5 Reasons We Chose Ghent Over Bruges and Brussels

On our recent spring trip to Europe, Belgium was a logical stop for a few days as we traveled by train from Paris to Amsterdam. While researching the perfect place to stay, I discovered Ghent as a charming alternative to the more well-known Bruges, Brussels, and Antwerp. I loved the idea of staying in a relaxing small city between our stops in Paris and Amsterdam. When I saw there was a Marriott right in Old Town where I could use free nights (or you can book here), I was sold without knowing much else about the city. Our stay ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip, and I’m excited to share why we chose Ghent!

For more European city stays, check out these posts:

• Guide to Barcelona’s Best Sights and Bites
• Three Days in Beautiful Budapest
• How to Have Your Best Three Days in Florence

1. Location, Location, Location

If you look at a map of Belgium, Ghent is nestled right in the center of the triangle formed by Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges. That leaves it uniquely well situated for a variety of day trips, and makes it convenient no matter how you enter Belgium. We were able to access Bruges, Antwerp, and Brussels directly from the train station, just a short Bolt or tram ride away from our hotel in Old Town.

We could easily explore nearby destinations during the day, then return to Ghent in the evening and enjoy its beautiful streets, canals, and restaurants at a relaxed pace.

2. Vibrant Atmosphere

Ghent is less about “doing” and is more about “being”. Sometimes you want a break from ticking off a list of sites, and you just want to soak up atomosphere – which Ghent has in spades. It’s a vibrant university town with a fascinating history, so the juxtaposition of old and new feels refreshing. While Ghent has tourists, it doesn’t feel “touristy.” No shade to Bruges, but it felt more like a town designed for visitors rather than a place where residents actually live. And after dark, the streets feel safe, and the crowds are gone!

Don’t take that to mean there’s nothing to do in Ghent. There’s plenty to see and experience, which brings us to the next section…

3. Ghent Altarpiece plus more

The Ghent Altarpiece, AKA, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is a world-class masterpiece and a must-see in Ghent. Located in St. Bavos Cathedral, it has a dramatic history including multiple thefts (one panel has still never been recovered), an infamous restoration that rocked the art world in 2019 (see the before and after below), and an inscription riddle that was only recently solved.

Tickets are recommended and can be purchased on their website around 2 weeks in advance. Despite its status as one of the world’s great works of art, there are no “Mona Lisa”-style crowds here – you can still have a private moment to appreciate this 600-year-old masterpiece.

You can also take a stroll around or inside the “Castle of the Counts” aka Gravensteen Castle. Built in the 12th century, it is known for its bloody history. Grafitti street is an ever-changing work of modern art to admire, and you can climb to the top of the Belfry for the best view around.

4. Stunning, Walkable Old Town

Ghent is a city made for wandering, with breaks for frites and beer along the way. The river is the centerpiece of the car-free old town, and there is no shortage of places to stop, relax, and take in views over the water. For a view from slighly above, walk across St. Michael’s Bridge – a relatively recent addition built for the World Exhibition in 1913.

You will want to stay near Graslei or Korenlei – the historic quays on the right bank and left bank, respectively, of the Leie River. The historic storefronts are perfectly preserved. Our Marriott was located on Korenlei. With a completely modern back entrance, the river side displays the original façade of the brothel that once occupied the building. The telltale swans facing away from each other hint at the building’s original use! Our wonderful local tour guide shared this tidbit with us (booked with Get Your Guide)

From there, make your way around Patershol. It’s like stepping into living history, with winding cobblestone streets and medieval storefronts. This is also a great place to stop for dinner!

5. Cozy Food and Drink Scene

You can’t talk about Belgium without discussing its world-famous beers. You won’t want to miss Artevelde Brewery, located right next to St. Bavo’s Cathedral and across from City Hall. Besides their own beers, you can order a variety of Delirium Tremens styles along with a Ghent “tapas” plate: cheese, sausage, mustard, onions, and pickles. It’s the perfect spot on a warm day to sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere!

If you aren’t a beer drinker (first, re-think your choices while you are in Belgium and give it a try anyway), we recommend The Cobbler, located on the Graslei side. The space feels like an old-fashioned study overlooking the river. We especially loved the inventive “Golden Ticket” drink—a mixture of bourbon, salted honey, rosemary, Supasawa, and served with popcorn on an edible spoon.

Of course, you have to try frites while in Belgium. Frites Atelier is a premium experience from three-star Michelin chef Sergio Herman, so it’s a great place to start! They have several interesting fry toppings (such as Flemish stew) along with a delicious variety of sauces.

t’Klaverblad is a great spot for a homestyle dinner featuring Flemish classics. We opted for the chef’s menu and enjoyed every course. As a bonus, several friendly locals were dining there as well, enthusiastically sharing that it was their favorite restaurant in the area.

Why We Chose Ghent

If you prefer a less crowded and more authentic experience, we found Ghent fit the bill perfectly. It was a wonderful, relaxing place to come “home” to after long day trips – or simply to spend time enjoying the atmosphere and views. Bruges is beautiful, but it can feel more touristy and is a bit more out of the way. Brussels offers a completely different experience, with more of a big-city feel and less of the charm we loved in Ghent.

I encourage you to add Ghent to your itinerary and discover the city that turned out to be a wonderful surprise for us!