Things To Do
in Gentbrugge
Gentbrugge is a residential district in the eastern part of Ghent, Belgium, blending quiet neighborhood life with easy access to the lively city center. It has a mix of green spaces, canal and river edges, and older industrial architecture repurposed for housing and small businesses. The area is popular with families and students because of its calm streets, local amenities and good transport links to Ghent's historic core.
Visitors can enjoy both low-key local charm and quick trips to Ghent's major sights, markets and nightlife.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local bakery, savoring fresh Belgian pastries and coffee. Afterward, explore the charming streets of Gentbrugge, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and vibrant local life. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece.
For lunch, try a traditional Flemish stew at a quaint bistro before heading to the Museum of Fine Arts. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the rich art collection, which includes works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. After visiting the museum, take a stroll through the nearby Citadelpark, enjoying the natural beauty and serenity.
As the sun sets, head to the historic Gravensteen Castle, where you can explore its medieval architecture and learn about its intriguing history. For dinner, indulge in a culinary experience at a local restaurant known for its gourmet Belgian cuisine. End the evening with a scenic boat tour along the canals, marveling at the illuminated cityscape.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a cozy café before visiting the STAM, the city museum of Ghent. Here, you'll learn about the city's history and its evolution through engaging exhibits and artifacts. After the museum, take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, soaking in the picturesque views of the city.
Enjoy lunch at a riverside eatery, sampling local delicacies such as waterzooi, a traditional Flemish fish stew. Post-lunch, immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art at the S.M.A.K., where you can explore innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions. Don't forget to stroll through the nearby Citadelpark to relax amidst nature.
As evening approaches, head to the vibrant Patershol district, known for its cobblestone streets and charming restaurants. Choose a local tavern for dinner, where you can enjoy dishes paired with exquisite Belgian beers. Cap off the night with a walk along the illuminated Graslei and Korenlei, admiring the historic buildings reflecting on the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso / cappuccino) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $4-6 |
| 🚇Public transport single ticket (bus/tram) | $3 |
| 🚕Taxi start + per km | $5 + $1.50/km |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, residential atmosphere with quick access to Ghent city center
- Good cycling infrastructure and green spaces for outdoor activities
- Affordable local eateries and close proximity to a wide range of Ghent dining options
- Less nightlife and fewer tourist attractions directly within Gentbrugge itself
- Weather can be rainy and grey much of the year
- Limited hotel options in the neighborhood — most accommodation is in central Ghent
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Ik ben allergisch aan ..." - I am allergic to ...
Places to Visit in Gentbrugge
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque riverside views with reflections of historic buildings and boats — best at golden hour and after rain for extra reflections.
Large city park with mature trees, sculptures and ponds offering seasonal color and calm scenes ideal for portrait and nature shots.
Iconic medieval quay houses and cobbled streets — one of the most photographed areas in Ghent, a short trip from Gentbrugge.
Gentbrugge's canal-side industrial buildings and modern conversions make for interesting urban and architectural photography.
Food in Gentbrugge
Gentbrugge Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy stew originally made with fish but often with chicken; comforting and widely available in Ghent's traditional restaurants.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef in a rich beer-based gravy, usually served with fries — a Flemish classic.
Steamed mussels served with fries; best in season and common in Belgian menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Major city markets within easy reach where you'll find fresh produce, local cheeses, baked goods and seasonal street-food stalls on market days.
Smaller weekly markets in and around Gentbrugge offering bread, cheese and prepared foods — good for quick picnic supplies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; a simple 'Hallo' or 'Goede dag' is polite. Most people in Ghent also speak English and some French.
Belgians typically queue politely and value punctuality for appointments; be patient and orderly in lines.
Gentbrugge is a residential area — keep noise to a minimum in the evenings, especially near apartment buildings.
Respect bike lanes and expect regular bicycle traffic; watch for tram tracks when cycling.
Safety
Tipping in Gentbrugge
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included in bills; tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — round up small amounts or leave 5-10% for good service in restaurants.
Belgium uses the euro. Cards (chip and contactless) are widely accepted; carry a small amount of cash for tiny shops or market stalls. Mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks; expect occasional showers. Good time for cycling and quieter tourist sites before the summer crowds.
Warm but rarely hot, with long daylight hours and outdoor festivals in Ghent. Bring light layers, sunscreen and be ready for busy streets on sunny days.
Cooler weather and colorful foliage in parks; rainy days increase but landscapes are atmospheric for photography and food-focused visits.
Chilly, damp and overcast with occasional frost; indoor cultural attractions and cafés are cozy, and the city is less crowded though some outdoor facilities may have reduced hours.
Gentbrugge at Night
Hiking in Gentbrugge
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Wetland nature reserve with marked paths and birdwatching hides; easy, flat walking routes suitable for all levels and close to Gentbrugge.
Local parkland with meadows and waterways offering pleasant short hikes and family-friendly walking loops.
Longer riverside walking routes that pass scenic villas, art-historic sites and quiet countryside stretches a short distance from Ghent.
Airports
How to reach Gentbrugge by plane.
Main international airport serving Ghent, roughly 45–60 minutes by train plus local transport or about 50 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Budget airline hub about 1–1.5 hours away by bus/shuttle plus local transport; convenient for low-cost carriers.
Smaller airport around 40–60 minutes by car or regional train; limited international connections but convenient for some flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents and families who value the neighborhood's schools, parks and residential character.
Ghent University students live across the city, including Gentbrugge, contributing to a younger population and lively daytime atmosphere.
Professionals and academics drawn by Ghent's universities, research institutions and multinational employers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely followed; Ghent's local clubs and matches attract fans and community participation.
Both recreational and commuter cycling are extremely popular, with many dedicated lanes and routes for road and leisure cycling.
The Leie and other waterways support rowing clubs, recreational boating and kayaking in and around Ghent.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gentbrugge.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Ghent's cafés and restaurants, including veggie versions of traditional dishes, good salads and international choices; always check menus or ask staff.
Ghent has a strong vegan scene (the city even celebrates 'Veggie Day'); many restaurants offer vegan mains and bakeries with vegan options.
Carry allergy cards in Dutch (Flemish) for strong allergies; staff are generally helpful but explicit notices help in busy kitchens.