Ghent, Belgium: Essential Travel Insights & Local Trends

Ghent doesn't have its own commercial airport. The easiest airport near Ghent is Brussels Airport (BRU), located just about 65 kilometers away. Direct trains run from the airport terminal to Gent-Sint-Pieters station, taking just under an hour. Alternatively, Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is about 1.5 hours away by bus and train, often favored by budget airline flyers. Both hubs offer straightforward connections, making a flight to Ghent (via Brussels) simple and efficient.

For the city itself, not really. Ghent's historic center is largely pedestrianized, and the tram and bus network (run by De Lijn) covers the city well. But if you're planning to explore the wider Flanders region, car rental in Ghent makes a lot of sense. The countryside, WWI memorial sites in Flanders Fields, and easy day trips to Bruges and Antwerp are all much smoother with your own wheels. There's no dedicated Ghent airport. The closest airport to Ghent, Belgium is Brussels Airport (BRU), about 45 minutes away by car. From there, car rental in Ghent, Belgium is an easy task. Pick up at the Brussels Airport desk and drive directly. Prices for Ghent car rental start at around €34/day for a compact car, with rates climbing in peak summer. A flight to Ghent means landing at Brussels (most common), with Charleroi Airport as a secondary option about 70 minutes out.

Ghent has much to brag about for a city of 274,500 people. The medieval skyline alone, dominated by the iconic trio of St. Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry of Ghent (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and St. Nicholas' Church, is worth the trip. Inside St. Bavo's, the Van Eyck masterpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is one of the most important paintings in European history. History lovers will also want to explore Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century fortress complete with a moat and dungeon. The picturesque Graslei and Korenlei riverside promenades are perfect for a stroll. If you are all about visiting the best museums in Ghent, head to the MSK Museum of Fine Arts and S.M.A.K. (Museum of Contemporary Art). Among the top Ghent Belgium attractions, there's something for every type of traveler. *Planning your first visit? KubikTrip website has everything mapped out so you don't miss a thing.*

Beyond the sightseeing checklist you have probably come across on the net, Ghent is a city meant to be lived in – at least for a few days. Start with a Ghent walking tour through the historic center. The streets are compact, walkable, and full of surprises. Food lovers will surely be pleased with the variety. Hunt down the best waffles in Ghent at a local bakery (skip the chains), explore the best chocolate shops in Ghent, e.g., Chocolaterie Luc Van Hoorebeke is a fan favorite, and dig into a bowl of waterzooi, the city's classic stew. The best restaurants in Ghent, Belgium cluster around the atmospheric Patershol quarter. Come evening, the top beer bars in Ghent, Belgium pour an impressive range of Belgian craft brews. Dok Brewing Company is a local staple. For Ghent food fans, the city's markets and vintage shops round out a full, satisfying day.

Ghent has solid options across every budget. The best places to stay in Ghent are generally in or near the historic center. They are walkable to all the main sights and have easy access to restaurants and bars. Boutique hotels in Ghent tend to be beautifully restored historic buildings. The NH Gent Belfort, right beside the Town Hall, is a popular pick for its location and style. For those after luxury hotels in Ghent, Ghent Marriott or the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel offer top-tier comfort. Travelers watching their budget will find plenty of good cheap hotels in Ghent and well-accommodated hostels in characterful buildings with social common spaces. 5-star hotels in Ghent, Belgium are limited but do exist for those who want the full treatment. *Not sure which neighborhood suits you best? KubikTrip makes finding the right hotels in Ghent quick and painless. You can filter by location, price, and style right on our website.*

Ghent has a temperate Atlantic climate – mild and unpredictable. The best time to visit Ghent, Belgium is May through September, when temperatures sit comfortably between 19°C and 24°C (66–75°F) and the city is buzzing. July is the warmest month, hitting around 24°C on average, with the longest daylight hours. Spring (April–May) is a smart choice if you want fewer crowds and drier days. April is statistically the driest month. Autumn is atmospheric and still very pleasant, especially September and October when students return, and the city gets an extra shot of energy. Winter drops to an average high of around 5–8°C, though the Christmas markets give Ghent serious seasonal charm. Pack a light rain jacket regardless of when you visit – this is Belgium, after all. Still, weather in Ghent rarely stops anyone from having a great time.