Ghent

🎭 Activities

Gentse Feesten – July: Gent’s most famous festival takes place in mid-July, with a vibrant mix of music, theater, and street performances. For ten days, the city’s streets come alive with local and international artists, attracting thousands of visitors every year. 

Ghent Light Festival – February: This biennial event transforms Ghent’s historic center into a magical light display. Public buildings, canals, and sculptures are lit up with impressive installations, creating a unique atmosphere in the heart of winter. 

Ghent Beer Festival – March: Beer enthusiasts flock to Ghent for this annual event celebrating Belgian brewing culture. The festival offers tastings, food pairings, and an opportunity to discover new and rare brews from across Belgium. 

Festival of Flanders – September: A classical music festival that brings world-renowned performers to Ghent. The event includes orchestral performances, chamber music, and opera, set in some of the city’s most iconic venues. 

Ghent Christmas Market – December: The city’s Christmas market is a festive highlight, featuring artisanal goods, delicious seasonal treats, and ice skating. Ghent’s charming medieval streets provide the perfect backdrop for a holiday shopping experience. 

Gentse Stadsfeesten (City Festivals) – August: A city-wide celebration featuring live music, local food, and fun activities for all ages. The Gentse Stadsfeesten brings a joyous atmosphere to the city, with free performances in various squares around the city. 

Ghent Jazz Festival – July: Ghent is known for its annual jazz festival, where local and international jazz artists perform in various venues across the city. The event attracts music lovers and provides an eclectic mix of performances from legendary to emerging artists. 

Ghent Medieval Festival – May: This event takes visitors back to the medieval era with reenactments, historical performances, and a medieval market. The festival takes place in the heart of Ghent, transforming the city into a medieval wonderland. 

The Ghent International Film Festival – October: A major film event showcasing independent films, documentaries, and avant-garde productions. The festival is an excellent platform for emerging filmmakers and is celebrated with screenings, awards, and workshops. 

Open Monument Day – September: During this special event, many of Ghent’s historical buildings open their doors to the public. Visitors can explore hidden gems and architectural wonders that are not typically accessible throughout the year. 

The Ghent Design Week – October: An annual celebration of design in Ghent, where innovative works from the worlds of architecture, art, and technology are showcased. The week-long event features exhibitions, talks, and installations around the city. 

Ghent Opera Season – March-April: The opera season in Ghent brings world-class performances of both classic and contemporary operas. The Opera House hosts some of the best productions in the country, from famous works to avant-garde performances.

🔹 Small Facts

The Mystic Lamb: The famous painting “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck is housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. While the painting itself isn’t always free to see, the cathedral is open to visitors for free, offering a chance to admire the building and its history. 

Free Walking Tours: Ghent offers free walking tours where knowledgeable guides share the city’s history and hidden gems. You can pay tips at your discretion at the end of the tour. 

Gent’s Canals: Ghent has several scenic canals that are free to explore by foot. The medieval buildings along the canals offer a picturesque view of the city. 

The City’s Medieval Architecture: Ghent’s city center is full of medieval architecture that can be admired for free. The Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and various guild houses line the streets of the historic district. 

Public Parks and Green Spaces: Ghent is home to several parks that are free to explore, including the beautiful Citadelpark, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic in the summer. 

The Graslei and Korenlei: These two picturesque streets along the river are free to visit and feature stunning views of medieval buildings. It’s the perfect spot to take a scenic walk and soak in the historic atmosphere. 

The Vrijdagmarkt: One of the oldest squares in Ghent, the Vrijdagmarkt is a great place to explore without spending any money. This historical square is home to many monuments and vibrant market stalls on Fridays. 

Street Art in Ghent: Ghent has a rich street art scene, and several murals and installations are scattered across the city. These colorful artworks are free to view and add an urban touch to the city’s medieval charm. 

The Castle of Laarne’s Gardens: While the Castle of Laarne itself requires an entrance fee, the beautiful gardens surrounding it are free to visit. They feature historical plantings and tranquil paths perfect for a peaceful walk. 

The Ghent Market Halls: While shopping at Ghent’s market halls can be costly, the buildings themselves are free to explore. The historical architecture of the halls adds charm to the already bustling atmosphere of the market. 

Explore the Patershol District: This medieval neighborhood is full of cobbled streets and charming houses. It’s perfect for wandering around and absorbing the city’s history without any fees. 

The Port of Ghent: The historic port area, once a hub of medieval trade, is free to visit. You can walk along the docks, see old warehouses, and even spot boats moored at the harbor. 

The Caermersklooster: A peaceful old monastery turned into a cultural center. The exterior and the surrounding grounds can be freely explored. 

Public Sculptures in the City: Ghent features numerous free public sculptures that dot its streets. Many sculptures pay tribute to local history and famous figures from the city’s past. 

The Dulle Griet: This cannon, located in the historic center, is one of Ghent’s oldest artifacts and is free to visit. It offers a unique historical touch and gives visitors insight into the city’s past military strength.