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Discover Ghent
Ghent pairs impressive medieval landmarks with a working university city, lively dining quarters and creative energy. Its waterfront is spectacular, but its museums and neighbourhoods deserve equal attention.
Castles, waterside guildhouses and an animated cultural scene.
Top sights and places worth exploring
Gravensteen
Tour a substantial medieval castle in the city centre.
Graslei and Korenlei
Photograph the richly detailed waterfront buildings.
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
Explore the cathedral and arrangements to see the Ghent Altarpiece.
STAM
Learn about Ghent’s urban history in an engaging museum setting.
A practical sightseeing plan
Take a local tram or a long walk from the station, then follow a loop through the historic heart and museum areas.
Keep the Graslei, Korenlei and old-centre streets together, then choose the castle or a museum as your main paid visit. Evening time beside the waterways is a good reason to stay overnight rather than squeeze Ghent between two other cities.
Getting to Ghent by rail
Gent-Sint-Pieters links to Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp on the Belgian network; local tram fares are normally separate.
Arrival point: Gent-Sint-Pieters.
Check the exact train operator, any reservation requirement and the service's pass eligibility before you travel. The Benelux Pass does not cover travel beyond the participating network solely because a train begins or ends in the Benelux.
Gent-Sint-Pieters is the main rail hub but not in the medieval centre. Plan a walk or a separately paid tram connection. Gent-Dampoort may suit a different address; check which station your train actually serves.
Practical tips and timing
Try an evening by the water when the historic facades are illuminated.
Check attraction opening arrangements, accessible entrances and the return journey for your actual travel date. Keep outdoor plans flexible when the weather changes, and allow a margin between a train arrival and any timed admission.
Things to see and do in Ghent
Explore sightseeing tours, cultural experiences, guided walks and excursions matching Ghent. Activity availability and prices are supplied by Viator and can change.
Activities are supplied by Viator. If this area remains empty, your browser may be blocking the external service. Check the tour’s actual location and meeting point before booking. Widget and booking help .
Continue your Benelux rail journey
Build your next stop around Bruges , Antwerp , Kortrijk . These are itinerary suggestions, not promises of a direct train. The Belgium rail guide explains the wider network and useful connections.
Check the Benelux rail pass options
Compare 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 rail travel days within one month.
Hotels and onward travel from Ghent
Staying in Ghent for one or more nights? Compare hotel locations near the main railway station and the sights on your itinerary. Choose accommodation based on how much time you want to spend sightseeing and how early your onward train departs.
You can search hotels and accommodation , explore UK and European city-to-city train tickets , or compare UK and European ferry routes for longer holidays. Train-ticket and ferry availability depends on the route and date.