Discover Ghent: Budget-Friendly Fun for 2 Days

Discover the charm of Ghent without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

If you're on a limited budget, Ghent is an excellent European city to visit. You can sightsee for free by wandering around the charming old town, visiting the historical castle, and checking out beautiful churches. The local food is delicious, and many fantastic restaurants offer affordable options that won't break the bank.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Historic City

  • Check into the Ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort hotel, a cozy and affordable place to stay.
  • Visit the impressive 12th-century Gravensteen Castle and its museum, featuring medieval weapons and artifacts.
  • Take a stroll through the quaint and picturesque Patershol neighborhood, filled with narrow streets and charming houses.
  • Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a stunning masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.
  • Have a delicious Belgian meal at Brasserie Bridge, a cozy restaurant overlooking the river, serving local specialties like waterzooi stew and flemish beef stew.
  • Enjoy a drink at Dulle Griet, a quirky local bar with a large selection of Belgian beers and a tradition of serving beers in a shoe-shaped glass.
Day 2

Arts and Nature

  • Start the day with a coffee and pastry at Le Pain Quotidien, a cozy bakery-cafe with a lovely outdoor terrace.
  • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, a beautiful building housing an impressive collection of Flemish and Belgian art, including works by Rubens and Van Dyck.
  • Take a scenic boat tour along the Ghent canals to admire the city from a unique perspective.
  • Visit the tranquil Citadel Park, a beautiful green space with a pond, flower gardens, and several museums, including the Museum of Natural History.
  • Have a casual lunch at Tasty World, a hip street food joint serving delicious wraps, burgers, and salads.
  • Take a short train ride to the nearby town of Deinze to visit the stunning Castle of Ooidonk, a 16th-century castle surrounded by a beautiful park.
  • Ghent is a charming city full of history, art, and delicious food. This itinerary will help you make the most of your short stay without breaking the bank. Have fun exploring this hidden gem in Belgium!

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

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.

Discover Ghent: Budget-Friendly Fun for 2 Days

If you're on a limited budget, Ghent is an excellent European city to visit. You can sightsee for free by wandering around the charming old town, visiting the historical castle, and checking out beautiful churches. The local food is delicious, and many fantastic restaurants offer affordable options that won't break the bank.

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.

Weekend Wanderlust: 2-Day Ghent Getaway

As a tourist visiting Ghent, you can expect to explore a picturesque medieval city filled with stunning architecture, charming canals, and mouth-watering cuisine. Take a stroll along the historic Graslei and Korenmarkt, marvel at the Gothic masterpiece of St. Bavo's Cathedral, and sample delicious Belgian waffles and chocolate. With plenty of museums, galleries, and cultural events on offer, Ghent is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a taste of authentic Belgian life.