East Flanders · Belgium
Ghent
Bruges-pretty, Antwerp-cool — and somehow still under the radar.
Three hours from Amsterdam by train via Antwerp, Ghent is the Belgian city that locals quietly prefer to Bruges. Gravensteen castle, the Van Eyck altarpiece at St. Bavo's, and one of the densest concentrations of good beer in Europe.
How to get there
| From | Car | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | 2h 30m | 3h via Antwerp | — |
| Brussels | 1h | 35m direct | — |
| London | via Eurotunnel 5h | 3h 30m via Brussels | 1h 10m to Brussels |
Budget breakdown
Estimated 2-night trip for two travelers.
| Centre hotel (2 nights) | £204 |
| Meals & beer | £136 |
| Train tickets | £136 |
| Castle + altarpiece entry | £34.00 |
| Estimated total | £510 |
A 2-day itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Gravensteen castle, walk the Patershol cobbled quarter.
Afternoon
St. Bavo's Cathedral to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
Evening
Beer hall dinner — 't Dreupelkot for jenever after.
Day 2
Morning
Boat tour on the Leie, coffee at Mokabon.
Afternoon
Lunch at Balls & Glory, walk to Vrijdagmarkt.
Evening
Last waterzooi or stoverij before the train home.
Best season
May–October. The Gentse Feesten in July is one big street party.
Weather
Cool maritime. Summer 18–22°C, frequent showers.
Where to stay
Short stays (Airbnb-style)
Guesthouses, B&Bs and cottages near Ghent.
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Where to eat
Top-rated restaurants around Ghent. Order in or get directions.
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Events nearby
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