Travel Guide Gent
Belgian Flanders is home to some well-preserved treasures, and Ghent (Gent in Dutch), a port city at the confluence of the Lys and the Scheldt and capital of East Flanders, is a fine example. With its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architectural heritage - the 12th century Castle of the Counts comes to mind, as do the antique facades of the houses in Graslei, on the banks of the Leie - the Flemish city where Charles V was born is an open-air museum, without losing any of its gentle way of life or its authenticity. Second most populated city in Belgium after Antwerp, the cultural dynamism is carried with enthusiasm by the many students who populate it. The Ghent tourist guide takes you on a stroll through the huge squares and cobbled streets, between historical and sumptuous monuments, small popular cafés with a cheeky atmosphere and quality restaurants. Try the Flemish way of life, Ghent is so pretty!
What to visit Gent?
Suggested addresses Gent
When to go to Gent?
When to go to Ghent? The best time to go to Ghent is most likely between June and September, when the temperatures become more pleasant and the rain less frequent. The Belgian winter is generally cool and rainy, while the temperatures become milder around May. Spring is therefore a pleasant season to visit East Flanders. December, with its Christmas markets and events, is also a good time to spend a few days. So when to go to Ghent? Ideally in the summer.
Weather at the moment
Belgium's oceanic climate, influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, gives Ghent a weather pattern characterized by moderate temperatures and a rainfall rate equivalent to that of Normandy. In Ghent, the temperature differences between winter and summer are quite small and East Flanders is one of the regions with the best weather all year round.
The cost of living in Ghent is comparable to that in France (in the provinces rather than in Paris). Restaurants are generally a little more expensive than in France, but the portions are more generous. If wine is more expensive than in France, you will save money by choosing beer. Hotel prices are about the same.
You do not need a visa to visit Ghent. For EU citizens and Swiss citizens, a valid ID card or passport or one that has expired within the last five years is sufficient to travel to Belgium; for Canadian citizens, a passport is required. Unaccompanied minors must be in possession of an exit permit to travel to Ghent.
No vaccinations are required to travel to Ghent. With a real overcapacity of hospitals, Belgium has excellent health conditions and there are no risky diseases in this part of the world. However, make sure that your vaccinations (DT Polio, etc.) are up to date. As far as hydration is concerned, no problem: the water is drinkable in Ghent.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Gent? Our advice & tips
Some tour operators offer tours in the capital of East Flanders, allowing you to discover the architectural and historical heritage of the city according to an itinerary marked out in advance. You can also combine a visit to Ghent with one to Bruges, Ostend, Antwerp and of course Brussels. The advantage of this type of offer is that it allows you to benefit from advantageous rates in terms of transport and accommodation.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationGetting to Ghent is easy. All you have to do is book your train or plane ticket (the earlier you leave, the better off you'll be) and accommodation, also in advance. If you have your own car, you should know that the roads in Belgium are in very good condition and make access to Ghent very easy.
To get around Ghent, there is no shortage of means of transport, between the three streetcar lines, the bus lines, cabs, bicycles and of course walking. The pedestrian center of the beautiful Flemish city is indeed perfectly adapted to walkers. To reach the surroundings of the city you can also rent a car.
