Ghent is the kind of city that makes you feel cultured, very quickly, and simultaneously allows you to scoff chips and mayo for dinner and call it a traditional dining experience.
Compact, pretty, easy to navigate without taxis, and crucially, inexpensive, you can definitely enjoy a weekend in Ghent without Brussels-level spending.
This guide breaks down what a weekend in Ghent actually costs, including transport options from the UK, accommodation ideas, typical food and drink prices, and the main attractions… plus a few sneaky budget wins too.
So let’s get stuck in…
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At a Glance: Ghent Weekend Costs
Most UK travellers will land somewhere among these 3 ranges for 2 nights (Fri to Sun) in Ghent.
Prices are based on 2 travellers sharing a room…
| Budget Style | Estimated Total Per Person | What That Usually Includes |
| Super Budget | 170 – 260€ | Eurostar booked early, basic hotel or shared apartment, cheap eats, mostly free sightseeing |
| Comfort Budget | 260 – 420€ | Better train times, well-rated mid-range hotel, a couple of paid attractions, cafés and sit-down dinners |
| Treat Weekend | 420 – 650€+ | Peak Eurostar, central hotel upgrade, several attractions, tours, cocktails and “yes we’re getting dessert” energy |
Getting to Ghent from the UK: Eurostar Vs Flying
Option 1: Eurostar to Brussels, then Train to Ghent
For most London-dwellers, this is the easiest and most straightforward route.
Eurostar London to Brussels fares start from £39 one-way, although availability varies by date, time, and how early you book.
From Brussels, you can then hop on a Belgian rail train to Ghent (usually to Gent-Sint-Pieters).
There are frequent direct trains and the journey is roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
Typical weekend cost example, per person, return…
- Eurostar: Roughly 90 – 250€ (varies wildly by booking time and peak hours)
- Brussels to Ghent train: Commonly around 8 -12€ each way if you buy standard tickets (prices vary by ticket type and where you purchase)
Book both tickets using Trainline for ease and e-ticket accessibility.
Budget Tip: If you can be flexible on Friday departure times and book early, Eurostar is often the best value once you add airport transfers and luggage fees into the flying equation.
Option 2: Flying to Brussels, then Train to Ghent
Flights to Ghent can look cheap until you bolt on baggage, airport transfers, and the fact that airports are never “just 10 minutes away”, no matter what your mate insists!
London to Brussels return prices can often be found for £70 – £80, although treat this as a moving target, not a promise.
As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
Then you still need to think about…
- Travel from the airport to Brussels: Costs depend on airport and transport choice
- Brussels to Ghent train: Around 8 – 12€ each way as a typical ballpark
Budget Tip: If you fly hand luggage only and land at Brussels Airport (BRU), the “cheap flight” route can compete with the Eurostar. If you need a cabin bag plus checked luggage however, the Eurostar often wins on total cost, not to mention ease!
Brussels to Ghent: Train Details That Save Money
Ghent’s main station for most visitors is Gent-Sint-Pieters.
It is well connected and you can easily tram into the historic centre.
What to know…
- Trains on the Brussels to Ghent route run frequently throughout the day.
- Journey times are roughly 30 – 40 minutes depending on the specific service.
Budget Tip: if you are arriving on Eurostar at Brussels-Midi (Bruxelles-Midi), check whether your Belgian train departs from Midi or whether you need a quick hop to Brussels-Central. Either works.
Where to Stay in Ghent
Ghent’s best value areas for a weekend are usually…
- Binnenstad – city centre: Walk everywhere, pay a bit more
- Stationsbuurt – near Gent-Sint-Pieters: Excellent transport links, often cheaper
- Dampoort area: Good value stays, walk or tram into the centre
Money Saving Check: Staying slightly outside the medieval centre in Ghent is usually the easiest way to keep accommodation costs down without sacrificing the experience.
Recommended Places to Stay
B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum – Central, Great for Walkability
A popular central pick, with great reviews for location and convenience, making it ideal if you want to stroll everywhere and skip transport costs.
Mid-range for Ghent centre, but can be excellent value if booked early.
Getaway Gent – Apartment-Style Studios, Good for DIY Breakfast
If you want a kitchenette so you can do breakfast (or late-night pasta) at home, studio-style stays can cut weekend spending fast.
Hotel Chamade – Near Gent-Sint-Pieters Station
Handy for train arrivals, easy tram links, and a good fit for a weekend with day trips.
ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort – Good Value, Simple, Practical
A classic budget chain option that offers excellent cleanliness and value, plus workable access to the centre.
Getting Around Ghent
Ghent is brilliantly walkable once you are in the centre.
Many of the headline sights sit within a compact loop around the canals and old town.
If you want public transport, Ghent’s trams and buses are run by De Lijn.
A standard day ticket is 9€ for adults (aged 12+).
Ghent CityCard: Is It Worth It?
CityCard Gent costs 42€ for 48 hours or 48€ for 72 hours.
It includes…
- Entry to many museums and attractions
- A boat trip (with participating operators)
- Unlimited De Lijn trams and buses within the city
If you plan to do 2 to 3 paid attractions. plus a boat tour and use trams, the Ghent CityCard can pay for itself quickly.
Food & Drink Costs in Ghent
Ghent has everything from bakery lunches to full-on “let’s talk about this natural wine” dinners.
A helpful baseline for typical spending…
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: 20€
- Mid-range meal for 2 (think 3 courses, no drinks): 100€
- Cappuccino: 4€
- Draft beer (0.5L): 5€
Budget-Friendly Places to Eat & Drink
Practical budget strategy for foodie weekends in Ghent…
- Do café breakfast or DIY breakfast one day (especially if you have a kitchenette)
- Choose one “proper” dinner
- Keep lunches snacky – think bakery, frites, soup, sandwiches
Here are a few well-known eating options in Ghent and the kind of spend you can expect there…
If you want a quick meal that still feels like a treat, this is a fun one.
Combo deals start from around 13€ (think frites + sauce + croquette + soft drink).
A long-running coffee spot with a classic vibe.
Perfect if you want a coffee break that does not destroy your daily budget.
For an evening drink that is more interesting than “another pint”, Ghent’s jenever culture is an experience that blends distilling heritage with artisanal flavours.
Don’t miss trying this unique drink and its surrounding cultural quirks during your weekend.
Things to Do in Ghent: Costs for Attractions
Ghent is generous with free beauty – canals, squares, architecture and charming streets.
Then you pick a few paid highlights…
#1 Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)
This is Ghent’s headline sight for a reason.
Adult tickets are 15€.
Budget Tip: Book ahead if you are visiting in peak periods, and consider the CityCard if you are doing multiple attractions.
#2 Ghent Belfry (UNESCO World Heritage)
Worth it if you like panoramic views and old towers that make your calves question your choices!
Adult tickets are 13€.
#3 STAM (Ghent City Museum)
Good option if the weather turns and you want a solid “learn the city fast” museum.
Standard admission is 14€ for adults.
#4 Boat Tour in Ghent
A canal boat trip is one of the best value ways to see the city from a different angle.
Some boat tours are included free with the CityCard, but always check before boarding!
#5 Walking Tours
Ghent has tip-based walking tours, where you book ahead and tip what you think it was worth.
Budget Tip: Decide your tip range before you go. It stops “post-tour guilt maths” when you just need to eat.
Sample Ghent Weekend Budgets
Below are 2 example budgets for a 2 night weekend in Ghent based on 2 people sharing accommodation.
Adjust them based on your travel dates, because transport and hotels are the biggest swing factors and can vary wildly by season and day of the week.
Example 1: Comfort Budget Weekend
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Eurostar return (booked ahead) | 120 – 220€ |
| Brussels to Ghent trains (return) | 16 – 24€ |
| 2 nights’ accommodation (shared) | 90 – 170€ |
| Local transport (occasional trams) | 0 – 18€ |
| Food and drink (2 days) | 70 – 120€ |
| Attractions (2 to 3 paid sights) | 28 – 42€ |
| Total Per Person | 324 – 594€ |
Example 2: Tight Budget Weekend
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Eurostar return (cheapest viable times) | 90 – 140€ |
| Brussels to Ghent trains (return) | 16 – 24€ |
| 2 nights accommodation (shared) | 70 – 120€ |
| Food and drink (bakery lunches, frites, one dinner) | 50 – 85€ |
| Paid sights (choose 1 big one) | 13 – 15€ |
| Total Per Person | 239 – 384€ |
Money-Saving Tips that Actually Make a Difference
#1 Book Transport Before you Book Hotels
Eurostar prices move like airline prices, so lock transport first, then choose accommodation that fits the arrival times.
#2 Stay Near a Station if Prices Spike in the Centre
Areas around Gent-Sint-Pieters can be great value while still being quick into town.
#3 Use the CityCard Gent if you Want a “Do Lots” Weekend
If you are doing Gravensteen, Belfry, a museum and a boat tour, the CityCard can be a genuine cost-cutter, plus it includes city transport.
#4 Mix Free Sights with 1 Paid “Wow”
Ghent is naturally scenic.
Build your itinerary around free wandering, then pay for 1 or 2 standout attractions, rather than trying to ticket everything.
Is Ghent Good Value for a Weekend?
Yes, Ghent offers excellent value for a northern European city break, especially compared to Paris, Strasbourg, Amsterdam, Brussels or even Bruges.
Ghent rewards slow travel – walking the canals, popping into cafés, choosing one castle or tower, then lingering somewhere photogenic with a beer.
Do it with early-booked trains and a well-reviewed budget hotel, and it is one of the easiest “feels fancy, costs sensible” weekends you can take from the UK.
Mini Travel Guide to Ghent
Getting There
I recommend Skyscanner for getting the best flights deals and Trainline for booking trains to and around Belgium, including the Eurostar.
Best eSIM for Belgium
Holafly offer unlimited data eSIMs for Belgium that are perfect for staying connected across the country.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offer simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Travel Money in Italy
Belgium use the Euro (€).
I always travel Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees – grab yours here.
Luggage Storage
Store your luggage for less in Ghent with LuggageHero.
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