Belgium
Ghent
Belgium
Ghent
Updated Jun 29, 2025
Overview
Ghent is Belgium's best-kept secret. This enchanting city blends medieval splendor with youthful energy. Wander cobblestone streets lined with Gothic masterpieces like St. Bavo's Cathedral. Explore hidden courtyards and picturesque canals. Indulge in local delicacies at the Gruut Brewery or savor vegetarian cuisine at world-renowned restaurants. Don't miss the vibrant Patershol neighborhood for authentic Belgian experiences. Ghent's rich history, thriving arts scene, and warm locals make it an unforgettable destination.
Best time to visit. Visit Ghent from May to September for mild weather and outdoor events. July brings the Gentse Feesten, a massive 10-day cultural festival. Spring offers blooming flowers and fewer crowds, while December boasts magical Christmas markets and twinkling lights.
City stats
Population
263,608
Land area
60 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
630 CE
Official langauge
Dutch
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
East Flanders
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43°F - 34°F | 39°F - 29°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 5:00 pm | 12 days 2.8 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 11 mph |
| February | 45°F - 34°F | 41°F - 30°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:05 am | 5:55 pm | 10 days 2.1 in | 2 days 0.6 in | 11 mph |
| March | 52°F - 39°F | 49°F - 35°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 6:50 pm | 11 days 2.8 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 11 mph |
| April | 59°F - 43°F | 57°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 8:40 pm | 9 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 65°F - 50°F | 64°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:50 am | 9:30 pm | 9 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 70°F - 55°F | 70°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:30 am | 10:00 pm | 9 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 74°F - 58°F | 75°F - 58°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:50 am | 9:50 pm | 9 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 73°F - 58°F | 74°F - 57°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 9:00 pm | 9 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 68°F - 53°F | 67°F - 51°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 7:50 pm | 9 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 60°F - 48°F | 58°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:05 am | 6:40 pm | 11 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 51°F - 41°F | 48°F - 37°F | Cloudy | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm | 12 days 3.0 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 11 mph |
| December | 45°F - 36°F | 41°F - 31°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 4:40 pm | 12 days 3.2 in | 2 days 0.6 in | 11 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year. Belgians exchange wishes and often attend parties. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Easter Sunday | Variable (March-April) | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection. Families gather for meals. | Limited services. Family-oriented day. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday following Easter. Many Belgians enjoy outdoor activities. | Some closures. Good for outdoor plans. | ||
| Labour Day | May 1 | Workers' rights celebration. Parades and demonstrations often occur. | Expect some closures and demonstrations. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension. Many take a long weekend. | Some services limited. Plan accordingly. | ||
| Pentecost | 50 days after Easter | Christian celebration of the Holy Spirit's descent. Religious observances. | Minor impact. Some religious events. | ||
| Whit Monday | Day after Pentecost | Public holiday following Pentecost. Many Belgians enjoy a day off. | Some closures. Good for leisure activities. | ||
| Belgian National Day | July 21 | Commemorates Belgian independence. Parades, fireworks, and celebrations. | Festive atmosphere. Many closures. | ||
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | Catholic holiday honoring Virgin Mary. Religious observances and processions. | Some closures. Religious events occur. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Christian day to honor saints. Belgians often visit cemeteries. | Solemn day. Expect some closures. | ||
| Armistice Day | November 11 | Commemorates end of World War I. Ceremonies and moments of silence. | Respectful atmosphere. Some closures. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian celebration of Jesus' birth. Families gather for festive meals. | Avoid travel. Most places closed. | ||
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Day after Christmas. Many Belgians continue family celebrations. | Limited services. Family-oriented day. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gentse Feesten | Mid-July | Massive 10-day cultural festival with music, theater, and street performances throughout the city. | Vibrant atmosphere but crowded. Book early. | ||
| Ghent Festival of Flanders | September - October | Month-long classical music festival featuring world-renowned orchestras and soloists. | Great for music lovers. Normal tourism. | ||
| Ghent Light Festival | Late January - Early February (every 3 years) | Spectacular light art installations transform the city's historic center for four evenings. | Magical experience. Expect large crowds. | ||
| Ghent Six Day | Mid-November | Six-day indoor track cycling event attracting top international cyclists and spectators. | Exciting for cycling fans. Normal tourism. | ||
| International Film Festival Ghent | Mid-October | Annual film festival focusing on impact of music on film, featuring screenings and concerts. | Great for film buffs. Normal tourism. | ||
| Ghent Jazz Festival | Early July | Week-long jazz festival featuring international and local artists in various venues. | Enjoyable for music fans. Normal tourism. | ||
| Gent Smaakt | Late May - Early June | Food festival showcasing local cuisine and beverages in Ghent's historic city center. | Great for foodies. Minimal disruption. |
1 | Belgians value punctuality. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. If you're running late, call ahead to inform the person or establishment you're meeting. |
2 | When greeting someone, a handshake is common for first meetings. Cheek kissing (3 times) is reserved for friends and family. Follow the lead of the local person you're meeting. |
3 | Learn a few basic phrases in both French and Dutch. Belgium has multiple official languages, and locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language. |
4 | Tipping is not expected in Belgium as service charges are included in bills. However, rounding up or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated. |
5 | Belgium is known for its beer culture. When ordering at a bar, each beer typically has its own specific glass. Don't be surprised if your drink comes in an unusual container. |
6 | Respect quiet hours, especially in residential areas. Belgians value peace and quiet, particularly on Sundays and in the evenings after 10 PM. |
7 | When dining out, keep your hands visible on the table, not in your lap. This is considered polite table manners in Belgium and much of Europe. |
8 | Belgians tend to be more reserved than Americans. Avoid loud conversations in public spaces, and respect personal boundaries, especially on public transport. |
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