Gent (Ghent)

Belgium

Navigate picturesque medieval waterways lined with gilded guild houses and candlelit cafes in this enchanting Flemish gem.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)

🗣 Language Dutch (Flemish)

🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Apr–May

🚢 Typical Duration 6-7 nights

💰 Price Range $2,425–$5,996 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to medieval Flanders and the picturesque canals of one of Europe's best-preserved historic city centers, offering river cruisers access to authentic Belgian culture and architecture.

Build Your Day in Gent (Ghent)

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM

Usually about 11 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Castle of the Counts I took the Comedy tour which was really fun and unique. Castle · ★ 4.6 · 35k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

St Bavo's Cathedral The Augmented Reality (AR) exhibit is well worth it, and a fun novelty Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 14k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

Belfry of Gent The tower is a great thing to do in Gent even on a rainy day. Historical place · ★ 4.6 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Primark The store has a wide variety of clothes at affordable prices. Clothing store · ★ 3.8 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

Dulle Griet 😄 Nice beers on tap and not too crowded(Today!) Unique and chill experience. Pub · ★ 4.4 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Citadelpark Kids playground and a small lake and some sculptures. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 6k

St Michael's Bridge You can easily access to many Ghent attractions from there. Bridge · ★ 4.8 · 4k

Meat Factory Gent Best restaurant we ate at in Ghent on our trip from the US. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Trollekelder Cool bar with a huge menu of beers, lots of space and great atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Graffiti street | Gent So much fun to wander through a little corridor of incredible creativity. Historical landmark · ★ 4.2 · 4k

Pakhuis All in all it’s one of the best places in Gent to eat. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Museum voor Schone Kunsten From medieval religious painting to some first class 20th century art. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

Dok Noord Lots of shops, tolerable noise, easy access, suitable parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

St Nicholas' Church | Gent Must see places in city of Ghent for its incredible architecture. Catholic church · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Du Progres One of the best restaurants in Ghent Tasty food and awesome table service. Brasserie · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

Mémé Gusta When you are in Ghent/Gand/Gent please eat here. Belgian · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

STAM - Ghent City Museum Fun interactive exhibits including a cool map that you can walk on. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Hot Club Gent Brilliant venue, great live music and really friendly service. Jazz · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM

1898 The Post and Porter's house ... and wonderfully appointed hotel in the center of all attractions. Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 1k

HEMA The second floor is food court. Gift shop · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

't Dreupelkot Small cozy bar with a pleasant atmosphere and excellent drinks! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

De Post🛍 Friendly staff, cozy store, good prices and product Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Korenlei You can also meet some fun ducks there. Historical landmark · ★ 4.8 · 1k

Legends of Gent Free & Private Walking Tours Fantastic, interactive tour learning about the dark side of Ghent at sunset. Tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM

De Alchemist Variety of gin and tonic, super friendly service, with a cozy ambience. Pub · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Tourist Information Center—Visit Gent We recommend getting the city card, includes lots of attractions and travel Tourist information center · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Restaurant Vrijmoed A must-visit for anyone seeking a top-notch dining experience in Gent. Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Publiek Incredible dinner in Gent at Publiek. Fine Dining · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Oak The best restaurant in the world! Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Jigger's🍸 Delicious cocktails, nice terrace and friendly service. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Roots I would come back to Ghent just for this restaurant! Belgian · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

The Drifter Excellent drinks, atmosphere is great and the service was top notch. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM Fri

Korenmarkt Highly recommended to bring your loved one along for dating. Historical market square · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Karel de Stoute This place deserves THREE stars 🌟 ⭐️ ✨ 😋 Location: downtown Ghent. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Juttu Nice store with nice clothes, gadgets, homeware, jewellery and books. Gift shop · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Jacob van Artevelde It is one of the largest and oldest of the Ghent. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Patershol Ghent is fantastic, highly recommend a visit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Saint Bavo's Abbey There's no cost, but plenty to explore. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM Fri

Takes Thyme We had dinner at this restaurant during our stay in Ghent. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

Piu di Piu Cosy and nice environment, high quality cocktails, and top service. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

The Cobbler - Gent Great atmosphere, helpful staff and delicious cocktails. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Vintage Factory Gent Lovely selection of vintage clothes, owner is super friendly! Vintage clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Street Great welcoming staff and absolutely stunning clothes and jewelry. Clothing store · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Bar Dada Perfect cocktails in a very nice setting with lovely service Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Ghent Market Hall Enjoyable Christmas market evening. Event venue · ★ 4.1 · 0k

View point promenade I preferred the night because the lighting gave it a rosy glow. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Zuivelbrugstraat Absolutely charming area to explore in Ghent, Belgium. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

MOVIES I love this place!! Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM

Bourdon Arcade Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 AM Fri

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Gent (Ghent)

About Gent (Ghent)

Ghent serves as an excellent port of call within Belgium's Dutch Waterways region, welcoming river cruise passengers from two distinguished cruise lines: Amadeus River Cruises and Riverside Luxury Cruises. With 29 upcoming cruises and a typical duration of seven nights, this medieval city offers convenient access to some of Northern Europe's most captivating destinations, including Amsterdam, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Arnhem, and Middelburg. The port experiences peak activity during spring and summer months, from March through August, making it an ideal time to experience river cruising at its finest.

As a port of call, Ghent provides cruise passengers with the perfect opportunity to explore one of Belgium's most enchanting cities. You'll discover a stunning historic center where picturesque canals wind past beautifully preserved medieval architecture, and charming waterfront neighborhoods invite leisurely exploration. Whether you're interested in world-class museums, authentic Belgian cuisine, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this vibrant cultural hub, Ghent delivers memorable experiences that complement your broader river cruise itinerary through the Dutch Waterways.

Medieval Masterpiece in the City Center

Wander through Gent's stunning historic core, where Gothic architecture dominates the skyline and centuries-old guild houses line the picturesque canals. St. Bavo's Cathedral houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece, one of Europe's most important artworks. The compact medieval quarter is easily explored on foot from the cruise port in just a few hours.

Waterfront Dining and Belgian Beer

Experience authentic Flemish cuisine at waterfront restaurants along the Graslei, where you can savor local specialties like waterzooi stew and Belgian fries. Pair your meal with a traditional Trappist or abbey beer brewed right here in Flanders. The lively quay atmosphere captures the essence of Belgian hospitality and culinary tradition.

Scenic Canal Boat Tours

Glide through Gent's enchanting canal system on a traditional boat tour, passing under historic bridges and alongside illuminated medieval buildings. The evening light transforms the waterways into a romantic landscape, while daytime tours reveal the city's architectural details and hidden corners. Tours depart regularly from near the cruise port.

Graffiti Street Art and Modern Culture

Discover Gent's vibrant contemporary art scene on Werregarenstraatje, a narrow alley transformed into an ever-changing canvas of colorful street art and murals. This creative neighborhood reflects the city's progressive spirit and offers a striking contrast to its medieval heritage. It's a photographer's paradise and a window into modern Belgian culture.

Sunday Flower Market Spectacle

If your cruise arrives on Sunday, visit the famous Bloemenmarkt in Sint-Jacobs, where local vendors display thousands of vibrant flowers, plants, and bulbs. The market captures the essence of Flemish gardening tradition and offers unique souvenirs. Even on other days, the flower stalls near Sint-Veerleplein provide colorful local charm.