A Day in Gent: 10 Off-the-Beaten-Paths Activities

Spending a day in Gent was on my list for a while, but I had never taken the time to visit the city. This year, we decided to go for some well-deserved staycations. No more excuses!  

You must know by now that I am a huge fan of Bruges. I love that city! I love it so much! However, I recently discovered Mechelen (and Lier), and I must admit that Gent has a really particular charm… and it got me.  

Past and Present in Gent 

The medieval city, which is today the second most populated one in Belgium (right after Antwerp) has a very rich historical past. During the Middle Ages, it was very prosperous in trading, especially in the cloth industry. Did you know that Charles V was born in Gent? And that the city is home to one of the most beautiful masterpieces of the Flemish primitives, The Mystic Lamb of the van Eyck brothers?  

Nowadays, Gent is not only a beautiful and culturally rich city, it is also a young and vibrant place. There are a lot of students, thanks to the numerous universities and colleges. Gent is actually the largest University town in Belgium.  

All this makes Gent the perfect getaway for a day or more! A day in Gent can easily be dedicated to culture, history, shopping, walking, and even eating. There is always something to do or see in the city! 

Therefore, I prepared for you a list of 10 activities to spend a beautiful, relaxing day in Gent. A mix of all the best things you can do in Gent! Are you ready?  

A day in Gent 

1. Visit the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen) and dive into the time of the knights 

2. Have a long walk along the river Lys 

3. Go shopping in the numerous shops of the city (even on Sunday, every first weekend of the month) 

4. Discover all the city’s churches, especially St Bavo’s Cathedral where you can see the Mystic Lamb from the van Eyck brothers 

5. Have lunch at Yd, close to the Belfort, where you will enjoy beautiful, traditional, Danish Smorrebrod in a pure Scandinavian atmosphere.  

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6. After that break, climb the Belfort tower and have a look at the city from above 

7. Take a cruise on the river in a little boat and discover hidden places 

8. Enjoy street art in the city, especially in Graffiti Street  

9. Go vintage shopping at Never out of Style or gift yourself a local artist work at Helen B. 

10. Find the well-known photo spots in the city or find new ones to make the most beautiful pictures of your trip.  

To go further 

• Spend more time in the city of Gent
• Combine your stay with the discovery of the city of Antwerp 
• Take advantage of the proximity of Bruges and visit the city.  

Useful Links

Tourism board of Gent