I challenge you to take a bad photograph in Ghent, Belgium. It simply isn’t possible. This point-and-shoot town is a living postcard everywhere you look, so picturesque that it hardly feels real. I recently found myself in this beautiful city, just a short train ride from Paris and it was the perfect place to be for a weekend away. This Ghent guide features just a few of the many fun things to do in Ghent Belgium.

Pat discovers the beauty and quirky Belgian city of Ghent. | © Pat Bailey

Things to Do in Ghent Belgium

Getting to Ghent

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Getting to Ghent is easy from any direction, particularly if you are making your way here from any of the surrounding cities; Paris is just three hours away, it’s the perfect day trip from Brussels and Bruges is also less than an hour away.

Other European capitals are a short flight or a scenic train ride away.

I travelled by train from Paris where you can find several options for a fast or slower ride, stops along the way, or a direct ticket; either way, it will take about two to three hours and about 100 euros or less.

You can fly directly into one of two airports accessible from Ghent. Fly into the Brussels or Brussels-Charleroi Airports. From either airport, you can take a train or public transport easily into Ghent.

Renting a car or hiring transportation is easy enough as well, the major highways are friendly to navigate and take you directly into the city center and beyond. Bruges and Brussels are only a 45-minute drive away should you wish to take a day trip from Ghent.

Parking in Ghent is tricky. These are the paid parking stations in Ghent City. You’ll also find free parking at Park and Ride areas outside of Ghent city center.

Public transportation is most advisable in the city center and it is also very walkable and great for bikes too.

Related: What to See in Paris in 4 Days

Scooters are a popular form of transport in Ghent CBD | © Pat Bailey

City Pavilion by Robbrecht en Daem and Marie-José Van Hee. | © Pat Bailey

Stunning architecture in Ghent. | © Pat Bailey

Things to Do in Ghent Belgium

Ghent is a picturesque port city in northwest Belgium. It is a city that brings two rivers, the Leie and the Scheldt together.

Every bit of Ghent looks like something out of a coffee table book, with idyllic historical architecture, riverfront dining, and character-filled narrow cobbled streets, be sure to bring your camera with you.

Ghent has a pedestrianized centre and is predominately a college city. Because of this, you can find many activities that include touring via the river.

It is a walkable city with a centre hub for gathering, this means lots of walking and cycling.

Ghent is known for its quirks and arty vibe – you will find many hip coffee shops and boutiques, as well as great art and other cultural offerings.

Related: Loire Valley Cruise

Quaint river houses in Ghent, Belgium. | © Pat Bailey

Cruise the River

You can find a river tour or cruise along the river in the centre of the CBD.

Seeing Ghent by water offers a beautiful perspective and the perfect way to spend the morning or afternoon. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Seeing Ghent from the water offers a unique and peaceful vantage point | © Pat Bailey

Explore Ghent on Foot

Be sure to pack your walking shoes when you visit Ghent. I chose to venture out each day without a map, the city is easily managed and intuitively designed to make finding your way effortless.

You will find many sweets along the way which make for guilt-free snacking while you walk.

I loved Hoogpoort where you can find Graffiti Street, an alley block filled with street art that changes daily as local artists add their marks here.

Visiting the Holy Food Market in Sint-Jacobs was a nice experience and a yummy spot for a snack and people-watching.

Visit the Ghent Design Museum

I loved visiting the Design Museum, tucked into a side street near the center of town with an open-air courtyard joining the wings of the museum.

You won’t need much time for this museum and the exhibits include both historical design elements and very modern things too.

Tour the Gravensteen

The centrepiece of Ghent is the Gravensteen, a 12^th Century castle that has been restored.