Guide to Ghent

TOURISM INFORMATION

To explore what to see, do, eat in Ghent, please visit their official tourism website https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do

CityCard Gent

The CityCard Ghent gets you into ALL the top attractions in Ghent, including public transport at a ridiculously low price. The CityCard Ghent is simple and clear to use. You get a handy, foldable city map and all the info about the benefits of the CityCard. Choose a card for 48 or 72 hours. This advantage card is an all-in Ghent experience.
Tip: every first Thursday of the month, you can enjoy your CityCard Gent for an extra long time, because most museums are open until 10 pm during 'Late Thursday'.   To read more about this benefit and where to purchase, please click here.

THINGS TO DO IN GHENT

OPTIONAL TOURS

There are so many tours available in Ghent with too many to list but we have hand-picked a few highlights to give you a taste of Ghent. Beer tours: Beer tours are very popular in Ghent and easily available to book in advance. Some even offer free tasting trips (tips welcome).

Historic Evening Tour on Monday 3rd of November 2025
Let's explore the magical city of Ghent on a unique historic tour along the canals and cobbled streets full of highlights and hidden areas off the beaten path! Your guide Jasper is an experienced veteran in storytelling, been showing the city to visitors since 2008, and is a professional beer sommelier to boot! We meet up at the entrance of the Sint Michael's Church (Sint-Michielskerk) for a 6 km walk! November nights can be cold in Belgium, so wear appropriate footwear and dress accordingly.
Cost: €20 per person (minimum of eight participants to let it go through, maximum of 20) - From 19:30 till 22:00.
Reservation link (Click on "Jump to the next available date" to register).
Alternatively, email: hoppestraat@gmail.com to make a booking.

Evening Brewery Tour & Tasting at Dok Brewing Company on Tuesday 4th of November 2025:

Welcome to Dok Brewing Company in Hal 16 on Dok Noord!

On this tour you will get to taste four of our beers (4x10cl) and get an extensive tour provided by a professional and passionate guide, where we go quite deep into the brewing process. You get a detailed explanation of the background of each style of beer tasted and we talk extensively about the origin and philosophy of the brewery. Yes, it's not a short and quick tour, but you'll learn a lot about Belgian beer culture and brewing as a whole!

You can also have dinner in Hal 16, best to make separate reservations here:
 (We do start on time, so book early enough!)
Cost: €18 per person (minimum of eight participants to let it go through, maximum of 20) - From 19:30 till 22:00.

Reservation link:   (Click on "Jump to the next available date" to register).
Alternatively, email: hoppestraat@gmail.com to make a booking.

Boat trips

There are a number of operators who offer various types of tours, book individually or organise a group of ISBR delegates to travel together. Offers include packages on drinks, snacks, walking tours, dinners – all with a boat trip. Enjoy Ghent at its finest.

The Boats of Ghent - Rederij Dewaele bv
Contact: +32 9 229 17 16
Email: info@debootjesvangent.be
Website: https://debootjesvangent.be/nl

Rederij De Gentenaer
Contact: + 32 (0)9 269 08 69 - from 9am to 5pm
Email: info@rederijdegentenaer.be
Website: https://www.rederijdegentenaer.be/

Cycling

City Cycling Gent
A popular mode of transport in Ghent.
Email: tim@citycycling.gent
Contact: +32 478 76 44 11
Website: https://citycycling.gent/

HIGHLIGHTED MUST SEE PLACES

Gravensteen

Website: https://visit.gent.be/nl/zien-doen/gravensteen-een-burcht-gent
Address: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent, België

Gravensteen is a castle with a very eventful history, closely interwoven with the complex and often turbulent political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining medieval moated castle with a virtually intact defense system in Flanders. Your visit to the Gravensteen gives you a complete picture of the knightly culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, the rampart, the keep, the count's residence and the horse stables are open to visitors.

Ghent Water Tourist

Website: https://visit.gent.be/nl/zien-doen/gent-watertoerist
Address: Graslei, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Classic boat trip through the old city centre of Ghent or extra long exploration of the inland waterways. Original formulas such as the theme boat, aperitif boat, champagne boat and the Knabbel & Babbel Deluxe are ideal for private parties.

STAM- Ghent City Museum

Website: https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/stam-ghent-city-museum
Address: Godshuizenlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium

The STAM is the ideal place to start your cultural holiday in Ghent, an unmistakably contemporary building against a historic backdrop. Ghent is a city of every era, and the same applies to the modern Ghent City Museum: the 14th-century abbey, 17th-century convent and new 21st-century building all form part of the STAM. The STAM tells the story of Ghent from the Middle Ages to the present day, with imaginative collections and interactive multimedia. The past, present and future of the city are presented in a clear and interesting way: from mediaeval metropolis to city of knowledge and culture.

St Nicholas' Church

Website: https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/st-nicholas-church
Address: Cataloniëstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium

This church was built in Tournai bluestone and is one of the finest examples of the Scheldt Gothic style. St Nicholas' Church is not just any church; it is a dynamic tribute to the bustling city that surrounds it.

St Micheal’s Bridge

Website: https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/st-michaels-bridge-romantic-ghent
Address: Sint-Michielshelling, 9000 Gent, Belgium

St Michael’s Bridge is the place for romantic hearts. Grab your smartphone and take some spectacular selfies. Wherever you look, there is a breathtaking view: you are surrounded by 360 degrees of Ghent’s charming beauty. Get an extra-special fairy-tale view of the heart of Ghent at twilight, when all the historic sights are gorgeously illuminated.

Ghent Belfry

Website: https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/ghent-belfry-world-heritage
Address: Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Gent, Belgium

The Belfry is the middle tower in the famous row of three, between St Bavo’s Cathedral and St Nicholas’ Church. A fiery dragon, the proud symbol and mascot of Ghent, guards the historic heart of the city.

St Bavo’s Cathedral

Website: https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/st-bavos-cathedral-majestic-tower
Address: Sint-Baafsplein, 9000 Gent, Belgium

St Bavo’s Cathedral is the oldest parish church in the lively heart of Ghent. It stands on the site of a 10th century church and a 12th century Romanesque church. The latter was dedicated to St John the Baptist. In the Middle Ages, Ghent was a rich and powerful city that had the means to commission ever-larger and more opulent churches. So the Church of St John the Baptist was converted during the 15th and 16th centuries into the imposing Gothic St Bavo’s Cathedral.

Important Dates