Ghent
Had Forum not chosen to study here, we would probably never have discovered this quaint, picturesque city that sits at the confluence of two rivers, Lys and Scheldt.
Ghent, earlier known as Ganda—a Celtic word meaning “confluence”—is a beautiful medieval city that has rich Gothic and Romanesque architecture on one side, and bold, cutting-edge technology and urban planning on the other. Equidistant from the popular cities of Bruges and Brussels, Ghent has the best of both worlds—the melancholy beauty of Bruges and the big-city excitement of Brussels.
Veggie lovers visiting this city need not worry because Ghent has been awarded the title “veggie capital of Europe” for it has more vegetarian restaurants compared to metropolises like Paris or London. With about a quarter of its population being students, Ghent has a plethora of things to do, history to learn, and experiences to carry back home.
Things to see and do in Ghent
- Tour of Gravensteen Castle
- Visit Ghent Belfry
- Chill in the Blaarmeersen recreation park
- Kayak in the historic canals
- Walk through the Graffiti Alley
- Picnic at Korenlei & Graslei
- Explore the ruins of St. Bavo's Abbey
- Watch birds at Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen nature reserve
- Try Belgian Beers
Typical costs when travelling
Accommodation – Ghent is moderately prices compared to Bruges and Brussels, but accommodation costs vary depending on the seasons (summer weeks, Gentse feesten period, christmas weeks could be expensive). However, hostels in the historic centre could cost anywhere between €20-40 pp/night. Budget hotels could cost around €70-90/night, and located often outside of the city centre. Mid-range or 3- or 4-star rated hotels typically costs between €130-220/night, and boutique hotels and historic stays can even exceed €250.
Food – Similar to its beer scene, Ghent’s food scene is just as vibrant, and costs vary depending on where you eat. Budget travellers can eat well for around €30–€40 a day with supermarket meals and self-catering, while a comfortable dining experience with cafés, local dishes, and Belgian beers usually costs around €60–€80 per person. Expect to pay around €20–€30 pp for a typical restaurant meal and €4–€6 for the city’s famous Belgian beers.
Transportation – As much as the city is walkable, it’s also well-connected by public transportation, and is pretty affordable. Trams and buses are operated by De Lijn, state-owned enterprise run by the Flemish Government in Belgium. And a single bus/tram ticket in 2026 costs €3, which is valid for one journey. One of our favourite ways to explore Ghent is by cycling. You can easily rent a bicycle from companies/apps like Blue Bike, Donkey Bike, De Fiets Ambassade or SwapFiets. It would cost approximately around €10-20 for a day. For day trips to Bruges, Oostende, or Brussels, take SNCB trains–Belgian State Railways–and comfortably travel around Ghent with tickets ranging anywhere from €8-15 for single trip.
Do’s and dont's
Ghent is easy to fall in love with, but knowing a few local customs and practical tips can make your visit even smoother. Here’s what to do—and what to avoid—for a memorable trip.
Do’s
- Do book accommodations and experiences well in advance if you're travelling during the summers or Gentse Feesten, as prices can quickly rise.
- Do segregate your trash - Belgium has a well-organised waste sorting system with separate bins for PMD(plastics, metal containers), GFT (bio waste), Paper, Glass, and Rest.
- Do try local specialities like cuberdons, frietjes (fries) and some Belgian Beers. (Check out our recommendations in the Guide below)
- Do carry reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, cutlery for your trip - having them handy definitely saves you some bucks.
- Do activate your bus/tram ticket after purchasing it online or via De Lijn App. Failing to do so can result in fines if the TC is doing their regular rounds.
- Do walk around and explore the city on foot - the neighbourhood areas are sometimes brimming with concerts, flea markets, and so on.
Dont’s
- Don't underestimate the weather 🙂 Even in peak summers, showers can appear unexpectedly so keep a light jacket or an umbrella with you.
- Locals can get very annoyed if you walk in bike lanes. Don't walk on the red-painted lanes - these are for cyclists.
- Don't expect shops to be open on Sundays. Supermarkets and day & night stores are shut on Sundays here, so if you're arriving on a Sunday, keep that in mind.
- Don't spend all your time in tourist hotspots - explore other lesser-known parts of the city to learn about its history and diverse cultures. (Check our guide below for some off-beat recommendations in Ghent)
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