Discovering Ghent: A 5-Day Getaway to Belgium’s Hidden Gem

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning: Settle into Sustainable Style

• Stay: Book a room at 1898 The Post, a boutique hotel in a neo-Gothic former post office, or eco-friendly Hostel Uppelink with views of St. Michael’s Bridge.

• Orientation Walk: Stroll the car-free city center. Start at Korenmarkt (main square), admire the St. Nicholas’ Church, and cross the Graslei and Korenlei quays—lined with guild houses dating to the 1200s.

Afternoon: Castle & Canals

• Gravensteen Castle: Tour this 12th-century fortress (€13 entry). Climb the ramparts for panoramic views.

• Lunch: Try Frites (Belgian fries) at Frituur Jozef, a local favorite.

• Canal Cruise: Join a 50-minute boat tour (€10) to learn about Ghent’s history from the water.

Evening: Dinner with a View

• Dine at Pakhuis, a converted warehouse serving Flemish classics like Waterzooi (creamy fish stew). End the night with a Belgian beer at Dulle Griet, home to 500+ brews.

Day 2: History, Art & Medieval Mystique

Morning: The Ghent Altarpiece & Beyond

• St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Marvel at the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a 15th-century masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers (€15.50 with audio guide).

• STAM Museum: Dive into Ghent’s urban history at this interactive museum (€10).

Afternoon: Patershol Wanderlust

• Lunch: Savor seasonal dishes at Avalon, a veggie-friendly spot in the medieval Patershol district.

• Explore: Meander cobblestone streets, popping into artisan shops like Tierenteyn-Verlent (mustard since 1790) and Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke.

Evening: Medieval Feasting

• Book a table at ’t Klaverblad, a cozy tavern in Patershol, for hearty Flemish fare like Stoverij (beef stew).

Day 3: Street Art, Chocolate & Green Escapes

Morning: Urban Creativity

• Street Art Tour: Follow the Ghent Urban Trail to see murals by local artists like ROA. Don’t miss the iconic Sleeping Street Dog near Werregarenstraat (Graffiti Alley).

• Workshop: Join a chocolate-making class at Yuzu Chocolate, crafting pralines with ethically sourced cocoa.

Afternoon: Botanical Bliss

• Ghent University Botanical Garden: Unwind among 10,000 plant species (free entry).

• Lunch: Grab a vegan waffle at Luv l’Oeuf.

Evening: Trendy Vibes on Graslei

• Sip cocktails at Jigger’s, a speakeasy-style bar, then stroll the illuminated quays.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Countryside

Morning: Castle of Laarne

• Bike 30 minutes (or take bus 17) to this 11th-century moated castle (€8 entry). Explore its armory and lush grounds.

Afternoon: Sustainable Farming

• Visit De Plukker, an organic hop farm near Ghent. Tour the fields and taste their craft beer.

Evening: Farm-to-Table Dinner

• Return to Ghent for dinner at De Vitrine, a Michelin-starred restaurant focusing on hyper-local ingredients.

Day 5: Wellness & Farewell

Morning: Zen by the Water

• Boat Yoga: Join a sunrise yoga session on the Lys River (book via Yoga on Water).

• Brunch: Head to Simon Says for avocado toast and fair-trade coffee.

Afternoon: Shop & Stroll

• Local Souvenirs: Browse eco-design at Labels Inc or vintage finds at Think Twice.

• Citadelpark: Relax in this leafy oasis, home to the MSK fine arts museum.

Evening: Last Supper

• Toast your trip at PUBLIC, a gastro-pub with craft beers and live music.

Practical Tips

• Getting There: Ghent is 30 minutes by train from Brussels. Skip rental cars—walk or bike!

• City Card: The Ghent CityCard (€38/48h) includes transit and entry to top sites.

• When to Go: April–June for mild weather; December for the magical Christmas Market.

Why Ghent Now?
With its mix of medieval grandeur, sustainable ethos, and youthful energy, Ghent is the perfect antidote to overcrowded European capitals. Pack your curiosity (and comfy shoes) and dive into Flanders’ best-kept secret.