Party Like a Local: Ghent Day Trip Guide

Party like a Belgian in Ghent!

22 April 2023

Ghent, Belgium is the perfect destination for a stag do with its lively atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and excellent beer scene. From brewery tours and pub crawls to canal cruises and historical tours, there's no shortage of things to do in this vibrant city. With plenty of pubs, bars, and clubs to enjoy, Ghent promises to be a weekend of unforgettable celebrations.

Day trip plan

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Day

Ghent or Bust!

  • Start the day with Belgian waffles and coffee at Café Labath before exploring the medieval Gravensteen castle.
  • Stroll through the colorful street art-filled neighborhood of Werregarenstraat before heading to the ornate St. Bavo's Cathedral to see the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece.
  • Enjoy a quick Belgian beer at the cozy Dulle Griet pub before taking a relaxing boat tour of the city's picturesque canals.
  • Grab lunch at the De Frietketel food stall and indulge in Belgium's national dish fries with mayo.
  • Check out the contemporary art at the S.M.A.K. museum before heading to the bustling Korenmarkt square to sample some local craft beers at the Trollekelder pub.
  • Finish the night off with live music and dancing at the Charlatan nightclub.
  • No time for sleep? End the night at the Gentse Feesten, a city-wide, 10-day cultural festival in July full of music, food, and carnival-like revelry. Let your inner party animal out and go wild!

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

5 Days of Adventure in Budget-friendly Ghent

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.

Ghent, Belgium: A 4-Day Family Adventure Wonderland

Ghent, Belgium offers a perfect family-friendly getaway with its rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous attractions. Explore the medieval city center, filled with beautiful Gothic architecture and charming cobblestone streets, while indulging in delicious Belgian chocolate and waffles. Take a relaxing boat ride along the picturesque canals, visit the interactive museums like the world-renowned Museum of Fine Arts, and let the kids have a blast at the Baudelo Park, an amusement park with various rides and activities.

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.

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.