A Romantic Weekend Getaway to Ghent, Belgium

Experience fairy tale romance in the medieval city of Ghent.

03 May 2023

Ghent, Belgium is a dreamy destination perfect for a romantic vacation. Wander through medieval streets, take a romantic boat ride along the canals, and indulge in delicious Belgian chocolate and beer. Cozy up in a charming bed and breakfast or luxurious hotel to complete a perfect trip for two.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Gothic Fairy Tale City of Ghent

  • Hotel: Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof a luxurious hotel with a charming courtyard, great cocktails and excellent breakfast.
  • Start your day with a walk along the River Lys
  • Visit the Castle of the Counts, a fairy tale symbol of the city with 12th-century origin
  • Visit the Belfry, a medieval watchtower providing an amazing view of Ghent
  • Head to the St Bavo's Cathedral, with its incredible stained glass windows and paintings
  • Finish the day at Graslei and Korenlei, Ghent's picturesque tourist magnets
Day 2

Sampling Ghent's Food & Bar Scene

  • Start the day at Mokabon, Ghent's most famous coffee shop
  • Visit the Graffiti Street, a colourful wall art showcase in Ghent's hipster neighbourhood
  • Have lunch at the Belga Queen, one of Ghent's most award-winning brasseries with historical interiors
  • Explore the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the city's cultural jewels
  • Finish with dinner at Volta, Ghent's most trendy gastropub with an industrial-chic vibe
  • Ghent is a charming little city with lots of hidden gems, street performers, and design boutiques. Enjoy every moment exploring the Gothic fairy tale city with your significant other.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ghent by plane is to fly to Brussels Airport and then take a train from Brussels Airport-Zaventem to Ghent-Sint-Pieters station. The total journey time is approximately 1 hour and tickets can be purchased at the airport train station.

Car

The best way to get to Ghent by car is to take the E40 from Brussels and follow the signs to Ghent. The journey time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.

Train

The best way to get to Ghent by train is to take a Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Brussels Midi and then change to a local train to Ghent-Sint-Pieters station. The total journey time is approximately 3 hours and tickets can be purchased on the Eurostar website.

Boat

The best way to get to Ghent by boat is to take a river cruise from Amsterdam to Ghent. The journey time is approximately 7-8 hours and tickets can be purchased on various river cruise websites.

Bus

The best way to get to Ghent by bus is to take a Flixbus from London Victoria Coach Station to Brussels North Station and then change to a local train to Ghent-Sint-Pieters station. The total journey time is approximately 6 hours and tickets can be purchased on the Flixbus website.

More travel plans

Discover Ghent: A Budget-Friendly Adventure

Explore Ghent, Belgium on a tight budget and still have a fantastic time. Visit the iconic gothic St. Bavo's Cathedral and climb the belfry to see a panoramic view of the city. Dine at local food stalls and indulge in delicious cuisine under €10.

Ghent, Belgium: A Budget-Friendly Adventure

A trip to Ghent, Belgium on a limited budget can still be enjoyable with plenty of options to save money without compromising the experience. Visitors can explore the city's historic landmarks such as Gravensteen castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral for free, while also discovering local cuisine at food markets and spending a peaceful afternoon at the beautiful Citadel Park. Affordable transportation options such as cycling or taking the tram can provide savings while exploring the city.

Unforgettable Day Trip: Ghent's Medieval Magic

A trip to Ghent, Belgium entails experiencing a perfect blend of history, art, culture and tourism. It provides an opportunity to explore the city's unique medieval architecture while meandering through its picturesque streets and canals. From the soaring Gothic towers of St. Bavo's Cathedral to the vibrant atmosphere of Gravensteen Castle, a visit to this city promises to be an unforgettable experience.

A Whimsical Family Adventure: 2 Days in Ghent

Ghent, Belgium is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the medieval architecture and landmarks such as the iconic Saint Bavo's Cathedral and the imposing Castle of the Counts. The city also boasts kid-friendly attractions like interactive museums, a picturesque waterfront with boat rides, and numerous parks and playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained.