Where to stay in Ghent
Ghent is compact, centered around the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers. Most historic sights are clustered within the medieval core, which is largely pedestrianized. Choosing your base depends on whether you prefer the bustling, high-traffic canal sides or the quieter, local-focused residential pockets just beyond the tram lines. Everything of significance is within a twenty-minute walk, but choosing your perimeter carefully dictates your access to public transport hubs and late-night noise levels.
Sint-Michiels
This is the core of medieval Ghent, defined by the iconic row of guild houses on the Graslei and Korenlei. You are steps away from the Gravensteen castle and St. Michael's Bridge. It is inherently walkable, though expect constant foot traffic and tourists throughout the day. The streets are cobbled, tight, and filled with centuries-old taverns and bustling riverside terraces.
Prinsenhof
Originally the site of the palace where Emperor Charles V was born, this area feels like a serene residential maze. It is a five-minute walk to the Gravensteen and ten minutes to the Vrijdagmarkt. The narrow streets are lined with brick houses and offer a calmer retreat from the central canal crowds while remaining deeply rooted in the medieval fabric.
Kunstenkwartier
Centered around the Vooruit arts center and St. Peter’s Square, this district pulses with a bohemian, creative energy. It is home to museums like S.M.A.K. and GUM. You are a fifteen-minute walk from the city center, but the immediate vicinity offers better coffee shops, indie bookstores, and a distinct lack of souvenir shops. The architecture here is primarily grand, 19th-century urban design.
Rent a car in Ghent
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Avoid booking accommodation directly facing the Vrijdagmarkt if you are a light sleeper. While it is a beautiful historic square, it hosts frequent markets, festivals, and late-night terrace socializers. The noise levels are high, and the echoes from the surrounding buildings amplify sound well into the early morning hours.
Other places to stay in Belgium: lastminute.com · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Ghent are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Ghent
Common questions
Is it worth buying the CityCard Ghent?
The CityCard is excellent value if you plan to enter multiple museums like the MSK or Gravensteen, as entrance fees add up quickly. It includes free public transport, which is useful for reaching the Kunstenkwartier if your legs are tired, but strictly for the historic center, you will likely prefer walking everywhere to soak in the canal views.
How do I get from the train station to the center?
Sint-Pieters station is about two kilometers from the historic core. Do not try to walk it with heavy luggage on the uneven cobblestones. Instead, take Tram 1, which runs frequently and drops you directly at the Korenmarkt in about ten minutes. It is the most reliable and cost-effective way to transition from the transit hub to your hotel.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Aim for late spring or early autumn. Ghent is a university city, so it stays lively year-round, but summer can become quite congested with tourists. During May or September, the weather is mild enough for canal-side dining without the overwhelming crowds, and you can enjoy the city’s many historic squares without fighting for a table at the popular local bistros.
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