Ghent is one of Belgium’s most rewarding cities for travellers who like culture, good food and character without inflated prices.
It has medieval towers, canals, street art, student energy and some of the best-value attractions in Flanders.
Compared to Bruges, it feels more lived in and far kinder on your wallet, especially if you plan smartly.
This guide covers the best things to do in Ghent, with a strong focus on affordable attractions, free experiences, good value tours and places locals actually use.
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Why Ghent is a Brilliant Budget City Break
Ghent combines big-city culture with small-city prices.
Hotels, food and attractions are noticeably cheaper than in Bruges or Brussels, yet the historic core is just as impressive.
Thanks to its large student population, you will find plenty of inexpensive eateries, relaxed bars and free cultural spaces.
Ghent is also compact.
Most major sights sit within walking distance, meaning you save money on transport while seeing more.
Explore Ghent’s Historic Centre On Foot
Ghent’s old town is one of the most intact medieval city centres in Europe.
Walking costs nothing and delivers maximum payoff.
Start at Korenmarkt
Korenmarkt is the natural starting point for exploring Ghent.
From here, you can see St Nicholas’ Church, one of the city’s three iconic towers, and watch trams glide through the square.
It is lively without being overwhelming and a good place to orient yourself.
Walk Along Graslei & Korenlei
Graslei and Korenlei are 2 parallel canal streets facing each other across the River Lys.
This is one of Ghent’s most photographed areas and it is completely free to enjoy.
Medieval guild houses line the water and the steps along the canal are perfect for sitting with a takeaway coffee or waffle.
Early morning and early evening are best for avoiding crowds.
Admire the Three Towers of Ghent
Ghent’s skyline is defined by 3 historic towers aligned almost perfectly in a row.
St Nicholas’ Church
This Scheldt Gothic church dates back to the 13th century and entry is free.
Pop inside to admire the scale and stained glass before continuing your walk.
Belfry of Ghent
The 91m tall Belfry symbolises Ghent’s medieval independence.
You can admire it for free from below, or pay to climb it for panoramic views.
St Bavo’s Cathedral
St Bavo’s Cathedral is free to enter and worth visiting even if you skip the paid areas.
The interior is grand but calm, with plenty of space to wander quietly.
Visit Gravensteen Castle
Gravensteen is Ghent’s medieval castle and one of the city’s most impressive attractions.
It sits right in the centre and is easy to combine with a walking route.
The castle dates back to the 12th century and includes towers, battlements, courtyards and surprisingly entertaining exhibits on medieval justice.
Adult tickets cost 15€.
Discounts apply for under 26s and residents.
Audio guides are included and genuinely add value.
Budget Tip: Visit later in the afternoon when tour groups thin out. You will get more space and better light for views over the city.
Discover Ghent’s Free Museums & Low Cost Culture
Ghent has several excellent museums, many of which are free or cost far less than equivalents in other European cities…
STAM Ghent City Museum
STAM tells the story of Ghent’s development and identity.
Entry is 8€ and the museum is modern, engaging and easy to explore in 90 minutes.
Budget travellers who enjoy context and history will find it especially worthwhile.
Museum of Industry
This museum explores Ghent’s industrial past and working-class history.
Entry is free and it is one of the city’s most underrated cultural spaces.
Design Museum Ghent
Prices for Ghent’s Design Museum vary depending on exhibitions, but permanent collections are often free.
It is compact and easy to fit into a half day of sightseeing.
See Ghent from the Water
Canal tours in Ghent are surprisingly affordable and give you a different perspective on the city’s architecture.
Most standard canal tours cost between 10 and 12€ per adult and last around 40 minutes.
Commentary is usually multilingual and informative without being heavy.
Budget Tip: Avoid booking via third party platforms. Buy tickets directly at the canal docks near Graslei for the best prices.
Explore Ghent’s Street Art Scene
Ghent is one of Belgium’s best cities for street art and most of it is completely free to see…
Werregarenstraat or Graffiti Street
This narrow alley near Vrijdagmarkt is a legal graffiti zone where artwork changes constantly.
It is short but worth a quick visit.
Street Art Walking Route
Ghent offers a free downloadable street art map, guiding you through neighbourhoods beyond the tourist centre.
This is a great way to explore areas like Brugse Poort and Muide without spending anything.
Cool Streets & Neighbourhoods to Wander
Ghent rewards wandering.
Some of its best moments come from exploring streets without a fixed plan…
Patershol
This historic quarter near Gravensteen feels like a village within the city.
Cobbled lanes, small restaurants and cosy bars make it ideal for evening strolls.
Oudburg
Running between Patershol and the castle, Oudburg is packed with affordable eateries and bakeries popular with locals.
Vrijdagmarkt
This large square hosts markets and events and is surrounded by bars and cafes that are cheaper than those near the main sights.
Best Cafes & Budget Friendly Places To Eat
Ghent’s food scene is excellent and far more affordable than many Belgian cities.
Budget Cafes
Take Five Espresso
A favourite for good coffee without inflated prices.
Clouds in my Coffee
The ideal place for a relaxed breakfast in a fab neighbourhood.
Budget Meals And Local Food
Frituur Tartaar
Excellent Belgian chips with creative toppings at sensible prices.
Soup’r
A simple, reliable lunch option with soups, bread and salads for under 10€.
Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly Options
Lokaal
Affordable vegetarian dishes using local produce.
Greenway
A plant-based chain offering good value quick meals.
Markets & Cheap Eats
Vrijdagmarkt
Markets run several times a week with street food and produce stalls.
Groentenmarkt
Small but central market area, good for snacks and takeaway lunches.
Tours Worth Paying For
Some guided experiences in Ghent offer excellent value…
Free Walking Tours
Several companies offer tip-based walking tours covering Ghent’s history and highlights like GuruWalk.
These are a great way to get oriented on your first day.
Tip what you feel is fair, usually around 10€.
Food Tours
Ghent food tours start around 45 – 55€ and include multiple tastings.
They can replace a full meal and give cultural context at the same time, making them reasonable value.
Beer Tastings
Belgium is famous for beer and Ghent has several beer tasting and sightseeing experiences starting from 15 – 20€, often including snacks.
Other Top Ghent Tour Options…
Parks & Green Spaces for Free Time
Citadelpark
The city’s largest park is perfect for a picnic or rest between museums.
Baudelopark
Smaller but central, good for a quiet break near the historic centre.
Suggested Budget for Ghent Attractions
You can comfortably fill a full day of sightseeing in Ghent for under 25€, including one paid attraction…
| Activity Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Free walking, churches, street art | 0€ |
| Gravensteen Castle | 13€ |
| Canal boat tour | 10 – 12€ |
| Museum entry | 0 – 8€ |
| Coffee or snack stop | 3 – 6€ |
How Long to Spend in Ghent?
2 full days in Ghent is ideal for most travellers.
This allows time for major sights, neighbourhood wandering, a museum or 2 and relaxed meals without rushing.
3 days works well if you want to include day trips or slower travel.
Getting Around Ghent on a Budget
Ghent is extremely walkable.
Trams are useful, but rarely essential for visitors staying centrally.
Single tram tickets cost 2.50€ if bought via app or machine.
Staying central reduces transport costs significantly.
Where to Stay in Ghent Affordably
Ghent offers excellent value accommodation close to the centre…
Located next to the castle, with rooms often priced from 110 – 130€ per night.
Well reviewed, central and comfortable.
Reliable and affordable, with prices from around 90 – 120€.
Clean rooms and a good location near public transport.
Modern, good value and well rated.
Prices often under 120€ for a double if booked in advance.
Practical Tips for Saving Money in Ghent
- Book accommodation early, especially on weekends.
- Eat lunch out and keep dinners simple.
- Use free attractions to balance paid ones.
- Visit museums on free entry days when available.
Mini Travel Guide to Ghent, Belgium
Getting There
I recommend Skyscanner for getting the best flights deals and Trainline for booking trains to and around Belgium, including the Eurostar.
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Travel Insurance
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Travel Money in Italy
Belgium use the Euro (€).
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Luggage Storage
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Ghent is one of Belgium’s best value city breaks, offering medieval beauty, modern culture, excellent food and a relaxed atmosphere without the premium prices found elsewhere in Flanders.
For travellers who like substance over polish and value over hype, Ghent delivers again and again.
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