3 Days in Ghent: An Itinerary For First Timers
- Aruzhan Kuandyk
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Ghent often gets described as “Bruges without the crowds,” but that comparison doesn’t really do it justice. This is a city that feels lived in. Medieval towers stand next to student bars, quiet canals run past design shops, and everyday life unfolds in between. Ghent works best when you stop trying to see everything and instead let the city set the pace.
Discover with us:
Day 1 — Canals, Towers, and First Orientation
Start your first day on foot in the historic center. Walk along Graslei and Korenlei, where guild houses line the water and boats move slowly through the city. Cross St. Michael’s Bridge for a panoramic view that helps you understand Ghent’s layout early on.
Continue toward St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Belfry, then loop past Ghent Town Hall. Instead of visiting everything at once, use this walk to orient yourself — notice how close the main landmarks are and how quickly busy streets turn quiet.
Later in the afternoon, explore Patershol, one of the oldest districts, with narrow streets and a calmer pace. End the day with an evening walk back along the canals when the light softens and the city slows down.
Day 2 — Castles, Markets & Local Neighborhoods
Begin at Gravensteen Castle, ideally earlier in the day. Whether you go inside or not, the surrounding area offers a strong contrast between medieval fortifications and modern city life.
From there, walk toward Vrijdagmarkt, a historic square that still functions as a social hub. If you’re there on a market day, spend time browsing; if not, it’s still a good place to observe local rhythms.
Continue toward the museum quarter near Citadelpark, a large green space that feels distinctly local. This area is ideal for a slower afternoon — walking paths, open lawns, and museums you can choose to enter or skip depending on energy.
In the evening, return toward student-heavy streets south of the center. This part of Ghent feels younger and more informal, with people lingering outside and moving between places without a rush.
Day 3 — Water, Green Space & Seeing the City Again
Use your last day for longer walks and repetition. Start around Portus Ganda, where the rivers meet, and follow the water away from the busiest areas. These quieter canal paths show a different side of the city.
If the weather allows, head to Blaarmeersen, a large recreational area locals use for walking, swimming, or simply spending time outdoors. It’s a good contrast to the medieval center and a reminder that Ghent isn’t just a historic destination.
Return to the city for anything you skipped earlier — a street you liked, a square you want to see at a different time of day, or a museum you now have energy for. Ghent often makes more sense on the second pass.
Ghent fits well into a style of travel that values time, attention, and flexibility over speed. If this way of moving through a city resonates with you, you’ll find similar approaches in our other itineraries and city guides — focused on pacing, neighborhoods, and how places are actually experienced.
Explore more destinations and travel ideas on our website, and follow @thewalkingparrot for thoughtful routes, slow itineraries, and cities beyond the obvious.
Comments