Belgium’s Best Foodie Destination is a Colorful Gem with Canals, Cathedrals, & Chocolate

Located just 30-minutes from Brussels, this picturesque town of dreamy canals is ideal for foodies who love beer, chocolate, castles, and art.

If Bruges is Belgium’s fairytale town and Brussels its historic capital, then Ghent is the country’s cool cousin. Full of charm, yet buzzing with energy.

Known for its 12th-century fortress, world-famous art treasures, and thriving culinary scene, Ghent is a town made for foodies.

Walking through the old town, you’ll find medieval towers and canals lined with cafes.

At the heart of the city sits one of Europe’s greatest masterpieces—the Ghent Altarpiece. Pair that with a beautiful network of canals, lively beer halls, and aromatic chocolate shops, and you’ve got all the ingredients for one of Europe’s weekend escapes.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

How to Get There

Ghent is super easy to reach from nearby Brussels:

• By train: Trains from Brussels to Ghent leave frequently. The ride from the capital to Ghent’s train station takes about 30 minutes. From there, it’s a short tram ride or walk to the historic center.
• By car: Driving from Brussels takes about an hour, though parking in the old town is limited. The train is definitely an easier option.
• By tour: Some day tours combine Ghent with Bruges, an easy way to get two for the price of one.

👉 Tip: This full-day tour of Bruges and Ghent – Belgium’s Fairytale Cities – from Brussels is a great way to get both charming cities in one day.

Read More: Europe’s “Venice of the North” is a Picturesque Gem with Dreamy Canals & Decadent Chocolate  

While Ghent is an easy day trip, it’s also worth staying longer. If you spend a night or two, you can also experience the top-rated Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent.

Best Hotels in Ghent

If you decide to spend a night or two, there are several boutique hotels with tons of character right in the heart of the historic center. Here are a few top picks:

• NH Collection Gent – A centrally located hotel with modern comforts and easy access to Ghent’s top sights.
• 1898 The Post – Set in a former post office in the heart of Ghent, this boutique gem offers stylish rooms with stunning views of the city.
• Ganda Rooms & Suites – A small and intimate guesthouse in the old town, perfect for those who prefer a personal touch and a quieter atmosphere.

Fun Things to Do in Ghent

St. Bavo’s Cathedral & The Ghent Altarpiece – No trip is complete without seeing the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck. This 15th-century masterpiece is one of the best things to see, and the cathedral itself is a beauty. Tickets can be booked directly on the St. Bavo’s Cathedral website.

Saint Nicholas Church – One of the city’s oldest and most prominent landmarks, this Roman Catholic church anchors the bustling main square of Korenmarkt.

Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen) – Step back into the 12th century at this imposing fortress right in the center of town. You can explore the towers, dungeons, and exhibits that bring the medieval period to life.

Open daily from 10:00am – 6:00pm, tickets can be purchased on arrival or on the Castle of the Counts website.

Stroll the Historic Centre – The heart of Ghent is filled with cobblestone lanes, Gothic towers, and lively squares like Korenmarkt.

Just behind the Saint Nicholas Church is the Ghent Belfry. A climb up the belfry tower stairs is a must for a terrific view over the city.

Ghent Christmas Market – December is a magical time to visit Ghent. The annual Christmas Market transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Think wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and stalls selling mulled wine and crafts.

The Best Tours in Ghent

Some things in Ghent are best experienced as part of a guided tour. Here are a few must-do’s:

Canal Boat Tour – The best way to explore Ghent’s old town is from the water with a relaxing canal boat tour. This 40-Minute Guided Boat Trip in Medieval Ghent is a terrific way to appreciate the city’s incredible architecture and get those postcard-worthy views of the city.

Food Tour  – Ghent is a paradise for foodies. There’s no better way to dive into the delicious local culinary scene than with a guided food tour. I love a good food tour and this 2-Hour Walking Food Tour is the perfect way to experience the city through food. 

Chocolate Experiences – Like the rest of Belgium, Ghent is especially well-known for chocolate and beer. Charlie’s Famous Chocolate Tour is a decadent tasting tour of only the best local chocolatiers in town (be ready to eat a LOT of chocolate!).

Best Beer Tour – If beer’s more your thing, join the terrific Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour. It’s tailored for beer lovers, and you’ll get to sample the city’s best Belgian beers in historic taverns.

So don’t miss Ghent when you visit Belgium!

While nearby Brussels gets more than its share of tourists, many visitors miss out on Ghent. And I think that’s a mistake, especially if you’re a foodie!

From scenic canals and medieval charm to a terrific culinary scene, it’s a city that’s well worth the detour.

Whether you’re here for a day trip from Brussels or a few days in one of the city’s historic boutique hotels, you’ll quickly understand why so many consider Ghent Belgium’s best-kept secret.

Discover more great destinations in Belgium:

Europe’s “Venice of the North” is a Picturesque Gem with Dreamy Canals & Decadent Chocolate 

This Jaw-Dropping Belgian Town is the Colorful Riverside Birthplace of the Saxophone