Key Takeaways:
-
Gent combines medieval charm with a thriving modern art and music scene, offering something special every season.
-
Visitors can explore castles, canals, street art, and world-famous altarpieces all within a walkable, vibrant city center.
-
From summer festivals to winter lights, Gent is a cultural powerhouse that balances heritage and innovation beautifully.
Gent, Belgium’s best-kept secret, is a captivating mix of medieval architecture, student-driven energy, and riverside charm. Nestled between Brussels and Bruges, Gent was once one of Europe’s richest cities—and its wealth still echoes through grand guildhalls, majestic cathedrals, and winding canals. Yet it’s far from stuck in the past: Gent is also a hub for digital art, underground music, plant-based cuisine, and progressive living. Locals love it for its high quality of life, low-key attitude, and strong cultural pulse. Whether you’re here for history, festivals, food, or a romantic stroll by lantern-lit waterways, Gent is a year-round treasure worth exploring slowly and deeply.
Table of Contents
-
Climb the Belfry of Gent for Panoramic Views
-
Discover the Gravensteen Castle in the Heart of the City
-
Wander the Werregarenstraat Graffiti Alley
-
Cruise the Canals by Boat Tour
-
Explore the Masterpiece of the Ghent Altarpiece
-
Visit the STAM Gent City Museum
-
Attend the Annual Gentse Feesten Summer Festival
-
Bike Along the Leie River to Sint-Martens-Latem
-
Experience Gent Light Festival or Winter Festivities
-
Sip Local Beer at an Authentic Brown Café
1. Climb the Belfry of Gent for Panoramic Views
The Belfry of Gent stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of the city’s independence and pride. Towering over the historic center at 91 meters, this medieval bell tower offers sweeping views of the rooftops, cathedrals, and rivers that shape Gent’s distinctive skyline. Inside, you’ll find a museum tracing the belfry’s role in civic defense and public life, as well as a chance to see the legendary dragon atop the spire.
Climbing the tower is a rewarding experience, whether by stairs or elevator, especially around sunset when the light casts golden hues across the city. On clear days, you can see as far as Bruges and even the Flemish countryside. The carillon bells chime melodically, and live performances often fill the square below. It’s the perfect place to begin your journey and get a true sense of Gent’s scale and splendor.
2. Discover the Gravensteen Castle in the Heart of the City
The Gravensteen, or “Castle of the Counts,” is a rare example of a medieval fortress nestled right in the center of a modern city. Built in the 12th century, it once served as a military stronghold, courtroom, and even a prison. Today, visitors can explore its turrets, dungeons, and panoramic battlements while learning about the region’s feudal past through a surprisingly humorous audio guide.
The contrast of stone towers rising above a bustling urban square makes this castle visit both surreal and unforgettable. Inside, exhibits include torture devices, knightly armor, and local folklore. The rooftop terrace delivers excellent photo opportunities with 360-degree views. Whether you’re a history buff or just love atmospheric spaces, the Gravensteen delivers drama, education, and Instagrammable views year-round.
3. Wander the Werregarenstraat Graffiti Alley
Gent’s artistic spirit shines in Werregarenstraat, a narrow alley tucked near the city center that’s been designated a legal graffiti zone. Here, the walls explode with color and expression, constantly evolving with new works from local street artists, international visitors, and spontaneous creatives. It’s not a static mural—it’s a living canvas.
The ever-changing nature of the space means every visit feels different. Some pieces are abstract or politically charged, while others are playful and surreal. It’s free, open day and night, and offers one of Gent’s most Instagram-worthy moments. For travelers who love edgy art and urban culture, this alley is a must-see.
4. Cruise the Canals by Boat Tour
One of the most relaxing and scenic ways to experience Gent is by gliding along its network of canals. Guided boat tours depart regularly from the historic Graslei and Korenlei quays, offering insights into the city’s medieval trade legacy, hidden courtyards, and striking waterfront architecture. The experience is peaceful, photogenic, and surprisingly informative.
Tours typically last 40–60 minutes and are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to international travelers. Some companies even offer themed rides or evening cruises with local beer tastings. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning for a second look, canal tours reveal details you might miss on foot. It’s a relaxing must-do in every season—yes, even with a blanket and mulled wine in winter.
5. Explore the Masterpiece of the Ghent Altarpiece
Inside the grand Saint Bavo’s Cathedral awaits one of the most important and enigmatic artworks in the world: the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck. Officially titled The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, this 15th-century polyptych is revered for its artistic mastery, symbolism, and turbulent history—including multiple thefts, Nazi recovery, and secret panels.
A digital touchscreen display helps visitors understand the complexity of the panels before viewing the restored altarpiece itself in a specially designed chapel. The details are mesmerizing—from the shimmering robes to the intricate garden backgrounds. Art lovers and curious minds alike will appreciate the chance to stand before such an iconic work. It’s an experience of global significance, right in the heart of Gent.
6. Visit the STAM Gent City Museum
Housed in a beautifully renovated medieval abbey complex, the STAM Gent City Museum offers a deep and interactive dive into Gent’s past, present, and future. From archaeological finds and ancient manuscripts to digital city models and forward-thinking exhibits, STAM tells the story of how Gent became a major European city. One of the museum’s highlights is the enormous aerial floor map that lets you literally walk across the entire city.
The museum blends modern design with historical architecture, creating an immersive experience that’s both educational and visually stunning. Whether you’re interested in urban planning, Flemish heritage, or just want to understand how the city has evolved over time, STAM is the place to go. It’s a family-friendly destination with multilingual displays, hands-on features, and a quiet café in the courtyard. Perfect for rainy days or quiet mornings.
7. Attend the Annual Gentse Feesten Summer Festival
Each July, Gent transforms into a giant cultural playground during Gentse Feesten, one of the largest and most eclectic arts festivals in Europe. For ten days, the city is filled with open-air concerts, comedy acts, street performers, parades, and pop-up bars spanning every corner of the city. The best part? Most of it is free to attend.
Locals and tourists alike pour into the streets from morning to midnight, and the atmosphere is one of joy, music, and creativity. Each neighborhood has its own vibe—whether you’re dancing to Afrobeat, laughing at street theater, or relaxing with jazz by the canal. It’s an unforgettable celebration of Gent’s spirit and a perfect time to visit if you enjoy immersive cultural travel.
8. Bike Along the Leie River to Sint-Martens-Latem
Escape the urban buzz with a scenic bike ride along the Leie River, where winding paths lead past countryside villas, modern sculpture gardens, and peaceful natural reserves. The most popular route heads west toward Sint-Martens-Latem, a charming village known for its art galleries, historic homes, and riverbank cafés.
This route is perfect for a half-day adventure—flat, well-marked, and lined with plenty of stops for picnicking or sketching. Many locals use it as a creative recharge, inspired by the same landscapes that once attracted Belgian impressionists. Rent a bike in the city center and follow the water—the journey itself is the reward. In autumn, the golden foliage adds an extra layer of magic.
9. Experience Gent Light Festival or Winter Festivities
If you’re visiting in winter, Gent comes alive with lights, markets, and holiday cheer. Every three years, the Gent Light Festival takes center stage, transforming the city into a dazzling open-air gallery with massive light installations, 3D projections, and interactive pieces from international artists. Even in off-years, the winter season brings festive markets, ice skating, and warm drinks along twinkling quays.
The city’s architecture becomes part of the show, glowing with color and creativity during evening strolls. Cafés offer hot chocolate and Belgian waffles, while boutiques and bookstores stay open late. Whether you visit in December or during the Light Festival’s special edition, Gent in winter is atmospheric, cozy, and full of wonder.
10. Sip Local Beer at an Authentic Brown Café
Belgium is world-famous for its beer, and Gent offers countless cozy “brown cafés” where you can taste it like a local. These pubs—characterized by wood-paneled walls, dim lighting, and vintage decor—are perfect for sipping a strong tripel or trying a local favorite like Gentse Strop. Some spots also offer house brews and traditional bar snacks.
Cafés like Dulle Griet, Trollekelder, and ‘t Dreupelkot are legends in the local beer scene, with menus spanning hundreds of options. Whether you’re deep into beer culture or just curious, there’s no better way to end the day than in a café full of conversation and character. These watering holes are open all year and offer a true taste of Gent’s soul—one glass at a time.
What to do if you have kids?
Gent is wonderfully kid-friendly, with lots of interactive museums, nature areas, and activities for families. The STAM museum has hands-on exhibits, and the city parks—like Citadelpark and Blaarmeersen Lake—offer open space for running, biking, and relaxing. Canal boat tours are great for all ages, and in summer, street performers and mini-fairs pop up across town. Many restaurants have children’s menus and casual atmospheres. It’s a laid-back city where both kids and adults can have fun, learn something new, and enjoy sweet treats like waffles and speculoos.
Where can I find free events in Gent Belgium taking place this weekend?
To discover free events in Gent happening this weekend—from pop-up markets and street concerts to cultural exhibitions and food tastings—check out https://planmyweekend.ai. This free tool curates events based on your interests and location, making it easy to uncover what’s happening right now. Whether you’re a traveler or a local, you’ll find something engaging and free to enjoy in Gent every weekend.
Final thoughts
Gent is the kind of city that quietly steals your heart. It balances ancient beauty and youthful energy, grand cathedrals and gritty street art, romantic canals and rowdy festivals—all without the crowds of Europe’s bigger names. Whether you’re here to trace history through castles and churches, explore creativity in alleys and galleries, or just sip beer with locals by the river, Gent invites you to slow down and savor. It’s not about checking off sites—it’s about discovering corners, stories, and moments. And no matter the season, Gent delivers them in style.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
