gent city guide travel guide hotspots

Anne

 

November 12 2019
23 Januari 2026

Ghent City Guide: 28 tips from hotspots to restaurants, hotels and fun things to do

Weekend getaway Ghent Planning a visit? Great! The old city center isn't just a feast for the eyes; you'll also find the best restaurants, the nicest shops, and the most beautiful hotels to stay in. The city isn't too big, but it offers a wealth of fun things to do. We've compiled all these hotspots and fun activities for you in this Ghent City Guide. Enjoy!

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Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

BEST HOTELS // GHENT CITY GUIDE

Pillow Grand Hotel Reylof: Just 500 meters from the historic city center, you'll find Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof. All rooms were renovated in 2018, and it shows! Everything looks tip top. In good weather, you can relax in the courtyard, and in winter, cozy up by the fireplace in the common area. Tip: the hotel even has its own spa! Perfect if you want to schedule some relaxation time during your STAYCATION.
HOOGSTRAAT 36, GHENT, PILLOWSHOTELS.COM

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best hotels in Ghent

© Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof, Ghent

Shelter 7: A nice hotel is wonderful to stay in, but an entire city apartment all to yourself? Sounds great, right? Shelter 7 is a modern apartment right in the center of Ghent that you'll never want to leave. Perfect if you're spending at least two nights in the city and really want to feel like a local!
BENNESTEEEG 7, GHENT, SHELTER7.BE

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1898 The Post: By far the most luxurious and unique boutique hotel in Ghent. Situated on the canal in an impressive historic building that once served as a post office. It now houses a hotel and Post Plaza, an urban shopping mall where Sissy Boy, among others, has a shop. The rooms at 1898 The Post are decorated as if you were staying in an old country house: warm, dark, and atmospheric. Recommended: enjoy a cocktail at The Cobbler bar!
GRASLEI 16, GHENT, 1898THEPOST.COM

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best hotels in Ghent

© 1898 The Post, Ghent

BEST RESTAURANTS // GHENT CITY GUIDE

Cocotine: Not in the city center, but with a very photogenic interior and worth a visit for a homemade lunch or brunch with a special latte.
LEITHSTRAAT 51, GHENT, COCOTINECOFFEE.BE

best restaurants in Ghent

© Cocotine, Ghent

Audience: Foodies will definitely want to try this modern bistro during a weekend in Ghent. It serves authentic seasonal dishes and is also open for lunch.
HAM 39, GHENT, PUBLIEKGENT.BE

Wald: From breakfast to lunch and coffee, this organic hotspot (with plenty of vegetarian options!) in the multicultural Dampoort district is a place not to be missed.
DENDERMONDSESTEENWEG 39/001, GHENT, WALDATHEART.COM

Supermarket: Famous for its brunch on weekends, but highly recommended any day for a good meal in a New York-style atmosphere.
GULDENSPOORSTRAAT 29, GHENT, DE-SUPERETTE.BE

Full Circle Coffee: At this coffee bar everything is completely plant-based, so you drink your cappuccino with oat milk instead of cow's milk.
SOUTH STATION STREET 5, GHENT, FACEBOOK.COM/FULLCIRCLEGHENT

Café VenTura: At the Friday market, this is my favorite spot to have an aperitif at the end of the day with a delicious charcuterie and cheese platter.
VRIJDAGMARKT 35, GHENT, VENTURA-GENT.BE

Mémé Gusta: This local favourite is recommended for an (extensive) lunch while shopping, but in the evening you can also eat dishes from grandmother's time with a modern twist.
Burgstraat 19, 9000 Ghent, Belgium, meme-gusta.be

Alice:  { TIP FROM @hannastruyvelt } Alice is located in a beautiful mansion in Onderbergen. It's a wonderful place for breakfast, lunch, or a slice of cake in the afternoon. The French style of the restaurant creates a cozy and unique atmosphere.
ONDERBERGEN 6, GHENT, ALICE-GENT.BE

best restaurants in Ghent

© Alice, Ghent

Madam Bakster: This hotspot is a must-visit on the upcoming Brabantdam for breakfast, lunch, sweets and more made with organic ingredients and without artificial additives.
BRABANTDAM 142, GHENT, MADAMBAKSTER.BE

The Nail: { TIP FROM @hannastruyvelt } This quintessential Ghent café is located near the historic center. In winter, it's wonderful to relax on the benches upstairs, and in summer, you can spend the whole afternoon on the terrace with a Belgian beer.
PENSMARKT 3, GHENT, CAFEHETSPIJKER.BE

Marijn Coertjens: Chocolatier Marijn Coertjens creates pralines with surprising flavor combinations that also look beautiful. "The Giraffe" is definitely recommended, a delicious praline with white chocolate and lemon jelly.
BURGSTRAAT 151, GHENT, FACEBOOK.COM/MARIJNCOERTJENS

The Crowned Heads: This restaurant serves the very best ribs in Ghent, and it's become a true institution in the city. I personally prefer to sit at the front by the window, where you have a beautiful view of the characteristic Jan Breydelstraat.
BURGSTRAAT 4, GHENT, DEGEKROONDEHOOFDEN.BE

Be O Versbar: At the back of this fresh produce market there is a lunch café where the most delicious dishes are made from ingredients that can no longer be sold.
HOLY SPIRIT STREET 30, GHENT, BEO-BAR.BE

best restaurants in Ghent

© Be O Versbar, Ghent

Best shops // Ghent city guide

super goodsFor guilt-free shopping, Supergoods is the place to be. They only sell items that are sustainably produced or organic. You'll find almost everything for a sustainable lifestyle.
BRABANTDAM 56B, 9000 GHENT, BELGIUM, SUPERGOODS.BE

Vandekerckhove & Bar: This coffee roastery is a true family business, with a new generation at the helm. A household name in Ghent, the store on Brabantdam has recently been completely renovated. Enjoy a delicious coffee there or shop for the best coffee and tea accessories for your home.
BRABANTDAM 55, GHENT, VANDEKERCKHOVE1854.BE

Billierose: The most beautiful concept store in Ghent is undoubtedly Billierose. It features a bright interior, a café area for food and drinks, and a carefully curated collection of clothing for women and babies, home accessories, beauty products, and jewelry.
BRABANTDAM 135, 9000 GHENT, BELGIUM, BILLIEROSE.BE

© Billie Rose, Ghent - best shops in Ghent

© Billie Rose, Ghent

Au Bon Marché: This tiny, overcrowded shop is a bit of an odd one out among all the chains. It offers beautiful leather accessories, a selection of clothing, lifestyle accessories, and more.
HOORNSTRAAT 4, GHENT, AUBONMARCHE.GENT

L'AmuZette: { TIP FROM @hannastruyvelt } At L'AmuZette, you'll find everything you need, from fashion and home decor to books and homemade treats. You can also enjoy lunch, a delicious cocktail, or a glass of wine.
KROMMEWAL 2, GHENT, LAMUZETTE.BE

Island and City: This concept store is located in the idyllic Oud Begijnhof (Old Beguinage). You can shop for unique items, enjoy art, or enjoy a bite to eat or a drink. In the summer, the cozy courtyard will transport you to the South of France.
BEGINHOF DRIES 39, GHENT, ILE-EN-VILLE.BE

The Other Shop: If you, like me, love beautiful books and stationery, you'll definitely want to pop into The Other Shop. Tables overflowing with beautiful books guarantee a healthy dose of inspiration!
MAGELEIN STREET 40, GHENT, FACEBOOK.COM/THEOTHERSHOP.GENT

nicest shops in Ghent

© The Other Shop, Ghent

BUCKETLIST // GHENT CITY GUIDE

Sunday in Ghent: On Sundays, it's a great idea to visit the flower market on the Kouter in Ghent. You can also have coffee at the Paard van Troje (Trojan Horse) and browse their books. At the flower market, there's a very popular stall with oysters and cava. A little further along on Ajunlei, there's also a book market.

Go for brunch: A lovely spot for brunch just outside the city center is Alix. Weather permitting, you can picnic in the garden, and in the evening, you can sit under the fairy lights and enjoy a meal. Magical!
ALIXTABLEJARDIN.BE

fun things to do in Ghent

© Alix Table Jardin, Ghent

Take a walk: The orchard and abbey garden of St. Peter's Abbey are perfect for a lovely stroll. Afterwards, enjoy a cake and a drink at Julie's House.
JULIESHOUSE.BE

Ghent from the water: Book a boat trip with Minerva Boats (you can view the options online). Especially when the weather is nice, it's great to explore Ghent from the water!

Flea Markets & Barbies: Ghent has several flea markets on weekends, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, be sure to visit the area around St. James's Church. A great place to grab a drink or a piece of cake afterward is Barbiet, where everything is homemade and many are vegan!
BARBIET.BE

© Barbiet, Ghent

Have fun in Ghent!

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Have you read my book Staycation yet?

You can find more tips like those in this blog in my book STAYCATION. A book with the best addresses and travel tips for a holiday close to home. STAYCATION Find 22 city guides to surprising (and well-known) cities in the Netherlands and Belgium. With tips for great places to stay, nice restaurants, shops, and things to do. Read more about the content here >>  Want to order your own copy? Click the button below!

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Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!


With love,
Anne

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