Belgium
City guide · Belgium
Ghent
About Ghent
Ghent, in the Flemish region of Belgium, was one of the largest and most powerful cities of medieval Europe. Today it is a lively university city whose historic centre combines grand churches, a castle and canal-side guildhouses with a relaxed, local atmosphere.
The main sights are the Gravensteen, a twelfth-century castle in the centre of the city, St Bavo's Cathedral, home of the Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers, the Belfry, and the guildhouses along the Graslei and Korenlei quays. A boat trip on the canals and an evening walk to see the illuminated buildings are popular with visitors.
Ghent works well as a day trip or a one- to two-night stay, often combined with Bruges, about 25 minutes away by train, and Brussels, around 30 minutes. Antwerp is less than an hour away.
Ghent is known as one of the most vegetarian-friendly cities in Europe, which makes it particularly comfortable for vegetarian groups.
Practical Information
Useful to know before your group arrives in Ghent.
Loading typical weather…
Typical weather is not available right now. Please try again later.
| High °C |
|---|
| Low °C |
| Rainy days |
Ghent has a mild maritime climate, with rain spread through the year and few extremes of temperature.
- Spring (March–May): Cool to mild, with highs from about 10°C to 18°C.
- Summer (June–August): Comfortable, with highs around 22–24°C and the occasional warmer spell.
- Autumn (September–November): Mild in September, turning cool and wet.
- Winter (December–February): Cold and damp, with highs around 5–7°C.
May to September is the most pleasant time to visit. Pack layers, a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes for the cobbled streets.
- Arriving: Brussels Airport is the usual gateway, about an hour from Ghent by train, sometimes with a change in Brussels.
- Getting around: Most trains stop at Gent-Sint-Pieters station, about 2 km south of the centre; De Lijn trams run from the station to the historic centre in around 10–15 minutes. The old town itself is compact and easy to explore on foot.
- By rail: Frequent trains link Ghent with Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp.
- Groups: Cars and coaches are kept out of the historic core, so coaches drop groups at its edge and guests continue on foot.
Mobile data: For Indian travellers, an eSIM or European data plan bought before departure usually costs much less than Indian international roaming packs. Prepaid SIMs are sold in phone shops and some newsagents, with a passport needed at purchase. A Belgian or other EU SIM or eSIM works across other EU/EEA countries under EU roaming rules.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés and many public places.
Power: 230 V with Type C/E sockets. Indian Type D plugs do not fit, so carry a universal adapter.
Ghent has a reasonable selection of Indian and Nepali restaurants for a city of its size, and a strong vegetarian culture: the city has promoted a weekly vegetarian day since 2009, and vegetarian and vegan dishes are widely available. Jain meals should still be requested in advance through the DMC or the restaurant. Halal food is available at Turkish and Middle Eastern eateries in the city.
Local foods that suit vegetarians include waffles, stoemp (mashed potato with vegetables) and fries, though it is worth asking whether these are cooked in vegetable oil. Delhaize, Carrefour, Colruyt and Lidl supermarkets are good for snacks, fruit, milk and bread.
Tailor-made for your group
Planning Ghent for Your Group?
We don't list ready-made sightseeing or itineraries for Ghent yet, but our team can plan it for you: hotels, guided sightseeing, transfers and onward connections. Share your dates and group size and we'll send a proposal built around Ghent.
Itineraries in Belgium
None of our set itineraries includes an overnight stay in Ghent yet. These Belgium itineraries can be adapted to include it.
