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Belgium has long been my favorite, with great many sights to see. There is no shortage of popular tourist attractions in Ghent, making it difficult for travelers with limited time to choose what to see.
And in this Ghent blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Ghent.
An itinerary of 3 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Ghent. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Ghent, top things to do in Ghent and some helpful travel tips.
1. Gravensteen
Gravensteen is an age-old fortified structure sitting on a hilltop.
Admire the rock solid architecture of this fortification and wonder about its strategic importance at that time. It is an important place to see because of what it represents in the annals of city’s history.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Gravensteen features include an interesting armory museum.
- Gravensteen is used as a residence by the the Counts of Flanders (till 1353).
- The castle was built somewhere around 10th-century.
Address: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent, Belgium
2. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Ghent, Belgium.
You may go for a Sunday service or attend an occasional concert in the cathedral. Even the inside of the building is lavishly decorated, with gorgeous frescos, decorated walls and marble columns.
Quick Facts:
- Touching a height of 89 m, the cathedral was built in 10th-century.
- It is also the seat of the diocese of Ghent.
- The cathedral houses Ghent Altarpiece and the Van Eyck’s masterpiece.
- It is built in a mix of architectural styles namely Gothic architecture, Romanesque architecture.
- The cathedral is named after Saint Bavo of Ghent.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
With so much to offer, no wonder Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is one of the top things to do in Ghent.
Address: Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Gent, Belgium
3. Het Belfort van Gent
With hundreds of years of history, Het Belfort van Gent stands as a landmark of Ghent.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Het Belfort van Gent features include number of later additions.
- It doesn’t take an expert to see that it is built in a Brabantine Gothic style.
Address: Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Gent, Belgium
4. Saint Nicholas’ Church
Saint Nicholas’ Church, one of city’s medieval church, is one of the city’s many architectural gems.
The church’s walls and ceilings are covered with intricate frescoes, and it features works by some of the well-known painters of the time. As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Gothic architecture, the church is a center of Roman Catholic faith.
- The church was built somewhere around 13th-century.
An incredible sight, Saint Nicholas’ Church scores high in the list of the best things to do in Ghent.
Address: Cataloniëstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium
5. Museum voor Schone Kunsten
An interesting collection of art and culture is found inside the limits of Museum voor Schone Kunsten.
Art expert or not, the Museum voor Schone Kunsten has enough to enchant you for an entire day. There are hundreds of renowned pieces of art from famous artists displayed in this unique setting.
Quick Facts:
- Museum voor Schone Kunsten is housed in a stunning Neoclassical building.
- Some of the top artwork includes Portrait of a Kleptomaniac.
- The art museum’s collection include artworks from the medieval era to the 20th century.
Address: Fernand Scribedreef 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
6. Korenmarkt
Korenmarkt is the main square located in the central Ghent.
This is where various festivals, concerts and carnivals are held throughout the year.
7. SMAK – Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, SMAK – Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch. The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes art pieces by the great Raoul De Keyser.
- Easy to get to SMAK – Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art is located in Ghent, Belgium.
- SMAK – Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art was opened in 1999.
Add it to your Ghent trip if you have time.
Address: Jan Hoetplein 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
8. Ghent City Hall
Ghent City Hall is a historic town located on the city’s main square in the heart of the city.
Undoubtedly, the opulent city hall reflects the riches and success of Ghent at that time.
Quick Facts:
- Built in Gothic architecture style, it is eye pleasingly pretty site to look at.
Address: Botermarkt 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
9. STAM – Ghent City Museum
STAM – Ghent City Museum with its wide variety of exhibits gives you a peek at the region’s history.
Quick Facts:
- Also worth seeing here include a huge floor map.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Ghent trip.
Address: Godshuizenlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium
10. Saint Peter’s Abbey
A beautiful addition to city’s architecture, Saint Peter’s Abbey is a pretty old church located in Ghent.
There is so much beauty in this church, from the front facade to the interior that it’s hard to choose a favorite. There is a cemetry on the church grounds, quite peaceful to walk around.
Address: Sint-Pietersplein 9, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Ghent. In this Ghent travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Ghent but also what to do.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Ghent can be easily covered in a short itinerary. So what are Ghent sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.