Ghent

Medieval squares, beer, chocolate and art

• Passport strength: ≈188 visa-free destinations
• Language: Dutch (Flanders), French (Wallonia), German (small region) · ~70% speak English
• Free-trade agreements: ≈45

Ghent — Medieval grandeur with a young pulse

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St Bavo's Cathedral Cathedral

Home of the Van Eycks' Ghent Altarpiece, a landmark of European art.

Best time: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct — Mild weather suits the cathedral and the surrounding old centre.

Things to do:

• See the Van Eyck 'Ghent Altarpiece'
• Book the AR visitor experience
• Visit the crypt treasury
• Light a candle in the quiet nave

Gravensteen Castle

A moated 12th-century counts' castle rising in the middle of the city.

Best time: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct — Pleasant weather suits the ramparts and their city views.

Things to do:

• Tour the moated Castle of the Counts
• Try the tongue-in-cheek audio guide
• Climb the battlements for rooftops
• See the medieval torture museum

Graslei & Korenlei Historic waterfront

Twin medieval quays of guild houses lining the Leie river.

Best time: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct — Warm evenings are best for the waterside terraces and light.

Things to do:

• Sit on the guild-house quays at golden hour
• Take a canal boat from here
• Grab a beer on the waterfront steps
• Photograph the reflections at dusk

St Michael's Bridge Bridge

The classic viewpoint over Ghent's three medieval towers and quays.

Best time: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct — Clear days give the finest three-tower panorama.

Things to do:

• Cross the scenic pedestrian span over waterways
• Capture postcard views of the cityscape
• Stop at viewpoints for city orientation
• Visit nearby squares and streets

Sint-Pietersabdij (Citadelpark) Museum

Beautiful abbey complex housing contemporary art and design museums.

Best time: Year-round — Serene monastery grounds with world-class modern art, less crowded than city center.

Things to do:

• Tour the historic Benedictine abbey built in the 13th century
• Stroll through carefully planted gardens with seasonal flowers
• Visit the adjacent art museums within the citadelpark complex
• Explore the abbey's cloister with its vaulted stone passages

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Belgium?

It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, Grand-Place is best around Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct. Belgium has 6 featured cities and areas to plan around.

Is English spoken in Belgium?

Roughly 70% of people speak English. The main language is Dutch (Flanders), French (Wallonia), German (small region).

How strong is the Belgium passport?

The Belgium passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 188 destinations.

Is Belgium expensive to travel in?

This page lists indicative traveller costs for Belgium — medical, insurance, connectivity and education ranges — and the interactive travelogue holds the full breakdown.

What is there to do in Belgium?

Grand-Place, Atomium, Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Manneken Pis, Musée des Instruments de Musique, Markt & Belfry — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.