---
title: TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO DO AS A STUDENT
description: "Discover the 5 best activities to do as a student: great restaurant deals, must-visit bars, and cultural experiences in the heart of Ghent!"
---

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# TOP 5 ACTIVITIES TO DO AS A STUDENT

[Activities](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/activities) [Food](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/food) [Nightlife](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/nightlife) [Friends](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/friends) [Ghent](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/ghent) [Top 5](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/top-5) [Cafe](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/cafe) [Monuments](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/monuments) [Places](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/places) [Spots](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/spots) [Restaurants](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/restaurants) [Relax](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/relax) [Culture](https://top5gent.be/blog/tag/culture)

[Louise / Eloise / Emmanuel](https://top5gent.be/blog/author/louise-eloise-emmanuel)

 Dec 16, 2024 3:41:15 PM

![IMG_6473-1](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6473-1.jpeg?width=1104&height=828&name=IMG_6473-1.jpeg)

Ghent is a **vibrant city** full of culture, gastronomy, and must-see attractions, **perfectly suited to students.**

Whether looking for delicious restaurants, lively bars, or unforgettable activities, there’s always something to do, **even on a budget**.

This guide combines five must-sees that combine outings, great deals,  and unique experiences to enjoy university life in this beautiful city fully.

**Get ready to experience Ghent like never before! 🎉**

---

# TOP 5: 

1. Belfort Tower  

2. Overpoortstraat

3. The Castle of Counts

4. Dulle Griet

5. Boat Tour of the city

---

 

 

 

# 1. The Belfort of Ghent

![IMG_6471](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6471.jpeg?width=1656&height=2208&name=IMG_6471.jpeg)

The **Belfort of Ghent**, built in **1314**, experienced a 20-year interruption before being crowned with a **wooden spire** in the 14th century, adorned with the iconic **Ghent dragon** 🐉, which served as a weather vane. In **1402**, the Belfort became the **guardian of the town’s privileges**, secured in a secret safe. Its pediment recounts the **Roman legend** of Simon and his daughter in prison. 

 

In **1771**, the original wooden spire was replaced by a **cast-iron structure** in the **neo-Gothic style**.

Visitors can explore the Belfort using a **free app**, which guides them to highlights such as the original **dragon whirligig** 🐉 and the **carillon of 53 bells**, including the famous **6-tonne 'Klokke Roeland'** 🔔. The museum showcases the **history of the bells**, their intricate mechanism ⚙️, and a documentary on their manufacture.

 

A **lift** whisks you to the top for a **breathtaking view**, but be prepared for a **dizzying descent** via a spiral staircase! 

 

Necessary informations:

💶 Price :

- Student (19 to 25): 2,20€

 

⏰ Open hours:

- 10:00 am to 5:20 pm 

 

📍Location :

- Belfort, Sint-Baafsplein 2, 9000 Gent 

```

```

![Capture d’écran 2024-11-27 à 16.14.13](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture%20d%E2%80%99%C3%A9cran%202024-11-27%20%C3%A0%2016.14.13.png?width=2266&height=1334&name=Capture%20d%E2%80%99%C3%A9cran%202024-11-27%20%C3%A0%2016.14.13.png)

 

 

 

# 2. Overpoortstraat

![db2ce215-8d60-4b30-913d-58f6aec2de5c](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/db2ce215-8d60-4b30-913d-58f6aec2de5c.jpeg?width=1536&height=2048&name=db2ce215-8d60-4b30-913d-58f6aec2de5c.jpeg)

**Overpoort: The Beating Heart of Student Life in Ghent 🎉🍻**

With its **35 cafés**, Overpoort is the **must-visit street** for students in Ghent. 🍹🎶 Bars for drinking and dancing, chip shops, pitta snacks, and night shops follow one another, creating a festive atmosphere, especially on **Thursday evenings**, the key day for student parties. 🎈💃

 

More than **66,000 students** visit Ghent every year to study and enjoy its lively nightlife. In addition to Overpoort, the **Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat** is a mix of restaurants 🍴, cafés, and university buildings, offering a balance between relaxation and study. ✨ It is an **unmissable facet of the city**! 🎓

 

Here are the most popular bars on this street 🍻:

- Overpoort Bowl: Overpoortstraat 38, 9000 GENT
- T'Kofschip: Overpoortstraat 96, 9000 GENT
- Luxx: Overpoortstraat 84, 9000 GENT
- Cafe Cuba: Overpoortstraat 74, 9000 GENT

📍Location :

![Capture d’écran 2024-11-27 à 17.43.18](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture%20d%E2%80%99%C3%A9cran%202024-11-27%20%C3%A0%2017.43.18.png?width=3118&height=1472&name=Capture%20d%E2%80%99%C3%A9cran%202024-11-27%20%C3%A0%2017.43.18.png)

 

 

 

# 3. The Castle of Counts

![IMG_2829](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2829.jpeg?width=3024&height=2363&name=IMG_2829.jpeg)

It’s impossible to visit **Ghent** without discovering the mysterious **Castle of the Counts** 🛡️, a **medieval jewel** steeped in history. This fortress, unique in Flanders with its **intact defensive system**, reflects the city’s **turbulent political and social past**.

Step into the **chivalrous world** of the **12ᵉ century** as you explore the **guardhouse**, **ramparts**, **keep** **stables**, and the **residence of the counts**. A fascinating experience that will transport you to the heart of the **Middle Ages**! 🕰️

Immerse yourself in the chivalrous world of the 12ᵉ century as you explore the guardhouse, ramparts, keep, stables, and residence of the counts. A fascinating experience that transports you to the heart of the Middle Ages. 

 

**Would you like to discover the Castle of Counts differently?**

The **humorous audio guide** 🎧, narrated by the famous Flemish comedian **Wouter Deprez**, brings the castle’s history to life with **captivating anecdotes** and a **light-hearted touch**. Even locals might learn something new! 🏙️

For **hearing-impaired visitors**, a **video guide** in Flemish or international sign language is available. A **tablet with 18 videos**, included in the admission price, will accompany you throughout your visit. A **fun** and **accessible** experience not to be missed! 📽️

 

Necessary informations:

💶 Price :

- Student (19 to 25): 8€

 

⏰ Open hours:

- 10:00 am to 6 pm *(last admission at 4.40 pm)*

 

📍Location :

- Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent

![Capture d’écran 2024-11-27 à 17.23.13](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture%20d%E2%80%99%C3%A9cran%202024-11-27%20%C3%A0%2017.23.13.png?width=2826&height=1334&name=Capture%20d%E2%80%99%C3%A9cran%202024-11-27%20%C3%A0%2017.23.13.png)

 

 

 

# 4. The Dulle Griet

![IMG_6828](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6828.jpeg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_6828.jpeg)

**The Dulle Griet: a must-see in Ghent**

Be sure to visit the **Dulle Griet**, an **iconic bar** with a unique charm that draws locals and tourists alike. 🎉

If you dare to try the famous **MAX**, a **strong beer** served in a **1.2-litre boot-shaped glass** 🍺👢, get ready for an **unusual tradition**: the waiters will keep one of your **shoes** as a deposit! 👟

But why?

 

**The MAX and its unusual tradition at the Dulle Griet:**

The **MAX glass**, wildly popular with tourists, has been **too popular** at times, as it’s often "accidentally" taken home as a souvenir. To solve this, the **Dulle Griet** devised a clever (and fun!) solution: when you order this beer, you leave a **shoe** 👠 as a deposit.

 

Your shoe is placed in a **hanging basket** 🧺 high above the bar until you return the iconic glass.

 

This quirky tradition adds a touch of **fun and character** to your tasting experience, making the **Dulle Griet** a bar like no other! 🍻

 

Necessary informations:

 

⏰ Open hours:

- Monday: 4:30 pm to 01:00 am
- Tuesday - Saturday: 12:00 am to 01:00 am
- Sunday: 12.00 am to 7.30 pm

 

📍Location :

- Vrijdagmarkt 50, 9000 Gent

![Capture d’écran 2024-11-27 à 17.35.48](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture%20d%E2%80%99%C3%A9cran%202024-11-27%20%C3%A0%2017.35.48.png?width=3118&height=1334&name=Capture%20d%E2%80%99%C3%A9cran%202024-11-27%20%C3%A0%2017.35.48.png)

 

 

 

 

# 5. Take a boat tour

![IMG_6470](https://top5gent.be/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6470.jpeg?width=2208&height=1656&name=IMG_6470.jpeg)

**Discover Ghent in a Different Way: A Boat Trip Full of History and Charm 🚤✨**

 

Want to discover **Ghent** from a **unique angle**? 

Hop on a **40-50 minute boat trip** departing from the magnificent **Graslei**, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Sail along the peaceful waters of the **Lys** and **Lieve rivers** 🌊, all the way to **Rabot**, while soaking in the fascinating history of this charming Belgian city.

 

Whether the **sun is shining** ☀️ or **rain🌧️ decides to join the party**, it’s a magical experience you won’t forget!

 

**The Secrets of the Graslei and Beyond 🔑:**

What stories lie hidden behind the **elegant facades** of the historic houses on the **Graslei**? 🏠 Who lived there, and what were their lives like?

 

Your **guide** will unveil these mysteries, along with tales of the **Castle of the Counts** 🏰 and the bustling **markets of yesteryear**. Every corner of Ghent has a **story to tell**, and this boat trip is your **key** to discovering them. 🗝️

 

**Ready to Embark on an Adventure? 🚤**

Combining **history** and **relaxation**, this journey starts at the **Graslei**, right around the corner. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the **hidden gems** of Ghent. 🛶

 

Are you ready to set sail? 🌊

 

⚓ Here are a few links to boat trips:

- [Boat Tour in 50min with De Bootjes van Gen](https://boatingent.be/en/types/together-with-other-passengers/city-boat-trips-1)
- [Boat Tour in 40min with De Bootjes van Gen](https://debootjesvangent.be/en/types/together-with-other-passengers/city-boat-trips-1)
- [Boat Tour in 40min with Gent-Watertoerist](https://www.gent-watertoerist.be/en/boat-trips-ghent/individually/guided-boat-trip-40-minutes.html)

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### [Dec 12, 2019 10:38:36 AM Top 5 Best Places for Belgian Fries in Ghent](https://top5gent.be/blog/top-10-friteries-ghent)

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