Ghent is another city that I have wanted to visit for ages. I have always heard so many good things about both Bruges (Click on the Link to Read my Blog on Bruges) and Ghent. However, when you speak to people in Belgium about these cities, they have very strong opinions about which city is better. Personally, I think it is well worth visiting both since they are only 45 minutes apart but are very different. Both are beautiful cities, with Bruges being more elegant and Ghent being more "hipster".

Ghent is the English name of the city, but you might hear people refer to the city as Gent or Gand, depending on if they speak French or Flanders. But there is no need to worry because everyone we met in Ghent spoke perfect English.

When speaking to people/friends about my trip to Ghent, it would normally be followed by the question, “Where’s that?”. So, I hope the recommendations below will encourage everyone to visit Ghent.

What is unique or appealing about Ghent is how it combines the quaint old with the hip new, making for a historic city that’s rich in art, food, and music. Ghent remains a town that’s known for canals and medieval churches. Yet, you will also find the juxtaposition of amazing graffiti just blocks away from St. Bavo’s Cathedral, which houses the Van Eyck brothers’ Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a work of art considered the Renaissance’s first masterpiece.

So where Is Ghent?

Ghent is a port city in the Flemish region of Belgium and is about an hour’s drive from Brussels and 45 minutes from Bruges. It is a University town with a strong focus on students. Hence, the Hipsters!!

I would definitely try to visit both Bruges and Ghent since they are not only so close together but very different yet charming cities.

How Long Should you Stay in Ghent?

If you're wondering how long to spend in Ghent, I think two days is the perfect amount of time. If you're visiting Ghent from Brussels, you can easily book a day trip to Ghent from there as well. But I would definitely stay overnight. The best photo opportunities will be at sunrise when the city is quiet.

Where should you Stay?

We stayed at an amazing hotel that looked like it was out of a Harry Potter series called 1898 The Post.

It is a historic hotel in the middle of the city center of Ghent, with rooms that feel like a Parisian apartment. The hotel used to be a Post office before it was converted into a hotel. It is located in just ideal location where everything you want to see is just minutes away.

The only issue to keep in mind is that there is NO Parking at the hotel.

"An Amateur Travel Move"

As we drove to the hotel, Google Maps was having a hard time locating the hotel. In a pure amateur mistake, I drove into the restricted city center. I somehow ended up on a pedestrian street with huge crowds. Oops!! Fortunately, someone walking on the crowded street knocked on our car window, advised us to turn around immediately, and directed us to the hotel. There are definitely kind people everywhere!!

If you drive into the restricted areas of the historic city centers in Europe, you can get a fine of up to 500 Euros. Luckily, we were not fined. Most hotels in Europe will take down your license number and let the police know that you are a guest of the hotel so that you are not fined.

So we finally reached the hotel, a bit frustrated, and they told us to park in the public parking garage about 600 yards from the hotel. Wait What! That's a bit inconvenient, right?

At this point, our frustration grew to the point where we thought of not staying. So we drove to the parking garage, dragged our suitcases over the cobblestone street, and finally made it to the hotel. Perhaps, sensing our frustration from the parking situation, the hotel staff kindly upgraded our room and offered us a welcome drink. That simple gesture of kindness made a big difference.

A City Made for Vegetarians & Chocolate Lovers

Ghent has become a haven for conscious foodies, whether they are vegetarians, vegans, or simply like their organic greens. Biological markets all over the city offer sustainably sourced veggies, fish, and cheeses. In 2009, Ghent became the first European City to declare an official vegetarian day in a full-on effort to combat climate change.

Don't worry; there is tons of Chocolate and French Fries just in case you want to indulge

For Chocolate lovers, you will be very, very happy in Ghent. There are so many beautiful chocolate shops like Van Hoorebeke. It is a MUST to go into these shops and see and smell the wonderful chocolates. Their creativity is outstanding, and the taste is even better. We were lucky to be in Ghent for Easter, where there are so many incredible Easter Chocolates to sample.

The one other thing that you HAVE to try in Belgium is the French Fries or Frites. Belgian frites are always thick-cut, made with floury Bintje potatoes, and double-cooked. They're first pre-fried at a lower heat and then briefly deep-fried at a much higher heat just before serving.

One of the places we tried that must have had dozens of variations of Frites was Frites Atelier. They, of course, have simple fries, but they also have combinations such as Arabic Baba & Feta, Parmesan & Basil, Indo Peanut, and sauces like (Mayo, Chefs Ketchup, Deep Truffle, French Bearnaise, Lovely Andalouse, and Samurai). It is really something not to miss.

Getting Around Ghent

The city center is car-free, so it is tailor-made for pedestrians. Here is a walking guide to the city. I would definitely recommend staying in the city center and walking. From our hotel, you can see most of the interesting sites within a 5 to 10-minute walk.

Photography Gear Recommendations

My Canon R5 camera. Any good DSLR or Mirrorless Camera will do Nikon Z7, Fuji, etc.
A wide-angle lens of 15-35mm to be able to photograph the Churches and City Streets
A medium telephoto, such as 70-200mm. This will come in handy when you need to zoom in on the subject.
A good, sturdy tripod so you can take photos at sunrise and sunset.
Neutral-density filters (3, 6, and 10). You will be shooting near water a lot, so there are lots of opportunities for long exposures. So, having an ND filter is a good idea.

What to Photograph in Ghent

There is more to photograph in Ghent than you might think at first.

It is a very photogenic city that is easy to get around, and most of the photography locations are only a few minutes apart.

***A View Towards Saint Michael's Bridge***

Gravensteen Medieval Castle

In the middle of Ghent, you will find the Gravensteen Castle. This is a must-see medieval fortress. Also known as the “Castle of the Count,” this 12th-century stone castle has it all, including a moat, turrets, and arrow slits. Built originally as a fortress, it has been used as a courthouse, prison, and, strangely, even a cotton factory.

Along the River Leie (Lys)

Ghent’s city center is located along the River Leie, and it is a charming stretch of river and between St Michael’s Bridge and Grasbrug. As we wandered around the city, we really enjoyed walking along both the River Leie and the offshoot stretch of water named River Lieve. You will also find lots of restaurants, ice cream shops, and cafes in this area.

Saint Michael’s Bridge and Saint Michael's Church

My favorite spot in Ghent is Saint Michael’s Bridge, which is 50 meters from the 1898 Post Hotel.

On the top of the bridge, you have a breath-taking cityscape of the most beautiful towers of Ghent. (Belfort, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and Saint Nicolas Church). I would recommend taking photos of both sunset and sunrise.

The building of St. Michael’s Church started around 1440 and continued into the 16th century. Due to religious conflicts, construction stopped until the 17th Century.

St. Nicholas' Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk)

Ghent has three towers that dominate the city skyline and St. Nicholas’ Church is one of them. The church is located just 50 meters from our hotel, and I would highly recommend going inside as well. You will find an impressive organ built by the French organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

Belfry of Ghent (Het Belfort van Gent)

The second of the “Three Towers” is the Belfry of Ghent, which is the middle of the three. It’s a 91-meter-tall medieval tower constructed in the 14th century. Over the years, the Belfry was used as a lookout tower and, more famously, the city’s bell tower, which kept time for the locals for many years. You can take the stairs to the top of the tower if you are adventurous.

Saint Bavo Cathedral (Sint Baafskathedraal)

Last but not least, of the Three Towers is Saintl, Bavo’s Cathedra which stands just two meters shorter than the Belfry of Ghent. Although construction began on this gothic church in 1274, it was not completed until the 16th century.

Korenlei

When you descend from Saint Michael's Bridge, you end up on the Korenlei. Here, you have a perfect view of the 3 towers from a different angle.

Lievekaai

The Lievekaai is a bit more hidden in the center and is, therefore, less known among tourists. It is a charming and peaceful location where you can enjoy sitting under the majestic weeping willows on a beautiful day.

Graffiti straat – Graffiti street

If you like Graffiti, then stop by Werregaren Street in the center of Ghent. It is also known as graffiti street. This is an alley where graffiti artists let their creativity run free. You will find the most remarkable and original street art.