Two days is enough to see the best of Ghent, as long as you plan well. This itinerary starts on the Hoogpoort, in the heart of the old town, and you can do it all on foot. On Saturday you explore medieval Ghent, with the Ghent Altarpiece, the Belfry, the Graslei and the Gravensteen. On Sunday you see the city the way locals know it: markets, street art and a boat trip on the Leie.
Before you go: three tips
- Book the Ghent Altarpiece in advance. Booking online is required, and weekend tickets sell out quickly.
- Look into the CityCard Gent. It gives access to the main museums and monuments, including the Gravensteen and the Belfry, and includes public transport and a boat trip. It comes in 48-hour and 72-hour versions. Check on the Visit Gent website whether it pays off for your plans.
- Leave the car behind. The centre is easy to explore on foot. Coming by car anyway? You can park with us (€26 per night, to be booked in advance). Everything about getting here is on our practical info page.
- Day 1: 1 St Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece, 2 Belfry, 3 St Michael’s Bridge, 4 Graslei and Korenlei, 5 Gravensteen, 6 Patershol
- Day 2: 7 Kouter (flower market), 8 Ajuinlei (book market), 9 Sint-Jacobs (flea market), 10 Graffiti Street. Boat trips leave from the Graslei (4).
- C+ Chambreplus, Hoogpoort 31
Day 1: medieval Ghent
Morning: the Ghent Altarpiece and the Belfry
Start at St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. Then walk to the Belfry across the square. There is a lift from the first floor, and at the top you can see the city in every direction. Please note that the Belfry is not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.
Midday: Korenmarkt, Graslei and Korenlei
Via the Korenmarkt you reach St Michael’s Bridge, with one of the finest views in Ghent. Below it are the Graslei and Korenlei, lined with guild houses along the Leie. Time for a bite? Have a look at our lunch spots in Ghent.
Afternoon: the Gravensteen
A few minutes further on stands the Gravensteen, the medieval castle in the heart of the city. From the keep you look out over the rooftops of Ghent once more.
Evening: dinner in the Patershol
Behind the Gravensteen lies the Patershol, which Visit Gent calls the culinary heart of the city. Narrow streets, old houses and plenty of restaurants. See our favourite restaurants in Ghent and book ahead, especially on a Saturday evening. Afterwards it is a short walk back to the Hoogpoort.
Day 2: Ghent the way locals know it
Morning: breakfast and Sunday markets
Start with breakfast or brunch at one of our favourite spots. On Sunday morning you can choose from three markets: the flower market on the Kouter, the book market on the Ajuinlei and the flea market at Sint-Jacobs.
Midday: Graffiti Street
Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraatje) is just a stone’s throw from Chambreplus, barely 50 metres away. It is a tolerated graffiti zone and looks different every week.
Afternoon: a boat trip on the Leie
Boat trips leave from the Graslei and show you the city from the water. A boat trip is included in the CityCard.
Or a museum instead?
If you have time left, pick a museum: MSK for fine arts, S.M.A.K. for contemporary art, STAM for the history of Ghent or the House of Alijn. More tips on Location & Ghent.
Good to know: on Sundays there is no fixed check-out time at Chambreplus, so you don’t have to cut your day short to leave your room.
More time, or a different season?
- An extra day? Bruges is a direct train ride away, 28 minutes on average. Read Ghent or Bruges? An honest comparison.
- In December? The Gentse Winterfeesten turn the city centre into one big Christmas market. Read our guide to the Ghent Christmas market.
Your base: Chambreplus on the Hoogpoort
Chambreplus is on the Hoogpoort, one of the oldest streets in Ghent. Every stop on this itinerary is within walking distance.
- Four rooms, each with its own character, for two guests, from €138 per night. View the rooms.
- Check-in is from 14.00. Arriving earlier? Leave your luggage safely with us and start the itinerary straight away.
- On Sundays there is no fixed check-out time.
Frequently asked questions about a weekend in Ghent
How many days in Ghent is enough?
Two days lets you see the main sights in the centre. A third day gives you time for more museums or a day trip to Bruges.
Can you explore Ghent on foot?
Yes. The best-known sights, such as St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, the Graslei and the Gravensteen, are within walking distance of each other in the historic centre.
Do you need to book the Ghent Altarpiece?
Yes, booking online is required. Tickets sell out quickly at weekends and during holidays, so book ahead.
Is the CityCard Gent worth it?
It depends on how much you plan to visit. The card gives 48 or 72 hours of access to the main museums and monuments, including public transport and a boat trip. If you want to see several museums and monuments, check on the Visit Gent website whether it pays off for you.
What are the must-sees in Ghent?
The Ghent Altarpiece in St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, the Graslei and Korenlei, the Gravensteen and the Patershol.