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Top 5 FOMO-Worthy Things to Do in Ghent

View of Ghent

Hi Adventurer!

In this blog post, we'll take you through our Top 5 FOMO-Worthy Things to Do in Ghent! Ghent is the perfect mix of history, coziness, and typical Belgian food. Whether you're looking for an active day on the water, want to sample Flemish delicacies, or simply enjoy a fantastic view of the city, Ghent has it all! 😍

If you're looking for a day out with friends 👯‍♂️, Ghent is the perfect place to explore. Here are our top 5 activities that you can do all in one day. 

Fomo Things in Ghent

 

Our Top 5 

  • Kayaking through the canals of Ghen

  • Dulle Griet

  • Friet Atelier

  • Climb the Belfort

  • Match KAA Gent

 

1. Kayaking through the canals of Ghent 🚣‍♀️

Kayaking through the canals of Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is one of the few cities in Belgium where you can paddle on the canals without a permit. 🤯 How cool is that?! We booked a kayak through Dobber, and it was incredibly easy. There are several locations in the city where you can simply grab your kayak from a locker and then head straight out onto the water.

Kayaking is a great way to see the city from a different perspective; we paddled past old buildings, through narrow canals, and under ancient bridges. It's the perfect activity to explore the city in a different way, enjoy the surroundings, and stay active. 🌊

And the best part? You can do it too! Ready to see Ghent from a whole new angle? Grab a paddle and book your kayak adventure! 💦

What makes this special?

  • You literally see Ghent from the water
  • Adventurous but also super relaxing
  • Perfect for a sunny day

Our tip: Bring some food and drinks and don't forget your phone to take pictures, but be careful because the canals are deeper than you think! 😅

 

Duration Price per vessel
1 hour €14.99
1.5 hours €19.99
2 hours €24.99
3 hours  €32.99
4 hours €39.99

 

📍Location

 

🕒 Opening hours: 7 days a week

Sunrise to sunset

 

2. No Shoe No Brew 👟🍺

Max Beer At Dulle Griet

Of course, for a truly special beer experience, we had to go to Dulle Griet, a café on the Vrijdagmarkt in Ghent. 😄

We ordered a Max van't huis, a gigantic 1.2-liter glass of beer served in a large, unique glass. 🍻 But the funniest part? You have to leave one of your shoes as a deposit! 👞

Our shoes were hoisted up in a basket and stayed there until we finished our drink. It felt a bit strange to sit with only one shoe on, but that's just part of the experience. And honestly, it makes the beer experience even more special!

Do you dare to trade in your shoe for a Max? Go to Dulle Griet, order that enormous glass, and experience it for yourself. 🍺.

What makes this special?

  • The best beer experience in Ghent
  • The best stories, because you'll be there for a while.
  • Perfect for a night out with friends; who can drink it the fastest?

Our tip: Don't wear new shoes; you'll have to hand them in, and they'll be hanging above the bar all the time. Also handy: choose shoes that are easy to take on and off.

Want to discover even more beer spots in Ghent? Discover them all!

💸 Price: €14,70 for the MAX van't huis

📍Location

 

🕒  Opening hours:

Monday 4:30pm–12am

Tuesday 12pm–1am

Wednesday 12pm–1am

Thursday 12pm–1am

Friday 12pm–1am

Saturday 12pm–1am

Sunday 12–7:30pm

 

3. Friet Atelier 🍟

Belgian Fries with stew in the Heart of the City

A trip to Ghent isn’t complete without beef stew. Of course we couldn't miss this Belgian classic! Tender stewed meat simmered in dark beer, served with thick Flemish fries. 🤤 We find this is the perfect snack to sample authentic Belgian delicacies. 🇧🇪 In the mood? Find a local café in Ghent and order a portion of fries with stew. Trust us, you won't stop at just one!

What makes this special?

  • A true Flemish classic
  • Perfect for lunch or a late-night snack
  • You’ll literally taste Belgian cuisine 

Our tip: Go to Friet Atelier, the one and only.

💸 Price: €10 - €20 euros

📍Location

 

🕒 Opening hours:

Monday 11:30am–10pm

Tuesday 11:30am–10pm

Wednesday 11:30am–10pm

Thursday 11:30am–10pm

Friday 11:30am–10pm

Saturday 11:30am–10pm

Sunday 11:30am–10pm

 

4. Climb the Belfort 🏰🔔

View From the Belfort in Gent

For the most beautiful view of Ghent, we climbed the 91-meter-high Belfort Tower. Construction of the Belfort began in 1313 and was completed around 1380 🏗️. 

As we climbed the narrow spiral staircases of this UNESCO World Heritage site, we felt the history and the Middle Ages literally all around us 📜. We passed through various rooms, got a close-up view of the famous golden dragon 🐉, and had a chance to learn how the tower was built and the purpose of each room. And then that view...🌇 From the top, we saw an overview of Ghent: the roofs of all the houses, the towers, the canal. You can see the entire city of Ghent and see far into the horizon.

Do you dare to climb? Book your tickets and discover even more monumental places in Ghent!

What makes it special?

  • Best view in the city
  • Feel the history and be amazed at how it was built (the tower dates back to the 14th century!)
  • A must-do for any first-time visitor 

💸 Price: €5 - €11 euros

📍Location

 

🕒 Opening hours:

Monday 10am–6pm

Tuesday 10am–6pm

Wednesday 10am–6pm

Thursday 10am–6pm

Friday 10am–6pm

Saturday 10am–6pm

Sunday 10am–6pm

 

5. KAA Gent Match ⚽💙

Cheers to a Stadium Beer

We ended the day with a sporty finish at a KAA Gent match at the Planet Group Arena. The atmosphere is fantastic 🔥, the fans (Buffalo's) sing loudly.

The arena is also one of the most modern in Belgium. Even if you're not a die-hard football fan, just like us, it's still a fantastic experience. The crowd truly gets involved with every action on the pitch! 💪. 

What makes this special?

  • A truly local experience
  • Perfect for football fans
  • The nickname 'Buffalos' comes from the Belgian athlete Omer Smet, who participated in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. 🐃

Excited for a KAA Gent match? Grab your tickets!

💸 Price: €17 - €40 euros

📍Location

 

In a nutshell:

Kayak: For the adventurer, experiencing the city from a unique perspective. 🚣‍♂️🌊

Shoe beer: For beer lovers, looking for a special experience and good conversations. 🍺👟

Friet Stew: For foodies who love good food. 🍟😋

Belfort: For history buffs and those who enjoy a more active tour. 🏰📜

KAA Gent: For sports fans and those who enjoy the atmosphere and want to experience top-level Belgian football. ⚽💙

 

Ghent really has something for everyone!

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