Ghent invites a different kind of exploration—one where past and present live side by side and time feels less urgent. This travel itinerary ebook was designed to guide travelers who enjoy discovering places on their own, with thoughtful direction and cultural context that makes each walk more meaningful.
At the heart of Ghent, the Old Town surrounds you with stories carved into stone and shaped by centuries of change. The Gravensteen Castle rises unexpectedly in the city centre, once a stronghold of power, now a place where the city’s medieval past can be felt in a real and direct way.
Not far from its walls, the Korenmarkt opens up, lined with buildings that have seen the evolution of daily life across generations.
The walk along Graslei and Korenlei offers one of the most atmospheric experiences in Ghent. These quays, mirrored in the water of the river Lys, remain among the city’s most characteristic places.
From here, the view from Saint Michael’s Bridge connects the skyline of Ghent’s three towers—Saint Nicholas Church, the Belfort van Ghent, and Saint Bavo Cathedral. Each holds its own chapter in the city’s religious and civic identity.
Saint Nicholas Church, close to the centre, is a quiet presence, while the Belfort, a UNESCO-listed belfry, reminds visitors of Ghent’s independence in the Middle Ages. Inside Saint Bavo Cathedral, the quiet continues, interrupted only by the presence of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb—one of the most discussed and visited works in European art.
The STAM museum brings the city’s timeline into focus, tracing how Ghent has grown and changed through maps, objects, and stories. It’s a place that doesn’t try to impress, but instead helps you understand how this city has remained relevant without losing its character.
