Weekend In Ghent, Belgium: Best Things to do!

A Weekend in Ghent: Canals, Castles, and Culinary Adventures!

The old city with a picturesque muddle of alleyways rimmed with roofed buildings running along the canals, is the Flemish region of Belgium, Ghent. Apart from Bruges and Brussels, Ghent is also among those extraordinary architectural tourist attractions.

A walk through town in the evening summer, sight of illuminated buildings and the canal boat rides are the best to grips with modern Flemish culture. For history lovers and architecture fans, Ghent is just an ideal place. If you are fascinated about the beauty of this place, then this reading is just for you.

Discover how to make the best out of your trip with our Perfect Ghent itinerary, listing the top destinations to visit.

CHOCOLATE to SWEET,

Nothing can BEAT !

CASTLE’S history;

A beautiful MYSTERY !

BRIDGE to CHURCH,

A lot to IMMERSE !

This flemish REGION,

Your travel’s VISION….!

Places to visit in Ghent in your weekend

Nestled within the Flemish region of Belgium, Ghent is an incredible city offering a perfect culture, history and attractions. Undoubtedly, a Weekend in Ghent will be an ideal escape for you where you can emerge yourself in the scenic beauty of canals and majestic charm of this place. With such a number of attractions, we are listing the top places that you should not miss in your weekend!

Cathedral of St. Bavo (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

Cathedral of St. Bavo, a captivating building of granite and brick with a Romanesque history of its predecessor, Sint-Jans church. This majestic building stands on the eastern side of Sint-Baafsplein. Its history showcases that this present name was given by Chrles V who destroyed the old building to build a fortress. The building’s interior captivated the attention of visitors by its rich decor and unique painting including the most famous “The Conversion of St. Baaf by Peter Paul Rubens (1624)”. This extensive crypt is also home to numerous tombs of bishops and treasury.

Address: Sint-Baafsplein, Central Ghent

Korenmarkt

You may have heard about it as just a local place but this historic square holds a great importance for this city. Ghent’s Korenmarkt is a wheat market which is home to many old guild houses situated along the Leie canal. Being a wheat market, this lively place holds a great importance with economic perspectives as well as being known for its architecture. Most importantly, Korenmarkt is the center of the 10-day festival Gense Fieste, combining fun, theater, music, food and a lot more. Its surrounding is loaded with iconic landmarks including St. Nicholas Church.

Cruise Ghent's Canals

Canals are an attraction in themselves that don’t need anything to compliment them more. Ghent’s canals are the ideal part that offers relaxing sightseeing to the visitors leaving you memorized. No matter if you take a boat tour or private cruises, the experience of discovering this place will be incredible. Just reserve your ticket and explore!

Saint Michael's Church and Sint-Michielsbrug

Saint Michael’s church is known for its alluring design and grandeur and it is located on the western shore of the Leie. This gothic church was constructed of Belgian sandstone making it a perfect blend of art, glory and style. The church is a treasure of hidden gems including; paintings by Baroque artists like van Dyck; and the Relic of Doorn, which was a gift from Mary Queen of Scots. You will also find a beautiful stone-arch bridge nearby which is Sint-Michielsburg.

Address: Sint-Michielsplein 4, 9000 Ghent

The Fortress of Gravensteen

Sounds fascinating? Gravensteen is one of the strongest fortresses in the Schengen area surrounded by the river Lieve. Its history dates back to the 12th century when it was built between 1180 - 1200 on the orders of Philip of Alsace and created in the syrian castle style. If you want to see European medieval art, then this is a perfect example.

Stroll the Neighborhood of Graslei

Ghent is renowned for its guild houses, wherever you go at every corner you’ll come across the finest designs and architecture. Moreover, you will catch sight of the best guild houses along the Graslei canal. If you want to stroll around the streets and see the stunning view from calanals then explore this area. Some of the famous ones are; Gildehuis der Vrije Schippers built in 1531, Gildehuis der Graanmeters built in 1698, Tolhuisje built in 1682, and Gildehuis der Metselaars built in 1527, showcasing the amazing Brabant gothic architecture.

Town Hall (Stadhuis)

Ghent’s magnificent town hall has its roots with the history combining culture and architectural styles. Its oldest part on the Hoogpoort was designed in the style of Bruges city hall in 1482, then architects built a new wing in late Gothic form decorated with statues. The construction was stopped when it went through some religious disputes in 1539 but it overcame the scenario and its work resumed at the end of the 16th century. However, you must see this iconic landmark with a history!

Address: Botermarkt, Central Ghent

Ghent City Museum (STAM)

If you are curious about the richest buildings in Belgium, then this museum is one of them. Based in the brick buildings of the Cistercian Abbey of Bijloke, this museum showcases a remarkable collection connecting culture and heritage. The architecture has unique rooms numerating the stories of Ghent which includes the exhibition of weapons, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, religious icons etc. The most iconic part of this museum is the 14th century refectory with an outstanding brick gable. Its interior walls will leave you amazed by their amazing paintings including the renowned “Last supper”. If you want to catch sight of amazing exhibitions, then this place is perfect to come!

Address: Godshuizenlaan 2

Korenlei Canal Area

The Sint-Michielsbrug leads down to the Korenlei Canal offering the best view of fantastic finer houses on the banks of Graslei. These finer houses are some of the iconic spots that visitors find here including No. 15 house, the site of former Hof van Gruuthuse now replaced by Neoclassical facade., No. 7, the Gildehuis der Onvrije Schippers, a Baroque building, and No. 24, Lintworm en Krocht.

Address: Korenlei, central Ghent

The Architecture of Vismarkt and Kraanlei

The Baroque building at Sint-Veerleplein No.5 is the old fish market which was built in 1689 as per the plans by Artus Quellin. Its gateway depicts the representations of Scheldt and Leie representing male and female. To the northeast, the Kraanlei canal adjoins Sint-Veerleplein showcasing the elegant houses. On the left side is No.1 the Cranenburgh, then a row of houses built around 1500 in vibrant Brabant Gothic style. Farther along the Kraanlei is house no.75 built in the 17th century. No. 77 and No. 79, are Baroque 17th century town houses which were exquisitely decorated.

Address: Kraanlei, central Ghent

****With its rich history and architecture, Ghent is definitely an ideal gorgeous city that no one can resist. If you are planning to spend a quality time in Ghent then this Perfect Ghent itinerary can be a helpful resource for you to plan your trip.

Can we apply for Belgium Visa Online for this weekend trip

If you wish to explore this enchanting city, then these top places will definitely level up your experience. Most importantly, you have to stay there when you are about to explore these destinations. Whether you stay near the canals or historic center, you can embrace your Trip with the amazing stay offered in the city including 1898 The Post, B & B Petit Prince, and Monasterium PoortAckere.

If this city matches your interests, then you might be wondering how to get Belgium Visa UK. All your queries and confusions regarding visa services will be sorted here at Belgium visas.

Visa services generally seem complicated and lengthy, but what makes us different is our expertise in this field. From application filling to appointment booking, our specialists team will be there with you at each step. In this digital era, you can apply for a Belgium visa online with us. Then proceed further as our given procedure;

• Firstly, fill the application and pay the online fee for visa appointment.
• Our experts will be calling you and assisting you regarding appointment booking.
• Visit the TLS visa centre along with your documents and biometric data to get them verified.
• You will get your visa along with your passport via courier.

Conclusion

Spending a weekend in this city allows you to enjoy a wide range of experiences from seeing the historic places to feeling the peaceful vibes surrounding canals.

With this Perfect Ghent itinerary, we tried covering up the top places for you that you must not miss in your Ghent journey and don’t forget to enjoy the atmosphere. The true essence not just lies in its iconic landmarks but also in its warm ambience that captivates the travelers from every corner of the world. Enjoy your weekend!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Ghent famous for?

St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Gravensteen castle, and Ghent's canals are some of the most famous landmarks in the city of Ghent.

What is the famous food of Ghent?

Ganda Ham, Waterzooi, Kroakemandels etc. are some of the traditional dishes that Ghent is famous for.

How to apply for a Belgium visa?

You can easily apply for a Belgium visa online and travel to this Schengen city safely. Just a click away is our site where you can initiate the visa procedure.