Ghent is the capital of the province of East Flanders (Oost-Vlanderen). It is the second most populous city in Belgium after Antwerp. Capital of the former county of Flanders and birthplace of Charles V, Ghent developed mainly in the 14th and 15th centuries. Once a rich, proud and commercial city, Ghent is now an industrial city, but also a university town. Ghent is the home of many Flemish intellectuals, including the Academy of Dutch Language and Literature. Rather working class through its western and eastern suburbs, Ghent has nevertheless retained a fabulous architectural wealth. Its canals and its architecture make it an important tourist center. If Bruges was sometimes its rival in the past, it is now Antwerp that competes with it for the title of unofficial capital of Flanders. Unofficial and not official, because the Flemish authority has set up its political institutions in Brussels. However, Ghent has nothing to envy to its illustrious neighbors. A pleasant and accessible city with many sights within walking distance, a thousand years of history have left their mark and are waiting for you. The Flemish tradition of good food and the shopping city center will also seduce you. Enjoy your stay in this city of light and sweetness!

What to visit Gent?

When to go to Gent?

When to go to Ghent? The best time to go to Ghent is most likely between June and September, when the temperatures become more pleasant and the rain less frequent. The Belgian winter is generally cool and rainy, while the temperatures become milder around May. Spring is therefore a pleasant season to visit East Flanders. December, with its Christmas markets and events, is also a good time to spend a few days. So when to go to Ghent? Ideally in the summer.

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Weather all year round

Belgium's oceanic climate, influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, gives Ghent a weather pattern characterized by moderate temperatures and a rainfall rate equivalent to that of Normandy. In Ghent, the temperature differences between winter and summer are quite small and East Flanders is one of the regions with the best weather all year round.

Budget

The cost of living in Ghent is comparable to that in France (in the provinces rather than in Paris). Restaurants are generally a little more expensive than in France, but the portions are more generous. If wine is more expensive than in France, you will save money by choosing beer. Hotel prices are about the same.

Procedures

You do not need a visa to visit Ghent. For EU citizens and Swiss citizens, a valid ID card or passport or one that has expired within the last five years is sufficient to travel to Belgium; for Canadian citizens, a passport is required. Unaccompanied minors must be in possession of an exit permit to travel to Ghent.

Health

No vaccinations are required to travel to Ghent. With a real overcapacity of hospitals, Belgium has excellent health conditions and there are no risky diseases in this part of the world. However, make sure that your vaccinations (DT Polio, etc.) are up to date. As far as hydration is concerned, no problem: the water is drinkable in Ghent.

How to go to Gent? Our advice & tips

Some tour operators offer tours in the capital of East Flanders, allowing you to discover the architectural and historical heritage of the city according to an itinerary marked out in advance. You can also combine a visit to Ghent with one to Bruges, Ostend, Antwerp and of course Brussels. The advantage of this type of offer is that it allows you to benefit from advantageous rates in terms of transport and accommodation.

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Getting to Ghent is easy. All you have to do is book your train or plane ticket (the earlier you leave, the better off you'll be) and accommodation, also in advance. If you have your own car, you should know that the roads in Belgium are in very good condition and make access to Ghent very easy.

To get around Ghent, there is no shortage of means of transport, between the three streetcar lines, the bus lines, cabs, bicycles and of course walking. The pedestrian center of the beautiful Flemish city is indeed perfectly adapted to walkers. To reach the surroundings of the city you can also rent a car.

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Pictures and images Gent

Château des comtes à Gand. Thomas Dekiere - Shutterstock.com
Château des Comtes de Flandres (Gravensteen). Lawrence BANAHAN - Author's Image
Le quai aux herbes, à Gand. Brad PICT - Fotolia
Gand. Freeartist - iStockPhoto.com

Discover Gent

When to travel?

When to go to Ghent? The best time to go to Ghent is most likely between June and September, when the temperatures be...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Belgium's oceanic climate, influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, gives Ghent a weather pattern characteri...
Read more about it

Budget

The cost of living in Ghent is comparable to that in France (in the provinces rather than in Paris). Restaurants are...
Read more about it

Formalities

You do not need a visa to visit Ghent. For EU citizens and Swiss citizens, a valid ID card or passport or one t...
Read more about it

Health

No vaccinations are required to travel to Ghent. With a real overcapacity of hospitals, Belgium has excellent he...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Getting to Ghent is easy. All you have to do is book your train or plane ticket (the earlier you leave, the better of...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Some tour operators offer tours in the capital of East Flanders, allowing you to discover the architectural and histo...
Read more about it

Getting around

To get around Ghent, there is no shortage of means of transport, between the three streetcar lines, the bus lines, ca...
Read more about it

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