Location: Ghent
Top Things to do in Ghent
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What to do and see in Ghent, Flanders: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Belgium's fourth-largest - and most beautiful - city is home to a quarter of a million people and a flourishing flower export trade. An important port, Ghent's city center is a pedestrian area that is like a museum to early Flemish architecture and a testament to the city's medieval might. Impressive Gothic sites, such as dramatic St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Castle of the Counts, inspire awe. The works of Flemish masters are housed in the distinguished Museum voor Schone Kunst.
Restaurants in Ghent
1. Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,275 reviews
This municipal tower was a symbol of the city's autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380.
Reviewed By noahzieglerhazen - Birmingham, United Kingdom
The belfry was a Medieval masterpiece. It was interesting to climb the spiral staircase up to the top lookout where the bells rang. We stayed to watch the clock work ring the various bells every 15 minutes. Definitely recommend staying st the top until you see the show.
2. Gravensteen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,013 reviews
The only surviving "castle of the count."
Reviewed By Spud479 - London, United Kingdom
We visited on a red hot day and the castle was cool in more ways than one way lol For 12 Euros we collected the audio tour and chose the English tour, a Belgian comedian called Wouter Deprez gave a wonderfully funny version of this horrible history, he got the tone just right and We found ourselves laughing out loud on several occasions ???????? This is great value for money and a must see when in Ghent
3. Museum Voor Schone Kunsten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
At the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK), you can discover more than 400 masterpieces of European art from the Middle Ages to the present day. In our iconic building, Old Masters such as Bosch and Rubens hang alongside Impressionists, Surrealists and Modernists. With names like Ensor, Magritte and Permeke, Belgian art is well represented. And you can now also witness the live restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece, behind the glass wall of the restoration room. The museum shop and restaurant, a diverse programme with room for contemporary art and our location in the Citadel park all turn the museum into a vibrant place where you can easily pass a few hours surrounded by beauty.
Reviewed By Lepand - Ra'anana, Israel
A great museum with a very large collection of primarily Flemish, together with some French paintings from the Middle Ages till the 20th century. Lots of Rubens. The presentation is very well done. Lots of explanations that are comfortable to read and in English also. This is how a museum should show its works. IN addition, on week days you can see certain panels of Adoration of the Lamb being restored by specialists behind a glass window. There is a display station with all sorts of information on it. I understand that on weekends the panels are displayed. Not every museum can be the Louvre or the Met but there are lots of good paintings here and we enjoyed it very much.
4. St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,171 reviews
Reviewed By john_tabac - Southampton, United Kingdom
St Bavo’s Cathedral was a 12th century Romanesque church which dedicated to St John the Baptist. During the 15th and 16th centuries, was converted into the imposing Gothic St Bavo’s Cathedral. It has a rich history and it is also filled with art treasures. From the baroque high altar in white, black and red flamed marble, the Rococo pulpit in oak, gilded wood and marble, a masterpiece by Rubens, the Calvary Triptych by Justus van Gent, the Gothic sanctuary lamp, the opulent tombs of the Bishops of Ghent – and the world-famous Mystic Lamb. St Bavo’s Cathedral is still used for worship and although it has a sign that cameras are not allowed inside, everybody take pictures and security staff didn't say anything. Only in Mystic Lamb they don't allow pictures.
5. STAM Ghent City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 534 reviews
STAM is the Ghent city museum. It presents the story of the city of Ghent. A permanent circuit leads visitors along a chronological trail of objects and multimedia which trace the development and growth of Ghent. Temporary exhibitions explore the concept of 'urbanity' from different angles. STAM's real showpiece, its raison d'être, is the city itself. A visit to the city museum is not complete without a visit to Ghent. STAM is ten years old this year... time for a make-over for the permanent exhibition. From December 7th you will mingle with parchment abbots, enterprising women, amorous rebels and self-seeking benefactors from the Middle Ages to the present day as you make your way through the new-look 'Story of Ghent’. You will see and feel the city grow and change shape. You will discover some of the city’s secrets and of course there will also be a fresh version of our (still gigantic) aerial photograph.
Reviewed By WestofEnglandTed - Plymouth, United Kingdom
This is a well thought out and wide ranging museum. It is housed in a combination of modern display spaces and a medieval abbey, nicely adapted to lead the visitor through the history of the city with a wealth of interesting displays. There's a medieval hall still with its original Gothic decoration and a very good audio guide (though the numbers by the exhibits were sometimes difficult to see from a wheelchair). Accessibility is good in the museum, though the street access outside could be difficult for anyone with a large chair. The shop is a little limited and disappointing, and the detailed guidebook is only available in French or Dutch. There is a cafe but it only sells (delicious) meals rather than snacks at lunchtime and the tables were rather grubby.
6. Museum Dr. Guislain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By Bross24 - Ketchum, United States
This is a highly unusual museum experience. Located on the grounds of a former institution that treated and cared for mentally ill patients. This museum shows the history of mental disorders and its treatment throughout early history up to more recent times. From sculls being drilled open by early man to let demons escape to electronic machines that look like they came from a scary sci-fi movie set, this is an informative and eerie experience.. There is also a very large incredible exposition of “Outsider-Art” done by non trained artists that are naturally art gifted people but who have mental disorders or who have experienced a major traumatic experience event in their lives. Much of the art is amazing. The art is not to be missed and is located on the second floor in one of the two buildings. There are excellent descriptions in written English discussing the artists and their work. Bring a friend or your spouse, this may not be the best “first date” experience but you will be very happy that you did not go there alone.
7. Sint-Pieters-abdij
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By DrAndyDonovan - Fareham, United Kingdom
We took the "Alison" audio tour, which was really interesting and only slightly over-acted! The highlight was going into the church, where the tour goes up the back of the organ and you get an awesome view of the church from a balcony. Not to be missed.
8. Hotel d'Hane Steenhuyse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By bradyboy2 - Boynton Beach, United States
We had a very pleasant tour to this mansion The tour guide sylvi was excellent and we learned a great deal About then Iives of rich people during the 17 century
9. Opera Gent
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Opera Vlaanderen and Royal Ballet Flanders make up the largest cultural institution in Flanders. They bring the great classic opera and ballet repertoire as well as new creations of high quality by some of the world's leading artists to the widest possible audience. All the opera and ballet performances take place at the company's home theatres in Antwerp and Ghent. Prices start at €12 and we offer a last minute rate of 10 EUR for 25 years and under!
Reviewed By 107marcg
We regulatly visit the Flemish Opera mainly for opera performances. We then always enjoy the beautifuk building with nice wall and ceiling paintings. Ine of the many hidden A hidden gems of Genth
10. Tourist Information Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
The Visit Gent inquiry desk provides all tourist information. It is a glass construction that looks out onto the old gateway at Sint-Veerleplein. The glass fits in well with the historical surroundings and creates an inviting atmosphere. The showpiece of this concept is the centrally located multimedia data table, which you can use to request information about Ghent and – although to a lesser extent – about other art cities and East Flanders through innovative touch technology. The information is presented in a very accessible manner, also for persons with physical or visual impairments.
Reviewed By BirdBrain99 - Greater London, United Kingdom
The centre is very central. The layout is good and there are lots of self service leaflets in multiple languages. Thre is a visual display of major attractions. The staff are very helpful.
