🗺️ What to see in Ghent: a one day route around the center and tickets online

Brussels and Bruges take almost all the tourists in Belgium. You usually see Ghent from the train window on the way between them. Yet there is a real medieval castle in the center, the oldest churches, and the altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers.

The main sights are a 10-20 minute walk from each other. So in one day you can see more than you expect. Gravensteen is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, and the ticket office sells the last tickets at 16:40 (as of 09/2026, official Historische Huizen Gent website).

Below are 15 places in Ghent with opening hours, tickets, and transport. Go through them in order or pick what fits your day.

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Two reasons to visit Ghent

Ghent combines what you would normally travel to two different cities for. There is a whole castle right in the center and surviving embankments with half-timbered houses. At the same time, there are fewer tourists than in neighboring Bruges, and the distances between sights are shorter.

💡 In short:

Start the day with Gravensteen, and by lunchtime walk down Graslei to St. Bavo's Cathedral.
Allow half an hour to an hour for each sight, with 10-20 minutes of walking between them.
Buy tickets for Gravensteen and the Belfry online: in summer you will stand in line at the ticket office.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, checked on the Belfry rates page

For quick orientation, here is a cheat sheet of the main places.

Sight	Why it's interesting	Ticket
Gravensteen	medieval castle and panorama of Ghent	paid, better online
Belfry	tower with an observation deck	paid
St. Bavo's Cathedral	Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers	church free, altarpiece ticketed
Graslei and Korenlei	half-timbered houses and boats	free to view
MSK and S.M.A.K.	painting and contemporary art	paid
Industriemuseum	history of a textile factory	paid

1. Vrijdagmarkt Square

Vrijdagmarkt Square has operated as a market since the 13th century, and on Fridays trading starts as early as 7:30. In the center stands a monument to Jacob van Artevelde, who led the townspeople in the struggle against the Count of Flanders (according to Wikipedia). The pedestal of the monument is decorated with the coats of arms of the city guilds.

Vrijdagmarkt Square with the statue of Artevelde and vintage cars

Locals call the square an "open-air cafe": restaurant terraces line its perimeter. In the evening, stop by the beer bar De Dulle Griet, where they will pour you Belgian beer in tall glasses. Half an hour is enough to see the square and the market.

How to get there: trams 1, 4, and 21, Korenmarkt stop, then about 300 m on foot (according to the map).
Cost: the square and market are free to visit.
Who it's for: those who want to see the center of Ghent and pick a place for lunch.
The catch: on Friday afternoon you hit a noisy market and a crowd.

2. Ghent City Hall

The first stone of the city hall was laid in 1482, but it took centuries to complete, which is why the building has two different facades (according to Historische Huizen Gent). The Gothic part looks austere, while the Renaissance addition adds carved arches and medallions.

Renaissance facade of Ghent City Hall with gables

You can only get inside with a guided tour: there is no free access to the halls. So check the tour schedule on the official website in advance and arrive at the start of the group.

How to get there: entrance from Botermarkt, next to Vrijdagmarkt square (see map).
Cost: guided tour, check the exact price and tour times on the official website.
The catch: you won't be allowed in without a tour.

3. Ghent Post Office building

The former early 20th-century post office shows Belgium in stone: on the facade, three female figures symbolize Wallonia, Flanders, and the country as a whole (according to an article about Ghent). The neo-Gothic two-tier facade is complemented by corner turrets and a square clock bell tower with a spire.

Historic Ghent post office building illuminated at night

The building now houses the De Post shopping center, so you can go inside freely and without a ticket. From here it's about 400 m to Graslei and less than a kilometer to Gravensteen, so it's a convenient first stop on the way to the castle.

How to get there: Korenmarkt square, next to the stop for trams 1, 4, and 21 (see map).
Cost: free entry, the building houses a shopping center.
The catch: it's mainly interesting for its facade and bell tower; inside there are just regular shops.

4. Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen was built between 1157 and 1191 on the orders of Count Philip of Alsace (according to Wikipedia). Over its history, the castle served as a count's residence, a mint, a prison, and a courthouse.

Medieval stone walls and towers of Gravensteen Castle

Today it houses a museum: in one hall you see knight's armor and weapons, in another torture instruments are on display. Sensitive visitors are better off heading straight up to the roof, which offers a panorama of Ghent. The audio guide is included in the ticket, no separate payment needed (as of 09/2026, official website).

How to get there: in the center, on Sint-Veerleplein, about a 5-minute walk from Vrijdagmarkt square (see map).
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, last tickets at the counter at 16:40 (Gravensteen opening hours).
Cost: paid ticket, check the exact price on the official website, audio guide included.
Who it's for: those who want to see a real medieval castle in a single visit.
The catch: in summer you'll stand in a long line at the ticket office, get your ticket online.

5. Geeraard de Duivelsteen

Geeraard de Duivelsteen is named after a 13th-century knight: local legend turned him into a Bluebeard and attributed the murder of several wives to him (according to Wikipedia). The building is considered the oldest stone structure in Ghent, and it stands by the water.

Stone castle of Geeraard de Duivel in Ghent

At different times, this site housed an armory, a monastery, a prison, and an asylum for the mentally ill. The gates are now closed, so you can't go inside: view the castle from the outside and from the canal embankment.

Getting there: Recollettenlei embankment, next to Gravensteen (see map).
Cost: viewing from the outside is free, entry inside is closed.
The catch: allow just 10-15 minutes, there's nothing to see inside.

6. St Bavo's Cathedral

St Bavo's Cathedral holds the city's main treasure: the Ghent Altarpiece "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb." The brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck completed the work in 1432, and today the altarpiece consists of 24 panels on oak boards (according to Wikipedia).

St Bavo's Cathedral against the Ghent cityscape

The altarpiece stands in a separate chapel, and you buy a ticket to see it. Entry to the cathedral itself is free. Inside, note the Baroque chapels, stained glass windows, and the carved oak pulpit. For opening hours and altarpiece tickets, see the cathedral's official website.

Getting there: Sint-Baafsplein square, about 5 minutes from the Korenmarkt stop (see map).
Cost: entry to the cathedral is free, you buy a ticket only to see the altarpiece.
The catch: opening hours change by season, check them before your visit.
Who it's for: those interested in painting who want to see the van Eycks' work.

7. The Belfry

The 91-meter Belfry was begun in the 14th century as a watchtower: from it, townspeople were warned of fires, floods, and enemies (according to Wikipedia). Together with the bell tower, the Belfry is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list (official website).

400 steps lead to the top, and there is no elevator from the base. The climb takes about 20 minutes, but from the top you see the entire historic city center. A full ticket costs €11, for children aged 13 to 18 it's €2.20, and up to age 12 entry is free (as of 09/2026, official website).

Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, last tickets at 17:10, closed December 25 and January 1.
Getting there: trams 1, 4, and 21, Korenmarkt stop, about 50 m to the tower (Belfry fares).
The catch: the tower is not accessible for people with reduced mobility, the elevator only runs from the first floor.
Who it's for: those willing to climb on foot for the best view of Ghent.

8. Graslei and Korenlei embankments

Two medieval embankments along the banks of the River Leie were part of Ghent's old harbor. The city's most beautiful half-timbered houses stand here, built by wealthy merchants from the 13th to the 17th century (according to Wikipedia).

Graslei and Korenlei quays along the canal in Ghent

Cafes with water views operate along Graslei, and sightseeing boats depart from the dock: a 40-minute route shows the city center from the water. If you want a guided city tour, check out Ghent tours on GetYourGuide.

How to get there: about a 10-minute walk from Gravensteen (see map).
Cost: the embankments are free, boat tours are paid.
The catch: at lunchtime the best waterside tables are taken, so arrive at opening time.

9. St. Nicholas' Church

St. Nicholas' Church was built with money from grain sales, hence its second name, the grain merchants' church. The gray-blue stone for the walls was brought by river from the Tournai area (according to Wikipedia).

The church was rebuilt many times, and restoration continues to this day. The main nave is open, where you can see the wooden pulpit, the gilded altar, and the organ by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. The stone tower above the crossing is considered one of the oldest parts of the building.

How to get there: Korenmarkt street, between Graslei and the Belfry (see map).
Cost: free entry.
The catch: part of the interior is closed off by scaffolding due to restoration.

10. St. Michael's Bridge and Church

St. Michael's Bridge connects Graslei and Korenlei, and it's the spot for the best photos of Ghent. It offers a view of stepped gables and baroque facades, and in the middle of the span stands a bronze archangel Michael with a spear.

St Michael's Bridge in Ghent at night with reflections

St. Michael's Church rises nearby: construction began in 1440, but wars and a lack of money stretched the work over nearly 400 years (according to Wikipedia). The western tower was planned to be 134 meters tall, but only 23 meters were built, which is why it ended up with a flat roof.

How to get there: the bridge connects the two embankments, the church stands right next to it (see map).
Cost: the bridge is free, entry to the church is free.
The catch: during the day the bridge is crowded with tour groups, so come early in the morning for photos.

11. MSK Museum

MSK (Museum voor Schone Kunsten) opened in 1802 and showcases European painting from the 15th to the 20th century (according to Wikipedia). The core of the collection is Flemish masters: here you can see works by Hieronymus Bosch, Frans Pourbus, and Peter Paul Rubens. In addition, the collection includes works by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.

Facade of the MSK museum with colonnade and statues

The museum is located in Citadel Park, next door to S.M.A.K., so the two museums are easy to combine in one day. The collection spans several floors, and you should allow at least two hours for your visit.

How to get there: Citadelpark, about a 15-minute walk from Gent-Sint-Pieters station (see map).
Cost: paid entry, check the museum's website for exact prices and hours.
The catch: some galleries are closed between exhibitions, so check the schedule in advance.

12. S.M.A.K. Museum of Contemporary Art

S.M.A.K. opened in 1999 in a former casino building and operates across from MSK (according to Wikipedia). The museum focuses on contemporary art: pop art, minimalism, and video installations.

S.M.A.K. contemporary art museum building with signage

The collection features works by Luc Tuymans, Joseph Beuys, Ilya Kabakov, and Marcel Broodthaers. Exhibitions change frequently, so you may find some rooms hosting a new show. Allow about an hour and a half for your visit.

Getting there: Citadelpark, the building next to MSK (see map).
Cost: paid entry; check the museum website for tickets and hours.
The catch: if you don't like contemporary art, this museum is easy to skip.

13. Industriemuseum

Industriemuseum, formerly MIAT, occupies the old building of the Desmet-Guéquier cotton spinning mill (according to Wikipedia's article on Ghent). Five floors tell the story of how the city's industry developed from the 18th century onward.

Brick facade of the Industriemuseum with signage in Ghent

The museum's most famous exhibit, the Mule Jenny spinning machine, was smuggled into Flanders from England in 1800 and kicked off the region's industrial revolution. A separate exhibition shows the harsh working conditions of laborers, including child labor. The museum has a cafe and a shop.

Getting there: Minnemeers street, about a 10-minute walk from the center (see map).
Cost: paid entry; check the museum website for tickets.
The catch: the subject is mainly interesting to those fascinated by machinery and labor history.

14. Rabot Fortress Complex

The Rabot complex appeared after the siege of 1488, when the city reinforced its defensive wall with two towers (according to the city chronicle on Wikipedia). The fortress's name gradually came to refer to the entire district.

The stone complex, consisting of a central building, two structures with pointed roofs, and a bridge, served for centuries as an archive, a gunpowder storehouse, and a tavern. Today the premises are used for seminars and receptions, so you usually can't go inside. It's worth coming here for the atmosphere of a working-class neighborhood and its local cafes.

Getting there: tram to the Rabot stop, then a few minutes on foot (see map).
Cost: viewing from outside is free.
The catch: the interior is closed to tourists.

15. Gent-Sint-Pieters Station

Gent-Sint-Pieters station receives trains from Brussels and Bruges: the journey from the Belgian capital takes between 35 and 50 minutes (according to Wikipedia). The early 20th-century building resembles a red-brick palace.

Ghent-Sint-Pieters railway station with clock tower in the evening

Inside there are waiting rooms and ticket offices, and trains depart from the platforms to destinations across the country. Near the station stands a clock tower: over time it tilted like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, so it was dismantled and then reassembled. From the center of Ghent you can get here by tram in about 15 minutes.

Getting there: trams 1, 4, and 21 run from the station to the Korenmarkt stop (see map).
Cost: a ticket from Brussels is in the low double digits; check the carrier for the exact price.
The catch: the station is large, so allow extra time to move between platforms.

If you'd like to see the city with a guide rather than on your own, book a tour in advance.

Tours and tickets in Ghent

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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Ghent attractions on the map

Below is an interactive map with all the points on the route. Open it on your phone to build a walking route through the center and keep the sights in order.

Landmarks of Ghent

Places on the map

1Vrijdagmarkt Square Market since the 13th century, monument to Jacob van Artevelde
2Ghent City Hall Gothic and Renaissance facades, entry only with a guided tour
3Gravensteen Castle Medieval castle of the Counts of Flanders, armour museum and panoramic view
4Geeraard de Duivelsteen (Gerald the Devil's Castle) Ghent's oldest stone building, closed to visitors
5St Bavo's Cathedral Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers in a separate chapel
6Belfort Tower 14th-century watchtower 91 m tall, UNESCO site
7Graslei and Korenlei Quays Timber-framed houses of the old harbour along the Leie river
8St Nicholas' Church Church of the grain merchants built of grey-blue stone
9St Michael's Bridge and Church Best spot for photos of Ghent, bronze archangel on the bridge
10MSK Museum Flemish painting of the 15th-20th centuries in Citadel Park
11S.M.A.K. Museum Contemporary art in a former casino building
12Industriemuseum History of the textile factory, the Mule Jenny spinning machine
13Rabot Fortification Complex 15th-century defence towers, now closed to tourists
14Gent-Sint-Pieters Station Early 20th-century station, trains from Brussels and Bruges

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much time do you need for Ghent?

One full day is enough for the historic center. You'll have time to see Gravensteen, Graslei, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the Belfry. If you want to add MSK and S.M.A.K., plan a second day or come for the weekend. There's no need to rush here: the sights are just a few minutes apart.

Which Ghent attractions are must-sees?

First and foremost, Gravensteen, Graslei, and St. Bavo's Cathedral with the Van Eyck altarpiece. Add the Belfry for the city panorama. These four sights are clustered in the center, and you can walk between them. Allow between half an hour and an hour for each.

Can you walk around the center?

Yes, Ghent's historic center is compact. The main sights are 5 to 20 minutes apart on foot, and the entire route through the center covers several kilometers. Trams 1, 4, and 21 are only useful for getting from Gent-Sint-Pieters station to the center and back.

When is the best time to visit Ghent?

Arrive at opening time, around 10 a.m.: the lines at Gravensteen and the Belfry are still short then. In summer the center is crowded, but terraces and boat tours are running. In spring and autumn there are fewer tourists, but some sights close earlier.

How much do tickets cost in Ghent?

Entry to Gravensteen and the Belfry is paid; we checked prices on the official Historische Huizen Gent website in September 2026. The Belfry costs €11 for an adult and €2.20 for a teenager (as of 09/2026, official Historische Huizen Gent website). You can enter the cathedral for free, and a ticket is only needed to see the Ghent Altarpiece.

If you'd like to see the places from this list in motion, watch a short video about Ghent.

In short: what's worth booking

If you have one day, start with Gravensteen and the Belfry, then walk through Graslei and St. Bavo's Cathedral in the afternoon. If you're staying for two days, add MSK or S.M.A.K. in Citadel Park and the Industriemuseum.

If you want a castle: buy your Gravensteen ticket online.
If you love panoramas: climb the Belfry in the morning.
If you're interested in painting: combine MSK and S.M.A.K. in Citadel Park.
If you're traveling with kids: leave time for a boat ride from Graslei.

For an overnight stay in the center, compare hotels in Ghent on Trip.com.

Ghent in one day: 15 places, tickets and opening hours