Ghent

First day walk in Ghent

The big sights that sit close together, in walking order.

4 places in Ghent, Belgium

St Bavo's Cathedral

Religious Sites4.7

St Bavo's Cathedral is home to the renowned 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. Visitors find themselves drawn to the majestic Gothic interior, which chronicles centuries of artistic achievement. Art and history enthusiasts should not miss the chance to see one of Belgium's greatest artistic treasures in its original setting.

Worth knowing. Head straight to the crypt to avoid early crowds and see lesser-known artworks.

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Sunday: 1:00 – 5:30 PM

Werregarenstraat

Urban Attractions4.2

Werregarenstraat, often called Graffiti Street, became Ghent's open-air canvas in 1995, granting artists a legal space to unleash their creativity. This alley is an ever-changing tapestry of bold colors and diverse styles, where fresh layers appear almost daily.

Worth knowing. Visit early in the morning to see fresh artwork before it's covered by new layers.

St Michael's Bridge

Urban Attractions4.8

St Michael's Bridge connects historic and modern Ghent, offering views of its neogothic design by Louis Cloquet. From here, you can see the trio of towers: Saint Nicholas' Church, the Belfry, and Saint Bavo's Cathedral.

Worth knowing. Walk on the bridge in the early morning to see the city waking up with less crowd.

Monday: Open 24 hours | Tuesday: Open 24 hours | Wednesday: Open 24 hours | Thursday: Open 24 hours | Friday: Open 24 hours | Saturday: Open 24 hours | Sunday: Open 24 hours

STAM Ghent City Museum

Cultural & Heritage Sites4.5

STAM Ghent City Museum, housed in the Bijloke Abbey, lets visitors traverse Ghent’s timeline through its interactive exhibits. Its massive aerial photo of the city offers a walkable map to explore the town's structure.

Worth knowing. Find the hidden garden area for a quiet break during your visit.

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday: Closed | Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM