4 DaysBelgiumCultureFood
Gent
Your 4-day travel guide
Best in late spring or early autumn
Gent•4D•Couple
Gent, Belgium
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:Couple
Medieval Canals and Belgian Flavors
Gent feels like a secret that locals have been keeping for centuries. You'll hear the gentle lapping of water against stone canal walls, smell the sweet malt from centuries-old breweries mixing with the scent of fresh waffles from street vendors, and see Gothic spires reaching for the sky between cozy cafes. This city has a university-town energy that keeps it lively, with students biking past medieval guild houses and art students sketching in shadowy courtyards. For a couple, it's perfect: romantic walks along the canals at dusk, sharing plates of steaming mussels, and discovering hidden courtyards that feel like your own private discovery. You'll leave wondering why Brussels gets all the attention when Gent has this much character packed into its cobblestone streets.
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1
Historic Heart and Canal Views
Day 1 of your journey
Start your Gent journey at this stunning Gothic cathedral, home to the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. The interior is awe-inspiring with its high vaulted ceilings and intricate details. You can view the altarpiece in its specially designed chapel, a masterpiece of early Netherlandish painting. Plan about an hour to appreciate both the architecture and the art. It's less crowded in the morning, allowing for a more contemplative experience.
Saint Bavo's Cathedral
Why Visit
This cathedral houses one of the most important artworks in European history, the Ghent Altarpiece, which revolutionized painting with its detailed realism. For a couple interested in culture, it's an essential starting point to understand Flemish art and medieval religious devotion. The sheer scale and beauty of the building itself is worth the visit.
Address: Sint-Baafsplein. Consider the audio guide for detailed context about the altarpiece. The cathedral is active, so check for service times if you prefer a quiet visit.
2
Castles, Art, and Evening Romance
Day 2 of your journey
3
Local Life and Culinary Delights
Day 3 of your journey
4
Free Day & Local Exploration
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Gent is very walkable. The historic center is compact, and walking is the best way to discover its hidden corners.
Public transport is efficient. The tram network (De Lijn) is useful for reaching areas like Citadelpark or the station. Buy tickets from machines at stops or use the De Lijn app.
The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller cafes, markets, or fry stands may only take cash.
While Dutch (Flemish) is the official language, English is very widely spoken, especially in shops, restaurants, and tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases like 'dank u' (thank you) is appreciated.
Gent is generally a very safe city, even at night. Standard precautions for any European city apply.
Tipping is not obligatory as service is usually included. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change for good service is customary.
Many museums are closed on Mondays. Always check opening hours online before your visit.
If you're a fan of beer, visit a traditional 'brown cafe' like 'Dulle Griet' on the Vrijdagmarkt to try from a vast selection of Belgian brews.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Gent are late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant for walking, with fewer rain showers than in winter. The summer months (July and August) are warm and lively, with longer days and outdoor events, but also see the highest number of tourists. Winter can be cold and damp, but the Christmas market in December is magical, with lights and festive stalls around the historic center.
Local Insights & Tips
Gent has a proud, independent spirit. Locals are friendly but direct. The city is a major university town, which infuses it with a youthful, creative, and slightly alternative energy—you'll see this in its street art, innovative restaurants, and vibrant cultural scene. Don't be surprised by the slightly rebellious history; the people of Gent have a tradition of standing up to authority. The pace is relaxed compared to Brussels. When dining, meals are often enjoyed leisurely. The Patershol and Prinsenhof neighborhoods, behind the main sights, offer a quieter, more residential feel with excellent local restaurants. On Sundays, many smaller shops close, but cafes and restaurants remain open.