Europe / Belgium
Places to go. A little room to wander.
THE SHORTLIST
Korenmarkt (entrance on Cataloniestraat)
A mixture of surviving Romanesque elements of the Flemish architectural style known as Schelde Gothic, the impressive 13th- to 15th-century church was paid for by Ghent's wealthy medieval merchants and guilds. The tower is one of the "three towers of Ghent" - in fact, it was the first of the three to grace the city skyline.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Emile Braunplein
The Belfry was a symbol of the city's autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380. This municipal tower holds the great bells that have rung out Ghent's civic pride through the centuries. Take the elevator to the Belfry's upper gallery, 66 m high, to see the bells and take in fantastic panoramic views of the city. The Cloth Hall dates from 1425 and was the gathering place of wool and cloth merchants.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
Sint-Baafsplein
Don't miss this cathedral. Rather unimpressive exterior of Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture. However, the interior is filled with priceless paintings and sculptures, including the 24-panel altarpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, completed by Jan van Eyck in 1432. Simply spellbinding, this work was commissioned by a wealthy city alderman in 1420. Since 2010 a scientific study and conservation works have been in progress. Visitors can follow the activities through a glass wall). Other art treasures in the cathedral include Rubens's restored The Conversion of St. Bavo from 1623.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Sint-Veerleplein
Built by Count Philip of Alsace, count of Flanders, soon after he returned from the Crusades in 1180 with images of similar crusader castles in the Holy Land. You can view relics of the chamber in a small museum in the castle. Climb up to the ramparts of the high central building, the donjon, which has great views of Ghent's rooftops and towers.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Godshuizenlaan 2
Tells the story of Ghent in the 14th-century Bijloke Abbey. The abbey refectory shows pre-Eyckian wall paintings. STAM illustrates the story of Ghent by means of more than 300 historical objects and interactive multimedia applications with a lot of visual material. Temporary exhibitions reflect on different aspects of urbanity. The visitor can build Ghent in Lego bricks. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
A note before you go. Start with Sint-Niklaaskerk, then decide whether Belfort en Lakenhalle deserves a separate visit rather than rushing both. The suggested days are an editable grouping, not a timed tour. Visit allowances exclude transfers, meals and queues; confirm the exact entrance and current visiting arrangements for STAM – Ghent city museum before setting off.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. Suggested days and time allowances are editorial starting points. Check the linked visitor information for opening hours, access, and reservations.
BEFORE YOU SET OFF
The centre of Ghent is quite small, so you can walk around on foot. However, the main station (Gent Sint-Pieters) is not in the city centre, but takes a walk of about half an hour. The best option is to take the tram, which takes you directly to the centre in 10 to 15 minutes. In the Lijnwinkel kiosk, near Sint-Pieters train station, you can get a free map of city and surroundings, with all bus and tram lines.
Sint-Niklaaskerk and Belfort en Lakenhalle are about 0.1 km apart in a straight line. Use the route link to compare the actual streets or transport connections before putting both in the same morning; the measurement is not a walking distance or a transfer estimate.
A LITTLE STRUCTURE. ROOM FOR DISCOVERY.
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This city guide includes selected, abridged material by Wikivoyage contributors, adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0. The adapted guide text is available under the same license; photographs and website design retain their separate terms. Selected and abridged reference descriptions; operational prices and timetables omitted. Elsewhere added the shortlist, geographic grouping and planning notes.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. It is community-edited background, not firsthand reporting or a live opening-hours service.
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