What makes Ghent an absolute hidden gem is that it offers all the jaw-dropping medieval beauty of its famous neighbor, Bruges, but without the suffocating crowds. It is a vibrant university city where history seamlessly blends with a trendy, creative, and highly progressive lifestyle. When the sun goes down, Ghent transforms into a living fairytale due to its award-winning architectural lighting plan, which blankets the city in a soft, magical glow. Here are the most interesting experiences that make Ghent a trending escape:
The illumination plan & canal walks
Ghent is globally famous for its Light Plan (Lichtplan). Instead of harsh stadium lighting, the city designed a continuous, artistic lighting system that illuminates historic towers, bridges, and monuments precisely at sunset.
The Graslei and Korenlei: These two facing quays along the Leie River feature a stunning row of unique medieval guildhouses. Walking here at night feels like stepping directly into an oil painting, with the glowing gables reflecting perfectly on the glassy water.
St. Michael’s Bridge (Sint-Michielsbell): This is the only spot in the city where you can turn around and capture all three iconic medieval towers — St. Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral — perfectly lined up in a single panoramic view.
Gravensteen: The Castle of the Counts
Right in the middle of the city center sits Gravensteen, a colossal, moated 12th-century castle complete with imposing battlements and dark dungeons.
The audio tour: What makes visiting this castle truly unique is its hilarious audio guide narrated by a famous Belgian comedian. It is incredibly witty, bringing the dramatic, bloody history of the counts to life with dark humor and storytelling.
The rooftop view: Climbing to the top of the keep gives you an unobstructed, wind-swept view over the rooftops and winding alleys of the historic Patershol neighborhood.
The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
Inside the Gothic vaults of St. Bavo’s Cathedral rests one of the most influential, frequently stolen, and highly prized pieces of art history in the world: the 1432 altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. The cathedral offers an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) tour that allows you to step back into the Middle Ages, watch the artists paint, and explore the dense, hidden symbolism of the masterpiece before seeing the restored physical painting up close.
A trendy food & craft beer haven
Ghent refuses to be stuck in the past; it is one of Europe’s most forward-thinking culinary hotspots:
The veggie capital: Ghent is known as the vegetarian capital of Europe. It pioneered the "Thursday Veggie Day" movement, and its historic streets are packed with incredibly creative, plant-forward fine dining restaurants alongside traditional steak houses.
Hidden speakeasies & breweries: Tucked away in medieval basements and old warehouses, you’ll find vibrant craft beer bars serving rare local Trappist triples, sour Flemish reds, and artisanal chocolates that break the mold of typical tourist traps.
3-day Ghent fairytale itinerary
The best fairytale stays
This 3-day Ghent fairytale itinerary is designed to immerse you in medieval charm, award-winning light displays, and an incredible culinary scene — all without the tourist crowds. To fully experience Ghent’s magical evenings, stay right in the historic pedestrian core:
The Luxury Splurge: 1898 The Post is an architectural masterpiece. Housed in the city's iconic old neo-Gothic post office right on the Leie River, it features moody, dark-wood interiors, stunning high ceilings, and The Cobbler — one of the best cocktail bars in Europe.
The Boutique Classic: Hotel Harmony is tucked away in the historic Patershol neighborhood. It sits directly on a quiet canal, offering beautiful waterfront views and a cozy, family-run atmosphere just steps from the castle.
Day 1: Guildhouses, canals & artistic illumination
Morning: Plant-based pastries & hidden alleys Start your morning at Madam Bakster, a famous local "guilt-free" bakery specializing in stunning, plant-based pastries, avocado toasts, and excellent coffees. Afterward, take a morning stroll through the Patershol, a labyrinth of winding, cobblestone alleyways that retain their 17th-century layout.
Afternoon: The three towers walk Head to St. Bavo’s Cathedral and pick up the immersive Virtual Reality (VR) tour to discover the crazy history of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece before viewing the masterpiece live. Next, climb the 91-meter-tall Belfry of Ghent for a sweeping view of the city’s dragon vane and red-tiled roofs.
Night: The illumination & canal-side dining As the sun sets, walk onto St. Michael’s Bridge to watch Ghent’s artistic Light Plan click on, illuminating the historic skyline. Walk down along the glass-like waters of the Graslei and Korenleiquays. Where to eat dinner: Book a table at Pakhuis, a spectacular, high-ceilinged brasserie housed in a stunning 19th-century industrial iron warehouse. Order the freshly shucked Zeeland oysters and their famous Bresse roast chicken.
Day 2: Castles, dark humor & culinary art
Morning: The comedic castle tour Cross the river to visit Gravensteen (The Castle of the Counts). Make sure to grab the audio guide—narrated by a local comedian, it turns a standard castle walk into a hilarious, dark-humored journey through medieval life. Climb to the top of the keep for great photos.
Afternoon: Local sweets & trendy boutiques Stop by a street cart outside the castle to buy Cuberdons — traditional cone-shaped Ghent candies with a gooey raspberry center, affectionately called "little noses". Spend the afternoon exploring the independent shops and concept stores in the trendy Vrijdagmarkt and Onderbergen districts.
Night: Fine dining & secret speakeasies
Where to eat dinner: Secure a reservation months in advance at Oak Restaurant, a tiny, Michelin-starred gem where chef Marcelo Ballardin serves an incredibly creative, contemporary multi-course tasting menu in a minimalist, intimate setting.
Nightcap: Wind down at The Cobbler inside 1898 The Post hotel. Sip bespoke cocktails in a candlelit room overlooking the illuminated spires of the city center.
Day 3: Hidden courtyards & craft beer culture
Morning: Market vibes & quiet gardens If it's Sunday, check out the vibrant flower market on the Kouter square, where locals gather to drink white wine and eat oysters at noon. Afterwards, seek out the peaceful St. Peter’s Abbey (Sint-Pietersabdij) behind the square, featuring a beautiful hidden garden and vineyard.
Afternoon: Traditional flemish comfort lunch
Where to eat lunch: Head to Du Progrès right on the Korenmarkt. It’s the absolute best place to try Gentse Waterzooi (a classic, creamy local chicken and vegetable stew) or traditional Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in local dark beer.
Night: Historic cellar brews Spend your final evening bar-hopping through Ghent's historic brown cafés. Stop by De Dulle Griet, a legendary pub with over 500 beers on the menu. Pro tip: If you order the massive "Max" house beer served in a giant coachman's glass, the bartender will literally make you trade one of your shoes as a security deposit, pulling it up to the ceiling in a basket until you finish your drink!