5 Days of Adventure in Budget-friendly Ghent

Discover the historic beauty of Ghent without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Ghent, Belgium on a limited budget can still be rich in culture and experience. Visitors can explore the city's picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and vibrant arts scene for free. Staying in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or Airbnb rentals, and enjoying delicious local cuisine from street vendors and markets can provide an authentic and budget-conscious experience.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old City

  • Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old City, admiring the medieval architecture.
  • Visit the enchanting Gravensteen Castle, complete with a moat and torture chambers.
  • Take a boat tour along the canals, learning about the city's history and landmarks.
  • Wander around Korenmarkt Square, stopping to watch street performers and browse local shops.
  • Dine at Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant, a cozy pub serving delicious Belgian beers and hearty food.
  • Budget Hotel: Flandria Hotel Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.
Day 2

Arts and Parks

  • Marvel at the stunning masterpieces in the Museum voor Schone Kunsten, featuring works by Flemish artists.
  • Explore the greenery of the Citadel Park, taking a stroll along the ponds and gardens.
  • Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing modern art from around the world.
  • Relax at the tranquil Boufflerspark, complete with a playground and picnic area.
  • Enjoy a dinner of traditional Belgian cuisine at Café René, known for their mussels and fries.
Day 3

Beer and Chocolate

  • Visit the historic brewery of Gruut, tasting their unique Belgian-style beers made with herbs instead of hops.
  • Explore the charm of Patershol, an old district that's home to the famous Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke.
  • Learn about the history of Belgian chocolate at Chocostory, a museum that offers chocolate tasting as well.
  • Visit the iconic St. Bavo's Cathedral, known for its intricate Gothic architecture and famous Ghent Altarpiece.
  • Savor a delicious meal at Pakhuis, a former warehouse turned restaurant that pairs tasty meals with local beers.
Day 4

Day Tripping

  • Take a short train ride to the nearby city of Bruges, known for its winding canals and stunning architecture.
  • Stroll through the charming Markt Square, enjoying the outdoor cafes and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the picturesque Minnewater Lake, known as the "Lake of Love", surrounded by quaint bridges and historic buildings.
  • Explore the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a stunning Gothic church with a holy relic said to contain the blood of Christ.
  • Dine at 'T Zwart Huis, a restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Belgian cuisine.
Day 5

Music and History

  • Visit the Museum of Industry, where you can learn about the history of Ghent's industrial heritage.
  • Hear live music at De Trollekelder, a pub featuring traditional Belgian music and great beer.
  • Take a walk along the Leie River, admiring the stunning views and historic buildings.
  • Visit the Gentse Feesten, an annual festival featuring music, theater, and lots of food and drink.
  • Dine at Amadeus, a restaurant known for its mouth-watering spare ribs and cozy atmosphere.

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.

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