot of pretty locations to discover. I particularly love the hidden gems Het Prinsenhof and ‘t Patershol . But obviously don’t miss the historic centre either with the main sights such as the Castle of the Counts, the St Michaels Bridge and the Belfry. 

🍲 WHAT FOOD IS GHENT FAMOUS FOR?   

Ghent is well-known for 2 things: Gentse Waterzooi , a creamy soup with vegetables, herbs and chicken or fish, and Cuberdons, also known as Neuzekes (noses) because of their cone shape. This purple candy has a thin crust and a syrup-like raspberry filling that you either hate or love.   

💸 IS GHENT EXPENSIVE?   

Western Europe isn’t cheap and Belgium isn’t any different. However, Ghent isn’t on the main tourist trail and therefore, you’ll be able to enjoy the city without having to splurge.

A hotel stay will cost you between €120-250 per night ; eating out in a restaurant will be about €25-30 per person while take-out will set you back about €10. Entry tickets to museums and other sights are €10-15 on average . 

🛏️ WHAT PART OF GHENT SHOULD I STAY IN?   

I’d recommend staying in the calmer parts of the historic centre: around Het Prinsenhof or in ‘t Patershol. These areas are only a couple of minutes away from the main sights but come with calm streets and fewer crowds .

If you are looking for the most budget-friendly options, you can opt to stay a bit out of the centre and use public transport or a bicycle to explore the city.  

🌞 IS GHENT WORTH A DAY TRIP?   

Yes. A day in Ghent is enough to see the major sights and get a good feel of the city . You can easily go on a day trip to Ghent from Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp or even Amsterdam or Paris.

However, if you stay for a couple of days, you’ll get the chance to explore more of this beautiful city including impressive museums and hidden gems. 

🏰 WHICH IS BETTER BRUGES OR GHENT?  

Both Bruges and Ghent are very similar: a charming Medieval city with lots of narrow cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, a beguinage and canals. However, Bruges attracts much more tourists and it’s more difficult to find calm and peaceful spots .

I’d choose Ghent over Bruges a million times. But only if you don’t have the time to visit both, because Bruges is wonderful too. 

⛄ WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT GHENT?   

For someone who loves the sunshine and nice atmosphere, June to August would be the best time to visit Ghent . For someone who wants fair but not hot weather, April to May or September to October would be great.

For those who want to explore the city in a fairytale-like setting , opt for December or January when there are plenty of Christmas lights, a winter festival and a light festival.  

🏙️ CAN YOU VISIT BRUGES AND GHENT ON THE SAME DAY?   

I wouldn’t recommend visiting Bruges and Ghent on a single day . If you’re really short on time and want to see both cities without question, I’d recommend you book a day trip to Bruges and Ghent from Brussels.

However, both cities deserve at least a day to take in the major sights and get a good feel for the city. And although both cities are easy to reach by train , I wouldn’t try to combine independent train trips and visits to both Bruges and Ghent. 

Final Thoughts: Is Ghent worth visiting?   

Yes, definitely! Ghent is one of the most interesting and inspiring cities in Belgium and perhaps even in Europe. 

Not only is it easy to reach from just about any destination in Belgium and even from Amsterdam, Paris or London, but it also offers exceptional sights that will bring you back to The Middle Ages.  

But Ghent is the perfect mix of history and modernity and that shows through its alternative mindset, its nickname as the vegan capital of Europe and the street art that you can find all around the city.  

I really hope I convinced you to pay a visit to Ghent – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!  

Drop a comment below with any questions you have or let me know if you loved Ghent as much as I do! 

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

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Bike shop in Ghent

Handelsdokkaai 1 9000 Gent

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday: 10am - 6pm Wednesday: 10am - 6pm Thursday: 10am - 8pm Friday: 10am - 6pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday & Monday: Closed

055 60 66 97 [email protected]

Ontdek wat onze klanten zeggen

Our cycling shop is located at 'De Nieuwe Dokken' in the north of Ghent. De Nieuwe Dokken is an entirely new housing and living project that upgrades the city's pivotal industrial history.

Located on the outskirts of Ghent and close to access roads, we are easy to reach. In addition, there is a quick connection to the city centre by bicycle and on foot via the Batavia Bridge.

Buying a bike

Of course you can come to our cycling shop in Ghent to buy a bike . Our staff will help you with great enthusiasm to make the right choice. Do you want to buy a speed pedelec, a road bike or a regular city bike? We have a very wide range of models and brands, including top brands such as Riese & Müller, BMC and Scott. By the way, did you know that in our cycling shop in Ghent you can take out an interest-free bicycle loan ? So you can buy a bicycle and pay it off at your leisure.

Leasing a bike

Besides buying a bicycle you can also come to our shop in Ghent for personal advice on our bike lease solutions. Did you know that leasing a bicycle is a very good idea for your wallet? Bicycle leasing includes bike rental and everything that is part of your cycling experience: maintenance, insurance against theft and damage, bike assistance and a replacement service.

Maintenance & repairs

To be able to keep on pedalling carefree your bike sometimes needs maintenance or a repair . For this, too, your cycling shop in Ghent is the right place. Make an appointment for your bike maintenance in our shop or book our mobile service van and have your bike repaired in your driveway or at the office.

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