Ghent City Center is a historical and cultural hub in Belgium, where you can admire the medieval architecture, visit museums and churches, enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife, and stroll along the scenic canals. It is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Europe, and a must-see destination for anyone who loves art, history and culture.
The ticket price for entering the Ghent City Center depends on what attractions you want to visit. Some of the most popular ones are the Gravensteen Castle, the Belfry Tower, the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, the Design Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. You can buy individual tickets for each attraction, or get a CityCard Gent that gives you access to all of them and more for 48 or 72 hours. The CityCard Gent also includes public transport and a boat trip on the canals.
The Ghent City Center is open every day of the year, but the opening and closing hours of each attraction may vary. Generally, most of them are open from 10 am to 6 pm, but some may close earlier or later depending on the season and the day of the week. You can check the official website of each attraction for more information.
The easiest way to get to the Ghent City Center is by train. The Ghent-Sint-Pieters station is well connected to other major cities in Belgium and Europe, and from there you can take a tram or a bus to the city center in about 15 minutes. You can also drive to Ghent, but parking can be expensive and difficult to find in the city center. Alternatively, you can rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
Some tips for visiting the Ghent City Center are:
- Plan your itinerary in advance and prioritize what you want to see and do.
- Book your tickets online to avoid queues and save money.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will be walking a lot.
- Try some of the local specialties, such as waterzooi (a creamy stew), stoverij (a beef stew with beer), cuberdons (cone-shaped candies) and Gruut (a local beer).
- Visit during the Ghent Festivities in July, when the city comes alive with music, theater, art and fireworks.
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Ghent, you can join one of the many tours available in the city center. You can choose from guided walking tours, bike tours, boat tours or themed tours that focus on specific aspects of Ghent, such as chocolate, street art or legends. You can also download a free app that offers audio guides and interactive maps for exploring Ghent at your own pace.
Some of the most impressive sights to see in the Ghent City Center are:
- The Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century fortress that was once the residence of the Counts of Flanders. You can explore its towers, dungeons, halls and museum, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top.
- The Belfry Tower, a 91-meter-high tower that symbolizes the civic pride and independence of Ghent. You can climb its 366 steps or take an elevator to reach its bell chamber and carillon, which plays tunes every quarter hour.
- The Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that houses some of the most famous artworks in Belgium, such as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck and the Conversion of Saint Bavo by Peter Paul Rubens.
- The Design Museum, a museum that showcases the evolution of design from the Middle Ages to the present day. You can admire its collection of furniture, ceramics, textiles, glassware and more in its historic building and its modern wing.
- The Museum of Fine Arts, a museum that displays works by Flemish masters such as Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel and James Ensor. You can also see paintings by international artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Gustave Courbet.
The Ghent City Center is a place where you can enjoy yourself without causing any trouble or inconvenience to others. However, there are some prohibitions that you should respect while visiting:
- Do not litter or vandalize any public or private property.
- Do not smoke in enclosed spaces or near children or animals.
- Do not drink alcohol in public places or cause any disturbance or nuisance.
- Do not feed or touch any wildlife or stray animals.
- Do not take photos or videos without permission or respect for privacy.
