Ultimate 3-Day Ghent Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Ghent is a captivating blend of medieval architecture, vibrant canals, and cutting-edge creativity, offering an unforgettable Belgian adventure in every cobbled street.

Main view of Ghent

Day 1: Medieval Marvels & Riverside Charm

Morning

Begin your Ghent journey at the iconic Gravensteen. Explore this imposing 12th-century castle, complete with ramparts, dungeons, and panoramic city views that set the tone for your medieval adventure.

Gravensteen

Gravensteen

Grab a coffee and a freshly baked pastry at Simon Says, a cozy café beloved by locals in the historic Patershol district.

Simon Says

Simon Says

Afternoon

Stroll along the enchanting Graslei and Korenlei, Ghent’s picturesque medieval quays, and admire the gabled facades lining the Lys River.

Graslei

Graslei

For lunch, savor Belgian classics with a modern twist at De Graslei, a canal-side restaurant boasting beautiful views.

De Graslei

De Graslei

Evening

Experience Ghent’s vibrant student nightlife with craft beers at Dulle Griet, famous for its 500+ beer selection and quirky shoe-for-a-glass tradition.

Dulle Griet

Dulle Griet

Take a magical evening walk across St Michael's Bridge, which offers the city’s most stunning illuminated views.

St Michael's Bridge

St Michael's Bridge

📍 Directions for Day 1

Day 2: Art, History & Hidden Corners

Morning

Marvel at the world-famous St Bavo's Cathedral, home to the Van Eyck brothers’ Adoration of the Mystic Lamb and breathtaking Gothic architecture.

St Bavo's Cathedral

St Bavo's Cathedral

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, a Belgian institution serving organic breads and pastries in a charming setting near the cathedral.

Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain Quotidien

Afternoon

Immerse yourself in Flemish masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK), featuring works by Bosch, Rubens, and Magritte.

Museum of Fine Arts

Museum of Fine Arts

Relax with lunch at Café Labath, a specialty coffee spot known for its hip ambiance and superb sandwiches.

Café Labath

Café Labath

Evening

Discover the vibrant Werregarenstraat, an ever-changing alleyway canvas of street art and graffiti, revealing Ghent’s creative spirit after dark.

Werregarenstraat

Werregarenstraat

End your day with Belgian tapas and cocktails at Baravins, a chic bar tucked away near the old city center.

Baravins

Baravins

📍 Directions for Day 2

Day 3: Local Flavors, Canals & Contemporary Culture

Morning

Start with a local treat at HIMSCHOOT Bakery, Ghent’s oldest bakery, and try their famed mastel or artisan bread.

HIMSCHOOT Bakery

HIMSCHOOT Bakery

Wander through the bustling stalls of Vrijdagmarkt, one of Ghent’s oldest squares, alive with local vendors and lively atmosphere.

Vrijdagmarkt

Vrijdagmarkt

Afternoon

Hop aboard a Ghent Canal Boat Tour to discover hidden corners and the city’s vibrant waterfront from a new perspective.

Ghent Canal Boat Tour

Ghent Canal Boat Tour

For lunch, sample a creative, plant-based menu at Le Botaniste, a unique apothecary-themed eatery that’s a hit with locals and travelers alike.

Le Botaniste

Le Botaniste

Evening

Explore the contemporary art and culture scene at STAM (Ghent City Museum), where interactive exhibits trace the city’s evolution from medieval hub to modern metropolis.

STAM

STAM

Finish your Ghent adventure with a dinner at Allegro Moderato, a romantic riverside restaurant offering refined Belgian cuisine in an elegant Art Nouveau setting.

Allegro Moderato

Allegro Moderato

📍 Directions for Day 3

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