Ghent - Day trip from Brussels
- rinkugupta08
- Dec 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2024
A Charming Blend of Medieval History and Modern Vibes
Ghent is a vibrant and picturesque city in Belgium, known for its stunning medieval architecture, charming canals, and rich history. With its beautiful castles, such as Gravensteen, and impressive churches, Ghent effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern energy. Whether you’re wandering along the canals or exploring the hidden gems of the city, Ghent is a captivating place to discover. I spent hours sitting near Korenlei & Graslie admiring the architecture and the vibe of that place.
Getting There: Train from Brussels to Bruges
The easiest way to reach Ghent from Brussels is by train. I boarded a train from Brussels Central Station and, within about 40 minutes, I arrived at Ghent Train Station. The trains are frequent, comfortable, and affordable, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
Once you arrive at the station, it’s a short 15-20 minute walk into the heart of Ghent.
SNCB is the official site to purchase the train tickets, you can even download the app and buy from there, super-convenient!
TIP: Do checkout the weekend ticket option, which is 50% cheaper
Must See Tourist Spots; Instagrammable
View on Korenlei & Graslie
Gravesteen
Saint Michael's Bridge
Saint Nicholas Church
City Hall
Graffiti street
Christmas Market
Here is the map shows you all the above mentioned places and the distance
The View on Korenlei & Graslei offered a picturesque scene of medieval buildings lining the canals, perfect for both photography and simply soaking in the beauty of the moment. The vibe of this place is completely different, you will see all happy, smiling faces around you. I even took the advantage of asking few people to took some photos for me and everyone was so kind 😊
Gravensteen, with its imposing castle walls, took me on a journey through history, do not forget to take some nice water reflection photos here.
📷 If you walk towards the bridge, in front of castle, you can take a perfect picture along with canal, boat, tower and ferris wheel.
Saint Michael's Bridge provided breathtaking photo opportunities with its iconic landmarks. I marveled at the intricate details of Saint Nicholas Church. The elegance of City Hall blended Gothic and Renaissance styles, adding to the city’s charm. Exploring the vibrant Graffiti Street offered a bold contrast, where colorful street art transformed a simple alley into a creative masterpiece.
Lastly, the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Market, with its twinkling lights and cozy cafes, created the perfect setting to enjoy a hot drink and capture the holiday magic. Ghent’s combination of rich history, modern vibes, and photogenic spots made every moment unforgettable.
Food & Drinks
Since I went for a day trip, I tried some of the restaurants and the local sweets/snacks.
Horn Ok - Indian Restaurant, must try, loved it
Frituur - Belgian Fries with Samurai sauce
Other things to try:
Ghentse Mostaard: Ghent is known for its unique mustard
Bolleke: A traditional Ghent beer, often enjoyed at local bars or pubs
Getting Around
Walkable City, most of the tourist attractions are in and around the city centre. Even walk from train station to centre is only 15-20 minutes and you can already appreciate the architecture during this walk.
Activities
Boat Trip
Horse carriage ride & tour
Time of Visit
November
November in Ghent is pure magic ✨ The city lights up with festive Christmas decorations, cozy markets, and a dreamy winter atmosphere ❄️. With the crisp air and charming medieval streets, it’s the perfect time to sip hot chocolate ☕️, soak in the holiday vibes, and capture every Insta-worthy moment.
Ghent is stunning no matter the season — from the vibrant spring blooms 🌸 to the lively summer festivals 🎉 and the golden hues of autumn 🍂. But November? It’s when the city truly sparkles, offering a peaceful, festive energy like no other.
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