How to Spend One Day in Ghent, Belgium: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
- Adventures of Matt & Nat
- 2 days ago
- 11 min read
If you’re planning a trip to Belgium and wondering whether Ghent is worth adding to your itinerary… the answer is absolutely yes! This vibrant, historic, and incredibly charming university city completely surprised us in the best way!
This was our very first time in Ghent, and after seeing so many travel professionals call it one of the most underrated cities in Europe, we had to see for ourselves. Spoiler alert… we completely agree! Ghent is beautiful, walkable, friendly, and packed with medieval architecture, picturesque canals, cozy cafés, and incredible food. What’s not to love??
In this guide, we’re walking you through our entire One Day in Ghent itinerary… from the first cappuccino (or chai in Natalie’s case) of the morning to sunset along the canals, and everything in between! Plus, we’ll share insider tips, restaurant picks, and the history that brings this beautiful city to life. But before we dive in…
⬇️ Want to see this itinerary in action? ⬇️
Watch our “One Day in Ghent, Belgium” video
on YouTube for a closer look at our full experience!
⬇️ Looking for more ways to explore? ⬇️
Check out these GetYourGuide experiences in Ghent, from cooking classes and food tours to canal cruises and bike tours — all bookable in advance with flexible options!
⬇️ Where to Stay in Ghent ⬇️
Whether you’re visiting for one day or using Ghent as a home base for exploring more of Belgium (like we did), the city offers a great range of hotels for every budget. Here are three excellent options to consider, including where we stayed.
Luxury: 1898 The Post
📍Graslei 16, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Housed inside Ghent’s historic former post office building, 1898 The Post is one of the most iconic and atmospheric stays in the city. The rooms are beautifully designed with rich colors, warm lighting, and plenty of old-world character — many with postcard-worthy views overlooking the Graslei and Korenlei. The entire property feels like stepping into a storybook, including its cozy cocktail bar, The Cobbler. If you’re looking for a luxury stay that feels uniquely “Ghent,” this is the one.
Mid-Range: Getaway Studios Gent — Where we stayed!
📍Seminariestraat 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium
If you’re looking for a spacious, modern stay without the high price tag, Getaway Studios Gent is a fantastic mid-range choice. Bright studio-style rooms, kitchenettes, comfy beds, and a central yet quiet location made it a great home base for our stay.
Budget: Cour St. Georges
📍Hoogpoort 75/77, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Set inside a charming historic building near the city center, Cour St. Georges is a great option for travelers who want character and comfort at an affordable price. The rooms are simple but cozy, the location is excellent, and you can walk to nearly every stop on this itinerary in minutes. It’s a solid pick if you’re visiting Ghent on a budget but still want a memorable, locally inspired stay.
Or Find Your Perfect Stay Using the Map Below
If you prefer to explore more options, use the interactive map below to search for hotels by location, price, and amenities. It’s an easy way to compare different stays across Ghent and find the one that fits your travel style best.
Quick Tips for Visiting Ghent
If it’s your first time visiting Ontario, here are a few helpful tips to make your trip smoother:
Language:
Dutch (Flemish) is the main language spoken here, but honestly, almost everyone speaks English. We never had an issue asking questions or ordering food.
Currency:
Belgium uses the Euro (€), and you’ll find that most places accept card payments without any issues (especially Visa and Mastercard). It’s still a good idea to carry a little cash for small purchases, street vendors/markets, or public restrooms.
Tipping Culture:
Tipping isn’t a big expectation in Belgium. If you get great service, rounding up a euro or two or leaving 5 to 10 percent is totally fine.
Getting Around:
Ghent is such a walkable city. Pretty much everything on this itinerary is within a 5 to 10 minute walk, and wandering the little streets is half the fun. Trams do run through the city and are super easy to use, but you definitely won’t need a car here.
Staying Connected:
If you’re traveling internationally and want reliable data as soon as you land, an eSIM is the easiest option. You install it before your trip, turn it on when you arrive, and you're instantly connected for maps, train schedules, restaurant searches, and everything else you might need on the go. Our go-to eSIM companies are Holafly and Airalo.
Toilets & Public Restrooms:
Public restrooms can be found throughout the city, but many require a small fee. Most cafés and restaurants reserve their restrooms for customers, so it helps to plan quick bathroom breaks when you stop for coffee or lunch.
Best Time to Visit:
Late spring and early fall are our favorite times to visit Belgium. It’s warm enough to walk around comfortably, with fewer crowds and typically less rain. But honestly, Ghent is beautiful year-round!
Alright, now, let’s get into the fun part! Below, you’ll find our exact One Day in Ghent itinerary, complete with all the food stops, views, and hidden corners that made us fall in love with this city. It’s super walkable, really easy to follow, and packed with great moments from start to finish!
9:00 AM – Coffee & Pastry at Mokabon
📍Donkersteeg 35
There’s no better place to start your day in Ghent than Mokabon. This cozy, old-school coffee bar has been a local favorite since 1937, and it still feels like the kind of spot where regulars linger over their morning cappuccino and newspaper. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and wonderfully nostalgic… the kind of café that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a little piece of Ghent’s everyday life. We grabbed some lattes (chai for Natalie, of course) along with a fresh butter cake and a Brussels Waffle topped with the fresh, house-made cream, and it was the perfect slow start before a full day of exploring. Mokabon stays busy, especially in the mornings, and the atmosphere is lively yet relaxed in the best possible way. Once you’re fueled up, it’s just a short five-minute walk to your first major stop of the day.
10:15 AM – Explore Gravensteen Castle
📍Sint-Veerleplein 11
From Mokabon, it’s a quick five-minute walk to one of the most impressive landmarks in the entire city: Gravensteen Castle (AKA Castle of the Counts). This 12th-century fortress looks like something straight out of a Medieval storybook, complete with stone walls, narrow staircases, and dramatic towers rising above the city. It was built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace and has served many roles over the centuries — a fortress, a courthouse, a prison, and even a textile factory. Today, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, and exploring the inside is just as fascinating as admiring it from the outside. The €12 admission includes an audio guide that is surprisingly witty and genuinely entertaining, making the history feel fun and approachable. Give yourself about an hour to wander through the rooms, learn about Ghent’s medieval past, and take in the sweeping rooftop views over the old town.
11:45 AM – Stroll Through Patershol + Confiserie Temmerman
📍Kraanlei 79
After exploring the castle, wander a few minutes into Patershol, one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Ghent. This pocket of the city dates back to the Middle Ages and was originally home to monks and craftsmen. Over the centuries, it transformed from a religious district into a working-class neighborhood, and today it’s a beautifully preserved maze of cobblestone lanes, historic homes, and tiny restaurants tucked behind centuries-old façades. While you’re here, stop by Confiserie Temmerman, a beloved family-run sweet shop known for its traditional Belgian candies. Their most famous treat is the cuberdon… a cone-shaped, jelly-filled candy also called neuzekes or “little noses.” They’re uniquely Ghent, and trying one is a fun way to get a literal taste of the city’s heritage. Plus, they are quite delicious!
1:00 PM – Lunch at Otomat
📍Kleine Vismarkt 3
At this point, you’ve probably worked up an appetite, and Otomat is the perfect spot to satisfy your hunger! This Belgian pizza restaurant puts a fun twist on a classic favorite by using Duvel beer yeast in their dough, giving the crust a light, airy texture and a subtle flavor you won’t find anywhere else. The toppings range from familiar to creative, blending Italian technique with Belgian ingredients in a way that’s both playful and delicious.
For a local flavor, we ordered one of their seasonal pizzas, the Asperges à la Flamande — a pizza topped with white asparagus, boiled egg, fresh parsley, a pinch of nutmeg, aged Gouda, and a drizzle of sour cream. And we know what you’re thinking… asparagus AND egg on pizza?? Blasphemy! But honestly, it was surprisingly tasty and such a unique flavor combo to try while in Belgium!
2:20 PM – Medieval Center Boat Tour
📍Kraanlei 2
After lunch, make your way across the street to the canal for a relaxing 50-minute guided boat tour through Ghent’s medieval center. Boats leave every 20 minutes, so it’s super easy to fit into your day without needing to plan too far in advance. Once you’re on board, you’ll drift past centuries-old guild houses, charming bridges, waterfront cafés, and some of the most picturesque corners of the city. 👉🏻 CLICK HERE to book your tickets!
The River Leie was a huge part of Ghent’s history and played a major role in the city’s rise as a medieval textile powerhouse, and you’ll hear plenty of stories about that along the way. The guides do a great job of balancing history with humor, making the ride both relaxing and genuinely interesting. Although you should be aware that the narration is done in three languages (English, Dutch, and French), so if you’re like us and only speak one of these, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights without feeling the need to pay attention to the narration.
3:30 PM – Climb the Belfry of Ghent
📍Sint-Baafsplein 2A
From the canal cruise, it’s a short 6-minute walk to the Belfry of Ghent, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1313 and wrapped up in 1380, and at 299 feet tall (91 meters), it still stands as the tallest belfry in Belgium. Throughout history, the tower served several important roles… a watchtower, a bell tower, and even a secure place to store the city’s most valuable documents and charters.
Tickets are €11 per person, and inside you’ll find displays that explain the belfry’s medieval significance, along with a close-up look at the 53-bell carillon, including the historic “Roland” bell. Getting to the top can vary depending on the day. When we visited, the only option was to climb the first 66 steps and then take the elevator the rest of the way up. We’ve heard that sometimes visitors may be allowed to climb all 366 steps, but that wasn’t available during our visit. As for coming back down, we took the stairs, but this may differ depending on staffing, accessibility needs, or the day’s operations, so just follow the posted instructions when you visit. Once you reach the top, the views are absolutely worth it. Ghent’s rooftops, church spires, and canals stretch out in every direction, offering one of the best panoramas in the city. Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes here before heading to your next stop
4:30 PM – Chocolate at Van Hoorebeke or Frites at Frituur Bij Filip
📍Sint-Baafsplein 15 or Groentenmarkt 5
By this point in the afternoon, you’ve earned a little treat, and Ghent has two great options depending on whether you’re craving something sweet or something savory.
If you’re in the mood for chocolate, head to Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke, a family-run shop known for its elegant pralines and incredibly rich hot chocolate made with real melted chocolate. It’s smooth, velvety, and exactly the kind of indulgence Belgium is famous for. The shop is cozy and beautifully presented, making it a lovely, quick stop. We personally loved their hazelnut pralines… SO GOOD!
If savory is more your style, walk just a couple of minutes to Frituur Bij Filip for a classic cone of Belgian frites. These fries are double-fried in beef tallow, giving them that signature crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Belgians traditionally serve them with mayonnaise or curry ketchup, but you’ll find plenty of sauces to choose from. And yes, despite their American name, “French fries” actually originated in Belgium, not France!
Whichever option you choose, consider taking your treat to go and enjoying it along the canal. It’s a simple, scenic way to enjoy the flavors and take in the views. It was one of our favorite memories from the afternoon!
5:15 PM – Scenic Stroll Along the Graslei & Korenlei
📍Korenlei 24
After enjoying your chocolate or frites, take a little time to wander the Graslei and Korenlei, two of the most beautiful waterfront promenades in Belgium. This stretch of the River Leie was once the center of Ghent’s medieval port, and the historic guild houses lining the water still reflect that legacy with their ornate façades and steep, stepped gables. In the late afternoon, this area really comes alive. Boats drift by, locals gather along the stone ledges to chat, and the sunlight hits the buildings in the most magical way. It’s the perfect place to slow down after a busy day of exploring and take in the beauty of the city.
6:00 PM – Drinks at Dulle Griet (or Go Vintage Shopping)
📍Vrijdagmarkt 50
As the early evening sets in, make your way toward Dulle Griet, one of Ghent’s most iconic and quirky beer bars. The atmosphere here is lively and distinctly Belgian, with more than 500 beers on the menu and a cozy, wood-paneled interior that feels straight out of a local legend (think medieval meets Cracker Barrel, lol)! If you’re feeling adventurous (like we were), try their famous “Max” beer… a massive, 1.2-liter glass that comes with an equally massive tradition. To keep you from walking off with the €90 glass, the bar takes one of your shoes as a deposit and hoists it up into a basket hanging from the ceiling. It’s bizarre, hilarious, and a very fun story to take home.
And if beer isn’t your thing (or you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t drink), this is a great time to explore Ghent’s thriving vintage shopping scene instead. The city has a handful of wonderful secondhand shops within walking distance, including Ateliers Gaston, Vintage Factory Gent, Think Twice, and World Fashion Vintage. Each one has its own personality, and browsing through their curated racks is a fun and easygoing way to spend part of your evening.
Whether you’re sipping a Belgian brew or treasure hunting through vintage finds, this part of the day gives you a chance to experience a different side of Ghent’s local culture before dinner.
7:20 PM – Dinner at Chapeluur Gent
📍Kortemunt 3
By early evening, head over to Chapeluur Gent for dinner. This cozy, modern spot is known for one thing above all else: artisanal Belgian croquettes. And trust us… they take croquettes to a whole new level. The menu focuses on high-quality, scratch-made varieties with creative fillings, from the classics to more inventive combinations you won’t find just anywhere. We personally loved their “Keep Calm & Curry On” and “Pasta el Tartufu” croquettes, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them!
8:45 PM – Sunset Along the Graslei & Korenlei Viewpoint Promenade
📍Korenlei 24
End your day with sunset at the Graslei & Korenlei Viewpoint Promenade, one of the most beautiful places in Ghent, and an absolutely magical spot at sunset. As the sky starts to shift into warm oranges and pinks, the historic guild houses glow, the reflections on the River Leie become even more dramatic, and the whole area takes on this peaceful, cinematic feel. Locals often gather along the stone ledges to wind down after work, couples stroll along the water, and photographers set up for that perfect “golden hour” shot. Find a comfortable spot along the canal, watch the city wind down around you, and just enjoy the moment. It’s one of those simple experiences that makes you fall in love with Ghent, and the ideal way to wrap up your one-day itinerary.
And that’s how to spend one perfect day in Ghent… from sipping lattes in a 1930s café, wandering medieval castles, tasting local treats, and ending the evening along one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Europe. Ghent truly surprised us with its history, charm, and energy, and we hope it becomes a highlight of your Belgium itinerary too!
We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable day in this incredible city! If it did, be sure to follow us on Instagram for more travel inspiration and behind-the-scenes moments, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for in-depth travel guides and vlogs from around the world.
Happy travels, and we’ll see you on the next adventure!
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book or purchase through them. These commissions help support our content and allow us to keep creating free travel guides just like this one. Thank you for your support!