Top 5 Free Places in Ghent

1) Graslei & Korenlei: The Postcard Classic 📸

Why go:

Graslei and Korenlei are right in the middle of the city, so you'll probably end up here even without planning it. It's an easy place to meet friends, sit by the water or take a break while you're walking around the centre.

It's also where we'd take someone who's visiting Ghent for the first time. You get the historic buildings and the river, but you don't actually need to do anything once you're there. Grab something to eat, find a spot and stay for a while.

What to do:

• Sit by the water with some food or a drink.
• Walk along both Graslei and Korenlei.
• Start here if you're showing friends around the centre.
• Continue towards Korenmarkt or the castle afterwards.

Local tip:

If Graslei is packed, check Korenlei before giving up and going to a café. A lot of people stop on the Graslei side first, so walking across the water can make it easier to find somewhere to sit.

If you want somewhere to eat afterwards, check out our Top 5 Tapas Bars in Ghent. You'll know exactly where the link takes you before clicking it.

2) Citadelpark: Green Calm in the City 🌳

Why go:

Citadelpark is one of those places that works when everyone wants to meet but nobody really knows what to do. Bring some food, sit on the grass and suddenly you have a plan.

It's also a nice break from the busy centre without actually going very far. When the weather is good, you'll see plenty of students doing exactly the same thing: eating, talking or staying on the grass for a couple of hours.

What to do:

• Bring lunch and have a picnic on the grass.
• Walk around the different paths in the park.
• Check out the ponds and sculptures.
• Combine it with the Botanical Garden nearby.
• Visit the SMAK and MSK museums right on the edge of the park.

Local tip:

Don't just text your friends “meet me in Citadelpark”. It sounds specific until everyone arrives at a different side of the park. Pick an entrance or an actual landmark beforehand and save yourself the “where are you?” messages. 

3) St. Michael’s Bridge: The Iconic Skyline 🌉

Why go:

If friends are visiting Ghent for the first time, this is one of the places we'd show them. From the bridge, you can see St. Nicholas' Church, the Belfry and St. Bavo's Cathedral in one direction, then turn around and see Graslei and Korenlei.

You don't need to make a separate trip for it either. It's right in the historic centre, so stop for a few minutes while you're walking through and then continue down towards the river.

What to do:

• Stop for the view of Ghent's three towers.
• Turn around and look towards Graslei and Korenlei.
• Take a few photos before continuing your walk.
• Add it to your route when friends or family visit.

Local tip:

Most people stop for photos right in the middle of the bridge. When it's busy, keep walking a little instead of waiting for that exact spot. You still get the towers behind you and you're not standing in the middle of everyone trying to cross.

4) Portus Ganda: Where Rivers Meet 🚤

Why go:

Graslei is great, but on a busy day it can be a lot. Portus Ganda is where we'd go if the plan is more about sitting somewhere and catching up with friends than sightseeing.

It's a little further from the busiest streets, and that's actually the point. Bring something to eat or drink, find a place by the water and stay for a while.

What to do:

• Walk around the harbour and have a look at the boats.
• Bring some food and sit by the water.
• Walk through the streets around the harbour.
• Check out the Van Eyck swimming pool nearby.

Local tip:

If you're deciding between Graslei and Portus Ganda, we'd put it this way: Graslei for showing someone Ghent, Portus Ganda for sitting down and catching up. When the centre is packed, that little bit of extra distance is worth it. 

5) Ghent University Botanical Garden: Hidden Green Escape 🌿

Why go:

The Botanical Garden is right next to Citadelpark, but it's surprisingly easy to miss if you don't know it's there. You can walk through the greenhouses as well as the outdoor garden, and it doesn't cost anything.

We'd combine it with Citadelpark rather than making a separate trip. That gives you something to actually look around first and somewhere to sit afterwards.

What to do:

• Walk through the different greenhouses.
• Check out the outdoor gardens and plant collections.
• Take your time going through the different sections.
• Head to Citadelpark before or afterwards.

Local Tip:

The greenhouses close earlier than the outdoor garden, so head inside first and save the open-air part for afterwards. That way you're not rushing the tropical houses right before they shut.