1. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
Towering over Ghent for hundred of years and home to the world famous “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painting by brothers Jan and Hubert Van Eyck, the majestic
Saint Bavo’s cathedral is one of the major reasons to visit Ghent. Other highlights include four Organs, stained glass windows, various art and a visit to the main tower.
2. The Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen)
A medieval castle just like in the movies but real. For long the place was symbol of fear, oppression and torture to the people of Ghent.
The castle is the only remaining in Flanders with a well preserved defense system. Nowadays the place is a must-see for all travellers.
Tickets: https://tickets1gravensteen.stad.gent/Exhibitions/Overview
3. Belfry
Protected as cultural heritage by Unesco since 1999 the Belfry served many purposes. Belltower, watchttower, archive. On top of the tower you find the gilded copper Dragon, inside there’s the carillon.
Every Sunday from 11h to 12h you can enjoy this magnificent instrument. However not in July or August, which may be a disappointment to many visitors. Next to the tower there is the Cloth hall, where in ancient times inspecting and trading of woollens was everyday business.
4. Graslei – Korenlei
The place to be, to relax, to take in the magnificent view of the historical houses on the shores of the Lys (Dutch: Leie) river.
This is the historical centre were everyday trade was going on in the medieval port of Ghent. Together with nearby Koornmarkt it was the main centre of Flanders grain/wheat trade back in the days.
5. Saint-Nicolas Church – Koornmarkt
The Saint-Nicolas church is undergoing long restoration for many years now but is open to the public for free. It has an unique tower that is in the middle (cross section) of the building rather then in the front.
In the shadow of the church lies the Koornmarkt with it’s many restaurants and cafe’s. Look around and follow the streets that intersect with the Koornmarkt to discover many shopping opportunities.
6. Saint Michael’s Bridge
Stop, you are there. You found the place where so many pictures of Ghent are taken. From this bridge crossing the Lys (Dutch: Leie) river you get an overview of the Graslei-Korenlei quays.
Turn left and get a view from the static Saint-Michaels Church. Turn right and you get the famous three towers view aka medieval skyline of Ghent: Saint-Nicolas church, Belfry and Saint-Bavo’s cathedrale line up in front of you.
7. Friday Market (Vrijdagmarkt)
Yes, you guessed it. While a stroll on the marketplace is always pleasant, only on Friday morning you can get your groceries on the busy market. Above the scene historical leader Jacob of Artevelde has the best overview of the events beneath him.
8. Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts offers a broad perspective on painting and sculpture from the middle ages until 1950.
9. S.M.A.K.
The Museum of Contemporary Art S.M.A.K (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst), made world famous by flamboyant Documenta 9 curator Jan Hoet, is dedicated to art from 1945 until today.
Across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts it houses an important collection on the subject and offers temporary exhibitions and guided tours.
10. STAM – Museum on the city of Ghent
Discover “The Story of Ghent”, the permanent exhibition of STAM offering a trip through the history of Ghent’s. Apart from that is has many changing temporary exhibitions. If you really want to learn more about Ghent this is the place to visit.