Things to Do in Ghent: Castles, Canals and a Bar with a Shoe Deposit

Ghent is one of our favorite cities in Belgium. We’ve stayed both at the NH Hotel and in an Airbnb near the center. It feels local and alive, with canals, towers, and a mix of students and history that makes it easy to like. Bruges might be prettier, but Ghent has more character.

Exploring the Center

The three towers, St. Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, mark the skyline. Inside the cathedral, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is the highlight. Even if you’re not into art, it’s worth seeing up close. From there, walking to the Graslei and Korenlei shows off Ghent’s best side. The canal houses sit close together, and the outdoor terraces fill up from morning to night.

The Castle of the Counts, or Gravensteen, is right in the middle of town. The stone walls and towers make it look like something out of a film, but it’s the real thing. You can climb to the top for views or walk through the rooms filled with old armor and stories about how the city used to defend itself.

    • Graffiti Alley

    Werregarenstraat, better known as Graffiti Alley, runs between two main streets near the center. Every wall is covered with layers of paint and the art changes constantly. It’s short but worth seeing. Each visit looks completely different and it’s one of those spots that shows how creative Ghent is.

    Food and Local Treats

    LeGhent has good food everywhere. Friet Atelier makes the best fries we’ve had in Belgium, topped with sauces like truffle mayo or béarnaise. You’ll also find purple candies called Gentse neuzen, or cuberdons, sold at stands around the center. They’re chewy, sweet, and filled with syrup. Locals call them noses. We weren’t the biggest fans.

    For chocolate, Yuzu Chocolade is a favorite for small handmade pieces, and Van Hoorebeke is great for pralines and dark truffles. Both are easy stops while walking through town. We did this amazing chocolate tour that came with great chocolate and a bit of history.

    • Bars and Local Life

    Ghent has plenty of bars, but Dulle Griet is the one people remember. It’s known for the shoe deposit. If you order their biggest beer, you hand over one shoe, which they keep in a basket above the bar until you return the glass. It’s odd and funny and exactly the kind of thing that fits here. In the morning they hang a bag with shoes left from the night before.

    What We Ate

    We usually eat in Patershol, one of the oldest parts of the city. The streets are narrow, and every corner has another small restaurant. We tried waterzooi, a creamy chicken stew that started here, and it’s one of the dishes we now look for across Belgium. The food is comforting and the atmosphere feels local even when it’s busy. of course Friet Atelier as mentioned above.

    • Where We Stayed

    We’ve stayed at the NH Hotel and an Airbnb, both close to the canals and main squares. The hotel works well for short trips, and the Airbnb gave us more space for longer stays. Ghent is small enough that you never need a car once you arrive.

    Know Before You Go

    When to visit: Spring and early winter are best. The Christmas Market adds lights and food stalls without heavy crowds.
    How to get there: About 40 minutes by train from Brussels or 25 minutes from Bruges.
    Where to park: Underground garages near the center are reliable.
    What to pack: A rain jacket and comfortable shoes. The weather changes quickly.

    Planning More Travel in Belgium

    If you’re traveling through Belgium, check out:
    Bruges – Canals, chocolate, and Christmas lights that make the city glow at night
    Brussels – Art, food, and day trips to nearby towns

    If you’re traveling for Christmas markets check out our market guides:
    Bruges Christmas Markets – Canals, chocolate, and Christmas lights that make the city glow at night
    Ghent Christmas Markets – Art, food, and day trips to nearby towns